Beautiful in the distant: Russians choose exotic vacation destinations in autumn
In search of new experiences, Russians are increasingly choosing exotic countries for holidays this fall, according to travel services and aggregators. Among the most sought—after destinations are Tanzania, Kenya, Qatar, Oman, as well as the Seychelles, Mauritius, Malaysia and South Korea. Interest in the Far East and industrial tourism in the Urals is growing within the CIS countries. Choosing an exotic vacation destination may indicate a desire to experience a unique experience with your loved ones, and also has a positive effect on relationships, psychologists say. However, it is important to carefully prepare for the trip, get the necessary vaccinations and take a supply of medicines with you, the doctors remind.
What exotic destinations do Russians choose?
Russian tourists are actively interested in exotic vacation destinations for the fall, tour operators and aggregators told Izvestia. Among such routes are Tanzania, Kenya, Qatar, Oman, said the managing director of the tour operator Let's Fly (part of the "Fly.<url>") Lyubov Voronina. There is also a growing demand for Seychelles, Mauritius, Malaysia, Morocco and South Korea.
— For example, Tanzania attracts tourists with the opportunity to go on safari and climb. Besides, we can mention the Alps," she explained.
The cost of a one-week tour for two in a four-star hotel in Tanzania with departure from Moscow in the second half of September starts from 189 thousand rubles. A similar vacation in Oman will cost from 120 thousand, in Malaysia — from 150 thousand, in the Seychelles — from 215 thousand rubles. A tour to Mauritius will cost from 277 thousand rubles.
Sales of air tickets to exotic destinations in the fall of 2025 are also showing steady positive dynamics, the press service of the Kupibilet air and railway ticket search and purchase service added. The Maldives remains the most in demand among Russian tourists, with a 32% increase in sales compared to 2024. The Seychelles and Mauritius are next, with demand growing by 18% and 15%, respectively.
"More non—standard destinations are gradually gaining popularity, such as Madagascar, Fiji and Tonga, showing modest but steady growth, which indicates a gradual expansion of the geography of travel for Russians," the service explained. — At the same time, destinations such as Laos, Cape Verde, Vanuatu and the Northern Mariana Islands remain niche with minimal sales growth, in the range of 1-3%.
Despite the commitment of Russian tourists to proven destinations with developed infrastructure, they still strive to explore new exotic routes, the service added.
"Moderate growth rates may be related to both economic factors and a more rational approach by travelers to planning long—distance trips," they believe.
Ozon Travel confirmed that in general, Russians are 30% more active in booking flights and hotels for the fall than last year.
Unusual destinations for traveling within the country
Tourists are also discovering new routes inside the country. According to the Ostrovok service, increased demand for autumn is noted in the destinations of the Far East: in the Amur region, the number of bookings increased by 20%, in the Sakhalin Region — by 13%, in the Khabarovsk Territory — by 11%. Tourists go there for natural beauty, hiking, sea cruises, acquaintance with wild animals and gastronomic discoveries, the service noted. There has also been an increased interest in the Sverdlovsk Region: bookings for autumn show a 23% increase in demand relative to 2024.
— Yekaterinburg is famous for its diverse gastronomic offer, active cultural life, theaters and museums. In addition, a relatively new area is actively developing in the region — industrial tourism. Tourists are interested in excursions to production facilities in the field of metallurgy, mechanical engineering and jewelry industry located in the region, — told in Ostrovka.
A similar trend is observed in the Chelyabinsk region, where the number of bookings has tripled due to excursions, for example, to the Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works.
Among other unusual travel destinations, the specialists of the Avito Travel accommodation booking service named the Krasnoyarsk Territory, where you can enjoy majestic waterfalls, including Russia's tallest Talnikov, go rafting on rivers or try your hand at fishing on taimen. On average, the cost of renting an apartment in the region in the fall will be 3 thousand rubles per day, and a country house — 7 thousand per day. The demand for daily rent has doubled this fall in Buryatia , where living in an apartment will cost an average of 3.1 thousand rubles per day , and in a house — 6.9 thousand .
