In the winter cold, do you want to bask in the sun by the warm sea?
Or take a break from the bustle of the city high in the mountains and conquer the slopes on skis?
Great news! We have selected countries with the best beaches, ski resorts and New Year's fairs! And all this according to favorable prices. All that remains is to choose where to go?
In this article you will find:
- 7 countries where you can go to the sea in winter without a visa, where it’s warm and inexpensive.
- 5 best visa countries for holidays in winter 2019.
- Where is the best place to relax in winter in Russia.
- Where is it better to go on holiday with a child abroad, and where to relax in Russia.
So, what will the weather be like in winter on the main visa-free destinations?
Impressive, right?
Where to relax in winter abroad without a visa, where it’s warm and inexpensive
When winter and cold reign in Russia, the countries of the Asian-African region have perfect weather for traveling! And a large number of visa-free destinations makes things easier for tourists - there is no need to wait for documents and spend extra money on their processing!
Let's look at these areas in more detail.
Thailand
Winter is the hot season in Thailand, and who among you doesn’t dream of seeing the famous snow-white beaches and trying local cuisine?
Where to relax?
- Phuket is the most popular of the islands, where many tourists come. Paradise white beaches and direct flights make this a very popular destination. Suitable for both family and active recreation.
- Samui - there are no direct flights here, you will have to get there by boat, but the beaches here are cleaner and there are fewer tourists. And the service and nature are in no way inferior to Phuket.
- Pattaya - a holiday here will be cheaper. The infrastructure is developed, the choice of hotels is huge.
- Phi Phi Islands (Krabi province) - this is where the film “The Beach” with DiCaprio was filmed. The island attracts tourists with its untouched nature!
- Bangkok - modern city for lovers of skyscrapers, shopping, casinos and bars. This city never sleeps!
O. Phuket
Phi Phi Islands, where the film The Beach with DiCaprio was filmed
Night Bangkok
Take a boat and see the islands
In Pattaya developed infrastructure and many hotels
Things to do?
- A beach holiday is exactly what you should come here for!
- Island hopping tour - many small and uninhabited green islands and azure water! Just like the picture!
- Shopping - prices are several times cheaper!
- Thai cuisine - try local delicacies
- Attractions
- Active tourism - take a bike and ride like a breeze! The views here are amazing
Are you going on holiday to Phuket? We have prepared it especially for you.
Vacation prices
You can find a tour at competitive prices if your vacation is 1-2 weeks. If you are planning to spend more than long term, we recommend looking for a tour on your own. Accommodation and food in Asian countries are cheap, the most expensive thing is the flight. Lunch for two will cost from 600 rubles.
Vietnam
From 60,000 rub. Exotic Asian flavor.
From winter to summer! This country attracts tourists with its magnificent beaches, developed infrastructure, exotic cuisine and, of course, the most beautiful islands!
Where to relax?
- Danang - here best beaches! The resort is perfect for families with children, as well as for surfing enthusiasts. This is where the largest water park in the country is located.
- Nha Trang is the most popular place among Russian tourists, so many cafes have menus in Russian. Lots of entertainment and excursions, the resort is suitable for lovers of nightclubs and active recreation
- Phu Quoc is the quietest and most peaceful resort in the country. The best place for diving. However, you can only get here with transfers.
- Ha Long Bay is home to 3,000 small islands, a most beautiful sight! The infrastructure here is less developed, and the weather is cooler, so people come here more often on excursions.
Phu Quoc is the quietest and most peaceful resort
Visit Monkey Island
Visit local temples and attractions
Things to do?
- Beach holiday
- Excursion to Ha Long Bay
- Try exotic delicacies
- See attractions, temples, Buddha statue and Monkey Island
- Go shopping
- Diving and surfing for water sports enthusiasts
Vacation prices
A visa is not required for a holiday in this country for up to 15 days. The cost of a ready-made tour and an independent trip for a period of 1-2 weeks will practically not differ. Accommodation and food are cheap here; the main costs are air tickets.
Read more about the flight.
Indonesia
From 100,000 rub. A country of islands, nature reserves and volcanoes.
Indonesia is the biggest Island state in the world! Exotic islands, rich history and many excursions, temples and luxurious palaces, nature reserves and volcanoes, amazing nature, friendly locals - you can find everything here!
Which island should you choose?
- Bali is the most popular and expensive destination in the country. There are excellent conditions here for beach holiday, high service and developed infrastructure, many restaurants and clubs, shopping centers. The resort is suitable for surfing and diving
- Borneo - tropical jungles and snow-white beaches! On the island you can visit nature reserves and a turtle farm
- Lombok is a place suitable for those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle and merge with nature. Here beautiful nature, many lakes, waterfalls and volcanoes
- Sumatra has the largest number of attractions and National parks. Be sure to see the Krakatoa volcano here.
- Mentawai Islands - 70 tiny islands without expensive hotels and restaurants. Suitable for those who want privacy. And on the island you can see how real aborigines live. Ideal place for surfing.
