A return to Poland

Jonathan in Krakow Airport

Due to the Coronavirus, travelling anywhere in 2020 seemed daunting to say the least but in July I decided to take the plunge and travel to Poland for a short break. I wanted to experience for myself what it was really like to travel in these uncertain times.

An empty looking Krakow Airport

Most regional airports have a good selection of flights to Poland and so I was able to fly from Bristol, my local airport. A few new things have been implemented at the airport due to the pandemic. The mandatory use of face masks, the installation of hand sanitiser stations and one-way systems to keep the airport experience as safe and hygienic as possible. Otherwise it was a fairly standard experience. As there were very few people around I managed to get from check in, to the departure gate in under 15 minutes, almost unheard of.

Entry into Poland was a simple process. Prior to travelling I had to complete and print an Outbound form and prior to my return I had to complete an online Inbound form, with confirmation sent to your email address upon completion. As at Bristol Airport the experience at Krakow Airport was not a stressful one.

Jonathan's drone shot of Krakow

In Krakow, shops, bars and restaurants all seemed to be open as normal albeit with social distancing rules in place. There were fewer people around which gave the centre a relaxed vibe and allowed me to soak up the atmosphere and admire the wonderful architecture in relative calm. At night the city was even quieter giving me the opportunity to photograph the streets with ease.

Jewish Quarter of Krakow by night

Eating in Poland is always a pleasure and I was pleased to find that I was able to get a restaurant table easily. In normal times in the city centre it is common to have to book ahead or wait for a table in the more popular restaurants. Pierogarnia Krakowiacy, located in the old town, Is a good place to try Pierogi, Polish dumplings. Ariel, located in the Jewish Quarter serves traditional Polish & Jewish food. You will be spoilt for choice though, with a plethora of great restaurants to choose from.

Tasty Polish Pierogi

Departure day and before I could enter Krakow Airport I had to have a mandatory temperature check. A reading of over 37 degrees (basically a fever) may prevent you being allowed access to the terminal. At border control they asked if I had filled out the correct form online (which I had 48 hours earlier) and I was allowed to proceed . The return airport experience was as simple and stress free as the outward journey. Overall a very pleasant weekend.

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