When for the first time the thought of how to relax without a tour operator comes, it may seem that it is very difficult and it is better to trust in the hands of professionals. In fact, the organization of independent rest is an exciting pastime and is an integral part of the trip.
As you know, all people are divided into leaders and followers. The presenters organize their holidays on their own, while the followers prefer to use the services of a tour operator. Naturally, if it is alien to you to make any decision on your own, then you do not need to force yourself and contact one of the nearest travel agencies.
Today we will learn how to travel on our own and learn how to relax without a tour operator. If you have previously bought package tours, then you know what you are given in your hands: copies of air tickets, hotel reservation (voucher) and a copy of the insurance policy. For visa countries, a visa is still issued, although in some countries it is done upon arrival at the airport.
Flight booking
In order to buy a ticket, you do not need to go to the airport or the ticket office and waste a lot of time. Now is the age of information technology, so you can book an air ticket without leaving your home via the Internet. We go to, enter the estimated dates of your trip and look at the ticket prices and the number of transfers. If you are satisfied with all the conditions and the price, then fill in the details of your passport and pay for the ticket using a payment card. Copies of tickets will be sent to your e-mail and you can print them on paper. At the airport, upon departure, it will be enough to show your passport and you will receive a boarding pass at the check-in counter for the flight.
Booking a hotel
With the help, we select accommodation for ourselves in the resort that you have chosen, taking into account the price and quality of the services provided. As in the case of air tickets, we book a room by indicating the details of your passport and paying with a payment card. If you are not going to spend your entire vacation in one hotel or one resort, then it will be enough to book a room for a couple of days. If it turns out to be good and you want to stay longer, you can extend it on the spot, but keep in mind that all rooms can be booked in advance during peak season. It is not necessary to check into a hotel, as locals quite often rent out their apartments or villas to tourists at quite affordable prices. The advantage of apartments or apartments is the presence of a washing machine and the absence of annoying staff who are always begging for tips. The latter is quite typical for, and other Muslim countries.
Insurance policy
In most countries of the world, travel insurance is not required, but the stingy pays twice, so it is better to have it just in case You can buy an insurance policy via the Internet on one of the sites providing these services. Also, if you do not trust online shopping, then you can go to the nearest insurance company. Depending on the country and the amount covered, insurance can cost anywhere from $ 15 to $ 30 for 14 days.
Visa
The main tourist destinations, except for the countries of the European Union, are visa-free or conditionally visa-free for Russians, which means that they can apply for a visa upon arrival in the country. For example, such conditionally visa-free countries are Egypt and Turkey. For holidays without a tour operator in one of the EU countries, you can apply for a visa at the consulate of the country where you are going to relax, at your place of residence. To do this, you will need copies of round-trip air tickets, an insurance policy and a hotel reservation. Plus, you will need to pay a consular fee for a visa.
Transport
Upon arrival at the airport of your resort, of course, no one will meet you, since you are relaxing without a tour operator. However, some hotels offer a free service such as a transfer from the airport to the hotel. Ask in advance with your hotel if they provide such a service. If not, after leaving the airport, take a taxi and go to your hotel, where your room will already be waiting for you.
Excursions
Some sights can be explored on their own, especially if they are located in the city itself. However, in the matter of excursions, it will be possible to buy an organized tour at one of the street tourist offices. The advantage of an organized excursion will be the presence of a Russian-speaking guide who will be able to tell interesting things that are not in printed guidebooks, and this also removes possible problems with the language barrier. Also, in many countries there are tourist buses, which have an audio guide in the main foreign languages, and which travel to the main attractions of the city and make stops near them. This is the best way to explore the city and its monuments.
That's all science! Now you know how to relax without a tour operator and you can safely prepare for your vacation.
Tickets cost from 13 574 rubles.
Cost of one day
- Accommodation... Two places in a hostel - from 990 rubles, a double room in a hotel - from 1,000 rubles.
- Food... Cold Lithuanian borscht - 190 rubles, fried potatoes with hunting sausages - 290 rubles.
- Entertainment... Two tickets to the Museum of the World Ocean (submarine excursion) - 600 rubles, entrance to the Amber Museum - 300 rubles for two.
Things to do
- Go to a concert of organ music in the cathedral and contemplate the eternal at the tomb of Immanuel Kant.
- Visit the Fishing Village, climb aboard the B-413 submarine, and then go to the Amber Museum. It's unthinkable to visit Kaliningrad and not buy an amber souvenir or jewelry.
- Explore the Kaliningrad region: the castles of the Teutonic Order - Insterburg and Schaaken are located a short hour from the city.
- Take a walk along one of the hiking trails of the Curonian Spit, a natural wonder included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Marvel at the dunes and intricately curved trees of the Dancing Forest.
Russia, Karelia
The cost of tickets to Petrozavodsk is from 18 872 rubles.
