Autumn Plans: Where to Fly on a Budget
Started planning where to go in Russia in autumn and abroad? Congratulations, you're among the rare percentage of travelers who can save on an upcoming trip. Well, if you haven't estimated prices or looked for options yet, now is the time.
We've compiled a list of great budget-friendly options for autumn travel both in Russia and abroad.
Within Russia
Altai
Why not head to Altai before the mountain peaks are covered in snow and the summer heat doesn't exhaust you? Perhaps the most pleasant time to visit this location is September, when the thermometer averages +20 degrees Celsius. It gets a little cooler in October, with temperatures dropping to +12 degrees. November is suitable for fans of fresh air walks in a warm jacket – the average temperature in Altai at this time is +8 degrees Celsius.
What to do?
- drive along the Chuysky Trakt. A must-visit if you have a driver's license and a love for contemplating natural beauty. Visit Lake Manzherok, and the Museum of the Chuysky Trakt in Biysk;
- go horseback riding in the Chemal district;
- visit the incredibly beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site — Lake Teletskoye. You can take a boat ride on its surface, and even stop to fish in some parts of the lake. Also, be sure to visit at least a couple of the local waterfalls — Korbu, Chedor, or Kishte.
Karelia
Let's head north, to Karelia! The most pleasant autumn weather here can be found in September, when the temperature averages +15 degrees Celsius. In October, it gets significantly colder, and upon arrival, you should expect a stable +5 degrees. We don't recommend betting on November unless your goal is to experience the first snow in Karelia.
What to do?
- rent a cabin in the forest. Karelian forests are a unique retreat in themselves. Mostly, wherever you settle, you'll be surrounded by majestic fir trees and a small cozy lake where you can simply fish. A must-do if you decide to come here in November;
- visit Kizhi Island to see the country's most famous open-air museum of wooden architecture.
- walk around Ruskeala Park. Everyone will find something to their liking there: take photos against the backdrop of Lake Svetloye, taste lingonberry kalitki and trout ukha in local cafes. Thrill-seekers can ride a zipline across the Marble Canyon.
Sochi
One of the best places to escape to in autumn. Especially if you were looking for an option for where to go in November: the average temperature stays at +11 degrees Celsius. In September, it will be more than warm — around a stable +20 degrees, in October — around +16 degrees. This means that when planning a trip to Sochi in early autumn, you can count on swimming in the sea in pleasant weather. All in all, buying tickets from Moscow to Sochi = getting many great options for a vacation in a consistently warm climate.
What to do?
- take a hike to the local waterfalls. We especially recommend the Agursky or Zmeykovsky waterfalls, where you can take great photos;
- where exactly to go in Sochi? To Sky Park! There you can try extreme activities or simply enjoy the beauty of the local area;
- visit "Sochi Park" to ride the attractions. A great place not only for family tourists but also for those who suddenly want to relive their childhood.
Abroad
Batumi, Georgia
Already a familiar destination for many, and a budget-friendly one at that. Travelers have mastered all available options for how to get from Russia to Georgia, and now willingly travel there at any time of year. The average temperature in Batumi in September is around +23 degrees Celsius, in October — around +18 degrees, and in November — approximately +16 degrees.
What to do?
- buying tickets from Moscow to Batumi is worth it at least to visit Europe Square, without having to transfer for the original in Turkey;
- visit the Batumi Dolphinarium to see its cute inhabitants. If you're traveling with family, be sure to watch the shows here — children absolutely love them,
- head to Martvili Canyon in the Abasha River valley to relax peacefully in nature in a beautiful spot.
Antalya, Turkey
Buying tickets to Antalya — means extending your summer. In September, it's still incredibly warm here — the average temperature is +23 degrees Celsius, dropping to +18 degrees in October, and +12 degrees in November. So if you want to swim in the sea, feel free to come here until mid-October.
What to do?
- enjoy a cultural visit to the Antalya Archaeological Museum: see sculptures, sarcophagi, and ceramic artifacts;
- head to the old part of Antalya, Kaleiçi, to admire Hadrian's Gate, built in 130 AD, and ancient Ottoman courtyards;
- walk or cycle along part of the Lycian Way if you want to spend your vacation actively and relax on the Mediterranean coast.
Budva, Montenegro
A great option for a budget trip to Europe is Montenegro. In Budva, located on the Adriatic coast, it's incredibly warm in early autumn — around +23 degrees Celsius. Even in October, you can still swim and bask on the beach. In November, the thermometer averages +13 degrees, which is also pleasant for city walks. Budva does not have its own airport, so it's better to buy tickets from Moscow to Tivat.
What to do?
- visit the Old Town, which has existed for over 2500 years. Some buildings, even despite earthquakes, have survived from those times. Many travelers believe that this location is what you definitely need to see in Montenegro. Tourists often come here to take a tour, hide from the heat in the shade of stone buildings, and taste local cuisine in cozy restaurants;
- go to Mercur cafe for a delicious meal and to see a small zoo with peacocks;
- take an excursion to Sveti Stefan island to breathe fresh air while walking through Milocer Park.
Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
It's time to buy tickets to Sharm El Sheikh and go to Egypt! Let's head to the Red Sea coast, the saltiest in the world. In September, it will be very warm here — around +32 to +35 degrees Celsius, which tourists usually don't consider the best time to visit Egypt. But if you love the heat, why not?
October and November are excellent for active recreation and city walks — temperatures stay in the range of +23 to +25 degrees Celsius.
What to do?
- try diving by heading to the Ras Mohammed National Park. It has an incredibly captivating underwater world. However, don't forget to simply walk around this natural area — you've probably never seen nature quite like it elsewhere;
- see the frescoes inside the Heavenly Cathedral. Although it was built relatively recently, in 2010, its interior harks back to ancient artistic traditions;
- head to Soho Square. This location is designed for entertainment. You just need to choose what you like — a bar, a club, or even a festival. Don't forget to bring your friends to make it more fun!
We wish you a great vacation without spending too much!
