How to travel in Poland cheaply. A few tips

Poland is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for Ukrainians, despite recent controversies. This is a country where every city has its own history. In addition to its cultural heritage, a budget vacation in Poland is very possible: here you can enjoy beautiful scenery, a rich cultural program, and delicious food without spending as much as in Germany and France. This makes Poland an ideal option for those who want to travel comfortably but economically.

Transportation

Traveling in Poland can be not only exciting but also economical, thanks to the variety of transportation options available to every traveler.

Buses are one of the most popular and affordable ways to get around Poland. But first of all, you need to get to Poland. As you already understood, Heybus can help you with this, where you can book international bus tickets. When you have already arrived in Poland, the most reliable and easiest way to get around within the country will be state-owned bus companies. They mostly use modern buses, where you can pay by cashless payments, large intercity buses have amenities like Wi-Fi, etc. In addition, in the event of an emergency, it is much easier to deal with a state-owned company. In addition, there are discounts for refugees from Ukraine, students, and pensioners, up to and including free travel. 

Trains are a great alternative for those who prefer speed and comfort. Booking tickets for PKP Intercity in advance allows you to save a lot of money, especially if you plan your trip in advance. PKP Intercity offers many routes connecting major cities and regions of Poland - a great option if you need to cross the whole country.

Hitchhiking with services such as BlaBlaCar is another way to travel in Poland cheaply. This hitchhiking service allows travelers to find drivers heading in the same direction and arrange a ride together for a nominal fee, making it even cheaper to get around the country.

Air travel can be a profitable option for long distances within Poland or for arrivals from other countries. Using cheap airfare search services such as Skyscanner or Kiwi (not to be confused with the Katsap analog of PayPal), you can find great deals from low-cost airlines and major airlines, which will make your flight to or through Poland not only fast but also economical.

It should be noted that you should always read reviews. Before choosing something, you should still be careful. After all, you can never be too careful. And yet, you shouldn't be fooled by too low prices. If the average price for a service is 50 zlotys, and you are offered the same service for 5 zlotys, this is too much of a difference. Don't forget - free cheese is only in a mousetrap.

Housing

Housing is probably the most expensive "item" of any trip. But there are also some ways to save money. Here are some tips:

1. Use special services. Something like Airbnb can help you save money on housing. Alternatively, you can find lesser known and more local services that may have even better prices. 
2. Student dormitories. It sounds strange, but especially in the summer, it is quite easy to find free places in student dormitories. You don't have to be a student to do this! The conditions there vary from "4-star hotel in a small town" to "cheap hostel", but the prices are really low. 
3. It's more fun together! You can arrange to rent a house with other tourists from Ukraine and just split the cost equally. But be careful with the choice of neighbors! 

And don't forget to plan your trips in advance! It is better to look for accommodation before you arrive in Poland. And one more small tip - Facebook is very popular as a messenger in Poland. Not X or Telegram, but Facebook. It will be much faster and more realistic to find an ad and contact someone there. 

Food

You can save money on food in Poland by cooking on your own in dormitories or rented apartments, where the kitchen is usually equipped with everything you need. Buying food in local supermarkets or markets and cooking at home can help you save a lot of money. You can also look for inexpensive food in small cafes, canteens, or street stalls that offer traditional Polish dishes at affordable prices. 

It is important to read reviews of establishments on the Internet in advance to find the best options. Planning your daily diet and looking for promotions and discounts in local stores can also help you save money. But do not buy the analog of a "bargain at the train station". Spending your entire vacation in the restroom is not the best thing that can happen. 

Discounts and benefits

Traveling in Poland can also be cheaper thanks to the Pole's Card - it provides its holders with discounts and benefits in Poland, including discounts on transportation services. This makes the Pole's Card a valuable tool for Ukrainians of Polish origin, allowing them to make their stay in Poland not only more comfortable but also more cost-effective. Also, don't forget about discounts for Ukrainian refugees, which may include free travel or even housing. But be careful not to abuse it. 

Getting a travel pass can also be a good idea. It is not a discount in itself, but, for example, a monthly public transportation pass will cost 3-4-5 times less than buying a separate ticket for each trip. But it depends on how often you travel. The maximum savings are achieved when you use public transportation at least 5 times a week.

Popular bus routes to Poland

• Kiev - Warsaw
• Kyiv - Lublin
• Zhytomyr - Warsaw
• Zhytomyr - Lublin
• Rivne - Warsaw
• Rivne - Lublin
• Lutsk - Warsaw
• Lutsk - Lublin