Residents of Moscow started planning international getaways well before the New Year, with many booking early to secure better rates and options. Industry observers note that advance reservations can lead to notable savings on holiday packages, sometimes cutting costs by as much as a third or more. This perspective comes from Igor Morozov, a prominent business figure associated with MRO “Business Russia,” a successful international entrepreneur, avid traveler, and founder of the Routemark company. Morozov shared these insights during a recent discussion with RIAMO, emphasizing the practical benefits of early planning for travelers who want to maximize their travel budgets while maintaining quality and choice.
According to Morozov, early booking remains a strong strategy for those seeking value in tour packages. In his view, reserving trips months in advance not only secures lower overall prices but also provides a wider selection of flight times, hotel options, and guided experiences. Travelers who plan ahead can tailor their itineraries to their preferred dates and destinations, avoiding peak-season surcharges and last-minute availability constraints that often push prices upward. The expert highlighted that such planning is particularly advantageous for families, groups, and first-time international travelers who benefit from predictable budgeting and smoother coordination of essentials like transportation, lodging, and activities.
Morozov also pointed out shifts in demand among Moscow residents this year, with rising interest in destinations such as Thailand, Goa, and Sri Lanka. He noted that while these popular locales attract more bookings, they come with price adjustments driven by increased costs in air travel, accommodations, and local services. On average, overall trip costs have risen by about 15-20 percent compared with the previous year, reflecting changes in transportation, lodging, and guide services. This trend mirrors broader market movements where inflationary pressures, fuel prices, and regional supplier pricing influence end-user fares across the board.
In terms of specific price movements, Morozov cited that airfares to Turkey have climbed substantially, roughly doubling in many cases, while tickets to Thailand have seen noticeable increases, with typical prices nudging toward and sometimes beyond 79,000 rubles. Egypt has also become more expensive, with fares often reaching around 42,000 rubles. The cost of flights to the United Arab Emirates has surged to approximately 57,800 rubles, marking an increase of about 2.7 times relative to the prior period. Sri Lanka has experienced a 1.5-fold rise, with typical prices around 63,200 rubles. These shifts reflect broader market dynamics where fuel costs, airport charges, and service fees all contribute to higher ticket prices for international travelers from Russia and neighboring markets.
Beyond international travel, Morozov noted that domestic tourism also faces upward pricing pressure. Day tours and short getaways around the Golden Ring and the Moscow region have seen price increases in the 15-20 percent range. He attributed these changes to higher transport costs, more expensive professional guide services, and the broader elevation of museum and event admission fees that travelers encounter on weekend excursions. For many residents, short breaks have become more expensive as they seek convenient, culturally rich experiences closer to home, fueled by a desire to explore regional highlights without long-distance travel.
Market participants in Thailand and other popular winter destinations corroborate these observations. The winter season remains Russia’s most popular period for international travel, with Thailand often serving as a preferred option for Russians seeking a warm climate during the colder months. In some cases, travelers are treating Thailand as a viable alternative to Turkey, balancing cost, accessibility, and experience variety. The broader travel landscape has also seen Cuba emerge as a comparative option, with travel costs offering a feasible alternative to more traditional routes for those evaluating value and itinerary flexibility. This dynamic demonstrates how travelers adapt to price fluctuations while still pursuing destinations that deliver on sun, culture, and affordability.
In industry forecasts, experts have emphasized that even with price adjustments, the rate of demand for international holidays remains robust. For example, the minimum price for a five-night holiday in Sri Lanka has remained a talking point among analysts and tour operators. The consensus is that a comfortable, well-rounded escape can still be achieved within a budget around 118,000 rubles for the typical Russian traveler, depending on the exact dates, hotel categories, and included experiences. Operators continue to advise travelers to weigh options carefully, compare inclusions, and consider deposit timing as part of a strategic approach to managing travel costs in a fluctuating market. The overall takeaway is clear: informed planning, thoughtful destination selection, and careful budgeting can help travelers navigate price volatility while still delivering meaningful and memorable holiday experiences.