warming up by the sea
For travelers dreaming of a New Year beneath palm trees, time is of the essence. At the moment of publication, budget flights to warm destinations were scarce. Travel expert Andrei Markelov from Fun Sun travel agency told socialbites.ca that the most popular warm destinations for Russians this year were Turkey, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.
“The UAE stands out as the most economical option: a week with breakfast in a modest hotel and a December 28 departure can come in at about 100,000 rubles per person,” Markelov explained.
With the same budget, a trip to one of Egypt’s coast resorts is possible. The upside: hotels are typically 4-5 stars with all-inclusive meals. Turkey, though slightly pricier, offers a comparable all-inclusive package in a similar hotel for roughly 120,000 rubles per person.
“It’s important to note that some hotels do not waive the New Year’s dinner. In Egyptian hotels, the gala dinner runs about $100 per person, while in the Emirates it can reach up to $400,” the expert warned.
Indian Goa, a favorite among Russian travelers, has grown more expensive this year due to travel hurdles.
“Direct flights from Aeroflot are rare, and the flight time is around seven hours. A week in a very modest hotel can cost about 110,000 rubles per person, with better hotels starting from 130,000 rubles,” Markelov noted.
With a budget of 150,000 rubles per person, holidays in Thailand or Sri Lanka become viable, including a direct flight and nine nights in a 3-star hotel with breakfast. Cuba can be reached for about 180,000 rubles, though it involves a higher-end hotel and all-inclusive meals. Tours to Mauritius and the Maldives remain among the priciest options.
“A direct flight and a week in a 3-4 star hotel in Mauritius will cost around 250,000 rubles per person, while a comparable trip to the Maldives starts from 300,000 rubles,” he added.
Many believe last-minute deals can save money, but this year Markelov cautioned against hoping for big discounts: “If you depart on January 1, you might save only about ten percent.”
Go skiing and snowboarding
Travel Belka, a travel aggregator, reports that Krasnodar Territory’s resorts dominate New Year bookings. Dili Demidenko, head of online tours at TravelBelka, notes Krasnaya Polyana leads in popularity because of its well-developed infrastructure. Beyond skiing, visitors can enjoy heated outdoor pools, cinemas, tea ceremonies, baths, and a lively dining scene. The nearby sea makes a rare combination of snow and subtropics possible with a short ride on Lastochka.
The budget option to celebrate the New Year in Krasnaya Polyana with flights and a modest hotel starts around 50,000 rubles per person. A stay in the popular Gorki Gorod area runs about 70,000 rubles. For luxury, five-star hotels like Rixos, Mariott, or Radisson push prices to 200-250 thousand rubles per person.
Flights peak on December 29 and 30. For savings, traveling January 1 or 2 can help, though savings in high-end hotels are modest. An alternative to Krasnaya Polyana is Sheregesh in Siberia, home to Russia’s longest ski slopes, though direct flights are unavailable and travel requires a longer drive from nearby airports. The quality of the pistes is solid and suitable for all levels, with infrastructure not as polished as Krasnaya Polyana but plenty of recreation options.
A budget tour to Sheregesh with flights and lodging starts at 55,000 rubles per person; a comfortable hotel pushes to 75,000, and a five-star experience can be around 120,000 rubles.
Another popular destination for ski lovers is Dombay, a solid choice for beginners. Service may be average, but the simple, hospitable Caucasian vibe remains appealing. Trails vary in difficulty, so novices should plan accordingly. Prices begin at 55,000 rubles per person for flights and a modest hotel, 70,000 rubles for a nicer hotel, and about 90,000 rubles for a five-star stay.
Russians increasingly turn to Georgia’s ski resorts, thanks to renewed direct flights. Gudauri stands out for its ample lodging options, strong slopes, new cable cars, and a vibrant bar and dining scene. Bakuriani attracts families and newcomers with a more relaxed atmosphere and plentiful cafes. Mestia (Svaneti) offers a unique mix of trails from easy to challenging and a well-developed infrastructure, making it a favorite for freeriders seeking a more intimate setting.
For five days in Gudauri, including a Vladikavkaz flight, transfer, and budget lodging, expect around 100,000 rubles per person. Upgrading to a higher-category hotel can reach 150,000 rubles per person.
European ski resorts have fallen out of favor with Russians, not mainly due to visa hurdles but because of fewer direct flights and higher luggage costs on long itineraries. For those determined to ski in Europe this season, traveling via Georgia offers a simpler option and often better availability as New Year approaches.
Where else to go in Russia?
Beyond the coast and the mountains, domestic trips draw interest for the New Year. Demidenko notes a growing demand for Kaliningrad, offering a European feel with architecture, cinnamon buns, and a milder winter climate. Short flights make it a practical choice for a festive break.
The most affordable five-night Kaliningrad option with a flight and three-star lodging starts around 20,000 rubles, while a five-star experience with meals can reach about 80,000 rubles.
Winter travelers also ask about Altai. The region promises dramatic winter landscapes, frozen waterfalls, pristine lakes, and snow-capped mountains. Those who love snow sports can find opportunities for snowboarding, skiing, or tubing. Altai tour prices begin at 35,000 rubles per person for flights and three-star lodging, with quadruple occupancy nudging prices to roughly 43,000 rubles. A five-star holiday can cost about 155,000 rubles.
Many opt for independent, car-based trips as well, soaking in genuine Russian winter traditions, spiritual heritage, and the New Year mood. A classic route is the Golden Ring. A few days in Pereslavl-Zalessky offer museums, Peter the Great’s house, and a wish near the blue stone on Lake Pleshcheyevo. Nearby cities like Yaroslavl, Vladimir, and Nizhny Novgorod add depth to the itinerary.
Suzdal is particularly captivating as it marks 2024 as a New Year capital and a millennium celebration. The festival kicks off on December 24 and continues through the holiday period. At the time of writing, budget housing was scarce for New Year’s dates, with a private guesthouse for five guests priced at 20-30 thousand rubles per day. Boutique hotel rooms can occasionally be found for about 12 thousand rubles per night.
Renting a house for the New Year’s holiday
Every year, more people opt to celebrate in a private house outside the city. Avito Real Estate notes a 39% rise in short-term rural rentals in November 2023 compared with the previous year. The Golden Ring regions show the strongest growth, particularly Kostroma and Moscow regions (+49% and +48%).
On average, November 2023 rental rates for rural Russia stood at about 6,000 rubles per day. The Moscow region, among the Golden Ring, tops rentals at around 8,000 rubles daily. Other Golden Ring areas averaged roughly 6,000 rubles per day. Prices typically rise by 30% or more leading into the holidays, driven by supply and demand dynamics.