Winter tours at sea. Where to relax by the sea in winter on a budget and with high quality

Beach holidays in winter on the “Subtleties of Tourism”

As the famous proverb says, in winter the sun shines, but does not warm, and before the first snow has time to fall, the chilled inhabitants of the middle zone plunge into romantic dreams of the sea. The calendar winter in Russia lasts three months, but you and I know that we have to wait almost twice as long for warmth. For those who feel depressed due to the endless winter months, there is nothing better than going to warm countries. Fortunately, gone are the days when beach holiday in winter was something out of the realm of fantasy. Traveling to hot countries has become more accessible, and you can search for destinations for a beach holiday all over the globe.

Most popular resorts

Our compatriots love holidays in Egypt so much that many go there as if it were home. Optimal price-quality ratio, convenient all-inclusive system, long-awaited hot sun and warm sea - for a simple beach holiday you don’t need anything else, and if the serene beach life suddenly gets boring, you can go diving or go on an excursion: cultural heritage Egypt is very rich.

Due to the lack of piercing winds, the resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh are perfect for a winter trip, but it is better to reschedule a visit to Hurghada to another time.

To add a little color to the colorless winter landscapes, many go on vacation to Thailand. In November in South-East Asia The rainy season ends, and until April, resorts in Thailand delight tourists with pleasant sunny weather. A pleasant addition to a luxurious holiday on pearl beaches will be the famous Thai massage, exploring numerous Buddhist shrines and visiting ancient temples, elephant rides and exotic cuisine.

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Spend an unforgettable holiday in the atmosphere Arabian fairy tale The resorts of the United Arab Emirates invite you. This amazing country, where conservative traditions and progressive trends coexist harmoniously, no one is surprised by camels peacefully strolling between Mercedes, fashion shows at which Arab fashion designers present Muslim abayas and sheilas, the proximity of record-high skyscrapers and traditional oriental bazaars. UAE resorts offer excellent conditions for a quality beach holiday in winter. The highest level of hotel service, landscaped sandy beaches, hot sunny weather, ample opportunities for active rest- the advantages of holidays in the United Arab Emirates are difficult to overestimate.

The Indian state of Goa is no longer among the exotic ones; beach holidays at local resorts have long become incredibly popular, which is not surprising. Goa is a unique combination of marvelous beaches, dense jungles, colorful bazaars, stunning sunsets and gastronomic discoveries.

In winter on resorts in Goa costs beautiful weather: air temperature is not lower than +30 °C, ocean water is heated to +25 °C.

Other beach holiday destinations in winter

The Dominican Republic is perfect as a place for a beach holiday in winter, which, in addition to wonderful weather, excellent beaches and warm sea, will delight tourists with picturesque tropical forests, majestic mountains and mirror waterfalls. A trip to tropical island Hainan, whose resorts welcome tourists almost all year round. A winter holiday in Malaysia, Phan Thiet in Vietnam and Vigne del Mar in Chile will give you a lot of pleasant impressions. Are you already packing your bags?

Despite the fact that most travelers consider winter an inappropriate time for a beach holiday, there are many destinations that are ready to delight tourists with sunny weather and warm seas. Among them, it is possible to identify a number of the most attractive countries, for entry into which a visa will not be required, which will save quite a lot of time and effort.

Lovers of traditional winter holiday will also be able to enjoy skiing, snowboarding and other active species recreation, since a number of tourist destinations provide travelers with a similar opportunity.

The following are ideal for a beach holiday at sea: visa-free countries:

(you can stay without a visa for 60 days),
Cuba (you can stay on the island without a visa for 90 days),
(Bali island)
Philippines,
(a visa stamp for Russians is placed directly at the airport for 30 days - price 25 dollars),
(no visa required, but expensive)
(electronic visa is issued within 24 hours),
(you can get an electronic visa for 60 days in 24 hours - price 75 dollars),
(quick issuance of an electronic visa within 24 hours),
(no visa required for 30 days),
(visa for 30 days is issued upon arrival),
(visa is issued upon arrival at the airport, you can stay in the country for 30 days).

When is the best time to go to India - Goa - advice from an experienced traveler in the next video.

