On vacation without a tour operator: how to save money and have a good rest. How to relax for free: step-by-step instructions How to go on vacation abroad

All about roaming and communications abroad: how to contact family from abroad.

Especially for those who want to join the ranks of individual tourists, we have prepared clear step-by-step instructions on how to organize your trip yourself.

Think about where you want to go and why

This is not as simple a question as it seems at first glance. Many famous resorts they are specially “promoted”, while a kilometer away you can find much more pleasant and little-known places. Perhaps one of the most odious examples is Pattaya. This Thai resort is popular as a family resort only among clients of Russian tour operators. In reality, this is the capital of dubious entertainment, and the nature there cannot be compared with the nature of the islands nearby, which can be reached in a few hours. Be sure to read reviews and discussions of the place on the Internet - for example, in our “Question and Answer” section. Keep in mind that there are cases when organizing a trip yourself is completely unprofitable from a financial point of view. This mainly concerns mass beach destinations, where tour operators buy tickets and hotel rooms in bulk at a discount.

Think through the logistics and create a route

Very often, a ticket directly from point A to point B costs five times more than to point B. Moreover, point B may be very close to point B. Of course, sometimes you have to sacrifice convenience for the sake of price, for example, changing a plane to a bus. Let's take Thailand as an example, beloved by Russians: the minimum price of air tickets from Bangkok to Koh Samui was about 15,000 RUB. At the same time, getting to Samui by night train + ferry cost approximately from 1000 to 3000 RUB, depending on the class and level of comfort. In Europe, where distances are small by Russian standards and there is a large concentration of airports, sometimes it makes sense to fly to another country and get to the neighboring one by train in half an hour - say, from Girona, Spain to France. You can compare airfare prices using numerous online aggregators, such as www.skyscanner.com. Oh yes, guidebooks are a very useful thing, buy at least one and read it BEFORE your trip.

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Take care of your safety

By purchasing insurance yourself, you have the opportunity to choose the necessary options, such as baggage or third party liability insurance. Just in case: we strongly recommend taking out insurance. It’s now easy to buy a policy online in five minutes, and if something happens, this very little money will save you from big troubles. “If you are going to very distant and exotic places, ask the insurance company which assistance company they work with,” advises Intouch Insurance Director Valisy Busarov. - Assistance is an intermediary company; it is the one that will resolve emerging issues and communicate with a medical institution if you need help. Assistance works only with certain clinics with which it is bound by an agreement, so it is necessary to clarify in advance whether there are medical institutions in the city with which an agreement has been concluded. As a rule, there are no problems with this, but in places very remote from civilization it is better to be sure that there is such an agreement with the nearest hospital.”

Book your accommodation online

In addition to searching for tickets, the Internet and mobile applications provide countless opportunities for organizing your own travel. You can book a hotel room on www.booking.com or a bed in a hostel on www.hostelworld.com, or you can rent a room or treehouse from private owners from different countries at www.airbnb.com. Another interesting service is www.couchsurfing.com. It allows you to live absolutely free all over the world with volunteers who support the idea of such friendship between peoples. In exchange, you are expected to host some other community member in your home when they travel to your city. True, free accommodation, as a rule, implies the need to communicate with the owner, observe at least minimal social decency and experience all the delights of neighborly life.

“As part of a tour, the operator usually limits the choice to hotels with which contracts have been concluded for good conditions. Online agencies provide a wider range of hotels, as well as alternative accommodation options that are not available to the tour operator. These are, for example, hostels and apartments - and in combination with flights they can be more attractive in price. In addition, you yourself choose the additional services (transfer, excursions, New Year’s dinner at the hotel, etc.) that you need, while the tour operator includes everything in the package, which, of course, is reflected in the price,” commented the commercial director of Svyaznoy Travel" Andrey Osintsev.

And in any incomprehensible situation, we advise you to remember this quote from Mark Twain: “In 20 years, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did do. So set sail from the quiet pier. Feel the tailwind in your sail. Move forward, act, open up!”

Ticket prices start from 13,574 rubles.

Cost of one day

Housing. Two places in a hostel - from 990 rubles, a double room in a hotel - from 1,000 rubles.
Food. Cold Lithuanian borscht - 190 rubles, fried potatoes with hunting sausages - 290 rubles.
Entertainment. Two tickets to the Museum of the World Ocean (excursion to a submarine) - 600 rubles, entrance to the Amber Museum - 300 rubles for two.

