6 Tips for Traveling Poland Like a Local

No matter where you’re traveling, you’re going to want to fit into the local culture. Big tourist destinations can be great to see and spend some time at, but it’s also important to experience where you are like a local. Many cities are much different from how they’re presented to tourists; take time to see what a new place is truly like by experiencing it like a local. While there are some tips you can apply no matter where you go, I’m going to highlight traveling in Poland.

Understand basic facts

One of the best ways to experience a new city or country like a local is to simply familiarize yourself with the place before you go there. Learn how the public transportation works and what type of currency is used (in Poland, they use the zloty, though some establishments accept euros). Know what airports are located where and some basic facts about the culture. Take the time to learn common Polish phrases that can help with communicating while you’re traveling.

Actually talk to locals

When you’re in Poland, actually make an effort to communicate with the locals. Some people may not speak English very well, but many are willing to talk to you and give advice on great places to visit or get food. Do not be shy about talking to locals; even if they aren’t particularly friendly, most people are welcoming!

Try the traditional food

Poland has incredible cuisine. No matter what dietary restrictions you have, there’s bound to be some type of traditional Polish food you can try. Even if it doesn’t sound that appealing, step outside of your comfort zone a little. Perogies are one of the most traditional Polish foods and come in a variety of types; go ahead and give them a try.

Visit other cities

It can be tempting to simply go to the big cities, such as Warsaw or Krakow, but there are many other towns and cities to see in Poland. Find smaller places that have historical significance or beautiful sites. Most cities are known for something interesting, so find a place off the beaten path to visit. It might be more difficult to find people who speak English, but the uniqueness of your trip will more than make up for it.

Check out natural sites

One of the most rewarding experiences of traveling is seeing the natural beauty in new places. Most travelers tend to stick to teeming cities and visit man-made sites. However, no matter where you go, there are natural wonders you can see. In Poland, you can hike (or ski, depending on the time of year) the Karkonosze Mountains. These beautiful peaks run along the border Poland shares with the Czech Republic and offer stunning views.

Utilize technology

Luckily, we now live in the age of technology, which makes travel much easier. Check out online forums or blogs in order to get an idea of local places to visit while traveling. There are plenty of websites and apps that make it even easier to travel as a local; learn as much as you can before your trip!

5 Tips for Saving for Retirement While You’re Young

No matter how old you are, it’s never too early to begin planning for retirement. The earlier you start, the better shape you’ll be in when it comes time to leave the workforce. You may adore your job and never want to leave, but eventually it’s going to be time to stop working and retire. When you’re young, retirement is decades away and seems like something you can worry about in the future. However, it’s important to begin thinking about this important decision now and taking steps to give future you a great retirement.

Open a Roth IRA

If you’re young, one of the first steps you should take for retirement is opening a Roth IRA. There are other types of retirement accounts, but for most people in their 20s (and sometimes 30s), a Roth IRA is the best option. Do your own research to decide what type of account is best for you, but open your account as soon as possible and begin saving. Even if you aren’t working full-time, putting away a little money at a time goes a long way.

Utilize work options

If you have career and are working full-time, it’s likely your company offers the chance to put money into a retirement account, such as a 401(k). Take advantage of this offer. It can be tempting to simply take as much money in your paycheck as possible, but even setting aside a small amount from your paycheck is a good idea, especially if your company offers to match what you contribute to the account. It’s free money that you’ll benefit from later in life.

Set up automatic deposits

You might tell yourself you’ll contribute a certain amount of money to your retirement fund each month, but it can be difficult to remember and you may be tempted to skip a month in order to put that money toward something else you want to purchase. If it’s possible, cut back on spending in other areas in order to contribute as much as possible to your retirement funds. Set up automatic deposits so you don’t have to remember to transfer the money; if you take it off of your paycheck before you get paid, you won’t notice it’s gone.

Understand the process

One of the big reasons people don’t start saving for retirement at a young age is because they do not clearly understand the importance of saving or the process of it. Educate yourself and save for your future. If the idea of investments confuses you, find a company that does most of the work for you, has low fees, and understand the basics of investing your retirement funds.

Don’t cash out

As tempting as it may be to pull money out of a retirement fund because you think you really need it, avoid doing this as much as possible. You’re only hurting yourself in the future by pulling money out and usually you’ll have to pay a fee or some other kind of penalty if you withdraw money from your account before you’re supposed to. Instead, build up a solid emergency fund so you don’t have to fall back onto your retirement savings.

from Manisha Dorawala | Professional Overview http://manishadorawala.com/5-tips-for-saving-for-retirement-while-youre-young/
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