Are you getting tired of the same old vacation destinations? Bored with beaches and looking for a new adventure? Annoyed by crowds, tourist traps, and underwhelming holidays? Then consider heading to Poland! This Eastern European country is full of history, culture, and beauty. Here are nine reasons why Poland should be your next vacation destination.

1.) It’s Budget-Friendly

If you’re looking for a European vacation that won’t break the bank, Poland is a great option. The country is relatively affordable compared to other Western European countries, and you’ll be able to find good deals on accommodations, food, and transportation.

In fact, Poland is one of the cheapest countries in the European Union (EU) — your money will stretch further here than it will in Switzerland, Ireland, or Belgium.

2.) There’s Lots to See and Do

Poland is a country with a rich history and culture, and there’s plenty to see and do. From exploring Medieval castles to visiting the Auschwitz concentration camp, there’s something for everyone. And if you’re a fan of outdoor activities, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy as well, from hiking in the Tatra Mountains to canoeing down the Dunajec River.

Most museums in Poland’s capital of Warsaw offer free admission one day a week, so exploring the city’s vibrant cultural heritage is extremely inexpensive.

3.) The People Are Friendly

One of the best things about Poland is the people. The locals are known for being warm and hospitable, and they’re always happy to help visitors with directions or recommendations. You’ll quickly feel like part of the family when you visit Poland.

4.) The Food Is Delicious

If you love food, you’ll definitely enjoy your time in Poland. Polish cuisine is hearty and flavorful, and you’ll find plenty of traditional dishes to try, from pierogi to bigos. And, of course, no trip to Poland would be complete without trying some of the delicious local beer.

Polish cuisine is famously eclectic, taking inspiration from many other regional cuisines and infusing it with a unique local flavor. Meat lovers will particularly enjoy Poland: most Polish dishes make heavy use of chicken, pork, or game.

5.) There’s No Language Barrier

Poland is a great destination for English speakers, as many Poles speak English. This makes it easy to get around and communicate with locals, which can be helpful if you’re traveling solo or in a group.

In fact, 37% of Poles speak English fluently as a second language, with even more speaking the language at a non-fluent level thanks to English being taught in many Polish schools.

6.) It’s Safe

Poland is generally a safe country for travelers, and violent crime is rare. Visitors and natives say they feel comfortable and safe walking alone during both daylight and night.

However, like any country, it’s always important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings when traveling in unfamiliar areas.

7.) It’s Easy to Get Around

Poland is well-connected by train, bus, and plane, so it’s easy to get around even if you don’t have your own transportation. Once you’re in the country, getting around cities is usually quite easy as well, thanks to the efficient public transportation systems.

8.) There’s Something for Everyone

Whether you’re interested in history or nature, nightlife or museums, Poland has something for everyone. No matter what your interests are, you’ll be able to find plenty of activities and attractions that appeal to you.

While it has plenty to offer history lovers and foodies, Poland is also home to some more unique attractions. Try exploring the enormous forest of Bialowieza, home to herds of bison, or checking out a speedway match where motorbikes rush around a circular track.

9.) It’s Underrated

Poland may not be one of Europe’s better-known vacation spots like France, Spain, or Italy, but it’s incredibly underrated. Free from busy crowds and tourist traps, Poland is a pleasant surprise to those who take the time to visit it.

If you’re looking for an amazing European vacation destination that is off the beaten path, consider Poland. With a rich history and culture, stunning architecture, delicious food, and plenty of budget-friendly options, Poland’s a win-win for travelers.

Ghost towns are spooky simply because they are abandoned and in a state of disrepair. Walking the streets of an empty town can stir the imagination of what once was. However, some ghost towns appear to be thriving even in the afterlife. Although any old ghost town can be spooky, some are believed to be booming with paranormal activity. Let’s take a look at a few haunted ghost towns.

St. Elmo, Colorado

St. Elmo is Colorado’s most famous ghost town. The town was founded in 1880 when people flocked there for gold and silver mining. However, the mining industry did not last long, and people abandoned the town. One family tried to keep the town alive by renting cabins and running a hotel and a general store. But some towns were meant to pass into the eons of time. According to visitors, some of the residents apparently stayed on. Doors slammed shut, and the temperature dropped in certain rooms of the hotel. People also reported apparitions of a woman in a white dress.