When to go: May to September.
Cost of one day
- Accommodation... Two places in a hostel - from 1,000 rubles, a double room in a hotel - from 1,200 rubles.
- Food... A gate (Karelian pie) with potatoes - 75 rubles, trout fish soup - 410 rubles, mountain ash liqueur - 190 rubles per 50 grams.
- Entertainment... A trip to Ruskeala - 3,850 rubles for two, an excursion to Kizhi - 5,900 rubles for two, an excursion to Valaam from Petrozavodsk - 10,400 rubles.
Things to do
- There are 60 thousand lakes and 27 thousand rivers here. Go rafting or kayaking on the Shuya River, or catch a hefty salmon while fishing on Lake Onega. If extreme is not attractive, go to the Kivach waterfall - this is the highest flat waterfall in Europe.
- It is impossible to visit Karelia and not visit the Kizhi reserve, where real masterpieces of wooden architecture are collected. According to legend, the Church of the Transfiguration was built by the carpenter Nestor with only an ax. After construction, the master threw the ax into the lake so that no one could repeat his masterpiece.
- The Ruskeala mountain park is located not far from the border with Finland. Where marble was previously mined in an industrial quarry, there is now a lake with marble shores and underwater grottoes. On the way to Ruskeala, take a look at the Tohminsky waterfalls.
Georgia
The cost of tickets to Tbilisi is from 22,332 rubles.
The entry regime is visa-free. When to go: May to July or September to October.
Cost of one day
- Accommodation... Two places in a hostel - from 361 rubles, a double room in a hotel - from 902 rubles.
- Food... Khachapuri - 135 rubles, a portion of 10 khinkali with beef - 180 rubles, pork shashlik - 270 rubles.
- Entertainment... Excursion around Tbilisi - 1,800 rubles for two, two tickets to the botanical garden - 90 rubles, a round trip by cable car - 90 rubles for two.
Things to do
- In Tbilisi, be sure to take the cable car to the Narikala fortress, visit the flea market on the Dry Bridge, Shardeni Street and the Botanical Garden.
- It is worth paying attention not only to the capital, but also to the rest of the country's regions. From the interesting - the ancient city of Mtskheta, the mountains and waterfalls of Svaneti, the Georgian Military Road and, of course, Kakheti with its wine.
- For a beach holiday, go to Batumi, Kobuleti or Sarpi. The beach in Sarpi is considered one of the best in Adjara - the seaside region of Georgia.
Poland, Krakow
The cost of tickets to Krakow is from 34,104 rubles.
Entry mode: Schengen visa required. When to go: For Catholic Christmas or May to September.
Cost of one day
- Accommodation... Two places in a hostel - from 1,081 rubles, a double room in a hotel - from 2,153 rubles.
- Food... Casserole (baguette with filling) - from 84 rubles, chicken fillet with mushrooms - from 227 rubles, 0.5 liters of draft beer - from 118 rubles.
- Entertainment... Tickets to castles and museums - from 200 rubles for two, a tour of the Wieliczka salt mines - from 2,998 rubles for two.
Things to do
- If you want to see the real Poland, fly to Krakow. Krakow is recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in the country. It is the former capital of the state and the place of the coronation of Polish monarchs.
- Wander in Krakow through the Old Town and the Market Square, visit the architectural complex on the Wawel Hill - there is the royal castle and the ancient Cathedral of Saints Stanislav and Wenceslas. Be sure to check out the Christmas market in December.
- In the city of Wieliczka, which is not far from Krakow, there is once the largest salt mine in Europe. You will be led along winding corridors, past salt sculptures and underground lakes. To fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere, you will rise to the surface in a special miner's cabin.
Montenegro
Tickets to Tivat cost from 28,370 rubles.
The entry regime is visa-free. When to go: May to November.
Cost of one day
- Accommodation... Two places in a hostel - from 1 750 rubles, a double room in a guest house - from 1 893 rubles.
- Food... Fried cheese - 419 rubles, pork chop - 482 rubles.
- Entertainment... Excursion to Ostrog - from 3 490 rubles for two, two tickets to the Durmitor park - 419 rubles.
Things to do
- For natural beauty, head to the Durmitor National Park. The gorge along the Tara River, flowing through the park, is the Montenegrin analogue of the American Grand Canyon. This is the deepest canyon in Europe: its depth reaches 1,300 meters. In "Durmitor" there is one of the highest points of Montenegro - Mount Bobotov Kuk (2 523 meters).
- For lovers of medieval architecture, there is a direct road to the historical part of Budva, built in the days of the Venetian Republic. Then drive to the Orthodox monastery Ostrog, carved into a sheer cliff at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level.
- As for the sea, the choice is yours: either the beaches of the Adriatic Sea, or the fjord of the Bay of Kotor.
