Where to go to the seaside in winter: budget options and more expensive countries. Where to go in winter in Russia Ski resorts in Russia in December

Winter holidays are not limited to the New Year - there are three whole months for travel. Let's see where to go in winter in Russia, where to spend New Year's holidays and Christmas, and also where to go on vacation with children during the holidays.

In winter in Russia you can relax in capital cities and large cities, at ski resorts and even at sea. But first things first.

Moscow

In addition to walking around Red Square, Arbat and Sparrow Hills, you can have fun at the skating rinks in Gorky Park, VDNKh, and Sokolniki. And right next to the walls of the Kremlin there is a GUM skating rink.

How to have fun in Moscow in winter:

Go to Muzeon Park to not only touch art, but also ride down the hill on a cheesecake (it’s such a soft pillow);

Ride on the snowy slopes of the Vorobyovy Gory sports complex;

Do some smart shopping in the capital's boutiques and stockists, and then go to a coffee shop and celebrate your purchase with hot chocolate.

Ski resorts

If you are wondering where to relax in winter and go skiing, you don’t need to rush abroad. In Russia, there are many with excellent slopes - both beginners and mountain skiing experts can spend active holidays there. All amenities are provided: high-quality lifts, well-prepared snow, equipment rental, friendly instructors, cafes next to the slopes for a comfortable stay.

Where to go on vacation in winter:

Sochi, which offers 4 resorts at once, the best prepared in Russia: Krasnaya Polyana, Rosa Khutor, Gazprom and Alpika;

Sheregesh (Kemerovo region) has excellent infrastructure, offering 15 trails, both steep and flat;

Belokurikha (Altai Territory) - the total length of the trails is about 7 km, and all this against the backdrop of mountains covered with beautiful coniferous trees;

Kirovsk (Murmansk region) - here the coldest conditions, but there are slopes for experienced skiers and a short slope for beginners.

Saint Petersburg

Winter St. Petersburg is just as beautiful as summer St. Petersburg, only a little differently. If in summer it’s fountains, green parks and white nights, then in winter it’s exquisite coldness, romance under a gloomy sky and familiar sights in New Year’s night illumination.

In winter, you can go to St. Petersburg for weekends and vacations - there are still slightly fewer tourists than in warm weather. And you will also enjoy visiting museums: you touch the eternal and warm up before going outside and again exposing your face to the cool wind from the Neva.

What to do in St. Petersburg in winter:

Go to the theater - for example, the Alexandrinsky Theater or the Mariinsky Theater;

Have fun at the Piterland and Rodeo Drive water parks;

Have a blast like St. Petersburg in one of the bars, as Sergei Shnurov recommended in his famous hit.

Minsk

In order not to look for which Russian cities are warm in winter, you can go to the capital of Belarus. Formally, this is a foreign country, but you can enter the country by car or any other means of transport using an internal Russian passport.

It’s not too cold here, both due to the climate and the hospitable attitude of the locals. You can walk for a long time, and in the evening the streets are filled with bright lights, and the city literally begins to shine. Guests usually start their route from Independence Avenue, where there are a lot of interesting and typical buildings for Minsk. And on the square of the same name there is one of the symbols of the city - the red church.

How to relax in Minsk in winter:

Go on an excursion to the Dudutki ethnocomplex, as well as to the Mir and Nesvizh castles;

Go to hockey at the Minsk Arena, which once hosted the World Championship;

Go skiing in the Minsk suburbs of Silichi and Logoisk.

Kazan

This is one of the most beautiful cities in central Russia, and in winter, when Kazan streets are covered with snow and decorated with various lights, the beauty only intensifies. If you are looking for, then Kazan is definitely worth considering.

The white-stone Kremlin and the Kul-Sharif mosque located on its territory look especially atmospheric here. If you get cold, you can warm up thanks to the friendly atmosphere prevailing here and the numerous cafes with amazing Tatar cuisine.

What to do in Kazan in winter:

Visit the Hermitage-Kazan exhibition center and the National Museum of Tatarstan;

Go to the Kazan ski complex not far from the city;

Go to the Riviera water park, which will remind you of summer, even when there is snow outside.

Golden ring

The nature and beautiful places of ancient cities are beautiful at any time of the year, and even during snowy winters they become as if painted. Some people prefer to go on tours around the world, but such a trip can be tiring. So that you do not have the desire to quickly close the loop and go home, it is better to go to one or several cities for an inexpensive vacation. The most popular are Yaroslavl, Vladimir and Suzdal.

What to do in the cities of the Golden Ring:

Visit the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery in Yaroslavl, where the very “Tale of Igor’s Host” was once found;

Go through the Golden Gate in Vladimir, proving to Russian football players that it is easy to hit the goal;

Visit all 32 churches in Suzdal and try the signature mead.

Sochi

The coldest winters in Russia are in the northern part of the Far East, near Oymyakon. But where in Russia it is warm in winter is in Sochi. Winter here resembles the spring we are used to. There is almost never snow on the coast, and on some days the temperature can reach +20 °C. Even in January in Sochi you can walk among green palm trees, magnolias and cypress trees, enjoying the warmest winter in Russia.

