Stranded Russian tourists miss out on final savings opportunity
Previewing the Future of Russian Travel: Early Booking Trends and Airport Reopenings
If you've been holding back on your next holiday, you might want to reconsider. Russian tourists are ditching last-minute trips and embracing the allure of early bookings.
Oleg Kozirev, Marketing Director of Travelata, provides insight into this shift. Citing airline pricing algorithms, he explains that fewer seats often mean higher ticket prices that climb, not drop, closer to departure. Essentially, the early bird catches the best deal.
Early bookings offer more than just saving a buck. Tourists can snag prime accommodations, especially during peak seasons and holidays at top-notch sanatoriums and family hotels.
The post-pandemic trend continues. "Last-minute deals" are becoming increasingly rare, with only occasional exceptions during lean periods like summer trips to Egypt and the UAE. Here, intense heat and dwindling demand can lead to impressive discounts of up to 60% and free child accommodation offers.
Tour operators like Anex Tour report a shift towards comfort, predictability, and value, rendering last-minute tours a relic of the past. This shift echoes the sentiment reported by RIA "Novosti".
Now, let's delve into some exciting updates on airport reopenings in Southern Russia. If you're planning a trip, mark your calendars!
Elista Airport, serving Kalmykia in Southern Russia, kicked off operations on May 3, 2025, with direct flights to Antalya, Turkey. Meanwhile, Russia has revived direct flights to Sukhum, Abkhazia, after a 30-year hiatus, with the airport reopening on May 2, 2025[2][3]. Unfortunately, specific information on reopenings in other Southern Russian airports remains scarce.
Ready to pack your suitcase? Here's a handy guide to help you along:
- Clothing: Pack lightweight summer gear, warm layers for chilly evenings or colder months, and comfortable shoes for exploring.
- Travel Documents: Don't forget your passport, flight tickets, hotel reservations, and travel insurance documents.
- Health & Hygiene: A first aid kit stocked with essentials, prescription meds, sunscreen, and insect repellent are must-haves.
- Technology: Don't leave home without a smartphone, charger, portable power bank, laptop, camera, and any necessary adapters.
- Miscellaneous: Bring a reusable water bottle, favorite snacks, and local currency for initial expenses.
Before you embark on your journey, be sure to check local travel advisories and weather forecasts to fine-tune your packing list for your destination. Happy travels!
- Russian tourists like Oleg are opting for early bookings for their holidays, as the early bird can secure the best deals on ticket prices and accommodation, especially at top-notch sanatoriums and family hotels during peak seasons.
- In 2025, the trend of early bookings is expected to continue, with airports in Southern Russia reopening, such as Elista Airport on May 3, offering direct flights to Antalya, Turkey.
- To prepare for your Russian trip, pack lightweight summer gear, warm layers, comfortable shoes, travel documents, a first aid kit, necessary technology, and local currency.
- It is essential to check local travel advisories and weather forecasts before your journey to ensure you've packed appropriately for your destination, with an aim for comfort, predictability, and value in travel, post-pandemic.
