A study conducted by analysts from the Bnovo service alongside the OneTwoTrip online travel planning platform sheds light on how Russians planned to travel in 2023 and the reasons behind these choices. socialbites.ca has reviewed the survey results to understand shifting travel patterns and preferences inside Russia and beyond.
The analysis shows that the peak of tourism activity occurs between May and September, with August standing out as the most traveled month at 31 percent, followed by September at 26 percent. May and June are close behind, at 22 percent and 23 percent respectively. The quietest period for travel stretches from November through February, when demand drops noticeably. This seasonal rhythm reflects school holidays, long weekends, and the influence of favorable weather on vacation decisions.
Many travelers also favor micro-trips that do not require taking a full vacation. About half of respondents, 48 percent, planned multi-day trips to nearby cities or regions, while 21 percent intended journeys to more distant places within Russia. These shorter getaways indicate a desire to explore close to home without the commitment of extended time away from work or family duties.
When asked about motivations for travel, new impressions and inspiration topped the list at 84 percent. Following closely, 75 percent cited the wish to unwind morally and escape the usual rhythm of daily life. Expanding horizons and gaining new knowledge were the goals for about half of participants. Physical rest and rejuvenation came in fifth place, with 46 percent seeking to relax and recharge. Time spent with loved ones and the pleasure of new culinary experiences were tied at 28 percent each, reflecting the social and sensory pleasures travelers sought on trips.
The most influential reason guiding the choice of a travel region was natural surroundings, cited by 67 percent of respondents. Climatic conditions scored 31 percent, while tourist attractions and museums were close behind at 33 percent. Interest in architecture, gastronomic offerings, cultural features, and historical context stood at 23 percent, 23 percent, 21 percent, and 23 percent respectively, illustrating a broad appetite for diverse experiences within regional destinations.
Looking at accommodation and routes for the upcoming summer, the data suggests a strong tilt toward Moscow’s nearby and iconic destinations. Reservations indicate that a large portion of travelers planned stays in St. Petersburg, accounting for about 19.3 percent of bookings. Moscow followed with 16.5 percent, and Adler ranked third with 9.4 percent. Sochi entered the top five with a 4.1 percent share, while Esto-Sadok stood at 3.3 percent, highlighting the popularity of coastal and mountain-adjacent spots for seasonal escapes.
Other notable destinations on the travel map include Kaliningrad with 3.1 percent, Kazan at 3.0 percent, Anapa with 2.9 percent, Gelendzhik at 2.2 percent, and Nizhny Novgorod at 1.8 percent, underscoring the breadth of regional interest across the country and the appeal of both popular hubs and lesser-known locales.
In March, Russians were observed to have a preference for certain international and nearby stops, with Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, and Kazakhstan among the most frequent outbound destinations. These patterns point to a mix of warm-weather getaways, diverse cultural experiences, and the proximity of travel opportunities that fit into shorter timeframes while offering a change of scenery.