Crimea

The peninsula is very beautiful in winter, although there is no winter weather here in the usual sense. The temperature during the day stays within 0 °C... +10 °C - the same “pink” winter that the Hydrometeorological Center spoke about. This makes it possible to calmly inspect. And in winter there are many times fewer tourists in Crimea. You can leisurely stroll through palaces and museums, climb mountains (Ai-Petri alone is worth it) and sip Crimean wine. It is best to go to Yalta or Sevastopol: this is the very south of the peninsula, and it is most comfortable here.

What to do in Crimea in winter:

Go to the Ai-Petri plateau and go skiing, snowboarding or sledding;

Visit the Malakhov Kurgan, Chersonesus, the Tower of the Winds, the submarine museum and other historical places of Sevastopol;

See the Nikitsky Botanical Garden, Massandra and Livadia palaces, as well as other enchanting places in Yalta and its environs.

Hot Springs

They will improve your health better than the largest home medicine cabinet. Thermal springs work all winter, because the water in them is heated from the inside. The most popular places are in these regions:

1. Tyumen. If earlier they went to Siberia for the Decembrists, now they go for a recreational holiday. Come to Sosnovy Bor, Avan, Yar and others.

2. Krasnodar region. There are about 50 springs in this region, most of all in the Absheronsky district and the village of Mostovskoy. Among the most popular are “Aquarius”, “Ginseng”, “Pearl of the Foothills”.

3. Adygea. There are many outlets for geothermal waters here, all thanks to the mountainous terrain. There are about 15 springs in the republic, among which we highlight the base “Kedrovy Bor” in the village of Tsvetochny, “White Nights” and “Water Riviera” in the village of Tulsky.

Planning a winter vacation? This is not a reason to be upset at all! Winter holidays have their own charms and advantages. So, if in summer all roads lead vacationers mainly to the sea, then in winter you have a much greater choice: if you want, go to hot countries, or if you want, enjoy winter resorts.

The main thing is to find out for yourself: where are you more drawn - to sunny beaches or to snow-capped mountains?

And here many people start thinking: is it possible to have a winter holiday abroad inexpensively? Quite! And in this article, the IQReview team will tell you such options for excellent ones at an affordable price.

If you are planning a winter vacation and would like to soak up the warm seashore, go to Thailand. Tourists from all over the world flock here in winter. The active tourist season here begins at the end of November. Excellent weather at this time of year is conducive to a pleasant beach holiday.

Holidays in Thailand

Those arriving in Thailand for a stay of less than a month do not require a visa. You can have a great rest on the sea coast in Pattaya, as well as the islands of Koh Samui and Phuket. Even at the height of the tourist season, prices in Thailand are quite affordable. For example, renting a “2 star” room will cost around 500 baht/900 rubles. A holiday in a five-star hotel starts from 3 thousand baht or 5,400 rubles.

The advantages of a Thailand holiday include:

Excellent weather conditions for a beach holiday;
An abundance of exotic fruits;
Food, housing and clothing are quite affordable;
The tourism infrastructure is well developed.

Of course, there are also disadvantages. For example, a long plane flight, a lot of tourists and, as a result, rising prices.

Vietnam

Malaysia

Are you dreaming of an inexpensive beach holiday? Experience a tropical fairy tale - Malaysia. Clean sandy beaches and picturesque mountain and plant landscapes will allow you to enjoy a luxurious holiday in the middle of winter on the best beaches of the islands of Langkawi, Pangkor, Penang. Pangkor Laut and Tioman Island are also ideal for a beach holiday.

Pangkor Laut Island

The weather in Malaysia at this time of year resembles the velvet season: the air is heated to +30 °C, the water temperature is +27 °C. Those arriving in the country for a period of less than a month will not require a visa. The stamp is affixed upon arrival at Malaysian airports.

Compared to Thai prices, a holiday in Malaysia will cost about 1.5 times more. But if you’re lucky, you can find lower prices for things, products and services than in Thailand or Vietnam. Since Malaysia is mainly a Muslim country, alcohol is expensive here (cheaper only on the island of Langkawi and Labuan).

Accommodation in a double room with air conditioning will cost 120 ringit and above (from 1,642 rubles). To stay in a five-star hotel you will have to fork out 200 ringit per day, which is 2,763 rubles.

The benefits of holidaying in Malaysia include:

Mild climate for a comfortable beach holiday in winter;
Security is at the proper level;
Picturesque nature and friendly attitude towards vacationers.

As for the disadvantages, first of all, it is a long flight and higher prices compared to neighboring countries.