Domestic flights are cheap! If you have 3-4 weeks of vacation, you can arrange a tour of the islands!
Things to do?
- Beach holiday
- Diving
- Surfing
- Attractions
Vacation prices
A holiday here will not be cheap, but a lot of impressions are guaranteed!
UAE
From 50,000 rub. Skyscrapers in the middle of the desert and the highest service.
An amazing modern state, a fabulous caliphate, where centuries-old Arab foundations, traditions and oriental palaces are tightly intertwined with modern shopping centers, expensive cars and luxurious villas. Winter is the most favorable time to visit this country; there is no sweltering heat like in summer. At the same time, the trip will be quite budget-friendly.
Where to relax?
- Abu Dhabi - many attractions will make your holiday here interesting. The Sheikh's Palace, Zoo and Aquarium in Al Ain are definitely worth seeing. theme park Ferrari World, carpet and camel bazaars.
- Dubai has the tallest skyscrapers and the most... expensive hotels. The best shopping in the country. It is here that the amazing man-made projects “Palm” and “Peace” were implemented - they are definitely worth seeing. A place for those who want to make interesting purchases and look at advanced technologies
- Sharjah - cultural capital country, the unique location of the resort provides access to two ocean bays at once - the Persian and Oman. There are no nightclubs here at all, but there is a lot of entertainment for little travelers, so the place is perfect for have a relaxing holiday with kids
- Ras Al Khaimah is a resort less popular among tourists. People come here not only for a beach holiday, but also to improve their health, visit spa treatments and hot springs.
Visit Ferrari World Theme Park
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Dubai is a modern city in the middle of the desert with the tallest skyscrapers in the world
Archipelago World and Palm Jumeirah
Things to do?
- Beach holiday
- Shopping - here are the best malls
- Sightseeing, parks and palaces - true Arabian luxury
- Plunge into the world of advanced technologies
- Be sure to see the World Archipelago and Palm Jumeirah - it’s something incredible!
- Try a desert car rally - a real extreme experience
Vacation prices
It is best to buy a ready-made tour with meals and flights.
Maldives
From 140,000 rub. Paradise beaches and no fuss!
The Maldives is located in Indian Ocean right on the equator, these are almost 2 thousand islands, of which only 200 are inhabited! Cote d'Azur, the cleanest beaches in the world, White sand, volcanoes, palm trees, coral reefs and luxurious bungalows - everything is just like in the picture. This place is ideal for a beach holiday, but there is no entertainment, clubs or attractions here. People often come here to relax from the bustle of the city or enjoy their honeymoon.
Where to relax?
All the islands are small, so most often there is only one resort with one hotel on each island.
Things to do?
- Beach holiday
- Ideal diving spot
- Ithaa underwater restaurant is for lovers of luxury. The restaurant is located directly under the water, and its roof is a glass dome!
- Take a boat and go explore the islands
Advice! Do not touch sea urchins, stars and other exotic marine life - they can be poisonous!
Vacation prices
Egypt
From 40,000 rub. Best time to see the pyramids.
One of the popular budget destinations with a beautiful clear sea, reefs, white beaches and a large number of ancient attractions.
Where to relax?
- Sharm el-Sheikh - the most popular and prestigious resort with European level of service. This is where diving enthusiasts should go; it is full of corals, reefs and marine life right on the shore. However, this is precisely what makes it impossible to enter the sea from the shore - here every hotel has special pontoons.
- Hurghada has a milder climate, developed infrastructure, and lower prices. The resort is perfect for families with children
- El Gouna is a young resort where there are few Russian tourists. Its peculiarity is that it is located on the canals, just like Venice
- Dahab is a quiet place where divers, surfers or those who want privacy usually come. The infrastructure here is not developed, there are no animators in the hotels.
Winter is the perfect time to go on excursions to the desert. No sweltering heat
Things to do?
- Beach holiday
- Excursions to the Pyramids and Sphinx
- Diving
Vacation prices
It is most profitable to take an “All Inclusive” tour, where flights, accommodation, food and insurance are already collected. The cost of tours starts from 40,000 rubles per week for two.
Cambodia
From 60,000 rub. The most budget holiday in Asia.
A kingdom with pristine nature, exotic beaches and ancient temples. Unlike neighboring Asian countries, the tourism infrastructure and entertainment program are poorly developed here, there are fewer tourists, and there are few Russian-speaking staff. People come here mainly for a beach holiday. You can also go to the nearest islands, where nature is completely untouched by man.
Most popular resort - Sihanoukville. This is where most tourists come, there are hotels for every taste, there are bars and cafes, and you can also practice water sports.
What to see?
- Angkor Wat is a complex of temples that personifies the Khmer Empire and national pride. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List
- Ta Prohm - an ancient temple permeated with vines and trees. This is where the film about Lara Croft was filmed
- Silver Pagoda - the floors here are made of silver, and in the center of the hall there is an emerald statue of Buddha.
