Europe seems to be on every American’s radar this summer.
Major destinations like Paris, Rome, and Barcelona are leading booking trends, but they all come with a massive catch. They are expecting some of their biggest crowds ever, not to mention the sky-high prices that come with peak summer travel.
If you are planning to cross the pond over the next few months but you want to escape the ordinary, beat the tourist crowds, and save a serious amount of money, there is an incredible alternative. You can skip the overcrowded tourist traps and fly nonstop from the United States directly into one of the absolute most underrated countries on the continent.
We are talking about Poland, and specifically its vibrant capital city, Warsaw. It has all the gorgeous architecture, incredible food, and deep history you want from a European vacation, but it is comparatively safer and much, much cheaper to visit.
A Rock Solid Safety Record
When you are planning an international trip, peace of mind is everything.
You want to be able to enjoy your vacation without constantly looking over your shoulder or worrying about pickpockets ruining your day. Poland consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in all of Europe.
The U.S. State Department officially ranks Poland at a Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. That is the absolute best safety rating a country can get, putting it in the exact same low-risk category as places like Switzerland or Iceland. You can comfortably stroll through the historic streets of Warsaw in the evening, relax in the public squares, and soak up the local atmosphere without feeling constantly on edge. The local authorities run a very tight ship, and violent crime is incredibly rare. It is a place designed for you to truly let your guard down and relax.
Our proprietary real-time Traveler Safety Index currently ranks Poland at a score of 94 based on live feedback from travelers, with the only notable concerns raised in recent reports being isolated incidents of discrimination.
Incredible Value For Your Money
Now for the part that will make your bank account incredibly happy. Unlike the massive tourist hubs in Western Europe, Poland does not use the Euro.
They use their own currency, the Polish Zloty, and the exchange rate is incredibly favorable for Americans right now.
Compared to London or Paris, Poland offers absolutely amazing value. You can sit down for a fantastic, massive dinner of authentic Polish cuisine—think incredible handmade pierogi, hearty stews, and local beers—for around fifteen to twenty dollars per person at a great restaurant.
Grabbing a coffee or a fresh pastry from a local cafe will often just cost you a couple of dollars.
Accommodation will not drain your budget, either. You can easily find gorgeous, highly-rated hotels right in the city center for a fraction of what you would pay in Northern Europe.
Booking a room in a four-star or even a five-star luxury hotel in Warsaw can frequently cost around a hundred to a hundred and fifty dollars a night. It leaves you with so much more cash in your pocket to actually enjoy your trip, take tours, and treat yourself without feeling guilty.
Getting There Is Easier Than Ever
The absolute best part about choosing Poland for your summer getaway is that getting there is completely hassle-free. Forget dealing with long, exhausting layovers in crowded European mega-airports. You can fly directly from the United States to Warsaw.
LOT Polish Airlines operates an incredibly robust network of nonstop flights right out of the U.S. Depending on where you live, you can catch a direct flight from major hubs including New York, Newark, Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles.
You just step onto the plane in America, watch a couple of movies, get some sleep, and wake up in Poland ready to start your vacation. Skipping the dreaded connection saves you a ton of time and potential travel headaches, getting you straight to the fun part of your trip faster.
Be sure to check the latest Travel Alerts & Entry Requirements for your destination before booking your trip.
So Much More Than Just A City Break
Once you land in Warsaw, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to things to see and do. The city itself is a brilliant mix of the old and the new.
You absolutely have to spend time wandering through the Old Town. Even though it was meticulously rebuilt after the war, the colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and massive historic squares give you that classic European charm you are looking for.
Beyond the history, Warsaw is an incredibly modern and green city. You can spend your afternoons relaxing in massive public parks, listening to live piano concerts, or exploring the interactive museums that rival anything you would find in London. And if you want to explore further, the city serves as the perfect jumping-off point to catch a quick, cheap train down to Krakow to see the legendary architecture and deep history of the southern region.
If you love the idea of spending your summer in Europe but you are dreading the huge price tags and the packed streets of the traditional tourist capitals, Poland is the smart move. It is safe, highly affordable, and totally accessible. Consider trading the overwhelming crowds for the undeniable charm of Warsaw this summer.
Stacie Harris is a local resident and reporter of the Maple Grove area. Stacie reports on medicine and science for the Maple Grove Report.