Dominican Republic

Are you interested in an inexpensive beach holiday abroad? The Dominican Republic is perfect for these purposes. Winter is the best time to relax here - there is no wind and it is quite hot. Because of this, many tourists compare holidays in the Dominican Republic with visiting a piece of paradise.
During the day the air temperature is +27-30°C. The water is heated to +26°C. The most popular winter resorts in the Dominican Republic are Punta Cana, La Romana and Boca Chica. We advise families with small children to choose a holiday in the resorts of Boca Chica or Punta Cana.

City in the Dominican Republic “Boca Chica”

Food products are more expensive here than in Russia. The difference in the cost of dairy products and bread is especially noticeable. But local fruits are very cheap.

Accommodation in the most modest hotel will cost from $30 per day. Hotels with stars (3-5 stars) will charge about $280 per night for accommodation.

Russians do not require a visa for 30 days. Citizens of Belarus or Kazakhstan need to take care of pre-registration of a visa in advance.

What is attractive about a holiday in the Dominican Republic?:

Summer all year round;
Clean beaches and clear sea water;
Optimal for family;
Abundance of cheap exotic fruits.

However, there are many disadvantages. This is a long and expensive flight, high food costs, a language barrier, and expensive excursions.

Goa, India

Goa attracts tourists with favorable weather conditions, affordable prices and a large selection of entertainment. The climate here is hot and humid, so the heat is easier to bear. The water is heated to 27 degrees. For budget travelers, prices in cafes and shops are quite reasonable here. But before the winter holidays, a surge in prices for everything is possible.

South Goa beach

Goa is conventionally divided into South and North. Budget hotels and shops are concentrated in the north; young people predominate in this part. North Goa is famous for its huge amount of entertainment. South Goa is aimed at a wealthier tourist crowd. For the most part, large 5-star hotels are located in this part and their price category is appropriate.

Hotel 5 stars “The Leela Goa”

And yet Goa is very democratic, as evidenced by the large selection of housing. You can find a modest hostel and a luxury hotel, rent a small bungalow or find accommodation in the private sector. For accommodation in a 2-star hotel you will have to pay about 900 rubles; hostels have lower prices - from 600 rubles.

Pros:

Comfortable climate;
Reasonable prices;
Wide range of entertainment;
There is no language barrier (Goan residents speak English).

At the same time, many tourists are upset by such negative aspects as the prosperity of theft and fraud among the local population, and are irritated by annoying sellers. Not recommended for Goa. Before departure to India you will need to obtain a visa in advance.

Sri Lanka

If you want something exotic, a good inexpensive beach option would be a trip to Sri Lanka. From December to April, this country experiences wonderful weather, conducive to a comfortable holiday. In general, daytime temperatures do not fall below +30°C, and the sea warms up to +28°C.

Popular resorts include Negombo, Hikkaduwa, Bentota and Wadduwa. But for those arriving here on vacation, a visa is required.

Resort town in Sri Lanka “Bentata”

As for prices, they are an order of magnitude lower than in Europe, but still a bit expensive for Asian countries. So, staying in a decent room costs at least $20, but if you choose to stay in a hotel with a decent rating and breakfast, this pleasure will cost from $30 per day.

What are the benefits:

Great weather in winter;
Amazing nature;
English speaking population;
Cheap public transport.

The disadvantages include the rather high cost of housing and excursions. Tourist infrastructure is poorly developed. Those heading here will also have a long flight ahead.

Philippines

One of the exotic places for a great winter holiday is the Philippines. The peak tourist season in this country is in winter. You can relax in the Philippines in a very varied way: choose a relaxing beach holiday or enjoy an active and extreme holiday.

The favorable climate almost until the end of winter made the Philippine resorts of Boracay, Panay, Bohol, Cebu and Palawan very popular. There is a visa-free regime for those staying in the country for less than 30 days.

Hills of Bohol Island

Tourists will be pleased with reasonable prices for food and accommodation. For a standard hotel room they ask for about 400 pesos ($9).

The advantages include:

Comfortable beach holiday in winter;
Cheap prices for food and housing;
Abundance of attractions;
Varied leisure activities;
Constantly developing tourism.

As for the negative aspects, it is a long and expensive flight. Some regions have weak infrastructure.

Do you prefer the frosty coolness of mountain peaks to hot beaches? Feel free to travel to Andorra. The small European state is widely known for its ski resorts and healing spa treatments. Andorra has a mild winter climate and comfortable weather conditions. This is a real paradise for skiers.

Capital Andorra

During the day the air temperature is +3..+5 degrees, at night the temperature is -2..-4 degrees. Here you can go skiing or snowboarding, visit winter sales, admire ancient castles and attractions, and relax in the SPA center.

The price of hotel accommodation will be 2000 rubles for 1 night for two. Since Andorra does not have its own airport, tourists are forced to fly with transfers in France or Spain. A nice bonus is the opportunity to see these countries.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

For lovers of ski resorts, Jahorina (Bosnia and Herzegovina) can be a good budget option. On average, accommodation in a three-star hotel, dinner in a cafe, a ski pass for the day and treatments in a spa will cost 50 euros.