- Royal Palace - the royal family still lives here, you can see the Throne Room and historical frescoes
- Visit National Museum and park
Ta Prohm - an ancient temple where the film about Lara Croft was filmed
Sihanoukville
Silver Pagoda
Royal Palace
Angkor Wat temple complex
Vacation prices
The tourist destination is poorly developed, so it will be difficult to find a ready-made tour. But you can go on a trip on your own - holidays here are very budget-friendly. The most expensive thing is the flight. Lunch for two from 500 rub.
Want to know where the cheapest tours are?
Where to go on vacation with a visa: beach holidays and mountain slopes!
Goa (India)
From 39,000 rub. Plunge into the world of mysterious India.
Asian “Ibiza” is a place where beach holidays on the ocean, night parties and a feeling of constant celebration and relaxation are perfectly combined. This is why many people, having come here once, want to stay forever!
You can apply for a visa online and receive it upon arrival
Things to do?
- Beach holiday
- Go paragliding
- Meditate on the shore
- Visit the festival of colors
- View spice plantations
- Ride elephants in the jungle
- Visit nature reserves and butterfly park
Goa
Go paragliding
Visit the festival of colors
Do yoga on the beach
Vacation prices
If your trip to India will take 7-10 days, it is most profitable to take a ready-made tour. But it’s best to look for a trip for a month on your own. Accommodation and food in India are very cheap; air tickets are the most expensive.
Mexico
From 130,000 rub. Solve the mysteries of the Mayan tribe!
Snow-white sandy beaches of the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean attract tourists from all over the world! This is a country of ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations, National Parks, and also with beautiful traditional cuisine. Pagan and Christian customs, ancient pyramids and luxurious palaces are tightly intertwined here. Winter is a great time to visit the country.
Visa
You need to apply for a visa; you can do this online, at the embassy yourself or through a tour operator.
Things to do?
In addition to a beach holiday, Mexico has many attractions and entertainment.
- Acapulco is ideal for a beach holiday.
- Cancun is a great resort for surfing
- Chichen Itza - holy city Mayan tribe. The temple is shrouded in many secrets and was used for sacrifices.
- The Pyramids of the Moon and the Sun are another of the oldest attractions
- View The Underwater Sculpture Museum is a modern work of art located on the ocean floor, consisting of 400 statues. This is a must see!
- Cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula - incredibly beautiful natural wells in the middle of the jungle, a favorite place for divers
- Cave of giant crystals, the crystals here began to form 26 million years ago and reach 11 meters!
- Xplor Amusement Park is perfect for children. There is children's entertainment, as well as extreme attractions.
Vacation prices
Andorra
From 50,000 rub. Go ahead and conquer the mountain peaks!
The small European state is famous for its ski resorts and spa treatments. The climate here in winter is very mild and comfortable.
Andorra does not have its own airport, so you will have to fly with transfers through the nearest France or Spain. But you will have the opportunity to see these countries too!
Things to do?
- Go down the slopes on skis or snowboards
- Go shopping - this is a duty-free zone, and in winter there are also many sales
- See ancient castles and landmarks
- Relax in one of the spa centers
Vacation prices
Austria
From 60,000 rub. A country of castles and ski resorts.
Most of the country is occupied by the Alps, so the place is perfect for lovers of mountains, snow and winter sports. There are excellent trails for skiers, climbers and hikers. And for those who want a relaxing holiday, we recommend visiting balneological resorts. There are also plenty of attractions here - a museum, ancient castles and cities.
Things to do?
- Go to one of the best ski resorts in Europe - St. Anton am Arlberg. The place is also popular among celebrities. Here you can not only go down from the mountains, but also go mountaineering, ice skating, visit a golf club or play tennis
- The Kitzsteinhorn mountain and glacier is another ski resort where there is snow all year round
- Vienna - historical Center with castles, palaces, churches, parks and gardens. All of them are included in the UNESCO list.
- Hohensalzburg Castle - the castle is almost 10 thousand years old, and inside you can look at the weapons of past years
- St. Stephen's Cathedral - main temple Vienna and the symbol of Austria
- Schönbrunn Palace - Napoleon once lived there
- Hochosterwitz Castle - which now houses a museum inside
- Hohenwerfen Castle and Eisriesenwelt Cave - the largest ice cave in the world
Vacation prices
Tickets can be taken from 8 thousand rubles, but accommodation and meals are the same as in any European country, it costs expensive.
Germany
From 50,000 rub. Get to know the real winter Europe.
Most tourists go to Germany in winter to ski on the mountain slopes, visit burning springs and, of course, get acquainted with numerous attractions, European culture, and visit museums. in winter tourist season it is low here, so tours will be inexpensive, especially if you missed the New Year holidays.
Things to do?
