Egypt attracts tourists with relatively low tour costs and the opportunity to see with their own eyes one of the wonders of the world – the pyramids. “Moreover, September and October are the harvest season. There is an opportunity to taste not only traditional gifts of nature, such as strawberries or bananas, but also the most exotic vegetables and fruits,” Elena Polskaya, director of a travel agency, told Novye Izvestia. In Egypt, people mostly vacation in two cities: Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh. “The main entertainment for tourists is diving, because the Red Sea is unique in its kind: no other waters can be found with such a number of bizarre creatures as here,” believes Elena Polskaya. The average cost of a week-long tour to Egypt in the shoulder season ranges from $600-950 per person.
For fans of not only beach vacations but also nightlife, Thailand is ideal. Nowhere else is there such a number of nightlife entertainment as in this exotic kingdom on the coast of the Indian Ocean. An abundance of bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and beach discos will delight even the most discerning reveler. Resort cities include Pattaya and Phuket. The cost of the tour depends on the chosen hotel and travel conditions; on average, a week-long tour per person will cost $900-1,500.
Another popular destination is Tunisia. “Usually those who are tired of Egypt go there. The main resort cities are Sousse and Hammamet. In this country, tourists are attracted by ancient architecture – excavations and mosques of unprecedented beauty. Historians believe that the city of Sousse is older than Carthage itself,” says travel agency director Kirill Lepko. Tunisia and Egypt are similar in many ways; both countries are in hot Africa, hence the same climate and set of entertainment. They also do not differ much in tour prices, except that Tunisia is a little cheaper. A week-long tour for one person will cost $500-800.
In recent years, Greece has gradually taken first place in popularity among tourists, overtaking Turkey and Egypt. And this is not surprising, experts believe. “This country truly has everything: a gentle sea, hot sun, golden beaches, mountain ranges, fruit plains, and most importantly, ancient treasures. A vacation in Greece, as a rule, involves a rich excursion program,” asserts Kirill Lepko. The main resorts are Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, Loutraki, Rhodes, and the island of Crete. The most expensive hotels are located on this mythological island. You can touch the world of ancient gods for $600-1,200 per week.
Italy ranks first in the world in the number of sunny days per year. Apparently, that is why Italians are so hot-tempered and cheerful. Like Greece, it is an ideal place to combine beach holidays and visits to historical sights. “Therefore, combined tours are especially popular: one week on the beach, the second in museums,” says specialist of a travel company Elena Berezhnaya. Also in Italy is the most beautiful coastline in Europe along the Ligurian Sea in the northwest of the country. One of the main attractions of the Ligurian coast is the city of San Remo, world-famous for its song festivals. The cost of a trip to sunny Italy ranges from $700-2,000 per week per person.
Paradise on Earth
Well, for those tourists who have long mastered the familiar sea destinations, the direct road is to exotic islands. And although a vacation here is not cheap, our compatriots are not stopped by this. According to tour operators, in recent years, travelers have been buying up “exotic” tours like hot cakes in frost. “As for the islands,” said travel firm director Elena Vedernikova, “the most popular destinations in the shoulder season are Mauritius, the Maldives, and the Seychelles. The mild climate, high level of service, and opportunities for active recreation fuel interest in local resorts all year round. However, it is best to go here precisely in the shoulder season: at this time there are noticeably fewer tourists, which means the conditions for recreation will be the most comfortable.”
Excursions to tropical islands and bizarre coral atolls – that is what numerous tourists come to the Seychelles for. Connoisseurs of pristine nature who want to take a break from the noise of a big city can temporarily escape from civilization and find long-awaited peace here. It is not surprising that the Seychelles is considered an ideal place for a quiet family vacation. However, local hotels also have all the conditions for active sports, in particular windsurfing and diving. A trip to the Seychelles will cost approximately $2,500 per person.
Diving enthusiasts are advised by experts to pay attention to the Maldives, which is considered one of the best places in the world for scuba diving. Crystal clear water, bizarre reefs, and incredible diversity of fish attract divers from all over the world. However, there will be plenty of room for amateur divers as well: each local hotel has diving centers where experienced instructors conduct special classes for beginners. A tour to the Maldives will cost on average $2-3 thousand per person.
Avid fishermen are waiting in Mauritius. Fishing in the open sea has always been the main occupation of the islanders, which has now turned into the main attraction of Mauritius and, as a result, a successful bait for tourists. You can fish here either centrally, through a special service at the hotel, or as a wildcat, asking local fishermen for a modest fee to take you on their boat. Moreover, in both cases, a decent catch is almost guaranteed: the coastal waters literally teem with exotic fish species, so even an inexperienced fisherman can easily catch a hammerhead fish. The cost of a tour to Mauritius to a four-star hotel starts from $2,500.
A Gallop Through Europe
For those who dream of enjoying the charms of old Europe, the golden autumn season is the ideal time. “The air temperature does not drop below 20 degrees, it is still warm and sunny outside, the midday heat weakens, giving way to a measured coolness. In such weather, there is nothing better than taking walks, hiking, or going on excursions,” believes Kirill Lepko. “In recent years, the Czech Republic has become especially popular among tourists. Tours to this country are among the cheapest, and there is plenty to see. Ancient architecture, castles and churches, the world-famous resort of Karlovy Vary, and, of course, a sea of real Czech beer that can be tasted right at the breweries,” says Kirill Lepko. A week-long trip to this country will cost €500-650 per person.
Also of great interest to tourists is the country of lovers – France. “It is beautiful in early autumn, when there is still an opportunity to relax on the seashore. The water is just as warm, and there are significantly fewer vacationers,” says Kirill Lepko. Typically, tours to the country of romantics include walking and bus sightseeing tours of Paris, a visit to the Perfume Museum (where you can learn the history of the origin of your favorite perfume Nina Ricci!), the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the International Diamond Center, as well as a trip to ancient castles. This pleasure will cost $800-1,300 per week per person.
Legends are told about German practicality and industriousness, and legends also circulate about German beer. You cannot consider yourself a connoisseur of this drink without having visited Germany. And even more so, you cannot miss the legendary beer festival “Oktoberfest”, which takes place in September–October. But besides beer joys, the country of Goethe and Schiller has unique ancient architecture. The main attractions: the Gothic masterpiece – the famous Cologne Cathedral, the remains of the Berlin Wall, the Victory Monument, the German State Opera, the Bell of Apostle Peter – Petersglocke. The price of a week-long sightseeing tour is approximately $800-1,200 per person.
Specialists advise visiting England before the beginning of November, before bad weather takes over the Foggy Albion. It is the European center of social life, so the most fashionable nightclubs and glamorous establishments operate non-stop. But if London chic is not the main goal of the trip, then you can immerse yourself in the world of mysticism. A walk through the sinister casemates of the Tower or a night excursion on a moonless night to the ruins of Stonehenge will convey all the peculiarity of the national flavor. The approximate cost of the trip is $1-1,500 per week per person.