Grafton, Utah

Life was harsh and difficult in Grafton. However, the town flourished for a while. But Grafton seemed to be plagued with disease and accidents, and many people died. Eventually, it became a ghost town. However, visitors report that many of the past residents persist in Grafton, Utah. Visitors report the feeling of being watched and feeling someone’s breath on the back of their necks as if someone is right behind them. They also report ghostly footsteps and shadowy figures. The cemetery appears to be one of the most haunted places, where crying, laughing, and even screams can be heard.

Bode, California

Bode was a mining camp that became home to a population of 10,000 people at its peak. However, the town gradually went into decline and was fully abandoned by 1962. Many possessions were left behind, and visitors to Bode are sometimes tempted to take home an item or two. However, a curse supposedly follows those who take items from the town. Due to the curse, people often return the items along with their deeply felt apologies.

Deadwood, South Dakota

Deadwood blossomed into a boom town with the discovery of gold. However, the town became a haven for outlaws and gunslingers as well as miners. Along with its fair share of crime, the town suffered devastating fires and an outbreak of smallpox. The remnants of those who once lived there remain in the form of shadowy figures, voices, and footsteps. Visitors report plenty of paranormal activity in the abandoned hotels and saloons.

Terlingua, Texas

Terlingua was once a thriving mining town. However, conditions in the mine were tough, and many miners died. Once the mines dried up, people began to leave town. According to Wikipedia, as of 2020, 110 residents still call Terlingua home. There seems to be a strong supernatural presence alive and well there also. Visitors report that the church door opens on its own, and there is an eerie feeling inside. People also report blurred vision, dizziness, and disorientation. Is there a scientific explanation for these occurrences, or is it the work of ghosts? Only the residents of Terlingua know for sure.

Garnet, Montana

Garnet was a gold-rush town that thrived until a fire destroyed half the town in 1912. Afterward, the mines began producing less and eventually ran dry. People eventually abandoned the town leaving behind only memories of the past. Visitors report an eerie feeling in the town, however, and the sounds of laughter and music can be heard at the saloon. Perhaps, past residents are reliving the heyday of Garnet, Montana.

Bannack, Montana

Bannack was founded in 1862 when gold was discovered. At its peak, the population reached approximately 10,000 residents. However, the town was riddled with crime. The miners didn’t do as well as they expected, and their dreams of striking it rich diminished. Eventually, the mines went dry, and even though the crime rate dropped, the population dwindled. By 1960, the town was abandoned. The old mining town is now a national historic landmark. Visitors report cold spots, apparitions, and other paranormal activity at Bannack.

Conclusion

Ghost towns have a certain appeal whether they are haunted or not. We are often drawn to the past and wonder what life was like for those who lived in a different time and place. If you are fascinated by ghost towns, these are just a few that you will want to visit.

Saskatchewan is a rural yet historically rich province that can keep engaging and amazing the whole family. While lacking a major urban hub like Ontario’s Toronto or Vancouver in B.C., Saskatchewan still provides a beautiful medley of the old-fashioned and the urbane with plenty to do (and even more to see) within its unsuspecting borders. Here’s a list of just some of the fantastic things Saskatchewan has to offer.

Where to Visit In Saskatchewan

1.) Cypress Hills and Grasslands National Park

Seated at the highest point in the entire province, Cypress Hills is a beautiful, rolling landscape perfectly suited for any combination of hiking, camping, fishing or simply just enjoying its natural beauty. Cypress Hills and Grassland’s National Park are a true bucket list destination for any serious outdoorsmen.  And once the sun sets, it’ll be just you, your family, and the light of a trillion Milky Way stars shining down on you. It’s a sight very few people get to experience, aided greatly by the 5,000 foot elevation of the park.