- Head to the Bavarian Alps - a paradise for skiers and snowboarders
- Visit Quedlinburg - a city in which everything looks like 200-300 years ago, listed in UNESCO
- Munich - here you can taste the best beer, this is where the Oktoberfest festival takes place
- Berlin is a modern city with many restaurants and clubs. Be sure to see the Brandenburg Gate, Charlottenburg Palace and the Cathedral here
- Visit hot springs and improve your health
- Go to Christmas markets and buy souvenirs
Go skiing
Relax in the Bavarian Alps
Munich
Berlin
Vacation prices
Tickets can be purchased from 4 thousand rubles, but accommodation will cost much more. Lunch for two averages from 1800 rubles
Holidays in Russia in winter
Our country also has something to offer! Of course, you won’t be able to enjoy a full beach holiday, but you can visit excellent ski resorts You can do it without going abroad! And it will cost much less. So, where can you go in Russia?
Sochi
From 30,000 rub. Take a ride along the Olympic slopes!
In Sochi you can not only ride in the mountains, but also visit parks, museums, and New Year's fairs.
Things to do?
- Go to the Rosa Khutor ski resort - it is considered the best in our country, it was here that the Olympics were held. The resort is located in the Caucasus Mountains and consists of 9 trails of varying difficulty. Prices here are quite high; the cost of renting ski equipment for 5 days will be from 8,000 rubles, depending on the complexity of the slopes.
- View the Olympic Village
- Go to Sochi Park
Vacation prices
Dombay (Caucasus)
From 20,000 rub. For lovers of mountains and winter sports!
You can conquer mountain peaks in Russia too, go to the Caucasus! Dombay is famous not only for its trails, but also for its beautiful nature, clean air, mild climate, and is included in the UNESCO heritage list. There are more than 10 trails of varying difficulty and length, and for extreme sports enthusiasts there are also off-the-beaten-path trails. Excellent service, many cafes and hotels around affordable prices. Here you can also go ice skating, cheesecake or go on walking excursions, for example, climb the famous Observation deck Moussa-Achitara.
Vacation prices
You can get to Dombay by taking a ticket to Mineralnye Vody. It will cost approximately 3-4 thousand rubles per person from Moscow. Then you can get to the place by bus, take a transfer or rent a car. Renting a room for two in a hotel starts from 1,400 rubles per night. The cost of a sleep pass for 5 days will be from 6,500 rubles. Lunch for two will cost about 1,500 rubles.
Karelia
From 25,000 rub. Winter's tale in Russia.
Karelia turns into a real place in winter winter's tale, snow-white snow and the most beautiful nature of the region attract not only Russians, but also foreign tourists.
Things to do?
- Take a ride on dog sled
- Ride at the Yalgora ski resort
- Go to National Park Paanajärvi
- Ice skating in the Ruskeala Marble Canyon
Vacation prices
It is most profitable to take a ready-made all-inclusive tour through a travel agency.
Where to go on vacation in winter with a child
When planning a vacation with a child, we must take into account many factors. Availability of comfortable conditions in hotels, short flights, entertainment and animation programs, entertainment for children and parks, children's menu - all this should be taken into account when choosing a vacation spot. A comfortable climate and safety also play an important role. Where to go - to the sea or to the mountains?
Where to relax with children abroad
5 best ideas for beach and ski holiday with baby.
Beach holiday
- Thailand. The warm sea, comfortable climate and many parks for children will make a holiday here enjoyable not only for adults, but also interesting for children. It is best to go to Phuket or Pattaya for a holiday with children. You can also visit water parks here.
- Egypt - a convenient all-inclusive system in many hotels will be convenient for families with children. Eat animation program, entertainment right on site, the beaches are safe, sandy, the sea is warm. A varied menu, babysitting and laundry services in each hotel.
- UAE - there are many parks and entertainment for children of all ages, attractions and playgrounds, a zoo, many excursions
Mountain slopes
- Austria - here you can not only ski, skate, cheesecake and snowboard, but also go on excursions to ancient castles
- Germany - in addition to the mountain slopes, there is Disneyland here! What could be better for a child than meeting fairy-tale characters live and going on rides? Your child will definitely enjoy the trip!
Homeland of Santa Claus
Ride a reindeer sled
Santa Claus House
You can go to Lapland with your child and see the real house of Santa Claus, ride a reindeer sleigh and look at the magic post office. The child will be delighted!
Where to relax with children in Russia
Rosa Khutor, Dombay, Veliky Ustyug or Karelia. What's best for a child?
Ski resorts
Rosa Khutor and Dombay are perfect for young mountain climbers; there are easy trails and trails for beginners, and experienced instructors will definitely teach and help. In addition, there is clean air and beautiful nature here!
Veliky Ustyug
Russia also has the birthplace of Father Frost! There is a fabulous atmosphere here, all the houses are decorated with lanterns, you can ride horses, buy souvenirs and meet the Snow Maiden!
Karelia
Your children will definitely have fun here - there are many excursions, you can ride reindeer and dog sleds, go ice skating or cheesecake.
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 together with BlaBlaCar.
