Poland's increasing popularity

2010-08-16
AB

In recent years Poland's appeal as a tourist destination has undergone a massive transformation. After all it wasn't all that long ago that Poland epitomised life behind the iron curtain: grey, dull and austere. But today the more apt watch words for this beautiful part of the world would be vibrant, energetic and perhaps above all else surprising.

 

Twenty one years since the fall of Communism, Poland is now a regular feature of top ten lists detailing the world’s favourite tourist destinations and city breaks, as well as best-value shoestring holidays. Derek Moore, from Holidays in Poland, reckons much of that is simply down to the fact that we now know more about a country that for many years was something of a mystery.

 

"Hardly anyone used to go to Poland for holidays," he says. "And the country suffered from a dour image under Communism. But with the influx of Polish workers and students coming to the UK, people know more about the country.

 

"There's a wealth of attractions in Poland and it's an attractive destination. People like somewhere new and somewhere different, but they don’t want to travel to travel too far."

 

And it's perhaps this point that hits the nail on the head. Poland is perfectly placed for a two-day city break or a long weekend walking in the Pomeranian Lake District, lying just over two hours from the UK.

 

But is the country in danger of being over hyped as tour operators, travel associations and others constantly proclaim it as the 'next big thing'.

 

"Krakow is often talked up as being the most stunning place in Poland and maybe even Europe, so there is a risk it will be over-promoted," says Derek. "But places like Warsaw don't seem to be hyped up as much; if anything it's undersold as just a big capital city, when in fact it has a fabulous old quarter and is a major cultural centre, with jazz and music festivals being a key component of its allure."

 

Since the fall of Communism in 1989, Poland is very different from how it used be. Gone are the days when tourists were a bothersome nuisance and pretty much everyone is welcomed with open arms. Everyone that is other than the stag and hen parties which Derek reckons are spoiling the image of the Poland and could do long-term damage to places like Krakow. But in truth the stag and hen blight is much less in Poland than you'd see in Prague, Talinn or even Berlin.

 

So as we approach 2011, what can people expect from a holiday to Poland (without the tour guide spin)? According to Derek, and put simply, there's just so much to do which is perhaps why Poland is getting ever more popular: "There's skiing, steam trains, river-cruising, weekends in old palaces, music festivals, medieval battle re-enactments, famous cities and beautiful old towns."

 

And with praise like that why wouldn't you want to check it out for yourself?

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