Things to do

Go to an organ concert in Cathedral and reflect on the eternal at the tomb of Immanuel Kant.
Visit the Fishing Village, climb aboard the B-413 submarine, and then stop by the Amber Museum. It is unthinkable to visit Kaliningrad and not buy an amber souvenir or jewelry.
Explore Kaliningrad region: there are castles a little over an hour’s drive from the city Teutonic Order- Insterburg and Schaaken.
Take a walk through one of the walking routes Curonian Spit- a natural wonder included in the List World Heritage UNESCO. Admire the dunes and intricately curved trees of the Dancing Forest.

Russia, Karelia

Ticket prices to Petrozavodsk start from 18,872 rubles.
When to go: May to September.

Cost of one day

Housing. Two places in a hostel - from 1,000 rubles, a double room in a hotel - from 1,200 rubles.
Food. Kalitka (Karelian pie) with potatoes - 75 rubles, trout fish soup - 410 rubles, rowan liqueur - 190 rubles for 50 grams.
Entertainment. A trip to “Ruskeala” - 3,850 rubles for two, an excursion to Kizhi - 5,900 rubles for two, an excursion to Valaam from Petrozavodsk - 10,400 rubles.

Things to do

There are 60 thousand lakes and 27 thousand rivers. Go rafting or kayaking on the Shuya River or try to catch a huge salmon while fishing Lake Onega. If extreme sports are not attractive, go to the Kivach waterfall - this is the highest flat waterfall in Europe.
You cannot visit Karelia without visiting the Kizhi nature reserve, where real masterpieces of wooden architecture are collected. According to legend, the Church of the Transfiguration was built by the carpenter Nestor with only an ax. After construction, the master threw the ax into the lake so that no one could repeat his masterpiece.
Not far from the border with Finland there is the Ruskeala mountain park. Where marble was previously mined in an industrial quarry, there is now a lake with marble shores and underwater grottoes. On the way to Ruskeala, stop by the Tokhminsky waterfalls.

Georgia

Ticket prices to Tbilisi start from 22,332 rubles.
Entry regime: visa-free. When to go: from May to July or September-October.

Cost of one day

Housing. Two places in a hostel - from 361 rubles, a double room in a hotel - from 902 rubles.
Food. Khachapuri - 135 rubles, a portion of 10 khinkali with beef - 180 rubles, pork kebab - 270 rubles.
Entertainment. A tour of Tbilisi - 1,800 rubles for two, two tickets to the botanical garden - 90 rubles, a round-trip cable car ride - 90 rubles for two.

Things to do

In Tbilisi, be sure to take the cable car to the Narikala fortress, visit the flea market on the Dry Bridge, Shardeni Street and the botanical garden.
It is worth paying attention not only to the capital, but also to other regions of the country. From the interesting - ancient city Mtskheta, mountains and waterfalls of Svaneti, the Georgian Military Road and, of course, Kakheti with its wine.
For a beach holiday, go to Batumi, Kobuleti or Sarpi. The beach in Sarpi is considered one of the best in Adjara, the coastal region of Georgia.

Poland, Krakow

Ticket prices to Krakow start from 34,104 rubles.
Entry mode: Schengen visa required. When to go: to Catholic Christmas or from May to September.

Cost of one day

Housing. Two places in a hostel - from 1,081 rubles, a double room in a hotel - from 2,153 rubles.
Food. Casserole (baguette with filling) - from 84 rubles, chicken fillet with mushrooms - from 227 rubles, 0.5 liters of draft beer - from 118 rubles.
Entertainment. Tickets to castles and museums - from 200 rubles for two, a tour of the Wieliczka salt mines - from 2,998 rubles for two.

Things to do

If you want to see the real Poland, fly to Krakow. Krakow is recognized as one of the most beautiful cities countries. This former capital state and place of coronation of Polish monarchs.
Wander around Krakow's Old Town and Market Square, visit architectural complex on Wawel Hill - here is the royal castle, and ancient cathedral Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas. In December, be sure to check out the Christmas market.
In the city of Wieliczka, not far from Krakow, there are once the largest salt mines in Europe. You will be led through winding corridors past salt sculptures and underground lakes. To fully experience the atmosphere, you will rise to the surface in a special mining cabin.

