Hello wise travelers of the Forum,
My family (teens 15 and 17) of four will be flying into Krakow on August 10 and out of Milan on August 25.
Two questions:
1) Anyone have concerns/tips/advice about traveling in Poland and Slovakia this summer in light of the war in Ukraine? I have read Rick's dispatches and it seems things are normal in both countries. No one can predict the future of the war, but I am feeling OK about it as of now.
2) Second question: We are hoping to stay in the Tatra mountain area in Slovakia--any recommendations for that area?
Thanks so much!
Posted by
Barcelona + Sweden
4180 posts
Hi, you are traveling to a very rewarding corner of Europe that's seldom on American radars', good on you!
Regarding your first question, I was in southern Poland a little over a month ago and I can confirm that, while the Ukrainian War and refugee crisis is quite a tragic situation, it had no impact on traveling through Poland. By traveling to Poland now you are actually helping the situation and not making it worse. By supporting the Polish tourism economy in the next few months you are helping to support the Polish economy, not to mention the seasonal jobs that Ukrainians work in Poland. Here is the link to my trip report - https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/poland-trip-report-april-2022
The Tatra mountains are actually split between Poland and Slovakia, both sides share the unique Goral highlander culture and identity. I'd say that the Polish side is more accessible with more resort towns (like Zakopane and Wisła), while Slovakia is less built up and more wild. Zakopane would be my first choice as a home base, with excursions into the Slovak side as needed.
Hope this helps :)
Posted by
OP
24 posts
Thank you so much! This is very helpful.
Posted by
Barcelona + Sweden
4180 posts
No problem!
I'd be happy to answer any more questions about Krakow or this fascinating region of Poland/Slovakia. I have some friends who have a vacation house in the Tatras, right on the border with Slovakia and Poland, so envious lol :)
Posted by
TX, USA
4803 posts
While not the same route you are planning, I did spend all of September in Poland and will echo what Carlos said. (He gave me good advice as I was planning my trip.) Here’s my report, if it helps.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/poland-north-to-south
I missed Slovakia this time because it was third down the line in priority for me, but I had looked at spending time in the High Tatras from Hungary before I decided I wasn’t going to do it justice this trip.
August is a long way away; so yes, I would say relax and enjoy planning. I figure (as I did just before my trip) things in war can turn on a dime and if something changes to affect those countries, it will be major and we’ll all be affected. But for now, tourists are most welcome! And Krakow is lovely!
Posted by
OP
24 posts
Thanks so much for the responses! We had a FABULOUS trip and loved Poland and Slovakia. Krakow was incredible, magical and affordable, and the people were lovely. We stayed at a spa hotel in Zakopane (the town is SO busy but it's fun) and then day tripped into Slovakia both days to hike and explore the mountains. Slovakia prices were nearly double Poland's because they are on the Euro. I'd highly recommend staying and eating on the Polish side. We took the chair lift and gondola up to Tatranská Lomnica and it was stunning!!!
Posted by
TX, USA
4803 posts
Glad you had a wonderful trip! And sorry for the late post. I usually check dates and forgot this time - I figure the post above mine that resurrected yours is spam.
Posted by
Barcelona + Sweden
4180 posts
Glad you had a good time exploring the Tatra mountains! Happy you took my advice staying on the Polish side, probably saved you a bit of cash lol