Vietnam
The cost of tickets to Ho Chi Minh City is from 43,922 rubles.
Entry mode: when traveling for less than 15 days, a visa is not required. When to go: to Hanoi - from September to February, to Nha Trang - from February to August, in Mui Ne - from December to June, to Hoi An - from January to August.
Cost of one day
- Accommodation... Two places in a hostel - from 664 rubles, a hotel - from 844 rubles.
- Food... Pho soup - from 98 rubles, rice with seafood - around 170 rubles, freshly squeezed juices - from 40 rubles per 0.3 liters.
- Entertainment... Excursion to the Kuti tunnels - from 2,257 rubles for two, two tickets to the Vinperl park - about 3,900 rubles.
Things to do
- Want to see the dragon-made bay? Long ago, he crawled to the sea and left valleys filled with water behind him. Of course, this is a legend. But Halong Bay is the most beautiful postcard view of Vietnam.
- From Ho Chi Minh City, take a guided tour of the Kuchi Tunnels. They were dug up by guerrillas during the Vietnam War in order to launch surprise attacks on American troops. Now underground passages with a total length of up to 200 kilometers have become a popular tourist attraction.
- It would be strange to come to Vietnam solely for the sake of studying the cultural heritage of this country. Beach holidays are what attracts tourists. For him it is worth going to Nha Trang, Mui Ne or Hoi An.
- In Nha Trang, be sure to set aside a day to visit the Vinperl amusement park. A cable car with a length of over three kilometers leads there. Winperl is a paradise for the budget traveler: for a very moderate amount, you can ride the attractions all day long, see the dolphin show and go to the only water park with fresh water on the coast. Of the rides, we especially recommend the electric sled: the cart rushes along a winding track, and you adjust the speed yourself.
Sri Lanka
The cost of tickets to Colombo is from 54,034 rubles.
Entry mode: you can apply for an electronic visa permit. When to go: December to April.
Cost of one day
- Accommodation... Two places in a hostel - from 673 rubles, a double room in a hotel - from 1,263 rubles.
- Food... A portion of rice with curry - from 75 rubles, pancakes with banana and chocolate - from 90 rubles.
- Entertainment... Sightseeing tour of Colombo - from 3,095 rubles for two, two tickets to the elephant orphanage - about 1,800 rubles.
Things to do
- The path to nirvana lies through the golden triangle: the cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy. The largest and most important Buddhist temples and monasteries are located here.
- Connoisseurs of good tea should visit the town of Nuwara Eliya. See how densely carpeted tea bushes line the hills and shimmer with emeralds in the sun. Dilmah, Akbar - it's all from here. Sri Lanka is one of the three largest tea producing countries in the world.
- The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is without exaggeration a unique place. Here they bring up and teach wisdom to elephants, for one reason or another left without parents. You can even watch the elephants swim and eat.
Tunisia
The cost of tickets to Tunisia is from 33,201 rubles.
Entry mode: when traveling for less than 90 days, a visa is not required. When to go: March to June or September to October.
Cost of one day
- Accommodation... Double room in the hotel - from 2,099 rubles, apartments for two - from 2,239 rubles.
- Food... Fish soup - 165 rubles, grilled tuna - 470 rubles, a cup of mint tea - 50 rubles.
- Entertainment... Two tickets to Carthage - about 500 rubles, a two-day trip to the Sahara - about 13,000 rubles.
Things to do
- If you want to literally touch the antiquity, here you will find what you were looking for. You can start from the capital: in Tunisia (yes, both the country and the capital are all Tunisia), visit the medina - the old city, where narrow streets are woven into a maze surrounded by a stone wall.
- The ruins of Carthage, once the largest city on the western Mediterranean coast, are deservedly popular among tourists. Carthage was founded around 814 BC. The amphitheater, aqueduct and baths of Anthony Pius remained from the former luxury.
- Go on an excursion to the Sahara - after all, not every day you get a chance to see a real desert and visit the Berbers. By the way, the settlement of Matmata, where representatives of this nationality live, was seen by everyone who watched Star Wars: there it depicted the planet Tatooine.
Morocco
Tickets to Casablanca cost from 31,692 rubles.
Entry mode: when traveling for less than 90 days, a visa is not required. When to go: May to October.
Cost of one day
- Accommodation... A room in a guest house - from 1,400 rubles, a double room in a hotel - from 1,959 rubles.
- Food... Casserole with eggplant and tomatoes - 430 rubles, paella with fish - from 276 rubles, a cup of coffee - from 77 rubles.
- Entertainment... Excursion from Agadir to Marrakech - approximately 8,100 rubles for two, a trip to the Sahara with local guides - from 10,000 rubles.
Things to do
- Stop by Rick's Bar in Casablanca, where the atmosphere of the cult movie by Michael Curtis is recreated. Feel like a Humphrey Bogart and order a bourbon.
