Poland

Now that memberships in the European Union and NATO have provided a sense of security, perhaps the demons of Poland’s terrible history can be exorcised and the talents of its gifted population released. Poland is a country of immense beauty: the Baltic seacoast; the lake districts bordering Lithuania and Belarus; the ancient forests of the middle country; the Carpathian mountain ranges to the south. Most visitors are drawn to Kraków, which rivals Prague and Budapest in medieval splendor. A three-hour train ride south of Warsaw, this romantic baroque city (spared by the Axis during World War II) is a treasure trove of Polish art and architecture.

CLIMATE: The climate of Poland is quite consistent, although it is generally cooler as you move east and south. Winters are long, and summers are showery.

TIME: Six hours ahead of New York (EST).

CURRENCY: Zloty (PLN). Fluctuating rate valued at PLN3 = US$1.00 as of October 2012. Some hotels quote room rates in euros (€); €1.00 = US$1.30 as of October 2012.

U.S. EMBASSY: Warsaw, Tel. (22) 504-2000. There is also a consulate in Kraków, Tel. (12) 424-5100.

DIRECT DIAL CODES: To phone hotels in Poland, dial 011 (international access) + 48 (Poland code) + city code and local numbers in listings.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Passport (valid for three months beyond end of stay). Visit www.travel.state.gov, and for travelers’ health information, www.cdc.gov

GENERAL INFORMATION: Visit www.poland.travel before your trip.