Winter excursion holidays in Russia
© By Ludvig14 - Own work / commons.wikimedia.org / CC BY 2.0
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 the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, be surprised by the beauty Winter Palace, walk along Strelka 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- unique Orthodox church 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- this is a real culinary art, one chak-chak is worth it.
Ski resorts in Russia in December
© Sergei Kazantsev - Own work / commons.wikimedia.org / CC BY 2.0
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, after winter Olympic Games In 2014, it 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
©Prosto_DEN / pixabay.com / CC BY 2.0
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 from hotel accommodation and ending with the cost of excursions, souvenirs and food.
December on west coast peninsula temperature during the day may reach the mark +8°С, at night up to +3°С, on east coast a little cooler - up to +7°С during the day and +1°С 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, to which there is 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. And here big cities- 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.
- When to fly: any winter month.
- Ticket price from Moscow for one in both directions: from 35,000, in New Year- from 80,000 rub.
- from 1199 RUR/night for two.
- You can vacation without a visa: up to 30 days.
Ao Nang Beach, Krabi Province
Thailand is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about where to holiday abroad in the winter. Winter is the height of the season: no rain, the sun is shining, +30 in the air, and +28–29 in the water. Mango and papaya are singing. Nightclubs on Bangla Road are in full swing. Along with good weather, tourists fly to Thailand - prices for flights and accommodation become more expensive.
New Year in Thailand is a holiday exclusively for tourists. With fireworks, a Christmas tree and festivities. Locals celebrate Chinese and Thai New Year on a larger scale.
Phuket is an excellent choice if you want to scuba dive, lie in comfort on the beach, and have a blast at crazy parties in the evening. There are excellent conditions for diving and snorkeling, full of beach cafes, massage parlors and hangouts for every taste. Family tourists with children will also have something to do: the island has aquarium (about 3-5 $), amusement park FantaSea with theatrical elephant show (about $55), water park Splash Jungle ($18-30). Stay in Nai Harn or Karon - these are the most calm and cozy areas.
What to do in winter in Phuket
- Swim, sunbathe or snorkel on the tranquil coastlineNai Harn or (entrance to the beaches is free) and feel like a hero from the movie “The Beach”.
- Look at the temple and take the obligatory photo from the observation deck Big Buddha View Point (all locations are free).
- Take a walk in the evening along the party street Bangla Road and go to a ladyboy show Simon Cabaret (~ 18-30 $ / 1220-2035 rub.).
- Rent a motorbike (~ $6-10 / 405-675 rubles) and drive around the entire island, counting Buddha statues along the way.
- Order a real Thai massage session in a street salon (from $9 / 610 rubles per hour).
- Watch the sunset in the south of the island on the most beautiful observation deck Promthep Cape (Prom Thep Cape).
- Become a fruitarian for a week and try all possible exotics - jackfruit, mango, rambutan and durian - for the price of a kilogram of potatoes in Russia.
Vietnam, Nha Trang
- When to fly: February.
- Ticket price from Moscow in both directions for one: from 56,000 rubles.
- from 1299 RUR/night for two.
- You can vacation without a visa: 15 days.
Ha Long Bay
A hospitable country with tropical nature, delicious food, cheap diving and surfing. Compared to Thailand, the climate here is cooler, the beaches are less crowded, and the resorts are quieter. Vietnam is good for independent travel together, family or company. Therefore, choose a hotel that is cheaper, but with a convenient location - you won’t want to sit by the pool.
On New Year's Day, all festive events are held for tourists in hotels. Maximum - banquet and countdown to midnight. Fireworks are rare in the country.
Nha Trang is the most developed, interesting and quite budget resort Vietnam. Winter is the low season and good beach weather starts towards February. In December-January it is still cool and windy, but tickets are the cheapest. Don’t be afraid of bad weather: even in the off-season you can sunbathe (+25-28 in the air), in February you can swim (in the water it’s already +24-26), and on cloudy days you can go on excursions. It rains at least three to four times a month, but more often at night.
What to do in winter in Nha Trang
- Spend the whole day lying on the white sand of Paradise Beach.
- Go on an excursion to Dalat, see Cao Dai Temple and Linh Phuoc (entrance to the temples is free), Ba Ho Waterfall and Yang Bay Park.
- Visit rice and coffee plantations, see how Luwak and Kuli coffee are made.
- Try Vietnamese cuisine: Pho soup (~ 1-3 $ / 70-204 rub.), marinated pork Bun Cha (~ 1.5-2 $ / 100-140 rub.), street spring rolls and egg coffee with condensed milk ( ~ 0.5-2 $ / 34-140 rub.);
- Travel with children to Winpearl Island (~ 28-38 $ / 1900-2580 rubles) and have a blast yourself, riding slides, electric sleds and carousels in the water park. You can get to the park by cable car (~ $0.3 / 20 rubles) or by ferry.
Brazil, Rio de Janeiro
- When to fly: December-early January.
- Ticket price from Moscow in both directions for one: for the New Year - from 120,000 rubles. In January, February - from 70,000 rubles.
- from 1099 RUR/night for two.
View of Rio de Janeiro
The famous Copacabana beach, carnival, legendary football - all this is Brazil. Winter is the ideal time to travel to Rio. You can sunbathe, swim, look at the famous statue of Christ and Mt. Sugarloaf. The air temperature throughout almost the entire country is +28–29, the same in the water.
New Year's Eve in Rio is big: all residents dress in white, come to the Copacabana coast, throw flowers into the ocean and watch fireworks. You will celebrate the holiday without chimes and Olivier, but right on the beach and to the sound of the waves.
Holidays in Rio de Janeiro in winter are a dream come true: ocean, tropical nature, authentic culture and countless attractions. The only negative is the peak season, hence the high cost of the flight. You can fly here alone, as a couple, or in a group. But it’s not worth it with small children: the flight lasts from 17 hours, plus acclimatization and jet lag - it will be difficult for the little ones.
Ipanema Beach
What to do in winter in Rio
- Dance in New Year's Eve to the rhythms of salsa on Copacabana beach.
- Take a mini-train ride to see with your own eyes the famous statue of Christ on Mount Corcovado (from $48 / RUR 3,255 round trip from the station on Rua Cosme Velho).
- Walk through the largest "inner city" rainforest in the world - Tijuca forest (the entrance is free).
- Jump in the ocean waves at Ipanema Beach (free entry).
- Take a tour (from $10) or at least look at the famousMaracanã Stadium , where the World Championships were held twice (1950 and 2014) and the 2016 Olympics opened.
- See the world's largest floating Christmas tree, 85 meters high, in Laguna Rodrigo de Freitas.
- Choose what tastes better: Brazilian coffee from the oldest confectionery Confeitaria Colombo or a glass of Brahma from the brewery"Lapa".
Azerbaijan, Baku
- When to fly: New Year's Eve.
- Ticket price in both directions for one: from 17,000 rubles.
- from 949 rub./night for two.
- You can vacation without a visa: up to 90 days.
Flame towers in Baku
If you don’t want to spend a lot on a flight, but want to get away from the desk and TV, go to Baku. There is a lot to see in the city: ancient fortresses and palaces, the Flame Towers skyscraper, the Caspian Sea and the snow-capped Caucasus. There are rarely frosts in the capital of Azerbaijan; the temperature on the coast is around +10, but it can be rainy.
In Azerbaijan, as in Russia, the New Year is celebrated on a grand scale. Restaurants offer special New Year's program with a Caucasian flavor, and seats must be reserved early.
The capital of Azerbaijan is an excellent choice for family vacation. On holidays it is interesting to walk around the center of Baku. The city is decorated with colorful garlands and installations, the main Christmas tree is being erected in the National Seaside Park, and there will also be fireworks at night.
When walking around the city, dress warmly and often go to a cafe to warm up. There are many authentic tea houses serving nut jam, restaurants with national dishes- kutabs, dolma with lamb and cognac (only if you are very cold).
Heydar Aliyev Center, Baku
What to do in Baku in winter
- Walk through the fabulous town of “Little Venice” in the seaside park and ride a gondola there (free admission, gondola ~ 3.5-5 AZN / 140-200 rubles per person).
- Take a photo atFountain Square with the Azerbaijani Father Frost Shakhta Baba and his Snow Maiden Karkyz.
- Take a walk through Old Baku and remember scenes from the film “The Diamond Arm”;
- Try traditional Azerbaijani pilaf with lamb, pumpkin, nuts, which is always prepared on New Year’s Eve (for example, in a restaurant"Nargiz" , ~ 8.5 AZN / 340 rub. a portion).
- Leave the city for more than a couple of days to experience a special spa procedure - treatment with special oil at the resort Naftalan (from 157 AZN / 6250 rubles per night for two).
In order not to miss the best places in the capital, read ours.
Indonesia, Bali
- Ticket price per person from Moscow in both directions: on New Year from 80,000 rubles, in January-February - from 55,000 rubles.
- from 899 RUR/night for two.
- You can vacation without a visa: up to 30 days.
Balangan Beach, Kuta
In terms of natural beauty and level of comfort, nothing compares to a holiday on the islands of Indonesia. The easiest (and cheaper!) way to get to Bali is by direct flight: you can fly directly to Denpasar (the capital of the island). There is a developed infrastructure, excellent hotels and magnificent beaches. If you are flying with children, choose the resort of Sanur, you want something noisy nightlife- the city of Kuta or Seminyak, if you love peace and quiet - the Canggu region.
If you are going to celebrate the New Year in Indonesia, don’t be surprised that the locals won’t even remember about the holiday. The night from December 31 to January 1 is celebrated exclusively for tourists in hotels and noisy areas, while the Balinese themselves celebrate their New Year Nyeppi in the spring.
