Plot a trip to Poland so you can get in touch with your heritage.

There are nearly 9 million Americans who claim Polish ancestry. In recent years, a growing number of people have traveled to Poland to learn more about their family histories while also enjoying the country’s many tourist attractions, such as the Baltic Coast and the Tatra Mountains.

Poland offers a wide variety of outdoor activities throughout the year, from windsurfing and biking in the summer to skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking in the spring and fall.

Poland also has numerous resorts and spas where you can unwind and rejuvenate. Poland has everything you need for a self-discovery trip, from luxurious hotels in the city to cultural festivals and music concerts to rustic vineyards and farms in the countryside.

DISCOVER FAMILY HISTORY IN POLAND

As a first step in learning about our ancestry, many of us turn to the photo albums in our attics. We picture them in faraway cities and countrysides; we recall our parents’ tales of their immigration to the United States; and we can almost taste the holiday treats they prepared.

These reminiscences warm our hearts, and I know they will do the same for you when you visit Poland.

Polish hospitality will be with you wherever you go, whether you’re exploring ancient cities that were once the capitals of kings, hiking through breathtaking national parks, or sampling beer at one of the many microbreweries. This famed hospitality is often associated with mouthwatering meals.

Whoever has attended a Polish wedding can attest to the spirit of culinary delights mixing with tradition, laughter, and festivities. The magic of Polish cuisine will make your trip unforgettable, whether you’re in the mountains or by the sea, in the quiet countryside or in the bustling cities.

EXPLORING POLAND

Dzie dobry (jane-doh-brih, good morning) and jak sie masz? (how are you?) are two phrases you can practice if you travel to the country of your ancestors. Do you speak Yahk? as well as na zdrowie (nah zdroh-vyeh, Cheers!) and czy jeste? (how are you? A warm welcome and friendly responses are guaranteed, but if you prefer to stick to English, that’s fine too.

After Switzerland (ranked 25), France (ranked 31), and Italy (ranked 32), Poland comes in at number 16 on the EF English Proficiency Index for 2021 in terms of English skills (35).

GETTING AROUND POLAND

Trains and airplanes connect the country’s major cities, making cross-country travel quick and easy.

You can get to Poland in just a few hours with direct flights from cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and Newark. The flight time is only an extra hour compared to flying to London.