Holidays in Poland
I am big on tradition. It’s extremely important to me that my kids learn about their Polish background. I want them to experience what I did as a child growing up in Poland, and understand the cultural differences between their upbringing and my own.
Me and the girls at 10 years old in Poland (1990).
Nadia and Enzo usually start talking about our annual trip to Poland immediately after we leave our friends and family in Warsaw. I wonder what makes them so happy there? Is it the people, food, culture or the fact that we spend most of our days outside? I can’t pinpoint the specifics; all I know is that it’s considered their happy place (and mine too).
Here is why I HIGHLY recommend booking a family trip to Poland:
COST: It is affordable. On average, $1 USD equals 3.5 złoty. You will not break the bank.
TRAVEL: There are direct flights from Chicago to Warsaw or Kraków. I would suggest booking your flights in advance. Flights can get expensive around the holidays. The travel time is around 9-10 hours, and then a 5 hour car ride to from Warsaw to Karpacz.
LANGUAGE: Almost everyone speaks English. It’s very easy to communicate with the locals.
MOUNTAINS: I am from the little town, Chodziez, but during the holidays, we visit Karpacz– the mountain area of Poland.
QUALITY FAMILY TIME: My biggest selling point! This is the only time of year where the kids do not want to stay indoors playing video games.
I am wearing a Cordova Ski Suit
We stay at the Hotel Gołębiewski in Karpacz. The entire property is designed with family in mind. The hotel staff does a wonderful job of promoting fun and activities for everyone.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Gołębiewski
From the moment you walk in, your children’s eyes will light up! You are greeted by a massive aquarium with exotic fish and an alley of beautifully decorated Christmas trees. The entire property feels spacious and inviting. The lobby consists of a cafe where we drink tea, indulge in desserts and listen to the piano. To the left are shops and the pool. This is not your average hotel pool. We are talking about an indoor/outdoor waterpark with slides, caves and sand beaches. The pool also has a massive salt cave, saunas, steam room, healing waters and ice water plunge.
Our room faces Śnieżka, the famous mountain peak in Eastern Europe. It is one of the most beautiful views. Each morning, we sit on the windowsill and take it all in.
The room’s price includes a buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is impossible to get hungry there– which is great for kids! You can also grab food for your room if you aren’t hungry at mealtimes. Each room has its own kitchen. There is no room service, but you do not miss it. We usually plan to be back from our activities to experience the food.
The hotel’s location central to all the neighboring outdoor attractions. During our stay, we like to:
Go skiing or snowboarding on the hill just outside of the property
Walk to the waterfall
Walk into town through the forest, which feels like a mountain hike
Go to the Wang Chapel
Go sledding, make a snowman, do snow angels or have a snowball fight
Go to Czech Republic to see the Witches Hut and The Timber Trail
There is no shortage of fun outdoor activities for the whole family. My kids and friends always come up with creative ideas when (and if) we run out of things to do.
One of the highlights from our trip was the New Year’s Eve Ball. There is one for children at 6pm and one for adults at 7pm. Each event has live entertainment and a luxurious dinner spread.
Nadia is wearing Lapin House, Enzo is wearing Lola + The Boys, and I am wearing Versace from Janet Mandell Showroom with Tom Ford heels.
The kids enjoy art tables, technology tables, hair braiding, games with Disney characters and a toast (with sparkling grape juice) and sparklers at midnight.
For the adults, it’s a black tie event with a band and a select number of entertainers. Guests usually get to meet famous Polish singers or athletes that attend.
The following day is a bonfire with food, traditional warm wine called Grzaniec, Polish folk music and a firework show. The fireworks are unlike anything you have seen. You are not watching from a distance, rather sitting underneath them as they light up the sky overhead.
Sadly, the bonfire is our sign that it’s time to pack up and head back home.
Time flies when you are having fun!
XX,
MD