Montenegro

Ticket prices to Tivat start from 28,370 rubles.
Entry regime: visa-free. When to go: May to November.

Cost of one day

Housing. Two places in a hostel - from 1,750 rubles, double room in guest house- from 1,893 rubles.
Food. Fried cheese - 419 rubles, pork chop - 482 rubles.
Entertainment. Excursion to Ostrog - from 3,490 rubles for two, two tickets to Durmitor Park - 419 rubles.

Things to do

Behind natural beauties go to national park"Durmitor". The gorge along the Tara River, which flows through the park, is the Montenegrin analogue of the American Grand Canyon. This is the deepest canyon in Europe: its depth reaches 1,300 meters. In Durmitor there is one of the most high points Montenegro - Mount Bobotov Kuk (2,523 meters).
Connoisseurs of medieval architecture have a direct route to the historical part of Budva, built during the time of the Venetian Republic. Then go to the Orthodox monastery Ostrog, carved into a steep cliff at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level.
As for the sea, the choice is yours: either the beaches of the Adriatic Sea, or the fjord of the Bay of Kotor.

Vietnam

Ticket prices to Ho Chi Minh City start from 43,922 rubles.
Entry mode: when traveling for less than 15 days, a visa is not required. When to go: to Hanoi - from September to February, to Nha Trang - from February to August, to Mui Ne - from December to June, to Hoi An - from January to August.

Cost of one day

Housing. Two places in a hostel - from 664 rubles, a hotel - from 844 rubles.
Food. Pho soup - from 98 rubles, rice with seafood - around 170 rubles, freshly squeezed juices - from 40 rubles per 0.3 liter.
Entertainment. Excursion to the Kuti tunnels - from 2,257 rubles for two, two tickets to the Vinpearl park - approximately 3,900 rubles.

Things to do

Want to see a bay created by a dragon? Long ago, he crawled towards the sea and left behind him valleys filled with water. Of course, this is a legend. But Ha Long Bay is the most beautiful postcard view of Vietnam.
From Ho Chi Minh City, take a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels. They were dug up by guerrillas during the Vietnam War to launch surprise attacks on American troops. Now underground passages with a total length of up to 200 kilometers, they have become a popular tourist attraction.
It would be strange to come to Vietnam solely for the sake of studying cultural heritage of this country. Beach holidays are what attracts tourists. It’s worth going to Nha Trang, Mui Ne or Hoi An for it.
In Nha Trang, be sure to set aside a day to visit the Vinpearl amusement park. Leads there cable car more than three kilometers long. “Vinpearl” is a paradise for a budget tourist: for a very reasonable amount you can go on rides all day, see a dolphin show and go to the only water park on the coast with fresh water. Among the attractions, we especially recommend the electric sleigh: the cart rushes along a winding track, and you regulate the speed yourself.

Sri Lanka

Ticket prices to Colombo start from 54,034 rubles.
Entry mode: you can apply for an electronic visa permit. When to go: December to April.

Cost of one day

Housing. Two places in a hostel - from 673 rubles, a double room in a hotel - from 1,263 rubles.
Food. A serving of rice with curry - from 75 rubles, pancakes with banana and chocolate - from 90 rubles.
Entertainment. Sightseeing tour in Colombo - from 3,095 rubles for two, two tickets to the elephant shelter - about 1,800 rubles.

Things to do

The path to nirvana lies through the golden triangle: the cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy. Here are the largest and most important Buddhist temples and monasteries.
Connoisseurs of good tea should visit the town of Nuwara Eliya. See how the tea bushes cover the hills with a dense carpet and shimmer like emerald in the sun. Dilmah, Akbar - it's all from here. Sri Lanka is one of the three largest tea producing countries in the world.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage - without any exaggeration unique place. Here, elephant calves, left without parents for one reason or another, are raised and taught wisdom. You can even watch elephants bathe and eat.

Tunisia

Ticket prices to Tunisia start from 33,201 rubles.
Entry mode: when traveling for less than 90 days, a visa is not required. When to go: from March to June or September-October.

Cost of one day

Housing. Double Room in the hotel - from 2,099 rubles, apartments for two - from 2,239 rubles.
Food. Fish soup - 165 rubles, grilled tuna - 470 rubles, a cup of mint tea - 50 rubles.
Entertainment. Two tickets to Carthage - about 500 rubles, a two-day trip to the Sahara - approximately 13,000 rubles.

