Poles are more and more frequently taking short holidays several times in a year instead of long trips, say travel agencies, who have been observing increased interest in weekend breaks.

One of the reasons is that Poles are reluctant to take longer periods off work, concerned that they might not have a job to which they can return. Another is money - longer holidays are more cost-consuming.

More and more Poles are making weekend breaks for shopping, restaurant or theatre visits, or to attend sports events. Travel agents calculate that the popularity of weekend stays could rise by some 40 percent this year.

Contributing to the good perspectives of this segment of the travel market are low air fares. Many travel bureaux in Poland admit that they have responded to the interest expanding their offer of 3-to-4 day excursions to major European cities and amusement parks. (ek/jb)