Table: countries that are suitable for winter holidays

A country	Permitted length of stay	Visa application	Average cost of a 10-day tour per person (expressed in US dollars)	average temperature air in winter period
Thailand	30	On arrival	500	+27…+35
Vietnam	15	On arrival	800	+26…+28
Philippines	30	On arrival	900	+25…+30
Cambodia	30	Upon arrival at Siem Reap and Phnom Penh airports. There is a fee of $30 to apply for a visa.	700	+21…+30
Laos	30	On arrival	1 200	+17…+27
Myanmar	28	On arrival	1 100	+25…+28
South Africa	90	On arrival	2 300	+23 …+ 28
Cuba	30	Upon arrival Upon departure, a fee of 25 Cuban pesos is payable	400	+26…+28
Indonesia (Bali island)	30	Upon arrival	1 000	+ 20…+ 33
UAE	30	Upon arrival	1 200	+14 …+24
	30	Upon arrival	1 200	+24…+27
Maldives	30	Upon arrival	900	+27…+30
Jordan	30	Upon arrival	800	+11…+13
Malaysia	30	Upon arrival	1 500	+28…+29
India	60	Electronic visa. The application must be submitted at least 4 days before the trip.	700	+28…+32
Sri Lanka	30	Electronic visa	850	+23…+30
	180	Electronic visa	1 500	+27… +28
Egypt	30	The visa is issued upon arrival. The permit costs $25 for 30 days.	280	+25…+28
Fiji	—	Applying for an e-visa	880	+30…+35
	30	On arrival	550	+23…+25
	60	Upon arrival	300	+25…+27
Georgia	90	On arrival	1 000	+24…+26

Sunny Indonesia offers a slightly different holiday. This route will be of interest to those who like to feel like a pioneer, as it enjoys relatively little popularity among tourists from the CIS countries.

The most famous holiday destination here is the island of Bali, which will allow tourists to enjoy all its advantages:

Amazingly beautiful nature.
An abundance of entertainment events and parties.
Well maintained beaches.

Main attractions of Bali:

Monkey forest in Ubud.
Tirta Gangga Water Palace.
Jatiluwi Rice Terraces.
Temple Pura Tanah Lot.
Lake Bratan.

Holidays on the island of Bali are also excellent because Russian citizens do not require a preliminary visa. Upon arrival in Bali, the visa is issued for 30 days. Russians also have the opportunity to extend it for another 30 days if desired. The cost of opening a visa for a month is 35 US dollars.

Bali cannot be called an expensive resort. On average, a 10-day tour to the island costs from $780.

In winter, it is better to go to Bali for those tourists who are not afraid of rain, because January and February are the rainy season. But frequent rains do not affect the temperature of water or air. The water in the ocean remains warm all winter, with an average temperature of 28.8°C.

Monsoons and rains prevail in the south of the island (Despasar, Kuta). Less rainfall during this period is observed further from the coast (Ubud).

If you go to Bali in the winter months of the year, then it is better to give preference to holidays at such resorts as:

Bali is a unique island that offers not only swimming in the sea and relaxing on the beach, but also:

Yachting.
Kitesurfing.
Elephant rides.
Rafting.
Surfing.

Table: weather in Bali in winter months

Vietnam

Another win-win option is to visit the mysterious and enchanting Asian destination - Vietnam. Despite the very long flight, this state is popular due to the very affordable cost of vacation, exotic atmosphere and truly summer weather.

In this country, every tourist will be able to choose the most interesting activity for himself. Fans of excursions and history will prefer to go to Hanoi, which is rich in such attractions and boasts an abundance of parks. For a traditional beach holiday, it is better to prefer Nha Trang Island, as it has the most suitable weather conditions for this purpose.

Main attractions of Vietnam:

Ha Long Bay.
Kuchi Tunnels (Kouti).
Temple complex Michon.
Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh.
Cham towers Po Nagar.

A visa to visit this country is issued directly upon arrival at the airport.. There is no application fee. You can only stay in Vietnam for 15 days, provided that your last trip took place at least 30 years ago.

For a beach holiday in Vietnam in the winter, it is better to give preference to such resorts as: Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, Con Dao.

Nha Trang is more popular among tourists, but in winter the city is damp and very windy.

Table: weather in Vietnam in winter time of the year

Vietnam is great not only for a relaxing holiday, but also for an active holiday. The resorts offer the opportunity to go surfing, diving or fishing. Elephant rides are also common in the country.

Thailand

Russians do not need a visa to visit Thailand in 2019. Without it, you can stay in the country for 30 days, which is enough for a good rest.

The water and air temperatures here in winter are the most optimal for a beach holiday at sea. At this time, in early December, all rain ends. The average air temperature is about 30 degrees. The sea is also very warm, you can relax with children.

Main attractions of Thailand:

The historical city of Ayutthaya.
Royal Palace in Bangkok.
Vimanmek Palace.
Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Floating market in Pattaya.

Prices for tours are lowest in December before the New Year and in mid-January after the holidays.

Comfortable temperature at resorts in Thailand

Dominican Republic

This destination is still not very popular among tourists from the CIS countries, which is explained by relatively low awareness.

After all, it is in winter that it begins here high season, which allows you to enjoy hot and windless weather without any precipitation.