Ski resort “Yakhorina”

Jahorina, located 30 km southeast of Sarajevo, is one of the popular ski centers of the former Yugoslavia.

The benefits of relaxing here include:

A variety of skiing for every taste;
Thoughtful landscaping of ski runs and slopes;
Russian speaking instructors;
Possibility of renting modern equipment;
You can combine skiing, shopping and excursions.

In addition, we note that tourists planning to stay on vacation for less than 30 days do not need a visa.

Türkiye

Another popular resort, traditionally associated with the sea, the southern sun and exciting excursions to the ruins of ancient cities, is Turkey. But not many people know about snow-covered Turkey, with ski lifts and hotels in the mountains. And those who choose a winter holiday in Turkey do not regret it at all.

Of course, the “too simple” slopes of Uludag, Palandoken or Sarykamysh will not be of interest to professional skiers and snowboarders. And for everyone else, quality trails, beautiful natural landscapes, decent service and reasonable prices await you.

Slope “Uludag”

The main advantage of Turkish ski resorts is the perfect balance of price and quality: tourists will be pleased with the European service and the affordable cost of the all-inclusive system.

Türkiye is optimal for winter. For a beginner child, you can easily find a good Russian-speaking instructor. Hotels offer vacationers a variety of leisure activities: discos, thermal springs, saunas and baths, mini-clubs.

Romania

The popular Romanian resort - Poiana Brasov, is located in a picturesque location - in a coniferous forest, 12 km from the nearest city of Brasov.

Ski slope “Poiana Brasov”

The budget for the day is approximately 55 euros. Tourists have at their disposal 10 ski slopes with different levels of difficulty, including one of them - Olympic, 3 downhill slopes, and there are slopes with jumping boards for special and giant slalom. Well-developed infrastructure allows you to easily get to the airport in Bucharest or the railway station in Brasov.
A visa is required to visit the country.

Video on the topic: Where is the best place to vacation abroad in winter?

In this article we tell you where you can relax by the sea in winter. We briefly compare and talk about 10 destinations where it is better to relax abroad in winter.

Comparative table of countries where it is better to relax at sea in winter

Visa	Temperature		Price level	Flight time from Moscow
Visa	air	water	Price level	Flight time from Moscow
No (28 days)	+30 °C	+28 °C	Short	9 hours (direct flight)
No (15 days)	+30-33°C	+24-27°C	Short	9 hours (direct flight)
No (30 days)	+30 °C	+27°C	Average	10 h (direct flight)
No (30 days)	+27-30°C	+26 °C	Average	11-13 h (direct flight), approx. 17 h (with transfer)
Yes	+30 °C	+27°C	Short	7 hours (direct flight)
Yes	+30°C	+28°C	Average	8.5 h (direct flight), approx. 10 hours (with transfer)
No (30 days)	+29-30°C	+27°C	Short	from 16 hours (with transfer)
No (30 days)	+30°C	+28°C	High	8h45 (direct flight)
No (30 days)	24-26°C	+23-25°C	High	5h 15 (direct flight)
No (30 days)	+27-28°C	+25-27°C	Average	13 h (direct flight)

Visa for Russians in Thailand it is not necessary if you do not plan to stay in the country for more than a month. You can read about a visa to Thailand in our article “”.

Photo © Jiashiang/flickr.com

Prices. Despite the exchange rate of the ruble and increased prices during the peak tourist season, prices in Thailand remain quite acceptable. In the article “” you can see a detailed overview of prices in the kingdom.

Prices for air tickets from Moscow to Bangkok start from 24-26 thousand rubles (round trip). From St. Petersburg to Bangkok the price tag for tickets is slightly higher, from 29-33 thousand rubles. (There and back again).

As for the prices of tours, it directly depends on the time of purchase of the tour and vacation dates. Phuket and Pattaya are considered the most popular holiday destinations in winter; this is where most tourists go on package tours. In the article "" we compared prices for 2 main winter holiday destinations.

Pros and cons of winter holidays in Thailand

pros

Great weather for a beach holiday
Abundance of exotic fruits
No need to apply for a visa
Low prices for food, clothing and housing
Developed tourist infrastructure

Minuses

Lots of tourists
Prices rise due to high season
Long plane flight

Vietnam

In winter, you can have a great holiday at sea in the southern part of Vietnam. The weather at this time is pleasant with warmth and plenty of sun.

Weather. In winter in the south of the country the air warms up to +30-33°C. The water temperature is set at +24-27°C.

Prices for air tickets from Moscow to Vietnam in winter start at 26,500 rubles. (There and back again). The highest prices for air tickets are set at the end of December. It is best to purchase tickets in advance. We use the air sales service or skyscanner to find cheap air tickets.

Since the end of November, prices for tours have been gradually creeping up. At the beginning of December you can find tours from 29-30 thousand per person, and closer to January the price of a tour may increase by 10-20% and continue to grow. The cost of tours changes every hour, so the prices in the article are approximate. Prices for specific dates can be found and compared from different tour operators using special services, and.