2.) The Tunnels of Moose Jaw

Learn about the sordid past of one of Canada’s most historic cities through an immersive, underground experience in the Tunnels of Moose Jaw. The tunnels were originally created as part of a plan to power the city with steam heat, but was then abandoned and rumored to be occupied by Chinese immigrants as a shelter. After that, the tunnels were used for rum smuggling purposes during prohibition. The tunnels even boasted the infamous Al Capone as one of its main smugglers. The site was also used as an underground brothel for a time before turning into a cold war bunker. At the Tunnels of Moose Jaw, tour guides will walk you through the ages so you can re-live the entertaining history of one of Canada’s most notorious hotspots.

3.) Twisted Trees

Experience this unsettling grove of Quaking Aspens deep in the heart of Saskatchewan’s dense forests. These one-of-a-kind trees have interwoven to create the marvelous site located in Speers Saskatchewan. The Twisted Trees are thought to have originated from one single source hundreds of years ago, but nobody can quite get a true understanding of how this phenomenon came to be. The site is surrounded on all sides by “normal” aspen groves, which make the ubiquitously deformed grove all the more interesting. The tree’s hallmark twisting feature is just one of the many deformities within the aspen grove all working together to shed an unnatural and unnerving light on those inside of it. Heralded as one of the great botanical mysteries on earth, this site will keep you in awe for hours on end.

4.) St. Victor Petroglyphs

On the topic of great unsolved mysteries, the St. Victor Petroglyphs also need mentioning. The majestic outcropping features the engravings of Saskatchewan’s pre-contact people. They are thought to have been carved around 500 AD and then over the years, more tribes added to the engravings with various images of people, animals, and geometric patterns. Nobody knows for sure who created them or what they were created for. Some people believe the carvings or religious in nature, some favor the theory that the rock was used to boast about hunting exploits, while some say that the rock was a form of artistic expression. Even though the reason for the mysterious engravings on the rock is hard to come to an agreement on, the awe that’s inspired when in the presence of St. Victor’s petroglyphs is universal.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman looking for new lands to conquer or simply in the mood for excitement and mystery, Saskatchewan’s unique blend of culture and nature is enough to satisfy every single type of traveler. Within its 250,000sq miles lies enough densely wooded forests, sprawling plains, burgeoning city centers, and historical and natural oddities to fill out more than a few extended vacations. The only thing left to decide is what type of adventure you’re looking for.

The small Central American nation of Panama has a relatively new reputation of being “not for tourists.” According to Visit Panama (the national tourism board), this destination is rather for “Explorers,” “Sunchasers,” “Culture seekers,” and “Travelers.” In other words, authenticity and adventure are bound to encapsulate you from the moment you step off of that airplane.

This is especially true for those who choose to spend time in the breezy inland town of Boquete. Stationed directly in between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea in the cool, mountainous region of Chiriquí, this is the perfect location for those of us who like to get outside and enjoy all of the excitement nature has to offer.

Go Rock Climbing

One of the most thrilling, challenging, and worthwhile experiences to undertake in Boquete would definitely be rock-climbing. There are loads of places just around town with beautiful walls of abstract rock formations just waiting to be scaled. Even one short stretch of rock will offer climbs for many different skill levels, meaning this is an activity that everyone can take advantage of, even those who are disabled.

Break a sweat, push your body to its limit, get a few blisters, and reward yourself with a spectacular view of the Panamanian mountains after reaching the top of your climb. Tours run at a quite affordable rate, averaging at around $45 per 5-6 hour tour (all gear, instruction, and professional guides included). This is definitely a do-not-miss excursion!

Hike to the Lost Waterfalls

Perhaps the most popular outdoor activity in the Boquete area (and for a good reason) is the Lost Falls Trail. Plenty of tour companies offer organized trips, but this is more of a DIY adventure, as planning it out is both easy and cheaper than booking a tour. This hike is considered easy-moderate, takes about three hours to complete, and will lead you to not one, not two, but three separate waterfalls along the way.

Cross over a suspension bridge, duck under hanging vines, and make your way over exotic greenery littered with wildflowers before reaching these gushing visions straight out of your wildest fantasies. Immerse yourself in the Panamanian wilderness and go for a brisk dip while relaxing underneath the cloud forest canopy, but don’t forget to keep an eye out for sloths and quetzals in the meantime!