- For beach lovers, the road to Tangier. To the west of the city is the country's longest beach strip: 47 kilometers of sand along the Atlantic Ocean. When you swim enough, you can go to the Sahara - there are such excursions not only in Tunisia.
- Who said Africa is not for downhill skiing? In winter, the weather in the Atlas Mountains is good for skiing. You can slide on a snowy slope in the morning and swim in the warm ocean in the evening.
- If you have enviable willpower and are not fooled by the sweet speeches of talkative sellers, go to the local bazaar for souvenirs. Bargain with might and main, here this process is almost more important than the fact of purchase.
USA, New York
Tickets cost from 40 830 rubles.
Entry mode: visa required. When to go: March to October.
Cost of one day
Food and lodging in New York is not cheap. But tickets from Moscow are inexpensive for such a long flight, and on the spot you can draw up a very budgetary vacation program.
- Accommodation... Double room in the hotel - from 3 816 rubles, apartments for two - from 5 331 rubles.
- Food... Hot dog - 186 rubles, chicken burger - 354 rubles, chocolate muffin - 154 rubles.
- Entertainment... Two tickets to the Guggenheim Museum - about 2,800 rubles, two tickets to the zoo - about 2,000 rubles, a visit to the Statue of Liberty - about 2,100 rubles for two.
Things to do
- Must-sees in New York: Broadway and Fifth Avenue, Statue of Liberty, Times Square and Central Park.
- From local museums and attractions, it is worth visiting, first of all, the Solomon Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum, Madame Tussauds, the botanical garden and the zoo. Of course, you cannot ignore the New York Museum of Modern Art, which contains works by Matisse, Van Gogh, Picasso and Dali. By the way, on Fridays from 4 pm to 8 pm admission is free, if you are not afraid of long lines.
- Entertainment in New York is for every taste: a concert at the Metropolitan Opera, NBA or NHL matches. Going over budget? The views from the Brooklyn Bridge are absolutely free, as is the ferry between Manhattan and Staten Island.
How to visit all these places at the expense of Tinkoff Bank
Advice for budget travelers: get yourself a bank card, which allows you to save miles for flights. With every purchase on the Internet or in a regular store, some of the money will be returned back.
Here is the cashback provided by the Tinkoff ALL Airlines card:
- 10% when paying for a hotel room and car rental. If you paid 10 thousand for the night, you will get a thousand back.
- 5% when buying plane or train tickets through travel.tinkoff.ru. If you bought tickets for 50,000 rubles, you will get 2,500 back.
- 3% when buying tickets through any other site.
- 2% will be returned to the account from all other purchases.
The money is returned to the account in miles, 1 mile is 1 ruble. You can pay for a ticket with any airline in the world with miles. At the same time, you can continue to accumulate miles in parallel in the loyalty program of the airline that you use.
Bonus for Lifehacker readers
To all readers of Lifehacker, Tinkoff Bank gives an ALL Airlines card with a free first year of service. Usually, the annual card service costs 1,890 rubles. You can read about all the possibilities and advantages of the card.
Apply for a card, earn miles, travel and discover the world.
In 2019, surprisingly for Russian citizens, the holidays were very successful: from May 1 to May 5 and from May 9 to 12. There are three working days between them from the 6th to the 8th. If you have time off, and the management does not mind, then it is really possible to organize a full-fledged vacation for 12 days and give up on the seas and oceans. Those who were given two weeks of regular leave in May by their bosses were very lucky: they got a whole month of rest.
Beach vacation in May
Countries for a beach holiday
First of all, the weather is improving in the Mediterranean, at the favorite resorts of Russians, and travel agencies offer many "last minute" vouchers.
Greece
The beach season has not yet arrived on the mainland, the water has not warmed up to comfortable values. Only in narrow and shallow bays near Athens, the water warms up to +22. In the seaside suburbs of the Greek capital, most of the luxury hotels and luxury apartments. Such a vacation will allow you to combine the beach and excursions to the historical part of Athens, visit the Acropolis and the famous ancient temples.
On large islands it is already quite pleasant: +25 in the air and +22 in the water. Crete and Rhodes provide hotels of various stars, a lot of historical and natural attractions await their guests.
It is better for travelers with children to come in the second half of the month, when the weather is approaching summer. In Crete, they are advised to choose the northern coast: the water there is warmer and the sea is less rough.
Party lovers will always find a bar, nightclub, dance parties. Instead of sunbathing, it is convenient to play beach volleyball and tennis.
Israel. Tel Aviv and the Mediterranean coast
By May, a full-fledged tourist season begins in the Israeli Mediterranean. The daytime temperature rises to +30, the water is also quite comfortable: +26. There are no rainy days from May to September.
