If you are thinking of heading to Torun and other parts of eastern Europe, have you contemplated the driving option? It's true that you will have to log a fair few hours in the car (probably best measured in days), but there's nothing like seeing things at ground level to make you feel like you've really travelled the distance to reach your holiday destinations. The sense of freedom gained when deciding your own route and itinerary is almost euphoric at times, and can be likened to doing a self drive USA tour. The ability to just take a turn-off that looks like fun is almost as priceless as being able to make 'pit stops' when you actually need them!

The sheer number of kilometres between home and away can be a little overwhelming (it seems less when you measure in miles!), but a little preparation goes a long way. If you've experienced any driving holidays Canada, you will have some idea of what the undertaking will be like, except that you will be crossing international instead of interprovincial borders. The weather, terrain, and local drivers can all be a bit unpredictable, but if you ensure that you have a reliable vehicle (get the brakes and wipers checked), decent maps, a sensible driver, and a capable insurance company, you should be okay. Definitely carry a roaming mobile phone with you, and a functional GPS or sat-nav system wouldn't go astray either (excuse the pun). Especially with the help of satellite navigation (which is very popular on driving holidays USA these days), you should be able to negotiate the slightly-terrifying mountain passes, and any dirt roads you decide to explore.

Once you reach the accommodation at the end of your cross-continent drive, you can lock up the car for a while. Unpack your things, shuffle up to the bar, and order something refreshing, or something numbing, if that feels more appropriate. Speak to some of the bar flies, and you will gain a lot of valuable information from the local perspective. It may feel like you've just completed several drive tours Canada, but unlike tripping across North America, you have arrived in a completely different culture, and probably language. Enjoy your stay, and make sure you've left enough time for a nice meandering drive home!