THE PRICE OF POLAND: EUROPE’S CHEAPEST TRAVEL DESTINATION

When it came to planning my year of jet setting around the globe, my destination list had various requirements. For example, France and Italy were shoe in’s given I had never visited before {so, duh}. Croatia made the list per my travel companion’s request, but ended up being one of the most beautiful destinations ever documented on this blog. And during the colder, greyer months, I wanted to surround myself with color. In addition to random {but ever so important} travel requirements, I was always on a budget. Therefore, cost was a huge factor in the planning process.

I had heard from friends living in London {the most expensive city in the world by most standards}, that saving pennies could easily be done if I ever wanted to visit Poland. Hmm, I quietly thought to myself. Why would I ever want to go to Poland? The only thing that came to mind was ‘Polish Dogs’. You know, the hotdogs you enjoy at a baseball game paired with an ice cold beer. But to travel to a country solely for sausage? I guess there could be worse things in life.

Eventually, after much time reserving rooms, purchasing flights, and watching my bank account dither away, I needed a game plan if I wanted to extend my travel time for the longest amount of days possible. If I shortened my time spent in more expensive countries and extended the time spent in more affordable countries, I could afford to spend an entire three months in Europe. And I would have the chance to further explore lesser known destinations! It was a win, win in my book.

I began researching hostels, hotels, and Air Bnb’s in Poland. And guys, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Almost all of the accommodation were advertising a two person, private room for… wait for it… $10 USD. This must be a mistake. I must be converting the currency incorrectly. Nope. That means, each person shells out $5 a night for their own bed {or one large bed to share} in their own private room. Of course this all depends on the location in Poland in which you choose to stay.

My choice was Poznan, Poland. Close to the German border and a quick flight or train ride to more popular destinations like Warsaw and Krakow. And, it met my colorful travel requirement! Which was so necessary given the dreadful weather conditions during my visit. Poznan has a quant town square, lined with charming, cottage like buildings bursting with color. I stayed for five days, which was just enough time to save my pennies and still enjoy a hidden gem within Europe.

What to do in Poznan

• I stayed on Połwiejska Street which is a main pedestrian-only street in Poznan. There is a plethora of shopping available, a huge cinema, and the town square is within walking distance.
• One thing Poland is known for is their dessert Pączki, which is only made in Poland. There is a small bakery one block away from the town square that hosts a class to make your own Pączki. I didn’t manage to make the class {side note: they are offered daily so it shouldn’t be difficult to book a spot, I just didn’t plan ahead}, but I stopped by for a complimentary taste of the Polish-only pastry. To be honest, I wasn’t extremely impressed. But if you ever find yourself in Poland, try it out for yourself!
• You can’t miss Cytadela Park if you visit Poznan. Not only is the park full of open spaces, blooming gardens, and {artistic?} sculptures, but it has its own World War II museum. It is full of war tanks and old fighter jets. Be warned, it is not open on a Monday! There is a funky café next to the museum that serves hot dogs {less than $1} and snacks. When I went I was joined by two adorable kittens that came and sat right on my lap. I understand this may not interest you, and in fact might completely gross you out. But if cuddling with random animals is your thing, you will be in for a treat.

• From Poznan you can visit more well-known destinations in Poland like Warsaw or Krakow. It will take you approximately 2.5 hours to Warsaw, whether you fly or take the train. It is about a 5 hour drive to get to Krakow. When I was in Poznan, myself and another drove to Auschwitz Concentration Camp in Oświęcim, which is very close to Krakow. It was half the cost of flying or taking a train, and actually took less time than either of those options.

Poznan, Poland was the least-expensive destination I visited in Europe. Hands down!  If you still want the charm and history of a European city, without the European prices, check out Poznan. I can’t recommend it enough!

Have you ever been to Poland?