A seasoned coach with a deeply tanned complexion spoke to a colleague about a break in Sochi, almost apologizing for choosing the Krasnodar Territory over distant shores: “Where else to go? Have you seen Türkiye’s prices this year?”
Vacation costs in Turkey this summer feel unbearable. Prices are up by half, or even more than 70% compared with last year. Yet locals in tourism know the sentiment well—Russian travelers often prefer Turkey, but the market is pricing them out. Winter or summer, the vibe is the same: visas, travel hurdles, and steep airfares create friction that nudges travelers to look elsewhere. Sochi and Türkiye have become the focal point, and the price surge in Türkiye is obvious.
Despite the surge, Russian visitors still crave Turkish experiences. But paying 300,000 rubles for a four-star breakfast-inclusive package is hard to justify. An alternative is emerging: a familiar scenario in travel agencies today. A client asks for Turkey, sees the price tag, and a travel agent offers a Maldives option as a substitute.
Yes, the Maldives presents an appealing lure. And it turns out that mid-year Maldives vacations can be just as expensive as Turkey, sometimes even more so. This isn’t about bare-bones stays; it’s about high-end, luxury properties where prices are competitive with Turkish luxury hotels, sometimes even cheaper.
Call timing and data entry matter here, but professionals noting the trend agree: the Maldives is becoming a credible companion to Turkey in the minds of travelers for the summer season, especially when luxury on a similar budget is possible.
Currently, a ten-day Maldives itinerary on a private island with a four- to five-star standard and full board for two can be found around 400-450 thousand rubles. In contrast, Belek, a luxury enclave on the Antalya coast, shows two-person packages ranging from 300 thousand to well over 650 thousand rubles for ten days. There are cheaper options, but the core takeaway is clear: Turkish luxury remains costly, and travelers are reassessing what “luxury” means in practice.
Many now realize that a winter or off-season Maldives visit is attractive because, despite occasional rain, prices can be more favorable. A Maldives holiday at a lower-season price becomes a story shared with friends: a vacation in the Maldives is impressive in any season.
It’s not about a villa at the top tier. Still, the overview is simple: luxury five-star prices in Türkiye have risen to rival modest Maldives properties. Yet the Maldives still holds a certain appeal, especially when the prospect of a rain shower doesn’t dampen the overall experience.
Some travelers push back on comparing the Maldives with Türkiye, noting that August heat in Türkiye differs from Maldives’ off-season rains. Yet even here, the Maldives’ brief monsoonal showers are quickly forgotten when relieved by daily comfort. A glance at Male’s forecast shows temperatures around plus 30 with models forecasting sun and clouds in alternating patterns.
Speaking from personal experience, a stay in the Maldives during the off-season tends to be more pleasant than the sunniest day in Moscow or Sochi. The contrast with Crimea and other destinations is noticeable in comfort and pace of life.
The situation with Emirates is similar. The weather is mild, hotels may be underutilized, and discounts can stretch to 50–80%. Flights from Russia to Dubai remain robust, and travelers can enjoy climate-controlled terminals, cooled pools, and climate-controlled getaways at malls that invite a sweater moment. The UAE has evolved into a year-round destination rather than a winter-only stopover, as many travelers adapt to shifting climate realities and flexible itineraries.
During a March visit to Abu Dhabi, sunshine existed, yet the water felt cool, a reminder that winter swimming can be brisk. Observers wonder how January and February compare, given the ten-degree difference in temperatures that can alter holiday plans.
Sri Lanka and Thailand have become popular fallback choices alongside Türkiye. Thailand’s summer rains and Sri Lanka’s coastal storms push travelers to consider other options. Phuket may see monsoons, but the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand, including Hua Hin or Koh Samui, offers better odds for consistent summer conditions. Hua Hin, famed as a long-standing retreat near Bangkok, has hosted royal summer residences, underscoring its climate appeal. Sri Lanka’s northeast resorts like Trincomalee and Pasikuda emerge as summer anchors, with high-season stretches from late June to September. Even so, August–September can still command 150–200 thousand rubles per week for two in prime beachfront properties, a figure that challenges the typical Turkish luxury price tag.
Travel operators emphasize a common pitfall: travelers fixate on the site price, forgetting that the total can swell as inquiries evolve. An initial quote of 217 thousand rubles in Cuba can later balloon to 350 thousand rubles, a jump of roughly 50 percent. The takeaway is clear: expanding horizons and considering alternatives is prudent.
In summary, the travel landscape is shifting toward more diverse options away from a single destination mindset. The aim is practical budgeting, seasonality, and quality experiences that suit families and couples alike. The author offers a personal view that may not reflect all editors’ positions, inviting readers to weigh their choices with a broader perspective and fresh information. And with evolving travel patterns, the best deals sometimes come from thinking beyond the obvious choice, especially when climate, timing, and pricing align in surprising ways. [citation: travel industry observations and market analyses].