Things to do

If you want to literally touch antiquity, here you will find what you were looking for. You can start from the capital: in Tunisia (yes, both the country and the capital are all Tunisia) visit the medina - Old city, where narrow streets weave into a labyrinth surrounded by a stone wall.
The ruins of Carthage are deservedly popular among tourists - once largest city on the west coast Mediterranean Sea. Carthage was founded around 814 BC. All that remains of its former luxury are the amphitheater, aqueduct and the Baths of Anthony Pius.
Go on an excursion to the Sahara - after all, it’s not every day that you get the chance to see a real desert and visit the Berbers. By the way, the settlement of Matmata, where representatives of this nationality live, was seen by everyone who watched “ Star Wars": there it depicted the planet Tatooine.

Morocco

Ticket prices to Casablanca start from 31,692 rubles.
Entry mode: when traveling for less than 90 days, a visa is not required. When to go: May to October.

Cost of one day

Housing. A room in a guest house - from 1,400 rubles, a double room in a hotel - from 1,959 rubles.
Food. Casserole with eggplants and tomatoes - 430 rubles, paella with fish - from 276 rubles, a cup of coffee - from 77 rubles.
Entertainment. Excursion from Agadir to Marrakesh - approximately 8,100 rubles for two, a trip to the Sahara with local guides - from 10,000 rubles.

Things to do

Visit Rick's Bar in Casablanca, where the atmosphere of the cult film by Michael Curtiz is recreated. Feel like Humphrey Bogart and order a bourbon.
For lovers beach holiday road to Tangier. To the west of the city is the longest in the country beach strip: 47 kilometers of sand along Atlantic Ocean. When you have had enough of swimming, you can go to the Sahara - such excursions are not only available in Tunisia.
Who said Africa is not for ski lovers? Winter weather in Atlas mountains good for riding. You can slide down a snowy slope in the morning and swim in the warm ocean in the evening.
If you have enviable willpower and are not fooled by the sweet speeches of talkative sellers, go to the local bazaar to buy souvenirs. Bargain with all your might, here this process is almost more important than the fact of purchase itself.

USA, New York

Ticket prices start from 40,830 rubles.
Entry mode: visa required. When to go: March to October.

Cost of one day

Food and housing in New York are not cheap. But tickets from Moscow are inexpensive for this long flight, and on the spot you can create a very budget-friendly recreation program.

Housing. Double room in the hotel - from 3,816 rubles, apartments for two - from 5,331 rubles.
Food. Hot dog - 186 rubles, chicken burger - 354 rubles, chocolate muffin - 154 rubles.
Entertainment. Two tickets to the Guggenheim Museum - about 2,800 rubles, two tickets to the zoo - around 2,000 rubles, a visit to the Statue of Liberty - about 2,100 rubles for two.

Things to do

Must-see in New York: Broadway and Fifth Avenue, Statue of Liberty, Times Square and Central Park.
Among the local museums and attractions, it is worth visiting the Solomon Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Madame Tussauds, the botanical garden and the zoo. Of course, one cannot ignore the New York Museum of Modern Art, where works by Matisse, Van Gogh, Picasso and Dali are collected. By the way, on Fridays from 16 to 20 hours, admission is free if you are not afraid of long lines.
There is entertainment in New York for every taste: a concert at the Metropolitan Opera, NBA or NHL matches. Going over budget? The breathtaking views from the Brooklyn Bridge are completely free, as is the ferry between Manhattan and Staten Island.

How to visit all these places at the expense of Tinkoff Bank

Advice for thrifty travelers: get your own bank card, which allows you to save miles for flights. From every purchase on the Internet or in a regular store, part of the money will be returned back.

Here's the cashback the Tinkoff ALL Airlines card gives:

10% when paying for a hotel room and car rental. You paid 10 thousand for an overnight stay - you get a thousand back.
5% when purchasing plane or train tickets through the website travel.tinkoff.ru. If you bought tickets for 50,000 rubles, you will get 2,500 back.
3% when purchasing tickets through any other site.
2% will be returned to your account from all other purchases.

Money is returned to your account in miles, 1 mile is 1 ruble. You can use miles to pay for a ticket on any airline in the world. At the same time, you can continue to accumulate miles in the loyalty program of the airline you use.

