Oh boy... Poland... in September...
Well for one thing, prices will not be too high (food especially) and not so crowded like in previous "summer" months. Although the weather may not be the best (more British-like
).
So, Poland... welcome to the battlefield
Seriously, these lands were always a place all European powers had to cross on their way for known-world domination. French, Russians, Germans, Swedes and Turks, they all had to fight here. But in the times between conflicts, trading routs had also go through these lands... remains of both you will see in this country.
I'm not a tour guide type... especially for women (It's so easier to tour men here, it needs only
one sentence !
). You would have to say what interest you.
If its sightseeing, than going to Tatra mountains will be a good choice. If you are interested in history, than Krakow is the first thing to see (especially as there is an international airport). That city is a good place to start anyway as it is not far to Tatras, there are some very good restaurants, and lots of small caffes, pubs and clubs. There is an old salt mine, converted into museum (Wieliczka), and not far away from there -
Auschwitz (That Nazi holocaust camp converted into museum is not really recommended, unless someone want to deeply think about the humanity and what its 'dark side' is capable of).
If someone want to have a good time, Krakow, and Wroclaw are good places in that time - but it may be a bit to late for going see Mazury - part of northeastern Poland with lots of lakes and forests (and mosquito's). Or the Baltic sea coast line (Sopot, Hel, Leba, Ustka, Kolobrzeg, Swinoujscie).
Few words of advise:
- Even though the city of Lodz is considered a "Fun-loving", that "Fun" part sometimes go to extremes, and I don't recommend it
- If travel by trains, if possible - choose "InterCity". Those are less likely to be late, and represent higher standard... although may be expensive.
- Communication shouldn't be a problem, at least with people bellow 30-some. Olders rarely had English in schools, and if it was, it was teched poorly (the whole Soviet block thing you know )
- Polish language may sound funny - lot's of swish sounds. Trying to pronounce anything leads to tongue cramp, and its one of the toughest to learn (if not 3 different alphabets - even Japanese would be simpler). Although in many restaurants food names are in both Polish, and English. And many different things have their original French or English names.
- Even though it won't be the summer time, it would be wise to look for hotels or lodging-houses and reserve place in advance