From constant invasions to wartime demolition to Communist rule, Poland has endured more than its fair share of hardship throughout history. Today, this Eastern European nation has successfully transformed itself into one of the area’s most economically secure countries and most popular tourist destinations.

Most international visitors to Poland fly into Frederic Chopin International Airport, the country’s largest airport which also bears the name of its most famous composer. The airport is located in Poland’s capital city of Warsaw and serves as the most significant car hire in Poland pick-up spots. Travelling through Poland by car rental is especially advised for visitors who would like to explore all of this country’s attractions at their own pace.

Warsaw suffered through massive devastation during WWII, but completely resurrected itself from the ashes while preserving historic remainders of its glorious past such as the Royal Castle and the Lazienki Palace along the Royal Way, and the lovely and trendy Old Town district, both located on the western side of the Vistula River dividing Warsaw in half.

Also easily accessible by Poland hire car are Czestochowa, home of the Jasna Gora Monastery, and Wieliczka, site of Europe’s oldest salt mine. The Masuria area boasts 3,000 lakes where visitors may swim or sail to their heart’s content, while the towering Tatra Mountains transform from a wintertime skiing paradise to a stunning hiking trail network once the weather heats up. Several endangered species call the Bialowieza Forest, one of Europe’s only remaining wilderness sites, home.