Bonus for Lifehacker readers

Tinkoff Bank is giving all Lifehacker readers an ALL Airlines card with a free first year of service. Typically, annual card maintenance costs 1,890 rubles. You can read about all the features and advantages of the card.

Apply for a card, earn miles, travel and discover the world.

On specialized online services

A huge number of services provide such search capabilities. It should be noted that they are quite popular among men and women. The most common reason why single tourists look for a travel companion is the desire to save money. Behind Single Room Singles are forced to overpay up to 30%, and not everyone can afford this luxury.

Another benefit is the opportunity to relax not in splendid isolation. Most of our compatriots feel uncomfortable without company abroad and are embarrassed to go alone to restaurants or to the beach, not to mention excursions. Girls often look for a so-called sponsor who will pay for the trip. When choosing, try to determine as accurately as possible how comfortable you will be with this person, whether your wishes agree on any rules: for example, do not smoke and do not bring anyone into the room. Agree in advance and save yourself from unpleasant surprises.

Through a travel agency

Many travel agencies also have a similar service or service on their official website. Knowing where, when and which of the clients is going, efficient managers will be able to select a company for you or, with your prior consent, transfer contacts to someone who also does not really want to go alone.

When vacationing as two or three, you can save not only on a room, but also on a taxi, and in some cases, on food in cafes and restaurants, especially if the bill in the host country includes “table setting” or service as a separate item. This way you can find not only a travel companion who will share a room with you, but also a company with whom you will have fun at the hotel and travel around the country.

Via social network

Often, friends and friends of friends, in addition to photographs, statuses and videos, publish information that they want to rent out an apartment, ask for help in finding a specialist - an interior designer or a good wedding host. You can also place an advertisement that you are looking for a company on vacation. There is a high probability that someone is also looking.

Friends, colleagues, acquaintances

If you don’t want to “notify” a wide circle, you can ask selectively those you trust. This option can also be effective.

Online Dating

An option for those who are looking for a companion not only for vacation, but also for the long term. Going on vacation with a stranger is fraught, but if you follow the rules of caution, it is significant. People open up best when they are together for 24 hours over several days or even weeks. On a joint trip, you can see how neat, active, temperamental, emotionally stable, sociable, and interesting a person is. In general, almost everything. If it was successful, you didn’t get bored of each other, you never had a serious fight, and then you can safely move in together and make much more serious plans together.

In 2019, surprisingly for Russian citizens, things turned out very well holidays: from 1 to 5 and from 9 to 12 May. There are three working days between them from the 6th to the 8th. If you have time off, and management doesn’t object, then it’s realistic to organize yourself a full-fledged vacation for 12 days and give up on the seas and oceans. Those who were given two weeks of regular vacation by their bosses in May were extremely lucky: they got a whole month of rest.

Beach holiday in May

Beach holiday destinations

First of all, the weather is improving in the Mediterranean, at the favorite resorts of Russians, and travel agencies are offering many last-minute tours.

Greece

Beach season has not yet arrived on the mainland; the water has not warmed up to comfortable levels. Only in narrow and shallow bays near Athens does the water warm up to +22. In the seaside suburbs of the Greek capital, most of the hotels are luxury hotels and luxury apartments. Such a vacation will allow you to combine the beach and excursions to the historical part of Athens, visit the Acropolis and famous ancient temples.

On large islands It’s already quite pleasant: +25 in the air and +22 in the water. Crete and Rhodes provide hotels of various star ratings; a lot of historical and natural attractions await their guests.

Travelers with children are better off coming in the second half of the month, when the weather is closer to summer. In Crete they are advised to choose north coast: the water there is warmer and the sea is less rough.

Party-goers will always find a bar, night club, dance parties. Instead of sunbathing, it is convenient to play beach volleyball and tennis.

Israel. Tel Aviv and the Mediterranean coast

By May, the full tourist season begins in the Israeli Mediterranean. The daytime temperature is approaching +30, the water is also quite comfortable: +26. From May to September rainy days can not be.

Not only the capital of Israel, but also its suburbs: Netanya, Herzliya, Bat Yam and other places are famous for their clean, fully equipped beaches with clear water. In the northern part of Israel, the main resort is Haifa (95 km from the capital). The choice of hotels, restaurants and cafes of varying comfort is huge. You can also choose apartments for accommodation. It is worth considering that prices for all services are approximately twice as high as in Turkey.

