Should I visit Poland? (my personal experience)

I'll mention the only thing that had me a bit worried was the lack of any Covid safety measures in Poland. That would definitely be something to take into consideration as it was quite jarring to see zero masking, both in door and out, and no social distancing. Quite a difference coming from Spain.

I would encourage anyone who is interested to step up tourism to those countries closest geographically and financially to the war. That puts Poland at the top.

But (there is always a but isn't there?): Just reported that Russia has cut off natural gas supplies to Poland. Yes, in this twisted world countries at war still sell gas to each other. Starting tomorrow, Poland will loose 55% of its natural gas supply. I have no idea what this means with regards to tourism. Smarter people may be able to draw some conclusions.

Better to rip off the band-aid now. Surprised the Russians also cut out the Bulgarians, I guess shared history means nothing in realpolitik.

Regarding Poland this was not a big shock, the Poles had not renewed their contract with Gazprom this year and were planning on cutting out Russian energy anyway. Poland's energy minister said their supplies were secure and there was no need to draw from gas reserves or that gas to consumers would not be cut off.

"Poland said it can source gas via two links with Germany including a reverse flow on the Yamal pipeline, a link with Lithuania with an annual capacity of 2.5 bcm that will open on May 1 and via an interconnector with the Czech Republic for up to 1.5 bcm. Another 5-6 bcm could be shipped via a link with Slovakia to be opened later this year.

In addition, PGNiG can import up to 6 bcm per year via the LNG terminal in Swinoujscie on the Baltic Sea, and it produces more than 3 bcm of gas per year locally in Poland. In October, a pipeline allowing up to 10 bcm of gas per year to flow between Poland and Norway, will be opened."

Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-gas-supplies-poland-halted-polish-media-reports-2022-04-26/

Poland said it can source gas via two links with Germany
Wouldn't that also be Russian natural gas? I guess Putin wont cut off Germany, and will sell enough additional to take care of Poland.

Russian natural gas makes up 45% of what is used in Europe. But Putin wouldn't shut it all off ........ would he? Russian oil makes up 25% of what is used in Europe ......... but Putin wouldn't shut that off either .......... would he? The only country in the region that I know to be self sufficient with natural gas is Romania. So now we have at a minimum, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Poland, Ukraine all running around looking for replacements, the same replacement source, for Russian gas.

Good news, more electric cars in Europe and Winter is almost over. Now how to deal with the reduction in grain?

Dont get me wrong. I am heading back to Eastern Europe in June. I am just planning on it being one of my more expensive trips.

I have no idea what this means with regards to tourism. Smarter people may be able to draw some conclusions.

I don't think tourists will notice anything. This is not the first time Russia is blackmailing Poland. Living in Poland you get used to it. If it's not gas then it's something else.

As a result, it has long been Poland's priority to grow independent of Russian supplies. Even ordinary citizens are gradually getting rid of gas. I got rid of gas in my apartment many years ago, as did my family and friends. I've kept the gas pipes just in case, but it seems it may be not necessary after all as new and modernised buildings are practially independent of gas. Some industries are indeed more dependant on gas so it's a problem, but not really for tourists, IMO. Talking about problems for tourists there is a much bigger one than Russian gas - air traffic controllers have handed in their notices, with Warsaw airports set to be most affected starting May 1st.

Just a short note - the air traffic controller crisis has been averted for now so flights will continue as normal. The issue has not been resolved, though, and may come to a head again after 10 July.

"...shared history means nothing in Realpolitik." Yes, the Russians were instrumental in the fight for Bulgaria's independence but, maybe, they don't want to remember Plevna.

In Krakow now. You have No idea there is a conflict near by with the exception of Ukrainians in the main square trying to build awareness by singing. I had several people question my decision to visit Poland including some well traveled individuals. Yes, Poland is open for tourists. Enjoy yourselves!

Glad you're enjoying your trip to Krakow! Rick Steves frequent co-author, Cameron Hewitt, also agrees as it seems he just returned from a trip to Poland -

https://blog.ricksteves.com/cameron/2022/05/poland-ukraine-crisis/

"question my decision to visit Poland" I can only think of positive reasons, a host of attractive reasons.