Pros and cons of winter holidays in Vietnam

pros

Southern resorts are designed for beach holidays
Cheap diving
Low prices for transport, housing and food

Minuses

The development of tourism infrastructure is slightly behind
Prices go up during the holidays in winter

Useful articles about winter holidays in Vietnam

Malaysia in winter is a tropical fairy tale for Russian tourists. In winter, you can relax here on clean sandy beaches surrounded by mountain and plant landscapes.

Weather. In winter, the air temperature stubbornly remains at +30 °C, and the water temperature does not drop below +27 °C.

Resorts. The best beaches for relaxation are the islands of Langkawi, Pangkor, and Penang. Popular resorts for beach holidays are Pangkor Laut and Tioman Island.

Visa for Russians it is not needed if the duration of the trip to Malaysia is less than 30 days. The stamp is placed upon arrival at the country's airports.

Prices. Compared to Thailand, prices for some things, services and products in Malaysia are higher (about 1.5 times). Malaysia is mostly a Muslim country, so all alcoholic products here are quite expensive (with the exception of the islands of Langkawi and Labuan).

Photo © Eddie Yip / flickr.com

In winter, prices for air tickets from Moscow to Malaysia start from 30-33 thousand rubles. (There and back again).

Tours to Malaysia are less popular among Russian tourists than Thailand or Vietnam. The cost of a 7-day tour from Moscow to Malaysia for two is from 107,308 rubles. You can compare prices on any of the services and.

Photo © David Russo / flickr.com

Advantages and disadvantages of holidays in Malaysia

pros

The climate is suitable for winter holidays
The population speaks good English
Relatively high level of security
Picturesque country
Friendly attitude towards tourists (+virtually no divorces)

Minuses

Prices are slightly higher than in neighboring countries
Long flight

If you don’t know where to go abroad to the sea in winter, then the Dominican Republic is perfect for a vacation, including a vacation with children. Winter in the Dominican Republic is the best time for a holiday with hot sun and lack of winds. Many tourists call a holiday in the Dominican Republic a visit to paradise.

Weather. In winter, the air temperature during the day stays at +27-30°C. The water temperature is around +26°C.

Resorts. Some of the most popular resorts in winter are Punta Cana, La Romana and Boca Chica. For holidays with small children, the resorts of Boca Chica or Punta Cana are best suited. You can see the description of the resorts and their location on the map in the article

Visa For Russians, a 30-day stay will not be required. For citizens of Belarus or Kazakhstan, a preliminary visa will be required.

Photo © Delphine Jankowski / flickr.com

Prices. Food prices here are higher than in Russia. In the Dominican Republic, prices for dairy products and bread are high, but prices for local fruits are low. Also, the prices for excursions (from $50 per person) are not particularly encouraging.

In winter, prices for air tickets from Moscow to the Dominican Republic start from 64 thousand rubles. (There and back again).

A hotel room can be rented from $30 (in the most modest hotels); in luxury hotels you can stay for $280. We are looking for housing in the Dominican Republic hotellook.ru or airbnb.

In winter, a tour to the Dominican Republic can be purchased from 111 thousand for two. It is better to purchase tours with all-inclusive meals. Prices from different tour operators are compared on websites, or. On these sites you can find reviews from tourists.

Pros and cons of winter holidays in the Dominican Republic

pros

Summer all year round
Clean beaches and clear sea
Some resorts are well suited for families with small children
Exotic fruits

Goa, India

In winter, Goa is a favorable place for a seaside holiday. In Goa, New Year and Catholic Christmas are celebrated on a grand scale. The resort attracts tourists with affordable prices and an exotic climate.

Weather. During the day, the air temperature can remain at +30 °C, and the sea can warm up to +27 °C. Unlike summer, winter in Goa has a less humid climate, which makes it easier to tolerate the heat.

Visa you need a permit to visit Goa, so you will have to spend a little time getting it done before leaving for India.

Prices. In general, Goa has low prices. In the north of Goa, prices in stores are lower than in the southern part of the resort. In cafes and shops, prices are quite reasonable and can please budget travelers.

Note: prices rise sharply before the winter holidays in Goa.

In winter, prices for air tickets from Moscow to Moscow start from 27-28 thousand rubles. (There and back again).

Goa can be divided into Young and Northern. The north is dominated by young people, budget hotels and shops. A distinctive feature of northern Goa is a large amount of entertainment and low housing prices. South Goa is mostly home to large 5-star hotels with an appropriate price category.
Photo © Amit Chacko Thomas / flickr.com

The main pros and cons of winter holidays in Goa

pros

Comfortable climate for relaxation
Low prices
Lots of entertainment
No language barrier (population speaks English)

Minuses

Theft, fraud and pushy traders
Not suitable for families with children

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an exotic abode, where the best time to relax is in winter. From December to April, Sri Lanka experiences favorable weather for excellent beach and sightseeing holidays.

Weather. During the day the thermometer shows +30°C. In winter, the water in Sri Lanka warms up to +28°C.