Beach activities are available for both children and adults: water skiing, surfing, diving, beach games, yachting.

For active travelers, the choice of excursions is unlimited. In a country of three religions and a mass of confessions, almost every corner of it is a tourist attraction.

Israel. Eilat

Eilat is Israel's only access to the Red Sea. The weather in May is summer. The heat of +32 is softened by a light breeze, the water temperature of +28 degrees allows you to stay in it for an unlimited time.

The Red Sea is a paradise for divers of all levels, with beautiful corals and a variety of colorful fish attracting everyone.

From Eilat it is easy to go on excursions to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea and other interesting places.

Jordan. Aqaba

Aqaba is Eilat's neighbor on the Red Sea. There are only 3 km between the cities. The weather is the same: real summer: +32 air, +28 water.

The highlight of the tourist program is water and underwater entertainment. The beaches, well maintained and equipped, belong to hotels.

From Aqaba, tourists leave to explore ancient cities, places mentioned in the scriptures and associated with the life of Christ.

Exotic destinations

Not all exotic destinations in May they are usually comfortable. The climate on our planet is amazing and diverse.

Emirates

Those who like it hot come to May. The main season ends in the first week of May. The hot breath of the desert begins with heat over +35 and dust storms. You won’t be able to cool down at night either: +30. If you choose an emirate on the coast of the Gulf of Oman, then the water will be +23, and in Persian Gulf +29.

Excursions in the “urban jungle” will be tiring; a way out will be found by visiting natural sites: Khalid Lagoon with beautiful beaches and Al Jazeera amusement park, and Dubai's skyscrapers are even more beautiful at night than during the day. Traveling on a yacht will also bring the desired freshness. For extreme sports enthusiasts, parachute jumps are offered over the desert and over the city.

If you wish, it’s wonderful to relax in the UAE in May, just don’t forget about one feature: the country is Muslim - open cleavage and bare legs are not welcome in in public places neither women nor men.

Thailand

In – May – the beginning of the monsoon rainy season. The heat is above +30 and high humidity resembles the effect of a Russian bath. Monsoons bring not only rain, but also winds and storms. The only resort where there is less rain is Samui.

May is suitable for lovers of all types of surfing. In the second half, the heat becomes less severe due to the winds. The sea is too cloudy for diving.

The only bonus is that prices for services are the lowest at this time.

May is the height of the monsoons: showers (fortunately short-lived), winds, waves, storms. The temperature of water and air is the same - about +32 and strong humidity. In short, Russian roulette. Sometimes it rains for several days, and sometimes only at night.

The least rainfall is on Haa Alifu Atoll, where you can swim not in the ocean, but in a beautiful lagoon.

Where to go to the seaside in May without a visa

The absence of a visa does not prevent holidays abroad not only in Turkey, Israel, the CIS countries, but also in exotic countries, such as Cuba or Malaysia.

Cuba

May is a transition month to the monsoon season. The air temperature rises to +30, the water is stable along the entire coast: +27. It rains for a maximum of a week, not every day in a row, for 2-3 hours. This does not interfere with rest at all. At the same time, there are much fewer visitors in hotels and on beaches.

Water activities on Cuban beaches are available to everyone. Fishing lovers will feel the emotions described in detail by Hemingway. Numerous May festivals and carnivals are a delight.

Malaysia

Malaysia amazing country. It consists of two parts: it occupies the southern half of the Malay Peninsula and northern part the islands of Borneo (aka Kalimantan).

The mainland and island parts of the country are separated by a narrow strait, and the climate is different, like heaven and earth. The Malacca Peninsula is dominated by monsoons, like Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, the Maldives, and Borneo is sunny, warm and dry. The weather is just perfect for have a relaxing holiday on the beach with the whole family. Air temperature +33, water +29.

Fans wildlife will be able to visit the only orangutan reserve on earth. IN natural environment their numbers are constantly decreasing due to deforestation, and in a protected area these monkeys feel great.

Popular resorts in May

Türkiye

This country remains the most popular destination among Russian tourists.

In May, the air and water warm up gradually: the air reaches +25, the water +21+22 on the southern coast of the country. West Coast on the Aegean Sea can be considered for a beach holiday if you book a hotel with a warm pool and visit one of the water parks with children.

It's time to visit the sights. You don’t have to travel 300 km to do this.