Not only the capital of Israel, but also its suburbs: Netanya, Herzliya, Bat Yam and other places are famous for clean, fully equipped beaches with clear water. In the northern part of Israel, the main resort is Haifa (95 km from the capital). The choice of hotels, restaurants and cafes of different comfort is huge. You can also choose an apartment for accommodation. It should be borne in mind that prices for all services are approximately twice as high as Turkish prices.
Beach activities are available for both children and adults: water skiing, surfing, diving, beach games, yachting.
For active travelers, the choice of excursions is unlimited. In the country of three religions and a lot of confessions, almost every corner of it is a sight.
Israel. Eilat
Eilat is Israel's only exit to the Red Sea. The weather in May is summer. The heat of +32 is softened by a light breeze, the water temperature of +28 degrees allows you to stay in it indefinitely.
The Red Sea is a paradise for divers of all skill levels, beautiful corals and many colorful fish attract everyone.
From Eilat it is easy to go on excursions to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea and other interesting places.
Jordan. Aqaba
Aqaba is Eilat's Red Sea neighbor. There are only 3 km between cities. The weather is the same: real summer: +32 air, +28 water.
The highlight of the tourist program is water and underwater entertainment. The beaches, well maintained and equipped, belong to the hotels.
Tourists leave Aqaba to explore ancient cities, places mentioned in sacred scriptures and associated with the life of Christ.
Exotic destinations
Not all exotic destinations in May are habitually comfortable. The climate on our planet is amazing and diverse.
Emirates
In May, those who like it hot go. The main season ends in the first week of May. The hot breath of the desert begins with heat more than +35 and dust storms. You won't be able to cool down at night either: +30. If you choose an emirate on the coast of the Gulf of Oman, the water will be +23, and in the Persian Gulf +29.
Excursions in the "urban jungle" will be exhausting, you will find a way out by examining natural objects: Khalid Lagoon with beautiful beaches and Al Jazeera amusement park, and Dubai's skyscrapers are even more beautiful at night than during the day. Traveling on a yacht will also bring the desired freshness. For fans of extreme sports, parachute jumps over the desert and over the city are offered.
If you wish, it is great to have a rest in the UAE in May, just do not forget about one peculiarity: the country is Muslim - an open neckline and bare legs are not welcome in public places either among women or men.
Thailand
B - May - the beginning of the monsoon season. The heat is above +30 and high humidity resembles the effect of a Russian bath. Monsoons bring not only rains, but also winds with storms. The only resort where there is less rain is Koh Samui.
May is suitable for all types of surfers. In the second half of it, the heat becomes less severe due to the winds. The sea is too muddy for diving.
The only bonus is that the prices for services at this time are the lowest.
May - the height of the monsoons: showers (fortunately short), winds, waves, storms. The air and water temperature is the same - about +32 and high humidity. In short, Russian roulette. Sometimes it rains for several days, and sometimes only at night.
Haa Alifu Atoll has the least rainfall, where you can swim not in the ocean, but in a beautiful lagoon.
Where to go to the sea without a visa in May
The lack of a visa does not prevent you from vacationing abroad not only in Turkey, Israel, in the CIS countries, but also in exotic countries such as Cuba or Malaysia.
Cuba
May is a transitional month to the monsoon season. The air temperature rises to +30, the water is stable along the entire coast: +27. It rains for a maximum of a week, not every day in a row, for 2-3 hours. This does not interfere with rest at all. At the same time, there are much fewer visitors in hotels and on the beaches.
Water activities on Cuban beaches are available to everyone. Fishing enthusiasts will feel the emotions described in detail by Hemingway. The many festivals and carnivals in May will delight you.
Malaysia
Malaysia is an amazing country. It consists of two parts: it occupies the southern half of the Malacca Peninsula and the northern part of the island of Borneo (aka Kalimantan).
The mainland and insular parts of the country are separated by a narrow strait, and the climate is different, like heaven and earth. The Malacca Peninsula is dominated by the monsoons, like Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, the Maldives, and the Sun shines in Borneo, warm and dry. The weather is just perfect for a relaxing beach holiday with the whole family. Air temperature +33, water +29.
Wildlife enthusiasts will be able to visit the only nature reserve for orangutans on earth. In their natural environment, their number is constantly decreasing due to deforestation, and in the protected area, these monkeys feel great.
Popular resorts in May
Turkey
This country remains the most popular destination among Russian tourists.
In May, the air and water warm up gradually: air reaches +25, water + 21 + 22 on the southern coast of the country. The west coast on the Aegean Sea can be considered for a beach holiday if you book a hotel with a warm pool and visit one of the water parks with children.
It's time to visit the sights. You don't have to travel 300 km to do this.
Within a radius of 100 km from Antalya, there are beautiful waterfalls on the Duden and Manavgat rivers, the ruins of the ancient city of Phaselis, where, according to legend, Alexander the Great was buried.
