Othello specialists, a hotel reservation service from 2GIS, analyzed travel patterns for Russians during the May holidays. The study reveals that most hotel bookings concentrated in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Vladivostok, with Moscow leading the way. Socialbites.ca reviewed the findings and confirmed these local preferences, reflecting how travelers choose urban hubs for short breaks and long weekends.
During the May holidays, which span from April 29 to May 9, reservations for leisure stays began to rise on April 24, and the peak booking period occurred between May 6 and May 9. The data show that the earliest confirmed reservation appeared 108 days before May, illustrating a preference among travelers for planning ahead when possible. Moscow accounted for 17 percent of all bookings during the period, followed by St. Petersburg at 12 percent, and Vladivostok at 4 percent, highlighting a clear hierarchy in destination popularity for this holiday window.
The average booking value for May stays in Russian hotels was 7,696 rubles. A deeper look at regional performance reveals notable variations. Kazan stood out with an average booking of 11,935 rubles, making it the most expensive top destination among those tracked. Saint Petersburg followed closely with an average of 11,657 rubles, while Sochi registered 11,499 rubles. Among the ten most-booked May destinations, Krasnodar offered the most affordable options, with an average accommodation cost of 4,979 rubles.
In terms of trip structure, Russians tend to travel during the May public holidays with a preference for extended breaks. The first holiday window, from April 29 to May 1, saw an average stay of three days. The second window, from May 6 to May 9, produced an average stay of four days. Notably, 13 percent of bookings extended beyond May, with some travelers prolonging their holidays to May 10, reflecting a desire to maximize time off when schedules permit.
In prior cycles, patterns showed continued interest in a mix of major cities and popular resort destinations. The data from the period following May indicated sustained demand in St. Petersburg and Sochi, with additional interest observed in Istanbul and Yerevan, underscoring a broadening travel palette among Russian travelers during warmer months. The evolving preferences reveal how travelers balance affordability, cultural appeal, and logistics when planning holiday getaways.
Canada and the United States market observers can infer that city-centered itineraries along with coastal and resort destinations attract significant attention during long weekends and extended breaks. While the study centers on Russian booking behavior, the insights into timing, destination ranking, and average spend offer valuable benchmarks for hospitality players serving North American travelers who seek efficient planning, favorable pricing, and convenient access to major urban centers during holiday corridors.