As the weekly 'Itogi' notes, a sad trend can already be traced - prices for New Year's tours have increased on average by 1.5 times compared to last year. But still, this is a special offer. And in the winter we will face a 25-30% rise in the cost of trips - and it doesn't matter whether it is a vacation in the Maldives or in Egypt.
Many have already gotten used to the idea that a vacation on the seashore or a trip to see sights in Europe is not a luxury, but almost a necessity, a kind of investment in one's own productivity. The statistics of growth in outbound tourism also show that our fellow citizens are firmly hooked on travel. Moreover, the domestic traveler has begun to expand the geography of their trips, going beyond the standard set consisting of Turkey and Egypt.
Alas, now many will have to forget about the beautiful life under the tropical sun of Southeast Asia or in the shade of olive groves. If even now it is almost impossible to find a weekly tour to a three-star hotel in Turkey or Egypt for less than $700 per person, what can be expected next year? There is no hope even for domestic destinations, since experts believe that the overall price increase will not bypass domestic tourism.
Avid travelers will have to get creative: watch for a good airline promotion, catch a discount on accommodation in a good hotel. Or go 'wild' - buy insurance yourself, get visas, book hotels... Of course, you have to spend a lot of time, but you will be able to save significantly. So far, such independent tourism is not very developed among our compatriots. It is difficult to estimate what percentage of our citizens organize trips without agencies, but it is clear that this figure is far from global indicators.
For example, in Europe, one in three plans trips independently. Perhaps the upcoming price increase is a reason to change the state of affairs. Otherwise, there remains a bleak alternative - tending the garden at the dacha or in the village. True, in light of recent events, such a vacation will also be beneficial - you'll change your activity and stock up on food for a rainy day.