In Alanya, right in the center of the city, there is a 13th century fortress with a wall length of 8 km and the Dalamtash salt cave.
In the resort town of Side, a satellite of Manavgat, located between Antalya and Alanya, tourists are shown the entrance gate built by the Romans, the ruins of the temple of Dionysus, Tyche and Fortuna, an amphitheater.
Morocco
An African country on the Atlantic coast begins the high season in the second half of May, when the water temperature exceeds +22, the air at this time is already +27. The main resort is Agadir: hotels of various stars, a wide strip of equipped beaches, surfing, horseback riding, golf courses, desert safaris.
Trips to the ancient cities of the country Casablanca, Fez, Marrakech are an acquaintance with the history and culture of the country, pleasant shopping in local shops. In Morocco, it is worth buying natural leather, silk, bedspreads made of real camel wool, locally produced argan oil, traditional colored slippers and other original souvenirs.
Ski holidays in May
Going downhill skiing in May? Fans of this sport will be able to find a corner for themselves in the summer, not only at the end of spring: there are also year-round ski slopes in Europe.
Hintertux. Austria
Hintertux is a glacier among the Austrian Alps in Tyrol. The ski resort is designed not so much for amateurs as for athletes and extreme lovers. There are few "black" slopes, but "red" and "blue" ones are quite long and difficult. By the end of spring, out of 86 kilometers of trails, 18 trails remain at an altitude of 2660 to 3250 m at the very top of the Zillertal mountain. The cost of services must be checked on the spot, as it is calculated depending on the ski area.
Drive from Innsbruck to the Mayrhofen railway station (64 km), from there - take a special ski bus (22 km).
Matterhorn
The Matterhorn is a mountain in the Alps on the border of Switzerland and Italy. Around it are two year-round ski resorts: Zermatt in Switzerland and Cervinia in Italy. The resorts are united into a common ski area. The tracks are suitable for everyone. By the summer season, which begins on May 1, the length of the trails is approximately 100 km. The cost of services is specified on the spot, since children under 9 years old ride for free, for ages from 9 to 16 years old and pensioners are given discounts. It is more profitable to buy a lift pass for all tracks in the Italian zone.
It is more convenient to get to Switzerland from Zurich by train 3.5 hours to Tash station, from there by buses that take tourists to the resort every 20 minutes, starting at 6 am. In Italy, the closest is Turin. From there take a bus 2.5 hours to Chatillon. In Chatillon, transfer to the bus to Cervinia.
Nice bonus - beautiful photos against the background of the Matterhorn mountain. It is considered the most photogenic Alpine peak.
Rixgransen. Sweden
Riksgransen is a ski resort on the border with Norway in the Arctic Circle. May is the peak of the season, since the polar day begins on May 21 and the Sun does not set below the horizon. There are few tracks. Their length is 21 km, but they are suitable for beginners as well as advanced skiers and snowboarders. With the onset of the polar day, a snowboarding competition for professionals riding on the "virgin lands" called "Walk for a Beer" is held. It covers not only the Swedish, but also the Norwegian ski area (Norvik). The ski season lasts until the end of June. The cost of a ski pass for 6 days is 162 euros (1455 SEK)
Get in Sweden from Kiruna airport (130 km) or from Norway from Evenes airport (90 km) by bus.
Kirovsk. Russia
The ski resort is located just south of the Arctic Circle, so in March the season is in full swing. The tracks are not long - only 30 km, but suitable for all skiers and snowboarding fans. Equipment rental prices differ by type of track.
You can come to the neighboring town of Apatity with Kirovsk by plane or by train, from there 17 km by regular bus.
Holidays in Russia in May
Fans of outdoor activities, servicemen, employees of special services and special enterprises (for whom travel abroad is "not recommended") is quite possible to choose a vacation within the country with the benefit of the soul, body and wallet.
Crimea
In May in Crimea, the beach season is far away. The air warms up to a maximum of +20, water, to put it mildly, is suitable for fans of ice swimming. May is the best time to get acquainted with the most beautiful natural and historical sites of the peninsula. There are no usual crowds of tourists in the famous palaces; it is not hot at all to climb the mountains on foot. Built in 2018, the Crimean Bridge has significantly reduced travel time.
- The center of the southern coast of Crimea is Yalta. It is easy to get to many attractions from it: Livadia and Vorontsov palaces with beautiful parks and a rich history, Swallow's nest - the most popular object for photo shoots, Nikitsky Botanical Garden with a unique collection of plants (in May - the peak of flowering of most of them). Climb the Ai-Petri mountain by funicular.
- Sevastopol. The fourth bastion and Sapun-Gora, monuments to Nakhimov and the lost ships, the count's pier and the panorama "Defense of Sevastopol" are the memory of the soldiers who died in two wars. Bakhchisarai, the historical capital of the Crimean Khanate, praised by Pushkin, and cave cities are very close to Sevastopol.