Go Whitewater Rafting

Get your heart pounding, your adrenaline pumping, and your clothes soaked by spending a day rushing down the continuous class III rapids in what is one of the best rafting destinations on Earth. The Chiriquí province homes several world-class whitewater runs; the river you’ll take a trip down simply depends on rainfall, season, and overall water levels.

Between your options of Rio Chiriquí Viejo, Rio Fonseca, Rio Gariche, and Rio Chiriquí among others, you’ll no doubt have the time of your life whipping around bends and flying over boulders while enjoying some of Panama’s best scenery. Many tour operators in the area also include a buffet lunch in the price of the tour, meaning you’ll get to take a midday break from paddling to sit riverside and eat to your heart’s content in the serenity of the Panamanian jungle. If it’s hours of all-inclusive excitement you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place!

Hike up a Volcano

The most notorious hike in Boquete, and perhaps in all of Panama, lies in plain sight of Boquete town on Volcán Baru. Daring hikers pull all-nighters to make the most of their time at the peak by scheduling their arrival at sunrise. However, because this is a 27km trek from around 3,000ft all the way up to 11,398ft and back down again, this means beginning the journey at 11:30 PM the night before. Oh, and it’s probably worth mentioning that the peak rarely reaches temperatures above freezing!

It is important to acknowledge that this hike is pitch black, often slippery, has a steep incline and elevation increase, and is in an area with temperamental weather conditions. It is not recommended that non-professionals attempt this journey if it is raining or if the winds are powerful, as this poses the threat of you getting stuck at the top of the volcano during a storm (which could lead to hypothermia, altitude sickness, and more dangers related to the flooding of the trails). However, if the weather does permit, prepare yourself with a bright headlamp, snacks, water, warm layers, and probably some toilet paper, and hit the trails right as bedtime rolls around.

By the time you reach the top, the sun will just be peeking over a layer of clouds swirling thousands of feet below you. Snap some pictures of the incredible view, then warm back up on the well-lit descent. It is a gorgeous and flourishing green trail that you’ll be glad you got to witness with the sun out before returning to your hotel to sleep for the rest of the day.

Did you know the United States has a total of 21 UNESCO World Heritage sites.  Pretty cool, right?  After researching all of the various locations and taking a random survey from fellow TouristDigest.com members, we compiled a list of our 7 favorite sites in the U.S. and a few details on each.

Let’s get things started with a little place called Yellowstone.

1.) Yellowstone National Park

The sheer size of the Yellowstone National Park makes it amazing. With more than 9,000 square kilometers of open and natural space, this is one park in the US where you will find geothermal wonders, geysers, and the best of American wildlife.

2.) Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is a majestic landscape carved by the Colorado River. This geological spectacle is over 2 billion years old – and it still doesn’t stop evolving.

3.) Independence Hall

The US Declaration of Independence in 1776 was well preserved in the same hall where the most important document in American history was signed. Located in Philadelphia, this UNESCO site is indeed a must-see for anyone who wants to know more about American history. Technically speaking, it is in this hall where the United States of America was born.

4.) Olympic National Park

This park in Washington State is known for its diverse ecosystem. It has everything that you would ever want to see and explore – rainforest, river systems, mountains, coastline, and wilderness. This park is indeed the ultimate one-stop-shop for all nature lovers.

5.) Statue of Liberty

Who hasn’t heard of the Statue of Liberty? This enormous structure created by French sculptor Bartholdi, with a little help from Gustave Eiffel, stands right at the New York Harbor. Since its inauguration in 1886, it has welcomed millions visitors and immigrants to the US. This landmark is indeed one of the most popular attractions in America.

6.) Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii is where the most active and the most picturesque volcanoes are found. On this UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll see two of them, namely the Kilauea and the Mauna Loa. These two volcanoes that overlook the Pacific Ocean stand at 1,250 meters and 4,170 meters high, respectively.

7.) Waterton Glacier International Peace Park

The Waterton Glacier is the first international peace park in the world. This park sits between the borders of the US and Canada, and were combined together to create a large UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the US side, it lies within the boundaries of Montana. It used to be called the Glacier National Park.

On Canada’s side, more particularly in Alberta, it was previously called the Waterton Lakes National Park. This park is very rich in flora and fauna, while also offering forests, prairies, and glaciers as part of it ensemble.