I'm spending two weeks in Poland at the end of October, travelling with my girlfriend and visiting friends & family. I'm a little concerned with some of the travel advisories I've heard re. street crime and muggings, particularily on public transit & trains. Is Poland ( Warsaw & Krakow ) really any worse for crime than any big North American city? Anything I should watch out for? Thanks in advance.

Hi Claude, I just returned from Poland and had no problems what-so-ever. You can take a look at my trip report that I posted yestefday. I never felt unsafe at all while there. They were very friendly. <BR>Regards, <BR>Art <BR>

Claude.Your fears are unfounded.Just got back from Poland and had no problems nor witnessed any.Just dont look dazed and confused with cameras hanging of your neck and super white sneakers on your feet.If you speak some polish it will help.Bring worm clothes ,is getting nasty.Travelman

Two weeks ago I was in Krakow, Przemysl, and towns between them, and was wholly safe. It's true the Krakow main station has pickpockets in the summer season, but they seem to have gone away now the days are drawing in. <BR> <BR>Ben Haines, London

Thank you all for your responses, very re-assuring. I'll try to post a summary of my trip to this forum when I get back.

Hi,<BR>My friend and I (both 59 year old women) are driving in Poland next month. Can you give me any tips, about what not to do. <BR><BR>We have driven in Europe before, but never in Poland.<BR>Thanks, <BR><BR>Nancy

If you drove in Europe - you should have no problems driving in Poland. Gasoline Stations are all over the place, many with mini markets. 99% of roads are one lane each way roads, some being very narrow and with trees to the side. On wider roads many drivers will pull to their side a little to make room for faster passing cars (this sometimes gets abused and causes accidents). Always slow down when driving thru small towns and villages, not only for cops but also to avoid accidents with children playing, or riding bikes, or even walking near the roads (which is common). If someone flashes you high/low beams it means that Police radar is near. Do not drink and drive!!!<BR>Also note that just because the road looks large (or as main on a map) it does not mean it is... Try to park in guarded Parkings at all times - esspecially in larger cities. Don't leave anything of a value in your car. Traveling by car is definitly the best way to see Poland.<BR>You can write me for more info.

OK I noticed that it was all men who said they felt safe in Poland alone. Well, when i told a patient of mine who is from Poland I planned on going there. She said to me are you nuts or something?? Her daughters home had been robbed three times in the day time while her and her husband where working. And people are so poor there that they robbed travelers so they can eat! She wants her daughter to move to America soon. She will not even talk to me about Poland! She gets all upset! She has been here 10 years but goes back to see family almost every year and a half. I really wanted go to Poland, but now am worried! And my family in Hungary flipped out last year when I told them I wanted to visit Poland. Please tell me what gives here? They think I will get robbed on the train too! Please help me?? Thanks Alice

I went to Krakow from Vienna in December 2000 alone. I met a nice Polish schoolteacher on the way up and we are still corresponding. We watched each other's things and had a great time. On the way back I sat alone or with a teenager whose father worked for the railroad--no problems.<BR>While in Krakow I was alone day and night, took the local bus to Zakopane, and the tour to Auschwitz/Birkenau. The people were nice and I only saw a few who were unsavory, none of whom bothered me. Pickpockets were the ones I was warned about but luckily had no experience. I met a nice doctor when I was in line at the bank to exchange money. I rode the bus on one occasion. I think you just need to do what you do in any large city--be alert and look sure of yourself.

Thank you very much Linda, you were A great help to me. will I be able to find a room with a family once I get there? I don't want a hotel, or do I have to do that first? I need something reasonable. Thank you for your wonderful again. Alice

be careful of the screen doors on teh submarines

I had booked a room at Hotel Polonia, which was 2 minutes from the train station, so I would not have to look. At least in December, there were no people waiting to rent rooms at the station. As you go into the old city, there are a number of pensions and small hotels. I think, as a single female, that being with a family or in a small pension/hotel is best; so, if you do have problems, someone will notice you aren't there. In Prague there were agencies who would help you find a home stay. Surely the same is true for Poland. Some of the Czechs (females) told me that they go to Poland to buy their clothes because they are cheaper and they didn't say anything about being scared. I just never saw what your Polish friend did but I may have been lucky.

Saski Hotel has good prices and it's right in the old city (around the corner from main square). For homestays contact PTTK (www.pttk.pl). National Turists agancy.

Thank you Linda, Peter, and anyone else who has helped me others out here. Wonderful Info Linda and Peter, thanks again, Alice.