They began to look for housing in the Pskov region by 28% more often, where they can visit the famous Pushkin places. In autumn, an apartment can be rented for an average of 3.6 thousand rubles per day, and you will have to pay 7.2 thousand rubles for a house.
Why choose an exotic vacation
The interest of Russians in exotic destinations can be explained by several factors, experts told Izvestia. Thus, against the background of the stabilization of the ruble exchange rate and rising incomes, some tourists focused on the premium segment have the opportunity to expand the geography of trips beyond the usual Turkey or the UAE, says Igor Rastorguev, a leading analyst at AMarkets.
"Pandemic restrictions are already in the past, and the pent—up demand for vivid experiences accumulated during this period encourages us to choose routes that previously seemed too far or difficult for organizations," he explained. — The desire to surprise your loved ones or yourself plays a role, but it is closely related to changing consumer behavior: more and more tourists see vacations as an investment in a unique experience. Exotic countries provide an opportunity to combine new cultural experiences with a demonstration of a certain status, because such trips remain relatively expensive.
Infrastructure development also plays a role: direct flights are being launched, new hotels are opening, and visa procedures are being simplified.
— All this reduces barriers to travel and makes the "exotic" not so much an unattainable luxury as a fully planned option for autumn, — added Igor Rastorugev.
A trip to an unusual place allows a family or couple to escape from the daily rhythm, immerse themselves in an environment where every moment becomes new and meaningful, says Maria Todorova, a child and family psychologist and psychotherapist.
— These conditions create a favorable ground for strengthening attachment: we notice each other more, pay attention to communication and joint impressions. It's not so much the external effect that matters, the desire to surprise friends, as the inner value and the opportunity to experience something together that cannot be recreated in a familiar environment," she said.
According to her, such trips are especially important for children, since a new culture, unusual nature, a different climate and way of life become a reason for questions, joint discoveries and discussions.
"Parents in such a situation turn out to be not only caring adults, but also partners in exploring the world, which in attachment theory is one of the most important ways to strengthen trusting and deep bonds," the psychologist assured.
For adults, an exotic trip is an "emotional anchor" that helps restore intimacy if it is lacking in everyday life due to stress, work or household worries.
What medications should I take on my trip
Drastic climate change, long flights and a non-standard diet can affect health, the doctors reminded. Before traveling, it is important to assess the general condition of the body, and if you have chronic diseases, you should consult a doctor in advance, said Olga Chistik, a therapist at the Scandinavian Health Center.
— Routine vaccinations should be relevant. If the referral requires specific vaccines, such as yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, or hepatitis A/B shots, then plan them at least six months in advance: some regimens include several doses at monthly intervals, she recommended.
Before any vaccination, it is necessary to conduct an extended check of the state of immunity and only make a decision on vaccination based on its results, added Zarema Omarova, a dermatologist, cosmetologist, and co-owner of the Omarov clinic network. Vaccination with weakened immune systems can be harmful to health.
Before the trip, it is important to find out the epidemiological situation in the country, added Olga Shuppo, founder and scientific director of the Grand Clinic network of immunorehabilitation, adaptive and preventive medicine clinics.
"In some cases, when visiting tropical and subtropical areas, it is enough to follow the usual precautions: take antimalarial medications, avoid contact with animals, protect yourself from bites of mosquitoes, ticks and other blood—sucking insects, use sunscreens, wash your hands more often and touch your face less often," she reminded.
It is necessary to collect a supply of permanent medications for the trip: antipyretics, painkillers, remedies for diarrhea and allergies, antiseptic, patches. Antibiotics can only be taken as prescribed by a doctor, Olga Chistik reminded. A minimum medical kit for 1-2 days, as well as prescriptions and certificates, is recommended to be placed in hand luggage.
In addition, it is important for hypertensive patients to take a blood pressure monitor, for diabetics — a glucose meter and a supply of test strips, and for asthmatics — inhalers. A thermometer, sunscreen with SPF 50+, insect repellent and hygiene products are also useful.
It is important that insurance covers possible exacerbations of diseases, the doctor concluded.
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