Besides the amazing local cuisine, tourists are waiting:

Interesting The cultural program, including trips and inspection of natural and historical sites.
Impeccable quality beaches.
Opportunity to swim in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean while in the same country.

All these benefits make it Island state quite an attractive option for a winter holiday. The rainy season is here in summer time, in winter it ends and the sun shines constantly.

Main attractions Dominican Republic:

The Dominican Republic has become a very popular resort thanks not only to its white beaches, but also to its entertainment. Many people go to this country in winter to attend excursions to the “mating season” of humpback whales, as well as to attend sporting events in Cabarete.

Table: weather in winter months

Temperatures in the Dominican Republic during the winter months

The best resorts in the Dominican Republic:

Bavaro.
Punta Cana.
Santo Domingo.
Juan Dolio.
Boca Chica.

Cuba

Liberty Island is famous for its cigars and rum, which you simply must taste first when visiting the country. But besides them, Cuba can boast a huge amount sights, as well as an indescribable atmosphere with a faint revolutionary overtone.

Architecture lovers will appreciate the capital of the country, Havana, where most of the buildings in the central part of the city were built in the colonial style. Tourists are welcome here snow-white beaches, palm trees and all other attributes of the present summer holiday, which lasts in the country all year round.

Main attractions in Cuba:

Capitol.
Havana Cathedral.
Prado Boulevard.
Revolution square.
Memorial to Jose Marti.

To visit for less than 30 days, a visa for Russians to this country is not required. This is the main advantage of a trip to Cuba, because you will be able to save time on obtaining a visa and other documents necessary for your stay.

Table: weather at the most famous resorts Cuba in winter

Resort	Temperature during the day	Temperature at night	Cloudiness	Number of rainy days
Varadero	25.2°C	19.5°C	45.5%	2	25.5°C
Havana	25.4°C	19.0°C	44.4%	2	26.0°C
Cayo Guillermo	25.4°C	21.4°C	44.3%	2	25.3°C
Cayo Coco	25.4°C	21.9°C	46.3%	3	25.3°C
Holguin	27.7°C	20.2°C	45.6%	2	26.0°C
Playa Blanca	26.7°C	22.5°C	45.3%	3	26.0°C
Santa Maria	24.9°C	21.9°C	46.3%	3	25.3°C
Santiago de Cuba	28.1°C	20.3°C	32.1%	2	27.2°C

Egypt

A visa to Egypt for Russians is a purely formality. It is given to all tourists right at the airport. Price $25, valid for 30 days.

In winter you can swim in Sharm El Sheikh. January is the coldest month, the air temperature during the day is 20-25 degrees, you can swim, but the sea is cool. In Hurghada, which is located to the north, it is cold to swim in the sea in winter; people do not go there for a beach holiday at this time.

Main attractions in Egypt:

A 10-day vacation in Mexico will cost about $1,500, so the resort cannot be called a budget vacation destination. But it’s worth remembering that you can save a lot on your vacation if you fly to Mexico not as part of a tourist group, but on your own. For example, renting an apartment in Cancun costs from $60 per day.

However, not only Vietnam is able to delight tourists with its exotic nature and atmosphere. The Fiji Islands seem to be a non-standard and interesting option for a vacation. They are located in Pacific Ocean and have crystal clear water, amazingly beautiful nature and an abundance of interesting attractions.

There are many establishments serving both traditional European and local cuisine. The last category of establishments is especially popular, because Fijian cuisine has its own unique flavor that everyone will be pleased to appreciate. It includes many exotic ingredients, vegetables, fruits and fish, and local rules do not include tipping.

Main attractions of Fiji:

United Arab Emirates

You can obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport completely free of charge. Russians will be able to enjoy the beauty of one of the richest countries in the world for a whole month. If necessary, the visa permit can be extended for another 30 days.

What to see in the UAE:

Burj Khalifa is a skyscraper over 800 meters high.
The Palm Islands are an artificial archipelago consisting of three islands.
Bastakiya district in Dubai for connoisseurs of antiquity.
Musical fountain in Dubai.
Ferrari World theme park.
You can do some real shopping at the Dubai Mall.
Ski resort Ski Dubai.

Table: weather in the UAE in winter

Resort name	Daytime temperature (expressed in °C)	Temperature at night (expressed in °C)	Water temperature (expressed in °C)
Abu Dhabi	+23	+11	+19
Ajman	+24	+14	+19
Dubai	+23	+20	+22
Fujairah	+24	+17	+18
Sharjah	+23	+12	+19

United United Arab Emirates captivate with their luxury and chic. Dubai is best suited for a beach holiday and shopping, and for visiting national attractions it is better to go to Abu Dhabi. This is the financial center of the UAE. It is in this region that the 6th largest mosque in the world, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque, is located. Mostly married couples with children go on vacation to Abu Dhabi, because this resort is filled with an abundance of amusement parks and many attractions for all ages.

South Korea

This direction is more suitable for amateurs than others. winter species sports, especially alpine skiing. The local resort of Yeonpyeong allows everyone to appreciate the quality of the slopes, as well as related services, of which there are quite a lot. In addition to the standard service for ski resorts, truly pleasant surprises await the traveler.

First of all, this is an opportunity for high-quality and profitable shopping, because South Korea boasts an incredible variety of boutiques and shops in Seoul.

In addition, if you plan to go here on a New Year, it is worth preparing for abundant entertainment program, since it is customary here to celebrate this event for fifteen days.

The celebrations are accompanied by festivals and other social events, allowing you to have fun and experience the local atmosphere.

Main attractions in South Korea:

Rainbow Fountain Bridge.
Republic of Korea War Memorial.
Changdeokgung Palace.
Hwaseong Fortress.
Jongmyo Shrine.

If you plan to travel within New Year holidays, Serbia will be an interesting opportunity to visit a country that is part of the European Union without the need for a visa. The most attractive city to visit is the capital of the country, Belgrade.

This destination will not provide tourists with opportunities for a beach holiday, but it strong point, an advanced cultural and excursion program is presented, as well as an abundance of entertainment facilities. An interesting option could be visiting a restaurant or nightclub, depending on the traveler's interests.

Main attractions in Serbia:

Belgrade Fortress.
Djerdap Gorge.
Smederevo Fortress.
Shar Planina National Park.
Church of Saint Sava.

For most travelers, Türkiye is associated with comfortable stay by the sea, in an all-inclusive hotel and other usual features. However, this sunny country can boast of having not only warm sea, but also ski resort excellent quality.

The resort is called Uludag and is suitable for relaxing with friends or family. Affordable cost allows us to consider this interesting direction as an alternative to less affordable European ski resorts.

You cannot swim in the sea in winter in Turkey, as it is cold. Therefore, this country is not suitable for a beach holiday.

Main attractions in Turkey:

Istanbul.
Bosphorus.
Pamukkale (thermal resort).
Blue Mosque in Istanbul.
Topkapi Palace.

Note: Chip flights we search using Aviasales and Skyscanner. We search for and buy tours using special services and.

Photo © Boryeongsi / flickr.com

Thailand

Thailand is a great opportunity to relax in the winter at sea. In winter, Thailand attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world. At the end of November, the high tourist season begins in Thailand and the weather is favorable for a beach holiday.

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

Photo © Jiashiang/flickr.com

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

Prices for air tickets from Moscow to Bangkok start from 21-24 thousand rubles (round trip). From St. Petersburg to Bangkok the price tag for tickets is slightly higher, from 23-25 thousand rubles. (There and back again).

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

Note : There are services that automatically compare the cost of tours from leading tour operators. Among them we can note, and.

Pros and cons of winter holidays in Thailand

Vietnam

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

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

Prices for air tickets from Moscow to Vietnam in winter start at 22,500 rubles. (There and back again). It is best to purchase tickets in advance. We use the air sales service or skyscanner.

Since the end of November, prices for tours have been gradually creeping up. At the beginning of December you can find tours from 25-27 thousand per person, and closer to January the price of a tour may increase by 10-20% and continue to grow. The cost of tours changes every hour, so the prices in the article are approximate. Prices for specific dates can be found and compared from different tour operators using special services, and.

Pros and cons of winter holidays in Vietnam

Useful articles about winter holidays in Vietnam

Photo © David Russo / flickr.com

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

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

Resorts. The most best beaches The islands of Langkawi, Pangkor, and Penang are considered holiday destinations. Popular resorts for beach holidays are Pangkor Laut and Tioman Island.

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

Prices. Compared to Thailand, prices for some things, services and products in Malaysia are slightly higher (about 1.5 times). However, many tourists claim that in Malaysia you can find a cheaper price tag than in Thailand or Vietnam. Malaysia is mostly a Muslim country, so all alcoholic beverages here are quite expensive (with the exception of the islands of Langkawi and Labuan).

Photo © Eddie Yip / flickr.com

In winter, prices for air tickets from Moscow to Malaysia start from 28,600 rubles. (There and back again).

Regarding prices for tours offered Russian tour operators, then they are too high and it is cheaper to visit the country on your own. 7-day tour from Moscow to Malaysia for two from 107,308 rubles. You can compare prices on any of the services, and.

Advantages and disadvantages of holidays in Malaysia

Photo © Delphine Jankowski / flickr.com

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

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

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

Visa for Russians it will not be required within 30 days. For citizens of Belarus or Kazakhstan, a preliminary visa will be required.

Photo © Sarah_Ackerman / flickr.com

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

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

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

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

Pros and cons of winter holidays in the Dominican Republic

Photo © Amit Chacko Thomas / flickr.com

Goa, India

In winter, Goa is a favorable place for a seaside holiday. In Goa they celebrate the New Year on a grand scale and Catholic Christmas. Goa attracts tourists with its affordable prices and exotic climate.

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

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

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

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

In winter, prices for air tickets from Moscow to Moscow start from 28 thousand rubles. (There and back again).
Photo © Michael Scalet / flickr.com

Goa can be divided into Young and Northern. In the north, youth predominates, budget hotels and shops. Distinctive feature North Goa- a lot of entertainment. South Goa- this is for the most part large hotels 5 stars with the corresponding price category.

The main pros and cons of winter holidays in Goa

Photo © Vilmos Vincze / flickr.com

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

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

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

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

Photo © Gane/ flickr.com

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

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

In winter, prices for tours start at 66 thousand rubles. for 2 for 7 nights. Last minute tours can be found for 35 thousand rubles, or.

Pros and cons of winter holidays in Sri Lanka

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

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

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

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

Photo © Fabio Achilli / flickr.com

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

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

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

Tours to the Philippines are quite expensive: from 80 thousand rubles/person for 7 nights. You can compare prices from leading tour operators using the websites, or.

Pros and cons of holidays in the Philippines

Photo © Mac Qin/flickr.com

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

Weather. In winter, the weather in the Maldives is as pleasant as ever. The air temperature is +30°C, and the water temperature is +28°C. The most good weather for recreation it is established from mid-December to mid-spring.

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

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

Photo © Mac Qin / flickr.com

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

If the hotel territory occupies most of the island or the entire island, then the prices there will definitely be high. Lower price tag for large islands where local residents live.

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

In addition to luxurious rooms for $400, in the Maldives you can easily find a room for $28-60 per night. You can compare housing prices in the Maldives.

Note: During the New Year holidays, the price tag for tours can increase by 30-50%.

The main pros and cons of holidays in the Maldives

Photo © Sam valadi / flickr.com

If you want to relax in winter by the sea and avoid the sweltering heat, then a trip to the UAE is for you. The UAE has a well-developed infrastructure for families with children.

Weather. In winter, the weather in the UAE is relatively cool: air +24-26°C, water +23-25. Winds can spoil your holiday a little.

Resorts. According to reviews from tourists, the best places to relax in winter in the UAE are Sharjah and Dubai. There are also popular resorts for beach holidays - Abu Dhabi and Fujera.

Visa from February 2017, it is not necessary for Russians if their stay in the UAE is no more than 30 days.

Photo © Sarah_Ackerman/flickr.com

Prices in the UAE high for a Russian tourist. If you want to save on food in a cafe, then look for places where visiting workers eat.

In winter, prices for air tickets from Moscow to the UAE start from 14 thousand rubles. (There and back again). Direct flights regularly fly from Moscow, which are the same price as a flight with a transfer.

In the UAE you can buy a last-minute tour from Moscow for 21,200 rubles. per person for 5 nights. From December, a tour to the UAE can be purchased from 46 thousand for two for 7 nights. Prices are updated regularly, so we recommend checking prices through the service, or.

The main pros and cons of holidays in the UAE

Photo © Ilya Yakubovich/flickr.com

Another place where you can go on vacation in winter is Cuba. A friendly place where you can enjoy a winter holiday at sea.

Weather. Winter is a favorable time to visit Cuba. At this time there is little precipitation, and the air temperature is +27-28°C. The water warms up to +25-27°C

Visa. Tourists can stay in Cuba for 30 days without a visa.

Prices. Payments to tourists are made in a special currency (cookies), which makes most services and goods for tourists a little more expensive.

In winter, prices for air tickets from Moscow to Cuba start from 35 thousand rubles. (round trip) flight with a transfer, without a transfer from 42 thousand rubles.

Photo © Emmanuel Huybrechts / flickr.com

A room in a 2* hotel will cost from $60 per night. An economical accommodation option with minimal amenities will cost from $17. Alternatively, you can rent an apartment or house. You can find out prices for exact dates

Inexpensive diving

Moderate prices

2018-10-18

In winter, you really want to go to the sea to swim in the warm sea, relax and sunbathe. Returning to your homeland after such a trip, you will find a lot of positive emotions and memories that will warm your soul until the cold weather ends.

There are several ways in which you can go to the sea:

Go to a travel agency and buy the one you like;
Go on an independent journey.

When contacting a travel agency, an experienced manager will tell you a lot of directions, tell you all the visa formalities and nuances of a particular country.

Package tours to distant countries are quite expensive, but this is the best option in cases when you plan to fly on vacation for one or two weeks or do not want to spend a lot of time organizing an independent trip.

I recommend contacting a trusted and trusted inexpensive tour operator Independent travel - a more affordable thing, but it is not very suitable for novice tourists and those who want to fly to another country abroad for the first time.

When arriving in a foreign country, you will need to take care of your own transfer, visa formalities, food and housing. You should also definitely do health insurance, because you don’t know what can happen in another country, and before you go, you should definitely take all the necessary medications with you.

Cheap flights to Thailand

Independent travel to the sea (beach) in winter

In addition to freelancers, families with children also like to move to the seaside for the winter.

There are several countries that independent tourists most often chosen for wintering:

Thailand;
Indonesia;
Malaysia;
Philippines;
India
Sri Lanka;

As you can see, all these countries belong to the Asian direction.

Look full list countries that are ideal for each wintering month can be

Advantage - absence visa regime and simplified requirements for visa extensions.

Thailand and Indonesia lead the list. IN Thailand Most often they consider Pattaya and the island of Phuket, and in Indonesia, vacationers love Bali.

Malaysia and Philippines less popular destination.

Malaysia is different in that it is not possible to extend a visa on the spot; in any case, you will have to leave the country for at least one day. Philippines is a dynamically developing country that combines high-quality beach holidays and cultural heritage.

India, Goa in particular is a favorite winter holiday destination. However, it should be taken into account that hygiene in the country is not at the highest level, but the prices are pleasantly pleasing.

The Goa e-Visa is issued for 30 days, so you should check the visa formalities in advance.

Sri Lanka– popular tourist destination, however, it is relatively new for those who like to winter in warm countries. Coming to Ceylon, an amazing experience awaits you. animal world, colorful nature and rich heritage.

The country has a lot of monuments and reserves where tourists have the opportunity to ride elephants, see monkeys, whales and other exotic animals.

If necessary, you can easily extend your visa without leaving the island.

is also a new winter destination. There are several beach resorts

and many interesting places in the capital of the country - Phnom Penh. The visa, just like in Sri Lanka, can be easily extended. All Asian countries offer fairly low prices for food and accommodation. Even Bali, which is famous expensive hotels

, can offer a more budget-friendly type of vacation.

The most expensive thing about vacationing in Asian countries is the expensive flight; everything else is inexpensive. Before independent trip

Be sure to take with you a list of necessary things:
first aid kit;
medical insurance;
guide;

documentation.

In cases where you go on vacation with children, you should definitely take the child’s birth certificate.

Where is the best snorkeling and diving? When planning your beach holiday in winter, you should understand what exactly interests you. If you like diving and snorkeling, then you should go to those countries where there are coral reefs and rich.

undersea world

Egypt These directions will be:
— good coral reefs can be seen in Dahab, Sharm el-Sheikh and Marsa Alam. Dominican Republic — tourists will have the opportunity to go to, and in the Caribbean Sea you can dive and admire the rich underwater world, local flora and fauna.
Belize— Coral reef in Belize considered one of the best in the world, second only in beauty Great Reef in Australia.
Maldives They also provide opportunities for quality diving, but you won’t find much more entertainment in the country. Zanzibar is an island belonging to Tanzania.
Philippines— I recommend the province of Palawan for exploring the extraordinary underwater world. In addition to diving, there is an excursion program and colorful nature.
Zanzibar.

Inexpensive housing in any country

When going on a trip, all tourists want to save their finances as much as possible. How to do this?

Method 1 – online booking

There are many websites on the Internet where you can book your favorite apartment, hotel or guesthouse. The advantage will be a fairly low cost, but be prepared for small spaces and used contents of the rented premises.

Of course, you can choose something in between, commensurate good quality and not too much at a high price. I recommend paying attention to guest reviews. It is desirable that the rating of the hotel/house be at least 7.5 - 8.

Popular and trusted sites for booking accommodation in Asia:

agoda.com
Asiahotels.com
Asiarooms.com

Method 2 – accommodation in hostels

The Dominican Republic is the most popular destination in the Caribbean. Wide white beaches, turquoise bays, tropical greenery and a rich underwater world attract tourists from all over the world.

Most hotels operate according to the all-inclusive concept and have large areas, water parks and casinos.

The main disadvantage of the Dominican Republic is its rather poor excursion program and the lack of a large number of attractions. In winter, which is the top time for this destination, charters fly here from Moscow.

Thailand

One of the classic winter destinations is Thailand, which is just the beginning of the season at this time of year.

Siam can offer vacationers good service, rich excursion program and a huge selection of resorts, some of which are located on the mainland, and some on the islands.

Pattaya is famous for its vibrant nightlife, but the islands of Phuket, Koh Samui, Phangan and Phi Phi can offer more relaxing holiday away from the bustle.

