Poland and the Solo Traveller...

[2 wheeled tourist]

While in the dilemma of deciding, exactly, where to go this summer, had a very useful Thread on Norway, Denmark & Sweden just lately, thanks to all who replied, and I’ll be doing them next year, when I can get more time-off.

So, it’s Berlin, Poland and CZ, and with the help of certain guide books it looks all very exciting apart from, that is, the crime that, apparently, thrives throughout Poland; car-jacking, pickpockets, thefts from vehicles and in certain cities daylight muggings!!!???? hmy: :unsure:

I’m I reading too much into all this, as a solo rider, dare I leave my bike out on the street at night? Will I be bike-jacked? Etc…

http://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid= ... 40&bih=837

Many thanks…

[Road2Manchester]

I often went to the Cz Republic in the 80's just after the revolution. usually in a transit. The hotels I stayed at insisted in parking other cars around the van, so it couldn't be 'removed from the car park' having said that I did sleep in the back of the van on many occasions. Despite warnings of corrupt Police, bandits etc. i never had an issue. Even once when carrying a large sum of cash to but Havel Buggy's I got a police escort through Pilsner (Plizen), by a very nice officer wgho wanted to try out his Engleez.
I would always try and find secure parking. I live in Manchester, and I wouldn't leave my bike out overnight in the city. People are generally nice, and want to be helpfull. Just don't stop for anything that isn't obviously a police car. Relax and have a ball.

[Bushman_uk]

When we traveled around the Baltic states on the ferry from Sweden to Estonia some German bikers were putting the scare stories in and we were seriously thinking of avoiding Poland. But after much discussion and some dutch courage we carried on with our plan and into Poland.
There were lots of ladies at the side of the road next to wooded areas, for the truckers to find some company , i would avoid stopping as you don't know who else is in the woods !!
All the hotels we stopped in had secure parking, we did avoid all the major cities, so i guess there it's just use caution as you would anywhere else, stay with the crowds and only take a minimum amount of money with you. Don't fall for any scams like bird shit on your back or you dropped this ring etc and don't behave like a lost soul looking to be a target.
I enjoyed my time in Poland and found it to be as friendly or as dangerous as any where else in Europe, Just enjoy it but be aware of your surroundings , but don't get paranoid about it

[Barcelona Pat]

I agree 100% with Bushman (though sometimes the ladies on the roadside seemed to be selling fruit and home made produce - or was I being naive?). I travelled solo through Czech Rep and Poland in 2010 on my 14 countries in 11 days trip. Was really easy to find reasonable accommodation with secure parking. I had no problems in either country. People in both countries are increadibly friendly - possibly most in Poland.

However, once the Polish get beind the wheel I think they change! I encountered (in the north) a lot of dangerous driving, and in two instances within one hour of oncoming cars overtaking on straight roads coming head on - with the expection that you will get out of their way (which of course you have to - ending up swerving onto the hard shoulder!). They passed with a smile and a shrug! ! Just something to look out for - took me by surprise. :woohoo: :woohoo:

Something else to look out for are mozzies - again in the north of Poland (I was there in august). Waiting for the ferry to Sweden (where there was nowhere to hide) I got bit on my head and neck over 50 times!

Czech Rep has some great roads and scenery - particuarly in the south. Try and head to the area south of Cesky Krumlov for some great roads, nice lakes, and cheap camping (loads of sites). Cesky K is a UNESCO world heritage site - a must see - and a great place to stop overnight. I will always remember dinner at the side of the river with a jazz quartet playing. Prague is great, but overloaded with tourists in the summer, CK was just right - and I can´t recommend enough (as you´ve probably guessed!).

Hope that helps
Pat

[2 wheeled tourist]

I agree 100% with Bushman (though sometimes the ladies on the roadside seemed to be selling fruit and home made produce - or was I being naive?). I travelled solo through Czech Rep and Poland in 2010 on my 14 countries in 11 days trip. Was really easy to find reasonable accommodation with secure parking. I had no problems in either country. People in both countries are increadibly friendly - possibly most in Poland.

However, once the Polish get beind the wheel I think they change! I encountered (in the north) a lot of dangerous driving, and in two instances within one hour of oncoming cars overtaking on straight roads coming head on - with the expection that you will get out of their way (which of course you have to - ending up swerving onto the hard shoulder!). They passed with a smile and a shrug! ! Just something to look out for - took me by surprise. :woohoo: :woohoo:

Something else to look out for are mozzies - again in the north of Poland (I was there in august). Waiting for the ferry to Sweden (where there was nowhere to hide) I got bit on my head and neck over 50 times!

Czech Rep has some great roads and scenery - particuarly in the south. Try and head to the area south of Cesky Krumlov for some great roads, nice lakes, and cheap camping (loads of sites). Cesky K is a UNESCO world heritage site - a must see - and a great place to stop overnight. I will always remember dinner at the side of the river with a jazz quartet playing. Prague is great, but overloaded with tourists in the summer, CK was just right - and I can´t recommend enough (as you´ve probably guessed!).

Hope that helps
Pat

As I’ve been to Berlin twice now, within the last twenty years, I thinking of, maybe, by-passing Berlin, we’ll see, and heading straight for Prague (for the Church made of Bones) and Poland (for the Camp and the salt mine) and the time saved from Berlin heading further south from Poland to Hungary…

[Barcelona Pat]

As I’ve been to Berlin twice now, within the last twenty years, I thinking of, maybe, by-passing Berlin, we’ll see, and heading straight for Prague (for the Church made of Bones) and Poland (for the Camp and the salt mine) and the time saved from Berlin heading further south from Poland to Hungary…[/quote]


That sounds like a plan!

[2 wheeled tourist]

As I’ve been to Berlin twice now, within the last twenty years, I thinking of, maybe, by-passing Berlin, we’ll see, and heading straight for Prague (for the Church made of Bones) and Poland (for the Camp and the salt mine) and the time saved from Berlin heading further south from Poland to Hungary…

That sounds like a plan!

"The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray" as they say :blink: , it's the Polish safety rate that concerns me :unsure: and the only way to find out out is to get out there :S

[Paul]

I rode to Poland last year via Hungary and Slovakia. No problems at all, I noticed Auchwitz and the Salt mines on your to do list, both are very "good" if thats the right word. Also consider spending a day in Kracow city and another with a ride to Zakopane, very nice.
As others have said and I guess when travelling anywhere, keep your wits about you and don't attract attention, you will have a blast!

[canazei1200]

4 of us rode to krakow fron Uk and onto Budapest stayed in a shared room youth hostel in krakow claen but dirt cheap. We found a secure compound for our bikes that had top of the range beemer porsche ect.cost us £15 for the 4 bikes for the weekend. Had dogs and security guards at night. I never felt unsafe in poland and found the people very helpful and friendly.

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[tub64]

went there last year & realy like the people,made us most welcome but as in any city ask for secure parking.

i read all the bad bits before i went to-this is for cities,stick to the little places & you will fine.

going back this year too

as for the ladies in the woods & truck stops,i didnt notice them :whistle: