Total for 2 people, 5 nights: $2,250
Average Hotel Rate: $118
Average Airfare: $830
Why it's worth visiting: Poland's capital offers up an Old World Europe experience rich in culture and history. You'll certainly get a good dose of both in Old Town, the half-mile district on the west bank of the Vistula River that was meticulously restored after World War II. The streets of this pedestrian-friendly zone are dotted with restaurants, boutiques, and galleries.
Once you've experienced Old Town, spend a few hours touring the Royal Castle, the former residence of the Polish monarchs. Then reward yourself with lunch at U Kucharzy, located in a historic hotel. The open kitchen allows you to watch chefs prepare specialties like steak tartare and stuffed goose.
"The food mimics the menu from the 1930s," says Gwen Kozlowski, a Tampa travel specialist who focuses on Eastern Europe. "It's a really interesting experience." Save room for rose-petal-jam-filled doughnuts from confectioner Cukiernia A. Blikle.
Why it's a deal: Poland is still on its local currency, the zloty. So you'll find a favorable exchange rate here, vs. in the eurozone. Also, Warsaw isn't yet a major tourist destination, says Kozlowski. As a result, five-star hotels last year averaged only $129 a night, per Hotels.com -- 60% less than those in Prague.
Hotels built for this year's Euro 2012 soccer tournament will also keep inventory high and rates down for most of the year. Just avoid going in June, when footie fans will descend.
Where to stay: The five-star Le Meridien Bristol, a 10-minute walk from Old Town. Because it's in the midst of a renovation, the hotel is a bargain, says Kozlowski; rates start at $113 a night. (Work is being done floor by floor, so it shouldn't disturb your stay.)
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