In April, Turkey stood among the five most affordable foreign beach destinations for Russian travelers, according to ATOR. The appeal isn’t just about sun and sea; it’s about value for money in a market where flight costs and hotel rates can swing monthly.
For couples seeking a budget-friendly break, the cheapest package to Turkey that includes round-trip flights, an all-inclusive stay, and 10 nights in a five-star hotel was priced at 128,005 rubles for two travelers. That figure represents an 11.5% drop compared with March, making a spring escape to the Turkish Riviera more accessible for many.
Trailing Turkey, the United Arab Emirates ranked second in affordability. A typical two-person tour from Russia to the Emirates, with airfare and 10 nights in a four-star hotel, starts at 129,686 rubles. Prices show roughly a 20% increase from the previous month, reflecting the UAE’s traditional high season in April, when demand and event activity tend to push rates upward. Travelers perceive this period as favorable for a well-rounded itinerary that balances hotel quality and investment per day.
China’s Hainan island and Egypt sit in the same price tier, with tour packages beginning around 131,000 rubles for two people. These destinations attract travelers who want diverse cultural experiences, shorter flight times from certain Russian hubs, and the chance to combine beach time with sightseeing. Thailand also makes the top five for current seaside getaways, with the most affordable 10-night tour including flights costing about 150,876 rubles for a pair of travelers. The mix of beaches, cuisine, and a known tourism infrastructure keeps Thailand competitive even as flight and hotel pricing shifts through the season.
Beyond these leaders, options like Sri Lanka, Goa, Vietnam, and Bahrain present budgets up to about 190,000 rubles per couple. For travelers seeking more distant or exotic experiences, journeys to Qatar, the Maldives, Cuba, and the Seychelles tend to fall in a higher price bracket, with two-person totals typically ranging from 220,000 to 270,000 rubles. These destinations deliver exceptional scenery and unique activities, but they require a larger upfront allocation for a comfortable stay and guaranteed access to certain attractions.
At the top end of the spectrum, Mauritius stands as the most expensive among the listed destinations. A tour to this island paradise generally begins at about 375,000 rubles for two people, underscoring the premium for premium experiences—private transfers, exclusive beach clubs, and higher-end culinary offerings that many travelers consider worth the investment for a dream holiday.
Recent travel data also points to a notable shift in Russian tourist flows toward or away from certain destinations. There has been a marked decrease in outbound travel to Turkey, which local agencies and industry observers attribute to a combination of evolving political considerations, currency dynamics, and shifts in demand for non-stop beach holidays versus multi-stop itineraries. Tour operators are responding by highlighting bundled value—including inclusive meals, guided excursions, and flexible change policies—to reassure travelers who are weighing risks and rewards for spring and early-summer trips.
As the May holidays approach, many travelers in Russia are weighing their Schengen visa options and planning routes that maximize time on the ground while minimizing onboarding friction. Travel consultants emphasize early booking for peak periods and the importance of comparing total trip costs, not just base prices, to account for hotel quality, meal plans, and transfer arrangements. For those who prefer a balanced approach, Turkey remains a perennial option: a familiar, cost-efficient gateway to European and Mediterranean cultural experiences paired with modern resort amenities.