- Feodosia. Aivazovsky's Picture Gallery, the remains of an ancient fortress, the house-museum of Alexander Grin. Not far away is the village of Stary Krym with Green's grave, the city of Sudak with a Genoese fortress, Mount Karadag and the village of Planerskoye with the Veresaev Museum.
Sochi
It is believed that the beach season in Sochi opens in May, but towards the end of the month, when the water temperature exceeds +20. At the same time, it is already +25 in the air. At night it can be +11. Conclusion: in Sochi, as in Crimea, it is better to devote May to excursions.
- The Olympic facilities of Krasnaya Polyana are visited both with excursions and independently.
- Children will be happy after visiting water parks: in Central Sochi, Loo, Lazarevsky, Adler, Khost, as well as an oceanarium, zoos, and amusement parks.
- Excursions to the Sochi National Park to waterfalls and gorges.
Anapa
It is good to go to Anapa in May to one of the many sanatoriums, not really hoping for a swim in the sea. The air warms up to + 20 + 22, and the water at the beginning of the month is +13, by the end - to +20.
With children, you should see the archaeological museum Gorgippia, visit the water park, dolphinarium and zoo.
Where to go in May in Europe
Bus tours in Central Europe allow you to see more than one country in comfortable sunny weather: France, Italy, Portugal.
Scandinavia is suitable for those who are not afraid of rain. Spring is more humid there. Tours can be combined - bus-ferry: they pass through southern Finland by bus, then by ferry they move to Sweden, then by bus to Norway. A similar option exists with a visit to Denmark.
Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland - budget options for visits to European countries.
Spring is itself a holiday in nature. The May events are especially beautiful and interesting.
Cheese Race at Brockworth
Chelsea Flower Show
Danish Carnival in Olburg
Cannes Film Festival
Cruise vacation in May
A cruise vacation with timely booking is a way to relax comfortably and save money. Yes, exactly to save: time, nerves, efforts. To visit 3-4 countries in one voyage is constant travel, a long time on a bus or train, continuous fiddling with things (unpack, pack).
On a cruise, a tourist arrives on a ship, unpacks his things once and begins to get high during the whole tour. During the day, the liner is in the port, travelers see the sights. At night he goes to the next destination, and people are resting, having fun, having fun.
Mediterranean cruises
The most popular destinations for Russian citizens. There are a lot of cruise options:
- Spain, France, Italy;
- Italy, Greece, Croatia;
- Cruises in the Aegean Sea.
How many countries are there in Europe? Not enough fingers to count. Since there are many ports in these countries, there are no less cruises.
Baltic and Scandinavian cruises
The second most popular destination is Central and Northern Europe. If someone is afraid of rolling, they can be reassured that each ship is equipped with special devices that keep the ship steady in a storm.
The Norwegian fjord cruises are also worth mentioning. This is not only an acquaintance with the unique nature, but also a way to see the northern lights without city lights. On the liners of this route, a special signal is provided for the passengers of this miraculous phenomenon.
Transatlantic cruises
Cruises across the Atlantic are organized in the spring, when companies ferry some liners to organize cruises to another part of the world. Passengers spend about a week in the ocean. A large entertainment program is organized on board. Route, for example, Southampton-New York. Return from New York will have to take off by plane.
River cruises in Europe
River cruises are suitable for people who, at heart, are afraid of wide sea spaces and rolling. The ship goes along the river, the banks are always visible.
The main routes run along the Rhine, Main, Vltava, Elbe and Danube, either upstream or downstream. Travelers will see the beauty of half of Europe.
Tour operators offer tours with Russian guides or with a Russian-speaking ship crew. Tourists are united in separate Russian-speaking groups, so there are no problems with communication.
Running a little ahead, I want to inform you that our really inexpensive vacation was not just a great vacation, we rested with great comfort and got a lot of new impressions!
Read in the following articles:
- Comparison of self-catering budgets and the cost of a tour with a tour operator
Inexpensive holidays abroad, step by step
How to organize a trip to Croatia without a tour operator
We dreamed of visiting Croatia for a long time, but everyone somehow put off visiting this country. But this year we decided to fulfill our long-standing desire, and at the same time to change the format of rest.
Previously, we always bought a package from a tour operator and were very pleased that the holiday was fully organized. We only had to choose a hotel. This time we independently organized our trip. And they were not mistaken. The goal was - quality rest for less money. And of course we were driven by a thirst for adventure.
How to fly abroad inexpensively
Flight is one of the main items of expenses. From Perm it is generally not so easy to find a direct flight, and for reasonable money ...
Experienced tourists in these matters suggested that tickets should be purchased in advance. We were puzzled by the search for tickets back in December (we were looking for tickets for the end of August). As a result, the desired option was found - 31 thousand. rub. there and back for three people !!! This is given the fact that we had a transplant.
