Tatra Mts

There is always Zakopane, the "Aspen" of Poland.

That’s the place that looked crazy busy 🙅‍♀️ Looked beautiful though.

I helped a fellow forum traveler with the same question several months ago, I recommended staying on the Polish side and day tripping into Slovakia as needed. The Polish side is more accessible with more home base towns (like Zakopane and Wisła) and tourist infrastructure, also the Polish side is less expensive, as Slovakia is on the Euro.

Here is a snippet of their trip report once they got back:

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!!!

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/poland/krakow-and-slovakia

Thanks Carlos! Texastravel mum is probably out there too ;)

Great advice as we are going in May then probably not so busy. Maybe we should stay a couple days on Polish side and do day trips to the mts? Then maybe drive into Slovakia and spend 2 or 3 days including Bratislava before heading toward Slovenia?

I'd suggest making a home base in Zakopane or the less touristy Wisla, then day trip from there. I have not explored much of Slovakia or Slovenia so can't help you there.

Don't miss the cemetery in Zakopane. It seems to be the number one tourist stop in town. Not kidding.