Holiday guide to Poland.

People planning their European vacations sometimes overlook Poland, which is unfortunate since it is secretly amazing and one of those nations often under the radar. For starters, Krakow is the city that somehow manages to be both incredibly beautiful and historically weighty at the same time. You can stroll around the Old Town, snap a selfie with St. Mary's Basilica in the background, and then turn a corner and discover yourself gazing at centuries of history that make you feel like you should have paid more attention in school. The pierogi are a bit of a life upgrade; the coffee is rich, and the people are pleasant. Unless you want to live a life full of regrets, don't even consider leaving without testing at least three other fillings.

Warsaw is then the kind of city that punches you in the face with modernity while quietly whispering stories of resilience. Following World War II, the Old Town was carefully rebuilt; this is both amazing and a bit confusing. Walking through a history book with a pretty wonderful espresso bar at every turn is like this. Poland has clearly perfected the art of combining culture with just the right dose of ironic amusement; the nightlife is quite lively, and if you're into unusual museums, there's everything from the Neon Museum to the Fryderyk Chopin Museum.

The Tatra Mountains are essentially Poland's way of saying, "Yeah, we have mountains too, and they're beautiful," if nature is more your pace. Perfect for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter, Zakopane is a resort town at the base of the Tatra Mountains. The vistas are so beautiful that you wonder about every Instagram photo you've ever taken before. The crisp mountain air will also slam you like a frigid, courteous slap, reminding you that your city lungs are pathetic and feeble.

Poland's shores along the Baltic Sea also merit a shout-out. A lovely port city, Gdansk somehow manages to combine a breezy, coastal feel with medieval appeal. The vivid facades of the ancient merchant homes give it the feel of a living postcard, and the seafood is fresh enough to persuade you that you are instantly a food critic. It's also a spot where you may peacefully appreciate the paradox of a country that has survived every event history could hurl at it and yet manages to provide you with the finest herring of your life. And of course, theres the Hel Peninsula, a popular holiday destination for its long sandy beaches and tourist attractions.

Let us also remember the scattered little communities and towns all around. Sites like Wroclaw, where magical dwarves are hidden at street corners, give you the impression you are meandering across some lost fairytale. It's really charming, a little perplexing, and still so much fun. Poland can surprise you, exceed your expectations, and make you reevaluate your whole trip plan.

Therefore, perhaps consider forgoing the well-known locations and going to Poland when planning your upcoming vacation. History, comedy, incredible vistas, and pierogi will make everything else in life seem rather boring in contrast. Furthermore, you get the unusual excitement of finding a location that already is cool and hence doesn't strive too much to be.