One of Poland's largest and oldest cities, Krakow is a delight for visitors from all around the world. With more than ten million tourists visiting this beautiful city every year, Krakow was also voted as one of the "Top Ten Trending Destinations in the World for 2020", according to Trip Advisor's Travelers Choice Awards.
Krakow is an enchanting town set on the banks of the beautiful Wisla (Vistula River). Its medieval old town is straight out of a fairy tale. Gothic churches, quaint market squares, an ancient clock tower, and cobbled streets all add to the city's distinct charisma and allure.
Say dzień dobry (hello) to Krakow's old town, and fall in kochać (love) with one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. But before you leave, consider purchasing travel insurance in case of any unexpected accidents, injuries, or travel mishaps.
Krakow Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs
Sometimes, the best-laid plans go to waste, and you have to a cancel a long-awaited (and already-paid-for) vacation. In addition to the disappointment, you're probably wondering what will happen to the money you've spent on plane tickets, hotel rooms, a rental car, and tour reservations. Trip cancellation insurance could help you see some of it again.
Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Krakow?
Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you the full amount of your prepaid, non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel your trip for a reason covered underneath the policy. Be sure to review your plan's fine print before purchase for a full understanding of what situations are (and aren't) covered. You must insure the full cost of your trip, and you must have already purchased the insurance before the need to cancel arises in order to be eligible for full benefits.
What all is covered under trip cancellation insurance for Krakow?
Buy travel insurance for coverage against different travel-related risks. Find a dependable insurance policy that offers:
- Trip cancellation coverage for a covered reason
- Trip interruption coverage for a covered reason
- Trip delay coverage
- Missed connection coverage
- Coverage for baggage loss or theft
Things to Do for Travelers in Krakow
If you thought that Krakow is all history and ancient artifacts, you are in for a pleasant surprise. Enjoy history, museums, and reminiscence of eras gone by. But also revel in exuberant nightlife and exciting outdoor activities in the same place.
Here are our expert recommendations for enjoying this not-so-little city to the fullest:
Old Historic City Center
The Main Market Square, the largest medieval town square in Europe, is the focal point of Krakow's Old Town. Along with walking tours, visitors have the choice of bike, golf cart, e-scooter, and Segway tours to explore this medieval wonder. Don't miss attractions like the Renaissance Cloth Hall, St. Mary's Basilica, the Barbican Museum, and St. Florian's Gate during your visit.
Explore Wieliczka Salt Mine
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is unquestionably one of the most popular tourist attractions in Krakow. Located just outside of Krakow, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an integral part of Poland's history, religion, and culture. The mines are also an amazing natural wonder that boast more than 300 kilometers (about 185 miles) of a maze of subterranean tunnels and chambers.
Awesome Adventure
Krakow is also a modern metropolis that offers several adventure activities to add adrenaline to your vacation. You may try your hand at several adventure and outdoor activities like quad-biking, shooting, bungee jumping, biking, Segway tours, kayaking, canoeing, go-karting, and more.
Experience Nature
Krakow is home to numerous small and big parks that give you the chance to rejuvenate your tired senses. Planty Park is not only one of Krakow's largest parks, but also one of the prettiest ones. Another popular choice is the wooded wonder of Las Wolski. Hike through more than a thousand acres of beech and pine forests, and enjoy hidden vistas of the pretty Vistula River.
Explore the tragic Nazi history
The Liban Quarry is a limestone quarry used as a World War II labor camp by the German army. A visit to this eerie quarry is an unsettling reminder of Poland's tragic Nazi history. The condition of several access pathways and ladders may not be safe for walking. Visitors should exercise utmost caution while entering it.
Travel Risks For International Travelers in Krakow
Road Safety
Road safety in Poland is a concern for international travelers. In the year 2019, almost 3,000 people lost their lives to road accidents. This figure is quite alarming compared to the rest of Europe. Rash driving, bad weather, and inadequacy of law enforcement have led to alarming road safety in Krakow and Poland at large. If you are planning to drive from Krakow to other cities of Poland, you may want to exercise acute caution while driving on Polish roads.
Terrorism
Like its other European counterparts, international tourists in Krakow may remain cautious of terror threats. They should be extra vigilant in public places, including tourist attractions, railway stations, and airports.
Rail and Taxi Risk
Most of Krakow is relatively safe for visitors. But there is a high risk of theft at railway stations and during rail journeys, especially on overnight sleeper trains. Visitors may also be careful of taxi drivers waiting outside airports and railway stations. They may not be regulated as official drivers and may illegally overcharge tourists.
Health Risks
Krakow experiences poor air quality, especially during the winter months. Visitors with pre-existing respiratory, pulmonary, and cardiac problems may experience increased symptoms if they do not take adequate precautions. Measles is also common in Krakow and Poland. Ensure that you are vaccinated for measles before traveling.
Weather Hazards
Polish winters are very harsh. Krakow experiences very low temperatures during winter. The low temperatures are often accompanied by heavy snowfall. Snow and ice on the roads can be really dangerous. The visually transparent "black ice" on Polish roads can be especially risky. Heavy snowfall is known to have disturbed road, rail, and air travel in Poland.
Before You Travel to Krakow: Do This
The people of Krakow love when visitors speak Polish with them. Learn some basic Polish phrases, and download a good Polish-English app on your mobile device to enjoy interacting with the local populace.
Remember to pre-book your tickets for popular tourist attractions, like the Wieliczka Salt Mines, that tend to sell out during peak vacation season.
And don't forget to buy travel insurance as an essential part of your trip. Take the time to review several different plans and pick the one that best matches your needs.