Poland, Slovakia and Eastern Europe - Advice

[greensandy]

Hi Folks,

I'm thinking of planning a trip to Eastern Europe next year and was wondering has anybody any advice or experiance on routes, digital maps and general tourist advice (good and bad) for Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

I'm looking at the Lonely Planet guide books and have a selection of Michhelin maps to plan a rough route, but your thoughts and experience would be welcome.

Any advice or top tips would be appreciated.

Regards

Alex

[toppa]

i have been to CZ many times, mainly flew in, but have driven once there,
CZ has very freindly locals as a general rule, but if your driving there with lots of toys, SECURITY SECURITY SECURITY!!!!!!!!!


aCheers

[DaphnesDad]

Hiya. I'm in Krakow, if you need a hand let me know. Guide books are OK but not the nitty gritty.

If you run into mechanical trouble in this area, DO NOT, repeat DO NOT, use a company called LAND SERWIS in a town called WIELICKA near Krakow - there is a main dealer in Krakow itself, and LS botched my Classic big time and we are still arguing - they still have my car!

What Landy are you bringing? Any ideas where you are heading?

Ian.


Hi Folks,

I'm thinking of planning a trip to Eastern Europe next year and was wondering has anybody any advice or experiance on routes, digital maps and general tourist advice (good and bad) for Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

I'm looking at the Lonely Planet guide books and have a selection of Michhelin maps to plan a rough route, but your thoughts and experience would be welcome.

Any advice or top tips would be appreciated.

Regards

Alex

[tony109]

I driven through all of eastern europe, in a series 2a. No problems at all. People friendly and now most of it is part of the euro zone, theres even less excuss for it to be a challenge.. Buying visas and insurance at the boarder was all i had to do, but now days you probably wont even have to do that..

[DaphnesDad]

Hmm, might be worth checking with your insurance company too; despite EU and a 'borderless' Europe, all is not as clear as it should be. My Polish insurance company specifically state they will NOT insure me in Ukraine, for example. Better safe than sorry.
In general, be aware that people over here have experienced a sudden rush of cars and money, with far more people on the roads than they ever used to have, most with limited experience or skill! Despite being a 2-part driving test and apparently quite tough, Poles are certainly some of the worst and least considerate drivers I have ever seen - beaten only by Ukranians!
If you get stopped by police for speeding you will be expected to pay a hefty fine on the spot - they WILL be able to explain how much, and how many points, even if you don't speak the language. Points SHOULD go on your licence back in the UK, but never do - too much paperwork. Normally I just claim I don't have the money on me - show them a virtually empty wallet - they can't let you drive to a cashpoint as you obviously won't come back. Worst I ever got was one sergeant telling me I had to call a friend to bring the money - and he got bored waiting and told me to go and not do it again. Plead ignorance or stupidity, it's cheaper than a bribe. In a UK registered car though, the likelihood is you never will.
In the event of an accident, you may be asked by the other party to pay cash and save involving the police or insurance companies - quite common here.

[Brucey]

Currently in Warsaw. Agree with all the point above, particularly about the drivers.

Also, the police quite often do not understand that you are covered by your UK insurance (even though it says Europe/EU on it), so, if you can, get a Green card (or whatever the extra insurance cert is called). In addition, a problem that I had, is that if you are towing a trailer, you will need some proof that it is covered by your car insurance (here they are registered and insured seprately) as I nearly got my trailer impounded as it had no docs.

Other than that I have had no problems at all (well other than speeding tickets mentioned above:D).

[wadams20]

My Navigon was quite handy in Czech although not 100% accurate. I have recently updated the map and it covers a lot more of eastern europe now. We were in Slovenia recently. Very nice place, friendly people, no longer as cheap as it used to be since it joined the EU. Bled is very nice. Check the prices for vignettes before you go. While you can get an Austrian one for a week for about 7€ the Slovenian one is around 35€ and good for six months but if you are only staying one night you still wont be able to get out of the country without buying one. Its the little things that we forget that end up costing more money!

[dogwood]

brother in law moved to bulgaria raods in romania where horrendous and they wouldn't let him into north yugoslavia what ever its called now....wished he had a landy

[wildrover883]

I am a Brit living in western Poland , about 60 miles over the border from Germany on an old farm....If you are passing my way you can camp for free , and get advice on traveling in Poland , Ukraine , Russia or Belarus , as i have blundered my way through all of these places.....Biggest problem in Poland is crazy drivers , worse in Ukraine and Belarus , and the roads there are lethal....Mind you my last trip to Ukraine was on a Harley...never again.....!

[Paul64]

brother in law moved to bulgaria raods in romania where horrendous and they wouldn't let him into north yugoslavia what ever its called now....wished he had a landy

Major routes in Romania have dramatically improved over the past 18 months with massive EU investment. Anyone passing this way should be aware that we supply Land Rover parts and offer mechanical services to over landers. We are becoming a bit of a pit stop for the long haulers who want to camp for a night or two. Our British mechanic can offer servicing repairs and advice. However, if you are on route and want to stop by for a chat, cup of tea and service your own vehicle, you are welcome to use our workshop free of charge. We also have a noticeboard for you to leave messages for friends following or other travellers in the area wishing to hitch a ride.

On route to where you may ask? Many passing over landers arrive from Bran (Dracula's castle!) via Brasov, then here to the village of Ojdula at the base of the Vrancea mountain range. This is the longer but far more scenic route to the Danube Delta.

If we can be of help, please give us a shout!

Cheers, Paul.

[davies435]

Hi Folks,

I'm thinking of planning a trip to Eastern Europe next year and was wondering has anybody any advice or experiance on routes, digital maps and general tourist advice (good and bad) for Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.


Any advice or top tips would be appreciated.



Alex - I'm a Brit now living in Slovakia (15 mins off the main motorway from Bratislava to the High tatras mountain range into Poland. If you come via this route you can stay in our Farm-house (gratis). I can help you with routes, tips and have full workshop facilities here.

Mike