Within a radius of 100 km from Antalya there are beautiful waterfalls on the Duden and Manavgat rivers, ruins ancient city Phaselis, where according to legend Alexander the Great is buried.

In Alanya, right in the city center, a 13th century fortress with walls 8 km long and the Dalamtas salt cave have been preserved.

IN resort town Side, a satellite of Manavgat, located between Antalya and Alanya, tourists are shown the entrance gate built by the Romans, the ruins of the temple of Dionysus, Tyche and Fortuna, and an amphitheater.

Morocco

The African country on the Atlantic coast begins high season in the second half of May, when the water temperature exceeds +22, the air at this time is already +27. Main resort– Agadir: hotels of various stars, a wide range of equipped beaches, surfing, horseback riding, golf courses, desert safaris.

Trips to the ancient cities of the country Casablanca, Fez, Marrakech are an acquaintance with the history and culture of the country, pleasant shopping in local shops. In Morocco, it is worth purchasing genuine leather, silk, bedspreads made from real camel hair, locally produced argan oil, traditional colored slippers and other original souvenirs.

Ski holidays in May

Ride on alpine skiing in May? Fans of this sport will be able to find a corner for themselves in the summer, not only in late spring: in Europe there are also year-round ski slopes.

Hintertux. Austria

Hintertux is a glacier in the Austrian Alps in Tyrol. The ski resort is designed not so much for amateurs as for athletes and extreme sports enthusiasts. There are few “black” trails, but the “red” and “blue” ones are quite long and difficult. By the end of spring, out of 86 kilometers of trails, 18 remain at an altitude of 2660 to 3250 m at the very top of the Zillertal mountain. The cost of services must be clarified on the spot, as it is calculated depending on the ski area.

Get from Innsbruck to Mayrhofen railway station (64 km), from there by special ski bus (22 km).

Matterhorn

The Matterhorn is a mountain in the Alps on the border of Switzerland and Italy. There are two year-round ski resorts around it: Zermatt in Switzerland and Cervinia in Italy. The resorts are united into a common ski area. The trails are suitable for everyone. TO summer season, which starts on May 1, the length of the tracks is approximately 100 km. The cost of services is clarified on the spot, since children under 9 years old ride for free, discounts are provided for ages 9 to 16 years and pensioners. It is more profitable to buy a ski pass for all slopes in the Italian zone.

It is more convenient to get to Switzerland from Zurich by train for 3.5 hours to Tash station, from there by buses that take tourists to the resort every 20 minutes, starting at 6 in the morning. In Italy, Turin is the closest. From there it's a 2.5 hour bus ride to Chatillon. In Chatillon, change to a bus to Cervinia.

A nice bonus - beautiful photos with the Matterhorn mountain in the background. It is considered the most photogenic alpine peak.

Riksgränsen. Sweden

Riksgränsen – ski resort on the border with Norway in the Arctic Circle. May is the peak of the season, since the polar day begins on May 21 and the Sun does not set below the horizon. There are not many trails. They are 21 km long, but are suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders. With the onset of the polar day, snowboarding competitions are held for professionals skiing on “virgin lands” called “Walk for Beer”. It covers not only Swedish, but also Norwegian ski area(Norvik). Ski season lasts until the end of June. The cost of a 6-day ski pass is 162 euros (1455 SEK)

Get to Sweden from Kiruna airport (130 km) or from Norway from Evenes airport (90 km) by bus.

Kirovsk. Russia

The ski resort is located just south Arctic Circle, so in March the season is in full swing. The slopes are not very long - only 30 km, but are suitable for all skiers and snowboard fans. Equipment rental prices vary depending on the type of track.

You can arrive to the city of Apatity, neighboring Kirovsk, by plane or train, from there it is 17 km by regular bus.

Holidays in Russia in May

For fans active rest, military personnel, employees of special services and special enterprises (for whom traveling abroad is “not recommended”) it is quite possible to choose a vacation within the country that will benefit the soul, body and wallet.

Crimea

In May in Crimea the beach season is far away. The air warms up to a maximum of +20, the water, to put it mildly, is suitable for fans of winter swimming. To get acquainted with the most beautiful natural and historical sites of the peninsula, May - best time. There are no usual crowds of tourists in the famous palaces, and it is not at all hot to climb the mountains on foot. Built in 2018 Crimean Bridge significantly reduced travel time.