How to have an inexpensive vacation abroad? - Plan your vacation in advance and book your tickets accordingly. Tickets are one of the most expensive components of an overseas vacation; on this expense item you can significantly save if you know the secrets of booking cheap air tickets.
The most important condition for an inexpensive vacation abroad to be successful for you
Each tourist has his own main wishes for rest. Someone dreams of staying in luxury hotels. Some talk about good shopping abroad or the availability of youth clubs nearby. For some, a good animation program for themselves and their children is important. There are also those tourists for whom the most important condition for rest is "All inclusive".
When you contact tour operators, you voice your main criteria for selecting a tour. The same must be done when you travel on your own. In this case, you will need to present the list of criteria to yourself. This is a very important stage in the organization of any holiday. And even more so if you decide to have a cheap vacation abroad.
If you do not define the main criterion for a good vacation in your understanding, then you will not start your search with that and as a result you may be very disappointed in your independent inexpensive travel.
For us, the most important and main criterion for a summer vacation is a good beach and clean sea. We always first of all select the coast, and only then we look at which hotel to choose from the available ones. Especially for Croatia, this is very critical, since most of the beaches of this country do not have a very standard look. There is no sand or pebbles, but only concrete slabs, from which it is actually proposed to submerge in water. Being already in Croatia, we saw many such beaches and realized that we had made the right bet on the first position in the selection criteria for a holiday destination.
Having paid for the tickets, we began to look for a suitable option for accommodation. Our company consisted of five people (me, my husband, 12 year old son and sister of my husband with 17 year old daughter). The most important condition for us was a good beach. I think we found the best beach in Croatia. A place called Baska Voda on the Internet. Actually in Croatian language Baska Voda. Which means beautiful water. This is a former fishing village that now specializes in tourism. The town fully justifies its name. But more on that later.
To understand the logic behind the formation of our inexpensive independent vacation, I will describe our priorities in strict sequence.
Our priorities for an inexpensive holiday abroad
- low cost of the trip;
- nice beach;
- cozy apartments, we did not expect luxury conditions, but we were not ready to live in a hut under the sky;
- freedom of movement around the country;
- presence of new impressions.
Something that was not critical for us (what we were willing to sacrifice for the sake of making a vacation abroad for us inexpensive)
- the first line of the beach was optional for us
- we are ready to divide one apartment into two families, subject to the availability of separate rooms
- we agreed to take over the cooking matters
- we were not interested in parties, shopping, animation, and even more so "all inclusive"
How to have a good and inexpensive vacation abroad? Decide on your priorities - what is the most important criterion for a successful vacation for you, and what you are willing to sacrifice for an inexpensive holiday abroad.
How to cheaply rent a good apartment abroad
We decided on the beach. Now I had to choose an apartment.
Having studied Booking, we chose “Hause Bilic”. We looked at everything on a google map, the location of the apartments, photos of the interior and, of course, the most important thing - reviews of tourists. The photo impressed us - a snow-white room and a gorgeous balcony with a rocking sofa. But the most decisive in favor of these apartments were the reviews that we read. Everyone enthusiastically described not only the apartments themselves, but also the hospitable owners.
An apartment with two bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, a large balcony with sea views and a bathroom. From August 20 to September 5, the cost of the apartment cost us 2080 euros. The apartment has been booked. According to the terms of the reservation, payment is made on the spot.
How to spend an inexpensive vacation in a good apartment abroad? - book your apartment in advance, as a result of our timely decision, we have selected the best rooms in this excellent apartment.
How to get around inexpensively on vacation abroad
To travel freely around the country, we rented a car for the entire duration of our stay in Croatia. This transport has replaced us, including the transfer from the airport to the destination. We chose the Chevrolet Cruze - a spacious car, just for five people. The cost of renting a car cost us 840 euros, for the entire period of vacation abroad. Payment upon arrival.
Considering the fact that the cost of apartments and car rental needs to be divided into two companies, we understood that the travel budget would be very reasonable.
What risks lie in wait for tourists who want to relax abroad inexpensively
But as they say, it was not without a fly in the ointment. Three weeks prior to departure, Lufthansa announced that our flight had been canceled and offered us other options. Namely: fly a day later, fly the same day with two changes on a longer route, fly out two days earlier.
The first option did not suit us, because we could lose the reservation for both the apartment and the car, the second option seemed too tedious and we decided to fly two days earlier. It was a weekend, so there was no need to negotiate an extension of the vacation. Because the place of arrival was Dubrovnik - we decided to stay there for two days and see its sights.
In this regard, we incurred additional expenses: Apartments - 320 euros. Taxi from airport to destination 40 euros. (because our car will be waiting for us only in two days, and rebooking it would be much more expensive).
In the next article:
