Lenta.ru talked to representatives of the Russian tourism industry about this and compiled a list of countries where we are most likely to receive a warm welcome.
Sanctions – and let Europe wait
As representatives of the Russian tourism industry note, the markedly weakened ruble and strained relations between Russia and European countries have led to a reorientation of tourist demand. Our vacationers have lost some love for Rome, Paris, London and other former European travel hits. Asian and Latin American countries are in favor.
According to data from the travel service Momondo, provided to Lenta.ru, in September and October 2014, a decrease in interest of Russian tourists in European Union countries was recorded. For example, Spain and France left the top five most popular destinations (with Spain losing three positions on the list, and France as many as seven).
But Asia and some Latin American countries have noticeably risen in the search engine ranking. For example, Thai Phuket was in seventh place last year, and this year it rose to fourth. In addition, Momondo notes increased interest in Cuba (plus 4 percent in the first two autumn months) and Vietnam (plus 8 percent).
The chain of travel agencies «Goryachie Tury» also confirmed the lack of excitement around old Europe. Compared to the same period in 2013, demand fell by 40 percent. "Europe suffered the most due to exchange rate fluctuations," said tour operators.
Yes, plane tickets to Paris are several times cheaper than a flight to the neighboring hemisphere, but internal prices in Europe, given the low exchange rate of the Russian currency, become unaffordable for many tourists. The psychological factor, that is, the notorious good attitude, also plays its role.
Based on this, Lenta.ru decided to compile its own mini-ranking of friendly countries where Russian tourists are welcomed with open arms despite all the political and economic squabbles of the outgoing year.
Brazil: Copacabana and capybaras
Brazil is a Mecca for beach lovers, because the most popular beach in the world, Copacabana, is located in this country. The best time to visit Brazil is our winter (summer in Brazil at that time), and it is worth starting your acquaintance with the country from Rio de Janeiro, where the famous carnival takes place in January.
Unfortunately, there is no direct air service between Moscow and Rio, but Russian tourists do not need a visa. The average cost of a round-trip ticket with a transfer in one of the European countries is 40 thousand rubles. When organizing a trip independently, you should remember that the crime situation in the city leaves much to be desired, so when choosing accommodation, pay special attention to the area. In Rio, there are places where a tourist can be deprived not only of an iPhone and credit card, but also of life itself. Upscale neighborhoods like Copacabana, Lagoa, Leblon are completely safe for tourists.
By Brazilian standards, Rio is a fairly expensive city. For example, a taxi costs 40-50 reais (15-20 dollars), the average bill in a restaurant is 200-250 reais (80-90 dollars). For 20-30 reais, you will be perfectly fed in a small cafe: a juicy piece of meat with vegetables and rice, amazing freshly squeezed juice.
In Rio, it makes sense to combine beach relaxation with sightseeing. Entrance to city beaches is free. Museum tickets cost from 5 to 30 reais (2-10 dollars).
Locals strongly recommend finding time to visit the park Around Lagoa. Capybaras live here – rodents the size of a five-year-old child. Capybaras are so adorable that they can cause a prolonged fit of "aww" even in the coldest hearts.
Cuba: socialism and palm trees
Another visa-free option for Russian tourists is the Island of Freedom. Cuba is a great alternative to the tiresome Egypt and Turkey, because the swimming season here lasts all year round. Cubans remember the long and happy history of interstate relations between our countries, so Russians are welcomed here as family.
A direct flight to the island from Moscow will cost from 40 to 60 thousand rubles per person. If you take a ready-made tour, the flight is significantly cheaper. You can stay in luxurious hotels or with private individuals for 25 dollars per night. The average price of a hotel room is 80-100 dollars per night.
Lunch at a restaurant serving national cuisine is about 20 dollars. Local dishes can be accompanied by legendary Cuban rum. A bottle of excellent quality pirate drink costs only 10 dollars.
Transport links on the island are not very developed, but nevertheless the price of a bus ride is truly surprising – about two Russian rubles! You can use taxi services, especially if you are a connoisseur of American and Soviet retro cars. The cost of traveling in a "time machine" will not exceed one dollar per kilometer.
Lovers of excursions and architectural monuments will also find a lot of interesting things on beach Cuba. For example, in Havana you should explore the ancient Spanish fortresses of the 17th-18th centuries that defended the city from raids by bloodthirsty Caribbean pirates.
Vietnam: pearl seekers
Vietnam has been among the most popular winter beach travel destinations for Russian tourists for many years. The abundance of ready-made tour offers, low prices, and excellent attitude of the local population make this country, along with Thailand, a strong competitor to Egypt.
Here, both fans of a leisurely hotel lifestyle and "wild" tourists have a great time. The price for a package tour per person starts at 30 thousand rubles. For this money, you get a standard set: flight, accommodation in a budget hotel, three meals a day.
It is much more interesting to travel around Ho Chi Minh's country independently. Then the airfare will cost 20-25 thousand rubles. A visa only needs to be obtained if the trip lasts more than two weeks. Experts advise staying in the town of Hue. There are few Russian tourists, cheap apartments, excellent food. Nearby are amazing palaces and temples (Hue was once the capital of emperors). There are many pubs and restaurants in the city, so it is unlikely to have a quiet rest.
For contemplating stunning nature, the place Mui Ne is more suitable. Prices in guesthouses start from 20 dollars. The first line is occupied by hotels, but that is from 100 dollars per night.
The food in Vietnam is very tasty. Restaurants and inexpensive cafes are everywhere. The average bill for two is from 20 dollars (in a restaurant). On the street, cheap fresh fruits and delicious juices are sold (for just half a dollar).
You can get around either by public buses, which, unfortunately, sometimes resemble ancient Soviet PAZ buses, or by rented motorbikes. The price is from 15 dollars per day for a simple model. Meanwhile, you need strong nerves, as the Vietnamese do not like to follow traffic rules.
From Vietnam you can bring amazing pearls. A strand of large white pearls (naturally, cultured) costs about 50 dollars. Natural ones are, of course, even better, but they are many times more expensive. In addition, you can buy excellent beach bags, vodka 'with a snake' and the time-tested balm 'Zvezdochka'. Knowledgeable people assure that such potent 'Zvezdochka' has not been available in Russia for a long time.
Read the continuation of the article:
Where a Russian tourist should go (part 2)
Daria KLIMOVA.
«Lenta.ru»