Center South Bank Crimea - Yalta. From it it is easy to get to many attractions: the Livadia and Vorontsov palaces with beautiful parks And rich history, Swallow's nest– the most popular subject for photo shoots, Nikitsky botanical garden with a unique collection of plants (May is the peak of flowering for most of them). You can climb Mount Ai-Petri by cable car.
Sevastopol. The fourth bastion and Sapun-mountain, monuments to Nakhimov and lost ships, the count's pier and the panorama “Defense of Sevastopol” - the memory of the soldiers who died in two wars. Very close to Sevastopol is Bakhchisarai, the historical capital of the Crimean Khanate, glorified by Pushkin, and cave cities.
Feodosia. Aivazovsky Art Gallery, the remains of an ancient fortress, the house-museum of Alexander Green. Not far away is the village of Old Crimea with Green’s grave, the city of Sudak with Genoese fortress, Mount Karadag and the village of Planerskoye with the Veresaev Museum.

Sochi

It is believed that the beach season in Sochi opens in May, but closer to the end of the month, when the water temperature exceeds +20. It’s already +25 in the air. At night it can be +11. Conclusion: in Sochi, as in Crimea, it is better to devote May to excursions.

Krasnaya Polyana Olympic venues are visited both on excursions and independently.
Children will be happy after visiting water parks: in Central Sochi, Loo, Lazarevsky, Adler, Khost, as well as the oceanarium, zoos, and amusement parks.
Excursions to Sochi National Park to waterfalls and gorges.

Anapa

It’s good to go to Anapa in May to one of the many sanatoriums, without really hoping for a swim in the sea. The air warms up to +20+22, and the water at the beginning of the month is +13, by the end - up to +20.

Worth watching with kids Archaeological Museum Gorgippia, visit the water park, dolphinarium and zoo.

Where to go in May in Europe

Bus tours in central Europe allow you to see more than one country in comfortable sunny weather: France, Italy, Portugal.

Scandinavia is suitable for those who are not afraid of rain. Spring there is wetter. Tours can be combined - bus and ferry: they travel through southern Finland by bus, then travel by ferry to Sweden, then by bus to Norway. A similar option exists with a visit to Denmark.

Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland – budget options visits to European countries.

Spring itself is a holiday in nature. May events are especially beautiful and interesting.

Cheese race at Brockworth

Chelsea Flower Show

Danish carnival in Alburg

Cannes Film Festival

Cruise holidays in May

When booked on time, a cruise vacation is a way to relax comfortably and save money. Yes, exactly to save: time, nerves, effort. Visiting 3-4 countries in one voyage is constant moving, long time on a bus or train, continuous fiddling with things (unpack, pack).

On a cruise, a tourist arrives on the ship, unpacks his things once and begins to get high during the entire tour. During the day, the liner stays in the port, travelers go sightseeing. At night he goes to his next destination, and people relax, have fun, and have fun.

Mediterranean cruises

The most popular destinations among Russian citizens. There are many cruise options:

Spain, France, Italy;
Italy, Greece, Croatia;
Cruises on the Aegean Sea.

How many countries are there in Europe? There aren't enough fingers to count. Since there are many ports in these countries, there are no less cruises.

Baltic and Scandinavian cruises

The second most popular destination is central and northern Europe. If someone is afraid of pitching, they can be reassured that each ship is equipped with special devices that keep the ship level during a storm.

Separately, it is worth mentioning cruises on Norwegian fjords. This is not only an acquaintance with unique nature, but also a way to see northern lights no city lights. On the liners of this route, passengers are provided with a special signal for the beginning of this wonderful phenomenon.

Transatlantic cruises

Cruises across the Atlantic are organized in the spring, when companies ferry some ships to organize cruises in another part of the world. Passengers spend about a week in the ocean. On board there will be a large entertainment. Route, for example, Southampton-New York. You will have to fly back from New York by plane.

River cruises in Europe

River cruises are suitable for people who, deep down, are afraid of wide sea spaces and pitching. The ship goes along the river, the banks are always visible.

The main routes are along the Rhine, Main, Vltava, Elbe and Danube, either upstream or downstream. Travelers will see the beauty of half of Europe.

Tour operators offer tours with Russian guides, or with the ship's crew speaking Russian. Tourists are grouped into separate Russian-speaking groups, so there are no problems with communication.