Canary Islands

Canary Islands eternal spring, the water and air temperatures here are comfortable throughout the year; in winter, the air temperature rarely drops below 18 degrees. And in summer it stays at around 25 degrees.

A special feature of the archipelago is the presence of black beaches that are covered in dark volcanic sand. No matter. Whichever island you choose, quality surfing, diving, and colorful nature await you.

The island of Tenerife is famous for its volcano, on the slopes of which delicious grapes are grown. According to legend, Robinson Crusoe himself dreamed of seeing the cap of this volcano.

Also, this particular island is considered the most popular among Russian-speaking tourists. Another legend says that it was on the Canary Islands that Atlantis, which sank under water, was located.

The island of Gran Canaria is famous for its long beaches of golden sand.

Egypt

Egypt is called the “cradle of civilizations”, because the country has preserved a lot of attractions, which, combined with the clear waters of the Red Sea, have turned the country into one of the most popular winter destinations.

Holidays in Egypt can be divided into two parts:

Hurghada;
Sharm el-Sheikh.

Fans of excursions and sightseeing should go to Hurghada. All tourists vacationing in the region have the opportunity to visit Luxor, Aswan, Edfu and others interesting places. The beaches here are mostly sandy, the coral reef is quite simple.

The exception is the Marsa Alam resort, located two hours south of Hurghada airport; the local coral reef is considered one of the best in the country.

The lack of excursions is compensated by a variety of entertainment, both at the resort and in the hotels.

Comparison of the best places for a beach holiday

Where to go to the sea in winter? The question is complex, but it can be solved quite easily, the main thing is to decide on the purpose of the trip.

Leisure. For lovers of active recreation, Asian countries are suitable; here beach holidays are perfectly combined with excursion opportunities. For example, while vacationing in Thailand, you can go to Cambodia or Laos for one day.

Beach holiday. For a beach holiday, more exotic and expensive destinations: Dominican Republic, Maldives, Seychelles. The islands do not have many attractions, but there are quality beaches and high level service.

The best places to relax with children

Holidays with children in winter are an additional opportunity to improve your child’s health and give him a lot of positive emotions. In winter, it is better to refrain from traveling to Egypt or Israel with children, because... there can be strong winds and quite cold seas.

They can offer a lot of entertainment for the little ones hotel complexes Dominican Republic, where there will be a high-quality animation team, warm sea, air and good food.

Among Asian countries, you should pay attention to Thailand, China and Sri Lanka, which also provide a lot of opportunities for holidays with children.

Budget travel for the winter - a storm of emotions

Going to the sea in winter, you will in any case receive a lot of positive emotions, because it is so pleasant to soak up the warm rays of the sun and swim in the sea or ocean at a time when it is cold and snowy in the vastness of the Motherland.

I have taken below options for countries where you can relax in the winter at sea with a budget of up to 50,000 rubles for two.

Goa (India)

An excellent option for a winter holiday - Goa island in India. It is best to buy a tour there. It will be cheaper.

The price of a tour (air tickets + accommodation + transfer from the airport and back + insurance) to Goa in December is from 18,000 rubles per person for 7 nights, including breakfast.

I found low prices for a tour to India here

Egypt

Egypt is considered one of the cheapest winter destinations, but you should remember that in January and February there are strong winds, which can create an uncomfortable feeling for your holiday.

Cyprus

Another inexpensive route is Cyprus, which, like Canary Islands, called the island of eternal spring. The air temperature here in winter is usually 15 degrees Celsius; it rarely drops below 10 degrees.

In most cases, people come to Cyprus in winter for the purpose of relaxing from the bustle of the city and work routine; there is fairly clean air and a lot of attractions.

Not everyone will be able to go shopping in Cyprus in winter, because... The water temperature can be cool, but it is different every year.

Here are the most popular destinations for a winter holiday at sea. Most often for independent rest You don't need a lot of money to stay warm in winter. The most important thing is desire.

“Prepare your sleigh in the summer” - we all remember this Russian proverb from childhood. Let's try to take care of the upcoming winter holiday, if not in the summer, then at least in the fall! Winter in our country lasts three months - according to the calendar, but in reality, “climatically”, Russians have the whole dubious range of winter pleasures from wet snow to bitter frosts all five months of the year. In addition, on new year holidays Traditionally, the longest weekend in the work schedule falls - the Christmas holidays. And if you are not an ardent fan of skiing, you don’t see the beauty in winter fishing, if you are tired of the gray mess under your feet in big cities and miss the gentle rays of the sun, then a beach holiday in winter is for you!

