Travel Behavior in Poland

Polish Travelers are Confident DIY Planners

Polish travelers display a solid level of independence when it comes to planning: 53% prefer to arrange their trips by themselves, placing them ahead of most MENA and Asian countries.

This independence, however, doesn’t translate into adventurous destination choices. Most Poles stay within Europe, with Western Europe, Southern Europe, and Central/Eastern Europe as top picks. Just 2%–3% plan to visit farther regions like Southeast Asia, East Asia, or the Americas.

This reveals a need for DIY booking tools, but not necessarily ones focused on complex multi-country trips. Simpler planners with strong European inventory, cross-border mobility options, and weekend-trip inspiration might serve this audience best.

Relaxation First, Culture Later: A Value-Driven Travel Mindset

Poles overwhelmingly lean into relaxation when choosing travel styles: 65% say they prefer restful trips, one of the highest figures globally. Adventure, culture, and food experiences are less favorred.

Unlike markets like Japan or France, Polish travelers seem less be drawn by immersive or experiential travel narratives. Instead, they prioritize mental rest, comfort, and simplicity.

This opens clear positioning for wellness-focused getaways, spa hotels, lakeside retreats, and light-touch leisure itineraries that don’t overwhelm. Messaging that emphasizes “less effort, more recharge” will likely outperform deeper cultural discovery pitches.

Smart with Spending: Budget-Friendly But Quality-Focused Lodging Choices

Despite their preference for restful experiences, 50% of Polish travelers choose budget-friendly lodging, and only 14% opt for premium stays. But unlike Japan or India, Poland has a stronger mid-tier potential: 25% choose 3-4 star options, often the sweet spot for practical comfort.

They’re not price-sensitive in the extreme, but highly value-driven. They’re willing to pay for quality, just not for luxury’s sake. Branded boutique hotels, family-run guesthouses, or modern 3-4 star chains with good design and location may appeal strongly to this group.

Providers shouldn’t assume “budget” means low expectation. For many Poles, it simply means smart spending, not cutting corners.

Short-Haul Europe as the Safe Zone

Polish travelers show a clear preference for regional travel, with less interest in long-haul destinations. This is likely influenced by familiarity, accessibility, cost, and convenience.

For European destinations, this creates a natural opportunity. Tourism boards, rail operators, and EU-wide travel coalitions could target Poles as the ideal “regional explorer”—offering flexible weekend packages, eco-conscious city breaks, or restorative nature escapes within 2–3 hours of home.