Why did Turkey’s price increase?
Dilya Demidenko, head of TravelBelka Online Tours, explains a dual rise in ticket prices for several reasons. He notes that the main reason is a shrinking number of available flights.
“Flight restrictions and the ban on charter flights for Russian carriers have led to fewer departures. Most services are operated by Turkish Airlines. Demand is high and tickets are scarce, pushing prices higher than usual,” he says.
He also points to a sharp drop in the Turkish lira on foreign exchange markets, which has driven inflation up to around 80 percent and lifted service costs. At the same time, he argues that everyday goods in Turkey appear inexpensive to Russians.
“Travelers should pack light and avoid flying with a half-empty suitcase. Shopping on-site can be profitable, so plan accordingly,” Demidenko advises.
The expert also blames a surge in demand for trips to Turkey for the price hike. Even with higher costs, Turkey remains a top booking destination.
“Demand sets its own rules: when demand climbs, so do prices,” he summarizes.
Turkey, but in the fall
Where do budget-minded travelers head for a seaside getaway from Russia? Anna Nevzorova, head of Lime Travel, travel expert, and author of the blog @lime.travel.club, recommends delaying the trip to autumn for those still drawn to Turkish beaches. She notes that
The swimming season in Turkey extends into late autumn, and prices for those dates are considerably lower than peak summer weeks.
“Autumn brings fewer visitors, cooler air, but the sea remains warm. A family with a child under 12 can enjoy an 8- to 9-day stay in a very good hotel for just over 150,000 rubles in early October.”
Maldives
If waiting until autumn isn’t appealing, Nevzorova suggests considering a Maldives vacation. She says the cost of a Maldives trip today can compete with a Turkish resort holiday. Booking hotels and flights in advance helps maximize savings, she explains.
“Early bookings often yield very favorable prices. For example, late last year Emirates offered air tickets, and a trip to the Maldives could cost as little as 34,000 rubles per person,” she notes.
Travel expert and founder of Family Dreamtrip Anna Veras adds that Maldives vacations aren’t typically budget options, but current prices can rival those of quality Turkish packages.
“Additionally, Maldivian resort prices tend to dip about 1.5–2 times during the summer months. The rainy season is generally shorter and less disruptive than in comparable destinations like Thailand, so the upside is clear.”
“So far, September–October offers a chance to enjoy the Maldives for just over 100,000 rubles per person,” Demidenko remarks.
With a transfer, round trips to the islands can start around 35,000 rubles, while direct flights begin near 55,000 rubles per person, thanks to Aeroflot’s resumed schedules. Resort living starts from about 88,000 rubles per week for two adults. Staying in a guesthouse is an option, though it signals a different style of vacation from full-scale resort stays.
United Arab Emirates
Nevzorova suggests the UAE as another appealing alternative to Turkey, noting that summer can be a low season for the region, much like the Maldives.
“A 10-day package to the 5-star Rixos Bab Al Bahr in Ras Al Khaimah costs around 280,000 rubles for a family with a child under 12. A similar stay at a Rixos property in Turkey might run closer to 390,000,” she observes.
Veras adds that the UAE offers excellent summer shopping deals in addition to beach time. “Discounts are common, and every hotel and mall stays cool with strong air conditioning, making summer shopping comfortable.”
Sweetcorn
Many assume summer isn’t ideal for Egyptian resorts. Veras explains that Red Sea destinations can reach very high temperatures, but the dry climate makes it easier to tolerate than the humid heat in some other regions.
“Sharm el-Sheikh stands out for its many excellent hotels to fit diverse budgets, and sea breezes help cool things down at times,” she says.
Russian resorts
Industry experts recommend considering Russian destinations. Veras notes that the level of service in Krasnodar Territory and Crimea has improved significantly in recent years, with all-inclusive options and ample pools for both adults and children. In Anapa, travelers can choose between pebble beaches or golden sands.
Demidenko adds that a one-week Crimea trip with a round-trip bus ride to a solid all-inclusive hotel would cost about 95,000 rubles. However, reaching these facilities can be challenging without pre-purchased rail tickets, sometimes requiring car travel, hitchhiking, or bus rides.
Beyond the Black Sea resorts, Veras suggests considering Dagestan for a sightseeing tour combined with beach time on the Caspian Sea. The Baltic coast also attracts visitors as summer winds down, offering cooler seas and dunes with scenic views.
Demidenko estimates a one-week Kaliningrad vacation with round-trip flights at roughly 65–70,000 rubles, not including meals or with only breakfast. He cautions against waiting for all-inclusive options there, calling the current pricing tight.
Sochi should not be counted on for savings, warns Demidenko, as prices are not much lower than Turkey’s and can even be higher. All-inclusive options exist, but a week-long package for two can average around 115,000 rubles. Abkhazia offers a slightly cheaper option, with a week-long package for two at a good hotel with full meals averaging about 90,000 rubles.