A recent study by OneTwoTrip, analyzed and summarized by socialbites.ca, reveals how long Russian travelers stayed in hotels this winter, with clear differences between domestic ski destinations and popular international getaways. The findings show that holiday duration varied notably by location, reflecting preferences for certain experiences, climates, and activities during the season.
Within Russia, the village of Terskol on the Elbrus massif emerged as the top destination for extended stays, recording an average hotel stay of 3.5 days. Nearby resort areas also drew longer visits: Esto-Sadok, adjacent to Krasnaya Polyana, averaged about 3.3 days in hotels, while Sheregesh registered roughly 3.1 days per stay. Rounding out the top five were Dombay with an average of 3.0 days and Arkhyz at about 2.8 days. These figures point to a preference among travelers for multi-day ski adventures in locations offering reliable slopes, scenic alpine views, and convenient access to winter activities.
Beyond the top tier, several other domestic destinations reported substantial average stays. Kislovodsk approached three days with 2.7 days on average, followed closely by Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk at 2.6 days. Gelendzhik, Sochi, and Kaliningrad each averaged around 2.5 days, indicating that seaside-adjacent or climate-specific getaways were also attractive during the winter period, even for travelers who chose shorter vacations.
On the international front, Thailand led the foreign destinations in terms of average stay length. Russians spent an average of 7.3 days in Phuket, followed by 6.8 days in Pattaya, underscoring a preference for longer holidays in resort towns with beachsides, warm weather, and a wide range of leisure options. Indonesia’s popular Kuta ranked third with an average of 5.8 days, illustrating that even within Southeast Asia, distinct locales offered different pacing for travelers seeking sun and recreation.
Other international stops with substantial durations included Nha Trang at 5.8 days, Mexico City at 5.4 days, the Philippine island of Boracay at 5.1 days, Tokyo at 4.9 days, and Seoul at 4.7 days. Bali’s Canggu followed closely with 4.6 days, while Sharm el-Sheikh registered 4.4 days. Taken together, these numbers suggest that Russians planning winter escapes tend to favor destinations that combine cultural experiences, beach time, and varied activities, allowing for longer, more relaxed itineraries.
These patterns align with broader travel trends where travelers increasingly value immersive experiences, comfortable amenities, and the ability to unwind for an extended period. The data hint at a balance between ski-centric trips within Russia and sun-and-sea holidays abroad, reflecting diverse tastes and budget considerations among Russian vacationers during the winter months.
Finally, there is a note of caution regarding travel planning that emerged in the period studied. A possible border closure issue with neighboring Estonia was mentioned, which highlights the importance of checking current entry regulations and route options before finalizing winter travel plans. Staying informed about border policies can help travelers adjust itineraries without sacrificing the overall vacation experience.