Winter is considered the low season in Bali, but Russian tourists really like to come here at this time. Rains occur, but, as a rule, in the mornings or at night they do not interfere with beach holidays. But if you plan to scuba dive, keep in mind: visibility in the water may be worse than in clear weather. Choose for relaxation calm beaches Nusa Dua, Seminyak, Sanur - there is usually less rainfall and calm water.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
What to do in winter in Bali
- Visit a popular beach Jimbaran , in the mecca for surfers Canggu , deserted and quiet Nikko Beach and Balangan with constant waves to create your own top of the best.
- See real tropical forests, ancient temples and powerful volcanoes of Kintamani and Gunung Batur.
- Spend the whole day at the water park Waterboom (from 22 $ / 1490 rubles per person) and get a powerful adrenaline rush from an almost vertical fall on the CLIMAX slide.
- Go on an excursion to Ubud (on average ~ $30 / 2035 rubles per person): visit the monkey forest, see the Hanging Gardens and find that same old Balinese healer from the film “Eat, Pray, Love”.
- Take a surfing course (from $30/2035 rubles per lesson) and catch a wave in Kuta or Uluwatu;
- Buy branded items at a price three times lower than in Moscow in Kuta shopping centers (for example, in Beachwalk Shopping Center).
- Try Balinese seafood skewers and gorge yourself on fruit.
Russia: Crimea (Yalta) or Krasnodar region (Gelendzhik)
- When to fly: New Year.
- Ticket price per one from Moscow in both directions: to Simferopol - from 14,000 rubles. To Krasnodar (there are no flights to Gelendzhik in winter) - from 10,000 rubles.
- Hotels in from 1099 RUR/night for two and from 1199 RUR/night for two.
- You can vacation without a visa as long as you want.
In Yalta or Gelendzhik, even in winter there is a resort atmosphere. Of course, you won’t be able to swim and sunbathe on the beach. But you will breathe in the fresh sea air, buy honey and churchkhela, walk along mountain paths and pine forests, feed the seagulls and local cats. From December to February, these regions have humid, cloudy weather, but there are sunny days and +15. You won’t see snow: only on the tops of the mountains, and even then not always.
Celebrating the New Year is the same as everywhere else in Russia: people walk the streets, buy cheap trinkets at Christmas markets, go to cafes and shopping centers. Only the main tree stands on the square near the sea, where mass celebrations and the countdown to the New Year usually take place.
Fly alone, as a couple, with children. For entertainment, you can take a boat ride, go on an excursion to the mountains, go to the zoo, or have a beach picnic.
What to do at sea in winter
- Sitting on the beach with a thermos of hot tea, watching the sunset and listening to the seagulls.
- Rent equipment and try your hand at wind or kite surfing - windy weather makes for cool fun.
- Go to Safari Park (from 1500 rub.) in Gelendzhik or Yalta Zoo (from 250 rubles) and feed all the animals with crackers (we didn’t advise you to do this).
- Get out for the whole day from Gelendzhik to Abrau-Durso to taste champagne (900 rubles per person), and then admire the magnificent views of the lake.
- Take a walk along the resort alleys, parks, sanatoriums and be amazed at the silence around.
- Take a ride on a pleasure boat (~ 400 rubles per person), taking with you bread for the seagulls - they will catch food right on the fly.
- Celebrate New Year's Eve on the main square near the Christmas tree, drink champagne and dance on the beach until the morning.
South Korea, Seoul
- When to fly: any winter month.
- Ticket price per person from Moscow in both directions: on New Year - from 50,000 rubles, in January-February - from 35,000 rubles.
- from 1199 RUR/night for two.
- You can vacation without a visa: up to 60 days.
A country of tall skyscrapers, modern technology and the cult of anime. In winter, the South Korean Alps are covered with snow caps, national parks become even more beautiful, there is an excellent ski complex built for the 2018 Olympics. Korea has a real winter, with snow and an average temperature from +5 to -5.
On the night of December 31 to January 1, no special festivities are expected in Seoul: Koreans celebrate their Seollal New Year at the end of winter or beginning of spring. The best option for celebrating is to book a table in a restaurant, then walk around the city or look for a continuation in one of the nightclubs, always with karaoke.
In one trip you can visit several cities. Stay in Seoul and travel from there. From the capital to the farthest city of Busan, it is only a four-hour bus ride. Come here alone, with a group or with your family - the country has entertainment for everyone. Seoul is an interesting city to walk around. Ancient palaces of the rulers of Korea, antique shops, art galleries, thousands of cosmetic shops and nightclubs. Busan has excellent beaches, Jeju has romantic views, and Yeonpyeong and Hyundai Seonggu have ski activities. choigozip Hongdae ,~ 6-20 $ / 410-1360 rub. for dinner), where the food is prepared right in front of you, try traditional Korean alcohol - soju.
Belarus, Minsk and Belovezhskaya Pushcha
- When to fly: New Year's Eve.
- Ticket price per person from Moscow in both directions: from 10,000 rubles.
- Hotels in from 2199 RUR/night for two
- You can vacation without a visa: 90 days with an internal passport.
