Our compatriots have recently been trying to diversify their leisure as much as possible, preferring increasingly exotic routes. However, according to experts, the desire for a change of scenery does not apply to the choice of New Year's tour at all: while 'betraying' the motherland on New Year's Eve, citizens remain loyal to proven and long-favorite resorts. And, as specialists claim, there are at least two reasons for this: 'First,' explains Tatiana Olkhovskaya, a manager at one of the capital's travel companies, 'the financial aspect plays an important role. Prices for New Year's tours are usually inflated twofold, and considering that the whole family goes on vacation, such a trip costs a pretty penny. Moreover, in my observation, on New Year's even the most advanced travelers prefer not to experiment with unfamiliar countries, going to proven places for vacation.'
We are becoming more organized in terms of vacation planning – this is another observation that market participants share with no little pleasure. 'Looking at Western "colleagues" booking tours several months before the trip, our travelers, who used to do everything at the last minute and therefore had to settle for not the most interesting tour offers, have in the last couple of years started thinking about New Year's vacation already in October-November,' says Yuri Orlov, director of one of the travel agencies. 'And thus, they not only get the opportunity to choose a tour suitable in price and conditions, but also insure themselves against problems with visa processing.'
Somewhere summer
Running away to the south is perhaps the most cherished desire 'in the cold winter season.' So it's no wonder that many prefer a palm tree to a New Year's tree, and an invigorating exotic cocktail to frozen champagne. And it is at this time, according to tour operators, that the somewhat tiresome Egypt becomes especially relevant. 'Contrary to popular belief, this destination cannot be called year-round,' says Oleg Maslov, a manager at one of the capital's travel agencies. 'In winter, the temperature here barely reaches +25 degrees, which means there is simply no better time to visit the famous pyramids, which take 9 hours to reach across the desert.' A New Year's treat will cost on average $720 for an 8-day vacation for one person in a 4-star hotel.
A more varied program awaits tourists in the United Arab Emirates: a quiet beach holiday plus high-class service – that's what attracts tourists from all over the world to this country. But, as experts claim, during the New Year holidays the flow of those wanting to sunbathe on the local beaches increases many times over. However, water fun is not all that the Emirates can please their guests with: experienced travelers know that this country is considered a duty-free zone, so excellent shopping is guaranteed for everyone. The price tag – from $1.5 thousand per person for a week-long tour (4-star hotel).
Recently, experts have named Goa among the most popular New Year's destinations. For tourists, it is conditionally divided into two zones: the southern one, where pilgrims tired of city bustle are greeted by the soothing sound of the surf and bungalows on the coast, and the northern one, where young people from all over the world flock in anticipation of a vibrant nightlife during the Christmas holidays. Particularly active vacationers who manage to find time between sea bathing and beach parties are awaited at Ayurveda centers, impressions of which, as connoisseurs assure, will last the whole year. A New Year's tour can be purchased for an average of €2 thousand per person.
In general, the demand for exotic destinations has always been there among our compatriots. Acquaintance with such countries began with Thailand, which still holds its positions: thousands of our compatriots go to New Year in Thailand. Magnificent beaches, a huge number of entertainment venues, including for fans of 'adult entertainment,' ensure a steady flow of tourists. Ten-day holidays will cost an average of $3 thousand per person.
However, it seems that in the upcoming New Year holidays, Thailand will miss a considerable number of guests: according to experts, some of them will head to explore the whimsical reefs in the Maldives, enjoy the pristine nature of the Seychelles, and listen to the sounds of salsa in Cuba. 'These destinations were considered elitist until recently,' continues Yuri Orlov, 'and although tour prices only increase every year, the number of tourists choosing these routes is growing rapidly. Moreover, despite the seasonal price increase for trips, it is during New Year's that one of the peaks in demand occurs.'
For those who prefer colder weather
Well, for those who have nothing against winter fun, the direct route is to ski resorts. For example, Finland is an ideal option for a family vacation. 'Of course, this country cannot be called a "skiing power": there are no mountains here, but beginner skiers can learn the basics by skiing down hills,' explains Tatiana Olkhovskaya. 'However, tourists are attracted here not by that: Finland is considered the birthplace of Santa Claus, so on New Year's parents bring their children here so that they can sit on his lap and whisper their most cherished wishes in his ear, which, as is customary on New Year's Eve, will surely come true.' A trip to a fairy tale will cost from €1.5 thousand per person.
Having trained on the hills of Finland, you can safely go to conquer the slopes of Bulgaria and Andorra. Although the local ski centers do not have trails interesting from the point of view of professionals, for amateur skiers all conditions are created here. “In the eyes of tourists, local resorts look even more attractive due to the relatively low cost of the tour,” the specialist continues. “A week-long tour even during the New Year holidays will cost just over €700 per person. That is why these countries are so popular among European, and now also domestic youth.” In addition, the small state of Andorra is also considered a duty-free trade zone, which means that shopping lovers will be in for a good and, importantly, affordable shopping experience.
Experienced skiers should consider a New Year's tour to Italy or Austria. Thanks to the high mountains, local resorts can always boast an impressive snow cap and the most suitable weather for skiing. In addition, there are trails here for both beginners who are unsteady on skis and for the most advanced extreme sports enthusiasts. The only downside to holidays in these countries is the high cost of tours, which, however, is offset by an equally high level of service. A tour for one person in a four-star hotel will cost at least €1,500 per week, excluding meals.