Why do Russians more often choose to travel abroad? 3 main reasons

The North-West of Russia surpasses Egypt in size by almost 700 thousand km². However, in the “land of pharaohs” on a relatively smaller territory you can count hundreds, if not thousands of five-star hotels with full service. And at a lower cost than, for example, in Karelia. Of course, everything depends on the request, but in Russia the price is often higher with less service.

Seasonality

Even in warm parts of Russia, for example, in Sochi, the season lasts from May to the end of September – beginning of October. For comparison, in the Emirates it lasts almost all year round – from March to the end of November, which gives our tourists a chance to choose a more suitable time for a trip without trying to get stuck in the short summer season. In Moscow or St. Petersburg, the active phase of the season is limited to three summer months. The main influx in winter falls on New Year holidays. That is, tourists have a relatively narrow window for traveling. Consequently, accommodation facilities are idle for 7-8 months a year. So it turns out that there is simply no one to build a five-star hotel for.

Fatigue from the long winter

Sergei: The main and, perhaps, the decisive factor. Most of our citizens are tired of the long and gray winter. They want to warm up and swim in the sea. We have the Black Sea coast, but it is almost always full. That leaves other countries – Turkey, Egypt, the UAE, Thailand. For example, a Tyumen resident, an oil worker, who has been sitting in the winter tundra for three or four months, is unlikely to want to go to the Murmansk region to look at the tundra and snowdrifts again. He will certainly consider Sochi as one of his options. However, it will be closer and cheaper for him to fly to Thailand. The same applies to residents of other Russian cities. Even in Moscow and St. Petersburg winter is long. And in general comparison there are few people willing to spend their short summer vacation to go to freeze even further north.

Before the pandemic, foreigners often visited Russia and came to freeze in our region. They liked the untouched nature, cold, wild landscapes, harsh lakes and seas, harsh climate, sparsely populated regions, roadlessness. It was new to them. Most Russians are not surprised by this. They have already been to such places.

Do Russians want to travel around their native country?

Russians began to travel more often in their own country, which gave some impetus to the development of domestic tourism. And if this trend continues after all restrictions are lifted, then perhaps there will be high-class hotels, special equipment for tourists and much more. Consequently, the service will improve and the price will decrease due to the constant flow.

Kamchatka

In addition, every resident of our country has a place that he would like to see in Russia since childhood. And most often there are several such places. With the advent of the pandemic and other events, people who constantly postponed their trips for later, decided that it was time to drive around Russia as well. Some decided to go to see monasteries, temples and sights, others – to admire nature.

Sergey: A lot of people were interested, for example, in the northern lights. Five years ago only Chinese citizens went to see this natural phenomenon. Now in winter time applications for these programs come daily from Russians. In Kaliningrad crowds of our tourists go to the Curonian Spit and to Amber. Five years ago only a small percentage of tourists applied to these destinations. However, during this time our citizens have actively studied their native land, told their acquaintances about their trips and interesting places. And they also wanted to see it.

Murmansk region

What destinations in Russia are gaining popularity?

Krasnodar region

Anna Mikhailova

travel expert, head of sales at Go Travel

Resorts in this region have been at the peak of popularity for years. For example, new hotels are built every year in Anapa, a beautiful promenade is reconstructed in Gelendzhik, and Sochi can offer its guests many decent accommodation options with a high level of service. We must admit that the prices in high season are quite high for everything, so it is recommended to plan your vacation in advance.

Anapa

Crimea

The peninsula is also rich in natural and architectural sights – sanatoriums in the Crimea are rightly considered one of the best on the therapeutic base. A lot of ordinary guest houses with minimal service, but hospitable hosts. The destination provides rest for all categories of tourists.

Yalta

Caucasus

Tours to the Caucasus are also particularly popular, where travelers can expect a warm welcome and the grandeur of nature. However, one can hardly count on a high level of service and high-level hotels here. But people come here to find harmony and mental balance. Prices are very affordable for everything.

Dagestan

安娜 Central and North-Western regions are used to a large flow of tourists, large cities and small towns are trying to offer their guests the best rest, excursion tours are actively developing, as well as cruises on Russian rivers. The quality of service, especially in small towns, of course, suffers. But you have to give credit to the management, tourism workers are trying very hard and learning to meet the highest standards.