Resorts. The best resorts for winter holidays are the popular resorts of Negombo, Hikkaduwa, Bentota and Wadduwa.

Visa For Russians it is mandatory to register. An electronic ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) visa can be applied for online.

Prices. Sri Lanka has inexpensive public transport. However, excursions and accommodation are relatively expensive. Prices for groceries in stores and meals in cafes can accommodate a wallet of any size.

in winter air ticket prices from Moscow to Sri Lanka start from 26 thousand rubles. (There and back again).

In winter, prices for tours start at around 66 thousand rubles. for 2 for 7 nights. See prices for tours on the website, or.

Pros and cons of winter holidays in Sri Lanka

pros

Great weather in winter
The population speaks English
Just get a visa
Cheap public transport
Natural diversity

In winter, the high tourist season begins in the Philippines. The weather has stabilized since the beginning of December and the Philippines is turning into an exotic holiday destination. The country offers a variety of holidays from relaxing beach holidays to active and extreme holidays.

Weather. The air temperature in winter in the Philippines is +29-30 °C. The water warms up to +27°C and lasts until the end of winter.

Resorts. The most popular resorts among tourists are Boracay, Panay, Bohol, Cebu and Palawan.

Visa not needed for Russians. The maximum period of stay in the Philippines without a visa is 30 days.

Prices. In general, the Philippines has low prices for food and housing.

In winter, prices for air tickets from Moscow to the Philippines start from 31-33 thousand rubles. (There and back again).

A standard hotel room can cost from 400 pesos ($9). On average, hotel rooms cost from 700 pesos ($15). Look for cheap accommodation hotellook or airbnb.

Pros and cons of holidays in the Philippines

pros

Beach holiday in winter
Low prices for food and accommodation
Developed active and extreme recreation
Constantly developing tourism
Many attractions

Minuses

Long and expensive flight
Lack of developed infrastructure in some regions
Slow Internet

For those who are not strapped for money and don’t know where to go on holiday at sea in winter, we suggest you pay attention to holidays in the Republic of Maldives. Holidays in the Maldives are primarily about beach holidays and diving. The Maldives is often chosen as a honeymoon destination.

Weather. In winter, the weather in the Maldives is as pleasant as ever. The air temperature is +30°C, and the water temperature is +28°C. The best weather for holidays occurs from mid-December to mid-spring.

Resorts. The most popular resorts in the Maldives are Ari Atoll, South Male Atoll, Raa Atoll and Addu Atoll. South Male Atoll is perfect for a romantic getaway for two or for a family holiday with children. Ari Atoll is famous for diving.

Visa for Russians it is not necessary if the period of rest does not exceed 30 days.

Prices. Food prices here are high (relative to previous countries). The highest price tag is in cafes and restaurants at hotels and in places where tourists gather.

December in Russia is associated with pre-New Year's chores, preparing gifts, and purchasing products for the festive table. But even in this pre-holiday bustle, you shouldn’t forget about rest. And if it so happens that your vacation falls in December, there is no need to be discouraged. You can organize an exciting, eventful vacation without leaving the country. We’ll tell you in more detail about where to go in Russia in December.

Where can you relax in December in Russia?

The choice of destination for a winter holiday in Russia depends on your goal:

But first things first.

Save on intercity travel with BlaBlaCar.

Winter excursion holidays in Russia

In any season Saint Petersburg And Kazan ready to welcome tourists, lift the veil of secrets of their history, and satiate them with the splendor of architecture.

In winter St. Petersburg it is worth taking a walk around Palace Square, admire the beauty St. Isaac's Cathedral and Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, be surprised by the beauty Winter Palace, walk along Spit of Vasilyevsky Island and look into Letny garden, which does not lose its charm even in winter. Must visit Hermitage, Russian Museum, Kunstkamera.

The advantages of traveling to St. Petersburg in winter are: lack of queues at museums and decline in housing prices. Of the minuses - unpredictable St. Petersburg weather.

The weather in the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, Kazan, is more favorable to “winter” tourists. A winter typical for the middle zone will please you with the absence of winds and freezing rain, snowdrifts and frosty but not chilly temperatures, comfortable for short walks around the city. And there is something to see in Kazan:

Kazan Kremlin- the undisputed leader among city attractions.
Kul Sharif Mosque- the main Muslim shrine of the Republic.
Tower Syuyumbike- a “falling” building on the territory of the Kremlin, its spire is 2 meters away from the center.
Blagoveshchensky cathedral- a unique Orthodox church of the 16th century.
Hermitage-Kazan- a huge exhibition complex with exhibitions on various topics.
The Circus building looks like a UFO plate and the registry office building is shaped like a cauldron bowl.
Pedestrian street Bauman with many art objects, souvenir shops and shops.

When you get tired of walking, visit one of the restaurants in the city center, where you will understand that gastronomic tourism is possible in Russia. Tatar national cuisine is a real culinary art, one chak-chak is worth it.

