Why Poland?

Poland is quickly becoming a popular tourist destination, as two other hotspots in Eastern Europe continue to encourage visitors. While Moscow is one of the world's great cities, its prices are skyrocketing - both for its residents and for travelers. Ever-trendy Prague is brimming with ex-pats and a multicultural mix; its status as an international destination is quickly becoming more established. This makes the cultural characters of the two most-traveled-to cities in Eastern Europe less accessible to the person seeking the "real" Eastern Europe.

But Poland, the Northern European nation that is set apart from its neighbors but still distinctly Slavic, is an Eastern European traveler's unexpected favorite. For one, it is a country that proudly maintains its heritage - from Easter traditions that include richly-decorated pisanki, to traditional wood-carved boxes and toys, Poland retains folk customs even though Polish lifestyles and tourist attractions are becoming steadily more sophisticated.

Poland's traditional cuisine, like mushroom- or potato-filled pierogi, can be found in colorful array at even fine dining establishments. Poland's hotel industry is aswarm with guests who want to stay at palace and castle hotels in the city, country, or by the sea.

Even if you can't go anytime soon, you can have a taste of Poland. Poland's has high standards for its historical vodka industry. Chopin is a personal favorite, but there are other brands of vodka available from Poland that are very good as well.

Other ways to express your interest in Poland is to volunteer in Poland, learn the Polish language, or get involved with a Polish association.

Polish American Association
The National Polish-American - Jewish-American Council
Polish-American Congress
Polish-American Historical Association

You may even pick up a Polish cookbook and try your hand at some of Poland's national dishes.