Why you should go to Poland

“Magical family vacation”: what comes to mind? Is it a hat with mouse ears and day passes that cost as much as a trip to Europe? I’ve made my peace with Disney people (especially the ones who live with me), and I’ve even written a complete Catholic guide to Disney. But today I’d like to propose skipping Disney altogether in favor of another magical land of princesses, castles, and fairytale vibes: Poland. 

Poland may be an ideal destination for family trips. It’s a country packed with Catholic history (and regular history), rugged natural beauty, charming city plazas, iconic European architecture, soaring cathedrals, friendly people, unapologetic patriotism, and a bazillion saints. Poland sings with the power of pilgrimage to unlock full integration of our bodies and souls. It’s also really, really fun. 

Here are my top reasons why you should take your family to Poland instead of Disney.

1. The castles are real.

Poland boasts about 500 castles scattered across the country. Let’s take one of the most renowned as an example. Wawel Castle has towered over Krakow since the 11th century, home to kings, knights, and tons of epic history. You can see a dazzling collection of crown jewels, tombs of ancient monarchs, and even a cave where a legendary dragon is supposed to hide. These castles are also pilgrimage sites: after being covertly ordained, St John Paul II celebrated his first Mass in the crypt chapel of Wawel Cathedral, inside the castle compound. 

• Related: 10 questions about pilgrimage in Poland

2. The fairytales are true.

What’s better than a Disney princess with her impossibly voluminous hair? May we present Poland’s St Jadwiga, a princess who was crowned “King” instead of “Queen” because of her power. Jadwiga gave up marriage to the love of her life for the good of her people and was canonized a saint in 1997. Her life has more captivating drama than Ariel and Elsa, plus she is a model of sanctity. 

3. The heroes are saints, not cartoons.

St Jadwiga is only one among a cloud of witnesses. Across Poland, your family will encounter authentic heroes like St John Paul II, St Maximilian Kolbe, St Faustina, and countless other saints and blesseds with superpowers like courage and love.

4. Family-friendly cities.

From Krakow's cobbled Old Town to Gdansk's pastel merchant houses, Polish cities are safe, walkable, and endlessly interesting to wander. Churches burst with color and pattern to engage. Children will enjoy abundant green parks and playgrounds, including a huge one adjacent to the Divine Mercy Shrine, plus a ton of other children in Mass and at restaurants—always a relief. And there are millions of pigeons to chase in every main square. 

• Related: 8 things I loved at the Divine Mercy Shrine

5. Your budget will feel miles deeper.

At Disney, I struggle to stop thinking about how it costs as much money to stand in relentless lines under a ruthless Florida sun as to wander antique markets abroad. Because Poland does not bank on the Euro, the American dollar goes remarkably far against the zloty. You can enjoy high-end meals, hotels, and drinks for about half of what they cost in other major European cities. 

• Related: What to buy in Poland 

6. Nature, not simulations.

Instead of virtual worlds and screens at Disney, in Poland you can revel in the evergreen-fresh air of the Tatras, charming mountain hamlets like Zakopane, and soft Baltic beaches. Poland is a compact country, so you can get to most places within a few hours by train or rental car. 

7. The food is picky eater approved.

Polish food is not on the culinary cutting edge, but it’s ideal comfort food. Don't underestimate the power of a perfect pierogi paired with ice-cold vodka to help you anticipate the perfect satisfaction of Heaven. But the real selling point: Poland is a kingdom of sweets. You’ll find ice cream stands open even while people are bundled up in hats and scarves. And you’ll find kremowka, a vanilla cream cake that was the personal favorite of St John Paul II, everywhere. Follow the pope’s footsteps and grab a spoon. 

Poland makes an excellent destination for both pilgrimage and vacation for Catholic travelers and families. Happily, you don’t have to choose. Thy Ship can help you build and book an itinerary that’s exactly right for your family. Let's talk!

__________

Contact me. I am a Catholic author, artist, speaker, pilgrimage leader, and travel concierge.

I'd love to collaborate with you on your next retreat, day of reflection, pilgrimage, trip, or event.

Subscribe to A Heroic Moment, my free weekly newsletter.