Ski resorts in Russia in December

If you think that excursions are for grandmothers and schoolchildren, but you need a real explosion of emotions and extreme sports, pay attention to Russian ski resorts: Krasnaya Polyana , Dombay.

An obvious choice for skiing, even with children, is Krasnaya Polyana - a mountainous region near Sochi, which after the 2014 Winter Olympics became a place of pilgrimage for thousands of extreme tourists from all over the world.

The Krasnaya Polyana ski complex is equipped according to European standards, there are slopes of varying complexity and lifts. On the territory of the complex there are baths, restaurants and cafes.

Combine a relaxing holiday with a trip to the Gorka ski resort. The resort area is small, with only two simple trails, a ski lift and an outdoor skating rink, suitable for holidays with children. Both adults and children will enjoy such an exciting holiday in Karelia.

Universal holiday in winter Crimea

For a snack, I left the most versatile option for winter holidays in Russia - travel around the Crimean peninsula.

Prices for holidays in Crimea in winter significantly apply to everything, starting with hotel accommodation and ending with the cost of excursions, souvenirs and food.

December on the west coast of the peninsula the temperature during the day may reach the mark +8°С, at night up to +3°С, on the east coast it’s a little cooler - up to +7°C during the day and +1°C at night. The sun rarely appears, it is often cloudy, and rain is possible. However, it is in winter in Crimea that you can fully get enough of all types of recreation, except for the beach.

In winter it will be open to you full access to Mount Ai-Petri, which has a queue of tourists in the summer. An ideal option for winter extreme tourism is hiking to Angarsk pass and Chatyrdaga plateau.

During the low season, life comes to a standstill in small coastal villages, cafes and restaurants are closed, and most shops are closed. But the big cities are Yalta , Alushta , Sevastopol is ready to offer a rich excursion program:

work museums(Vorontsovsky, Yusupovsky, Livadiysky) and palaces(Massandrovsky, Dulber, Khansky, Swallow's Nest).
open karst caves: Marble, Skelskaya, Red.
are functioning local wineries, in each of which you can taste the products.

In addition to excursions, winter Crimea is good for health tourism purposes. The sanatoriums of Yalta and Miskhor treat the respiratory system, joints, cardiovascular and nervous systems. Health resorts in Evpatoria and Sudak specialize in problems of urology and gynecology, the endocrine system, and the respiratory system.

Of course, I haven’t talked about all the places you can go in winter in Russia. However, all of the above proves that an intense, exciting and inexpensive winter holiday is possible without traveling to hot countries. The main thing is to take with you plenty of warm clothes and a good mood.

Just yesterday I received an email from one of our new readers named Valentin. The letter asked literally the following. I quote: “ Where can you go to the seaside in winter? And inIs an economical beach holiday possible in the first half of January? Family of three adults and a 2.5 year old child». I, of course, replied that there are many options here. But then, to be honest, I thought about it a little. But really, where to go to the sea in winter? In Egypt and Israel at this time it is already a little cool. In Cyprus and the Canary Islands too. If you believe the weather forecast on the website Gismeteo.ru in January in Eilat it will be about +20. At best +24. In all of the countries listed, the picture is also similar. Agree, this is no longer quite a beach holiday. A walk along the sea or wandering through the mountains somewhere in Gran Canaria is certainly enough. But for a full-fledged beach holiday (in my understanding of this term), plus 20, like plus 25, is still not enough. Although it’s worth making a reservation: we’re talking about January here. In other months, the hottest resorts in Europe have really great weather.

That leaves Asia. But this is no longer quite a budget holiday. Go to the sea in winter Not everyone can afford to go to Thailand, Vietnam or India. Although here, of course, you need to define the concepts. Still, everyone’s ideas about “budget vacation” are different. So let's put the question this way: where is it better to go to the sea in winter, having a budget of 300-400 euros. In this article I will present my selection. And you, if you want, offer your options. I will be glad to see your suggestions.

Conditionally warm countries.

Israel. Eilat.

The cheapest way to get there: from Kaunas by Ryanair. Minimum ticket price (30-40 euros for a one-way flight). The price includes only hand luggage. You need to seriously adjust to flight dates.

Where to buy: https://www.ryanair.com/

Cost of hotel rooms: from 46 euros and above (hereinafter, the prices of the Rumguru website, which compares offers from different booking platforms, are used).

Apartment prices: from 50 euros and above (hereinafter, data from the AIRBNB website is used for apartments).

Tour cost (for two people): from 800 dollars. .

Weather forecast (December—January): +23…+27 degrees Celsius. In other months the temperature is higher.

Visa: not required.

Pros: modern resort, many excursion routes, quality hotel service, fantastic underwater world of the Red Sea.

Cons: spring weather, high prices in Israel.

Advice: no matter which option you choose, it is best to buy plane tickets and book hotels in advance. At least a couple of months in advance. The most convenient way to look for the best deals is on search engine sites - for example, on Aviasales. Here tickets are usually 5-10 dollars cheaper than on the websites of specific airlines. In addition, you immediately get the opportunity to see all possible flight options.

