Where to go on vacation in spring
Nature awakens from its sleep in spring, and so do we. If you, looking out the window at snowdrifts, want to rush off on a cool trip after a long winter, check out our options. We've compiled a selection of cities and countries where you can go in spring to kick off the active travel season.
Around Russia
Sochi
This is where the spring weather is definitely better than anywhere else. The coast will be warmer, allowing you to enjoy the sun and sit by the sea. Those who haven't had a chance to ski and want to catch the last train can head to Krasnaya Polyana – they'll still be waiting for you there in March. And we'll give a special shout-out to the Sochi Arboretum. Simply because everything that won't be blooming at home will already be in full bloom there.
I'm buying tickets to Sochi to see the pink magnolia bloom.
Kaliningrad
Time to Baltica (not the beer, but the sea)! We have Europe at home, and you don't even need a Schengen visa if you buy tickets to Kaliningrad. Do you love the aesthetic architecture of Catholic and Lutheran churches? You can visit the Cathedral and even listen to the organ. Just by walking around the city, you'll feel that familiar European vibe. The only advantage is that you can pay for coffee in local cafes with familiar rubles.
Bonus tip: if you have a driver's license or are traveling with friends by car, be sure to visit the Curonian Spit. It's the westernmost point of our country, after all. And the nature there is wow!
Saint Petersburg
Missing the coolness? Then St. Petersburg in March is your option. There will still be snow, the wind might howl at times, and the city itself will be typically gloomy. But it's a great option for hopping between heated museums. For example, it's great to visit the Russian Museum, and then briefly pop into the Marble Palace of the Hermitage by the Neva River. Nearby, there's also the legendary 'pyshechnaya' (donut shop) where you can grab a bite. However, there's a huge queue during the day, so if you don't have immense patience, come early in the morning.
The most heavenly time to visit St. Petersburg is May. Lilacs bloom everywhere, majestic palaces stand proudly in the shade of lush green trees, and people become smiling and happy. In short, late spring in St. Petersburg is made for delighting your step counter with new records and your mom with new photos.
Buy tickets to Saint Petersburg for a cultural getaway!
Kaspiysk
A great option for those who haven't been to the Caspian Sea and haven't experienced Dagestani hospitality. This small town with long sandy beaches and an incredibly quiet atmosphere has another significant advantage — prices. Here you can rent accommodation, eat your fill of delicious national food, buy ethnic silver jewelry, and not spend a fortune. And if you want a bit more active life, you can go to Makhachkala. The distance between the cities is about 15 km, but the atmosphere is completely different. All in all, it's best to buy tickets to Makhachkala for April-May now to see the beauty of such a vacation for yourself.
Krasnodar
A vacation in the Kuban capital has only one drawback — plane tickets to Krasnodar cannot be bought right now. However, you can get there by flying to Sochi and Volgograd, or by spending time on a train. In spring, it won't be as hot in southern Russia as in summer, so it's best to plan a trip to the blooming greenery for April-May.
Perhaps the city's most important asset is the park of the same name. You've definitely seen its architecture if you've ever considered a trip to Krasnodar. This 'matryoshka' park with many splendid locations inside has another highlight — the Japanese Garden. Of course, you'll have to compete with other tourists for a free QR code that grants entry. But it's worth it — magnificent views, Japanese gardens, a cozy restaurant, and a small museum with ceramics.
How to get there: first to Sochi airport from Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and other cities, then by train.
Where no visa is needed
Belarus
Yes, let's start with draniki, a classic — in their homeland, they are truly magnificent and worth traveling for. But Belarus itself is a country of magnificent nature, colorful Catholic churches, and very kind and beautiful people.
Local residents told our editors to recommend the best entertainment in Minsk — simple, basic walks around the city on foot. Each district of the capital is a special corner with its own history, architecture, and sometimes even nature. They also recommend visiting Grodno if you want to admire majestic churches. And who are we to argue!
Armenia
Russians have been traveling to Armenia more and more frequently recently. And it's understandable: hospitable Armenians are unlikely to leave you without a piece of bread, juicy shashlik, and a warm mountain excursion.
When you come to Yerevan, you can count on great urban tourism, an abundance of museums, and a spa-like atmosphere. There will be no problems with the latter, even if you're not going to a sanatorium on a package tour. Leaving Yerevan, you will surely breathe in the incomparable clean air and enjoy the simple contemplation of nature in its natural state. And even if you only love city walks, you'll hardly be able to ignore the mountains.
Montenegro
Russians can gallop through Europe (specifically, 30 days without a visa) across Montenegro. This travel option is a good alternative for those who want to go to the mountains but have already been to Armenia. The picturesque Tara River Canyon, mountains, blue lakes, and monasteries trying to hide in the rocks.
The country is undoubtedly loved for its endless natural attractions, but religious tourists will also appreciate its sacred sites. Be sure to visit the cozy Moraca Monastery and the citadel in Budva if you want to feel part of something great.
Abroad and to the sea
Turkey
A classic that's always with you. Antalya, Alanya, Side, Belek, and other cities exist for long walks and finding a colorful atmosphere. Closer to early summer, you can plan a trip to the sea — to Bodrum, Kaş, Fethiye. Prices there will rise closer to the season, but the chance to grab a spot in an 'all-inclusive' now increases your comfort later on vacation. Overall, Turkey is a good option for city explorers, for those who want to see natural monuments, and, of course, for those who can't leave without a rosy tan. The best solution is to buy tickets to Istanbul and decide upon arrival what kind of vacation you desire.
Egypt
Have you already asked yourself, 'When will I go to Egypt??'? We answer: possibly this spring.
Egypt, like Turkey, is loved by many for its diverse vacation options. In Sharm El Sheikh, you can party with friends; in Hurghada, you can relax peacefully with children by the Red Sea; and in the capital, Cairo, you can take photos with the Giza pyramids in your palm. But one of the coolest features that attracts many travelers is diving and snorkeling. Armed with a GoPro camera, you can capture Egypt's underwater world and try a new type of activity. So we recommend considering Egypt as a great option for a spring vacation!
How to get there: direct flight to Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh from Moscow.
Oman
Yes, you've probably rarely seen photos of friends from Oman on social media — the place isn't particularly popular with tourists. A big oversight for them, and a great option for you. Oman is the embodiment of the Arabian Peninsula, which hasn't yet been filled with skyscrapers. Don't get the wrong idea: 'civilization' hasn't bypassed the country — but it's still very atmospheric here. And if you want to see the life of the Arab world in a classic style, then this country is a must-visit.
In Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate, you can visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. A guide is essential in this case — the building holds many secrets that you're unlikely to discover on your own. By venturing into the 'old' part of Muscat, located by the Gulf of Oman, you'll be able to capture the historical spirit of the place.
We're sure we've piqued your interest — so, as with Turkey, we advise you to buy tickets to Muscat from Moscow, and then decide on all the locations in Oman you want to visit. You won't be bored, 10,000%.
Japan
An unconventional option for a trip to the water is a vacation in Japan. Japan has plenty of seas for every taste. When you arrive in the capital, you can choose to relax by Tokyo Bay. When you arrive in the capital, you can choose to relax by Tokyo Bay. Of course, you'll hardly be able to swim there, but a nice walk by the water, enjoying the country's nature, is a special kind of pleasure here.
Moreover, the capital itself is rich in entertainment, delicious food, and a special atmosphere that will make you a completely different person upon your return from Japan. Simply contemplating the Land of the Rising Sun is already a great option for a spring trip that you'll never forget.
