1. Every visitor to Poland must have a valid passport to enter. U.S. citizens can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days. There is a six months passport validity requirement for U.S. citizens entering Poland like most countries.

2. The European Union is facilitating travel within Europe with the EU Digital COVID Certificate, a digital pass for EU and U.S. residents who have been vaccinated for COVID-19, tested negative for the virus, or have recovered from it will be needed upon entry to or exit from Poland. To visit other European countries with stringent COVID-19 requirements, go through Poland as I did (Poland is considered a Safe Zone). One can enter countries such as the Netherlands through Poland without being checked, unvaccinated, or with a negative test result.

3. Before arrival to Poland, one must have a record locator. Go on to the Polish website klp.gov.pl to fill out the 'passenger locator form' with all the pertinent details needed prior to your departure date. You will need your name, date of birth, flight information, hotel or accomodation details, as well as your arrival date. One would not be allowed to board their flight without producing a copy of your record locator form which houses a verification code. 

4. An excellent resource is the U.S. State Departments detailed website travel.state.gov or copy and paste this link for country specific COVID-19 requirements.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/requirements-for-air-travelers-to-the-us.html or https://www.afar.com/magazine/when-will-we-be-able-to-travel-to-europe

5. Fully vaccinated travelers (meaning it has been at least 14 days since their second dose if two doses were required) entering Poland, including those from the U.S., are exempt from an otherwise mandatory 10-day quarantine. Visit www.gov.pl or copy and paste https://www.gov.pl/web/coronavirus/travel on your url browser for full details on requirements before embarking on your trip to Poland.

6. The easiest way to get to Hel, is by ferry. Hel is a beautiful resort town that must not be missed. Wear comfortable shoes so you can thoroughly explore this city that keeps on unfolding beautiful surprises. It takes hours to explore, but be mindful not to miss your Ferry back to your Tri-City if you aren't spending the night. There are Ferry's to and fro the neighboring towns or tri-cities.

7. When visiting Poland or other countries, remember to have credit cards with no foreign transaction fees in your possession such as American Express or a credit card that garners points; particularly, if you are a points junkie like me. Saving on all those fees goes a very long way. Credit cards are accepted everywhere, such as hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, etc. When visiting open air markets or private shops, be sure to have plenty of cash.

8. Download maps.me and rome2rio.com to offer directions in and around the city with or without WIFI connection.

9. Get a SIM card for international calls to stay connected with family and friends abroad when free WIFI isn't available.

10. The currency of choice in Poland is the Polish Zloty (PLN). Always remember to withdraw a country's currency at the ATM machine located INSIDE the airport upon arrival or at the baggage claim area. This will help eliminate any fraudlent attempts or prevent you from utilizing an ATM machine that has been compromised. Also, you'll get better exchange rates from your bank, a much lower bank fee in exchange, and you'll save some money while eliminating Bureau de change fees, commisions and/or questionable exchange rates.

11. Always have a copy of your passport on you. It's imperative to have this on hand for any unforeseen circumstances, especially when changing your countries currency to Euros.

12. Try to take advantage of any cities or countries near the country you are visiting. For instance, consider taking the ferry to Hel which is roughly 2.5 hours from Gdańsk by Ferry. Gdynia and Sopot are only 20 minutes away from the resort town of Gdańsk, so these should definitely be added on to your itinerary. They can be explored by day for a few hours. Krakow, Auschwitz and Warsaw are train rides away - roughly 3.5 hours away. Take advantage of this. Some of these cities or countries nearby can be crossed off your life or bucket list on one trip. This translates to savings. Carpe diem (always seize the moment).

13. Depending on when you are visiting, you'd need an umbrella, sunblock, sunglasses, sweater, a jacket, the usuals. So bring these items with you depending on the season and time of year you'd be visiting Poland. Try to  ignore the inconvenience of having them in your luggage. In Europe, you just never know. Chances are you may and/or definitely need them. 

14. As always while visiting other countries or cities, wear comfortable shoes, choose appropriate clothing for the climate, weather and/or region. Be mindful, be modest, be aware, be alert, and be kind. Always try to adapt to each countries ideals and requirements in-lieu of imposing your own.