There are a great variety of destinations for winter beach holidays. Trips to Egypt, the Emirates, Thailand and the Indian state of GOA are considered traditional. The resorts of Bali, Dominican Republic, Cuba and the Maldives are very popular. Recently, Vietnam's beaches and tropical chinese island Hainan. Even Malaysia and the Seychelles can no longer be called exotic.

Let's try to figure out what attracts our tourists to certain countries.

Egypt

One of the large hotels in Sharm el-Sheikh

An undoubted advantage of a holiday in Egypt is the simplified visa entry into this country for citizens of Russia and the CIS: you purchase a visa valid for a month at the airport upon arrival for only $15.

There are not many downsides to holidaying in Egypt. First of all, it is not very convenient to enter the sea at resort beaches Sharm El Sheikh. But there is a way out: every beach with a coral bottom is equipped with special platforms that make it easier to descend into the sea. In addition, you can buy special shoes for swimming - “coral shoes”, they are sold in any store at the hotel. Further: many tourists are dissatisfied with the intrusive service in shops, retail shops, cafes and restaurants. But what can I say? The East is a delicate matter, and the northeast of Africa is even more so, and the Arabs cannot ignore a possible buyer or client due to their mentality.

Thus, the advantages of a traditional winter holiday in Egypt are immeasurably greater than the disadvantages. The winter vacation in Egypt, as always, will become a memorable event in your life, an island of hot summer among the Russian winter.

UAE

Beach overlooking Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE

In recent years, many Russians prefer to spend their winter holidays in the UAE. The United Arab Emirates is a real fairy tale, a country where the future is written in Arabic script. architectural structures“High-tech” is intertwined with a conservative way of life. Only in the UAE, skyscrapers made of metal and glass peacefully coexist with oriental bazaars, camels with limousines, and the traditional clothing of local women, “abaya,” with chic boutiques of famous couturiers.

The resorts of the Emirates attract tourists primarily with the best hotel service in the world, often corresponding to the level of 7 “stars”, gold sandy beaches, an opportunity to look behind the secret veil of the culture of the true East. Comfortable temperature for winter is 25-28 degrees, and quite warm water temperature in Persian Gulf(19-20 degrees) become a definite advantage when choosing the UAE as a destination for your winter holiday. Don't forget about shopping in the UAE. If you have never been an avid shopaholic before, when you find yourself in the Emirates in February, you will undoubtedly become one. It's impossible not to join the ranks of shoppers when you see 80% discounts in boutiques of all fashion designers, and Abu Dhabi's numerous markets will simply amaze you.

The most popular emirates for holidays are Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Guests in the UAE will be offered a guided tour of the Arabian Tower Hotel - Burj Al Arab - the most expensive hotel in the world, the archipelago artificial islands, visit to Moroccan baths and radon spring, Wild Wadi water park. Fans of active recreation will not be bored: night crab hunting, underwater fishing, parachute jumping and airplane flights are not a complete list of entertainment in the UAE. However, we should not forget about some of the nuances of holidays in the Emirates. First of all, these are bans on smoking and drinking alcohol in public places. It is recommended to indulge in the above-mentioned vices within the walls of your room, drinking alcoholic beverages exclusively from Duty Free. Regarding drugs, the Emirates law is extremely short and harsh - the death penalty. Moreover, it is carried out so quickly that you won’t have to rely on the help of your “native” consul. Don’t forget about clothing: The Emirates is a conservative Islamic country, so don’t offend the moral principles of its inhabitants with overly revealing outfits.

There are few downsides: the Russian language is frankly bad, and this is all the more surprising considering how warm relations between the Soviet Union and Cuba were in the past, and how many Cuban students studied at domestic universities. Another nuance: while the local currency is pesos, a separate one has been introduced for tourists - cookies, which, as a result, makes prices for services for vacationers several times higher than for locals. However, we need to understand that the country we are going to visit as guests is not at all obliged to master our language; it would be much more logical to learn a few phrases in Spanish. The same applies to currency; an old Russian proverb says: “Don’t meddle in someone else’s monastery with your own rules.”

“Are there any disadvantages to holidaying in Goa?”, you ask. Let us answer: there are not many of them, but they exist. Tourists need to immediately tune in to the fact that Indians have little understanding of sanitation as a set of activities. This, of course, does not apply to 4-5 star hotels, but applies to the situation in the country as a whole. Moreover, as events have shown recent years, despite everyone's loyalty local residents Regarding tourists, in terms of clothing you should not provoke the natives: for excursions to Hindu shrines and walks in cities outside the hotel territory, shorts, miniskirts and tops with bare shoulders are unacceptable. As for the visa, Russians have no problems obtaining it: a visa for a period of up to 3 months is issued within 6 working days at the Indian embassy, its minimum cost is $50. If you go with a travel agency, this problem disappears altogether.

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