Spain. Canary Islands. Gran Canaria

Cheapest option: flight Warsaw (Modlin) – Gran Canaria.

Cost: from 155 euros (two ways). You can also look for cheaper tickets. For example, create a more complex route Modlin-Charleroi/Charleroi-Gran Canaria. In this case, tickets will be cheaper (70-100 euros).

Cost of hotel rooms: from 39 euros. The cheapest options.

Example: Hotel Monte Feliz (three stars).

Apartment prices: from 70 euros (apartment for 4 people, booking for a week).

Package tour cost (for 2 people): from 1000 dollars. Detailed options.

Weather forecast: +22…+26 degrees Celsius.

Visa: Schengen (single entry possible).

Pros: good level of service, relatively low prices in shops and cafes, pleasant weather, many beautiful cities and vibrant natural attractions (Maspalomas dunes, etc.).

Advice: if you suddenly decide to opt for a “package” tour, it’s best to look for suitable options on the website. This Russian online project often offers tours much cheaper than regular companies. In addition, when purchasing a tour, you can get an additional discount of up to 5,000 Russian rubles simply by using a simple promo code. What specific discount codes are we talking about in detail.

P.S. Probably, the list of countries could also include Morocco, Cyprus or visa-free Turkey. But in these countries in January it is even cooler than in the Canary Islands or Eilat. At least, in most weather forecasts that I found, the numbers are in the region of +15...+20. Of course, you can go to Turkey or Morocco not only for the sea, but also for interesting natural or historical attractions. But this is a little out of the format of our article.

Weather forecast: +28…+32 С°

Visa: no.

Pros: warm climate, clear sea... well, you know, this is the Maldives.

Cons: long flight, need to get to Moscow, high prices in local restaurants.

Advice. Wherever you end up going, be sure to buy yourself good insurance and carefully study its terms. The best way to do this is, which allows you to quickly compare the conditions of different policies, and also offers you the best options in terms of price and quality. This site presents policies from many leading companies in Europe, Russia and the USA. At the same time, prices are practically no different from those offered by Belarusian companies. In general, the main thing is not to buy insurance at random. Otherwise, at conditional hour X, your policy may turn out to be completely useless. We've already had this.

Thailand. Phuket.

Optimal route: Moscow - Phuket.

Flight cost: from 387 euros (two ways).

Where to buy: Skyscanner or Aviasales (Check both. And buy tickets where it will be cheaper). You can also use the table provided.

Tour cost: from 750 (for two people). Specific options. Be sure to check the last minute tours section.

Cost of hotel rooms: from 19 euros. Read more.

Weather forecast: +31…+33 С°

Visa: Thai visa.

Pros: warm, cheap, interesting, many beautiful places and vibrant natural attractions.

Cons: Belarusians, unlike Russians, need a visa to travel to Thailand. Well, again, traveling through Moscow is not very convenient.

Advice. In general, searching for plane tickets is a very delicate art. Here you need to choose the right dates, routes, and airlines. Also of great importance is the factor on which site you are looking for specific options and how flexible you can be in terms of organizing your trip. Read more about all these nuances. Be sure to read it. This article will help you in organizing many trips.

India. Goa.

Route: Moscow - Goa.

Flight cost: from 401 euros (two ways). If you're lucky, you can "catch" tickets at half the price.

Where to buy: Aviasales or Skyscanner. (Check both. And buy tickets where it will be cheaper).

Cost of hotel rooms: from 17 euros.

Example: Coco's Resort & Club.

Apartment prices: from 17 euros.

Cost of tours to Goa (from Moscow): from 600 dollars (for two).

Weather forecast: +29…+33 degrees Celsius.

Visa: Indian visa. There is an embassy in Minsk.

Pros: warm, exotic, inexpensive.

Cons: you need to apply for a visa and be careful when choosing hotels (there are many frankly bad hotels in India). Well, again... It’s inconvenient to fly from Moscow.

Tip: if you decide to stay in private apartments instead of a hotel, try searching for suitable options on the AIRBNB website. Personally, we use this platform on almost all of our travels. You can register on the site using this link. In this case, you will immediately receive a small bonus for your first booking.

Vietnam. Nha Trang.

Route: Moscow - Nha Trang.

Flight cost: from 350 euros (round trip).

Where to buy: Skyscanner or Aviasales (Check both. And buy tickets where it will be cheaper).
Cost of hotel rooms: from 7 euros.

Example: Thien Ma Hotel.

Apartment prices: from 15 euros.

Tour cost: from $950 (for two).

Weather forecast: +30…+34.

Visa: not required (up to 15 days of stay).

Pros: beautiful nature, excellent beaches, no visa barriers, many natural attractions and excursion routes.

Cons: departure from Moscow.

P.S. That's all for now. Again, I will be glad to see your suggestions for interesting countries and resorts, where you can go to the sea in winter(I hope together we can find something really interesting).