You'll be surprised how interesting it can be neighboring country in winter: snow-covered fairytale castles, Belovezhskaya Pushcha with the next residence of Father Frost, ski resorts. The climate of Belarus is similar to Russia, but winters are milder, without strong winds and frosts. This is an ideal option for a holiday trip with children.
If you celebrate the New Year in Belovezhskaya Pushcha, you will feel like the hero of the fairy tale “The Twelve Months”: there is silence and a dense snow-covered forest all around. To keep you from getting bored, the hotel staff will hold a night disco, a banquet, and a meeting with the real Santa Claus and fairy-tale characters.
Stay in Minsk and go on excursions from there. In Belovezhskaya Pushcha a whole entertainment center: fabulous forests with snow-covered edges and thousand-year-old oaks, the hut of Father Frost and the Snow Maiden, the Museum of Nature with bison and other wild animals. You can stay directly in a hotel on site reserve - There are hotels of different levels of comfort here. Prices for two people for accommodation with breakfast in December - from 108 BYN / 3385 rubles. per night. Book your hotel in advance, there is a rush here in winter. If you vacation from December 28 to January 14, you can buy a tour package that includes food and accommodation along with New Year's entertainment..
Celebrating the New Year is a repetitive activity, and why not celebrate it in a new way every time. Last year you stayed at the festive table at home, but this year you will celebrate the first of January on the beach hugging a Balinese palm tree, or devouring Azerbaijani kutabs, or raising a glass of Korean alcohol. Just plan as soon as possible. If you want to celebrate at home, that's fine too. From mid-January there is a lull and you can go on vacation quite inexpensively. Dream. Book. Rest. (And don't freeze!).
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 only includes 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 needed.
Pros: modern resort, many excursion routes, quality hotel service, fantastic underwater world of the Red Sea.
Cons: spring weather, high level 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. Search best deals The most convenient way 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 everything possible options flight.
Spain. Canary Islands. Gran Canaria
Most cheap option : flight Warsaw (Modlin) – Gran Canaria.
Cost: from 155 euros (two ways). You can also look for cheaper tickets. For example, make up more difficult route Maudlin-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).
Price package tour(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 and conditions. The best way to do this is, which allows you to quickly compare the conditions of different policies, and also offers you best options in terms of price and quality ratio. 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 interesting countries and resorts, where you can go to the sea in winter(I hope together we can find something really interesting).
An active winter holiday is a great opportunity to get a lot of impressions and vivid emotions. And we are not talking about banal skiing - exciting tours are presented to extreme lovers, during which you will discover the country from a completely unfamiliar side. Russia Discovery invites everyone to adventures and new discoveries in Russia.
Winter holidays: how to have a fun time
If you think that outdoor recreation is only possible in the summer, we will prove you wrong. Tours around the most beautiful places Russia, among the snowy deserts, peaks and icy lakes, will leave an indelible impression. You will be able to fully enjoy the fresh and clean frosty air, feel the crunch of snow under your feet and the wheels of modern all-terrain vehicles, and admire the surprisingly calm and peacefully sleeping winter nature. Such a vacation will charge you with energy and positivity for many months.
A snowmobile ride from Onega to Ladoga - a journey through the Great Lakes of Karelia - will allow you to ride along picturesque forest roads, through ancient Russian villages and see largest lakes Europe. The program is carefully thought out - overnight stays in comfortable hotels are planned for tourists, a tour of the ancient village of Kinerma and the revived Syandemsky Uspensky convent. All necessary equipment, as well as accompaniment, is provided by the organizers.
Skiing in the Arkhangelsk region is not about going down the slope, everything is much more interesting. The program includes the passage of a real snow-covered forest - Kenozersky national park, where there are no well-worn tracks. This exciting tour lasts 5 days and also includes entertainment program- excursions to the picturesque surroundings, visits to the Russian bathhouse, master classes in the evenings.
Do you want to plunge into a New Year's fairy tale? Surely you will remember the New Year and Christmas spent in Karelia, Kamchatka or Lake Baikal. Family winter celebrations according to ancient Russian traditions in the snow will leave the most pleasant impressions on all members of your family. Fishing enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to catch real Siberian fish, which, as is known, is rich in delicious caviar.
Do you dream of conquering winter Elbrus - a mountain that brings happiness? No problem! Experienced instructors will teach you how to move on snow and ice and survive in frosty conditions. True, this requires experience in passing mountain peaks, because it is not safe for beginners in the mountains.
For those who are not at all afraid of severe trials, real expeditions to Antarctica are offered. Such trips on a ship among drifting icebergs take quite a lot of time (about a month), but you will be able to see with your own eyes the polar day, cheerful penguins and strange polar birds.
If you don’t have time, the best option would be weekend tours to different places in Russia. So, you can visit the Kola Peninsula and see the famous northern lights, ride along the frozen Lake Onega on a dog sled or go fishing in the deafening silence of Lake Lache in the Arkhangelsk region.
Call - RussiaDiscovery employees will advise you and help you choose the most preferable option.
