The majority of the Russians prefer spending their holidays away from the home. However not all of them can afford it. According to the survey of the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM), 54% of the Russians don’t travel due to the lack of money.

The holidays abroad (31% of the respondents’ dream) and Black Sea coast of Russia (the dreams of 25% of the respondents) remain the most desired places of summer holidays for the Russians. 10-13% of the Russians dream of the Crimea and 9% of the respondents would enjoy traveling throughout the country. Only 17% of the respondents would choose the holidays at home and 7% would go to the summer house (dacha).

But in reality the situation a bit differs from the dreams. In 2011 56% of the Russians are planning to stay at home during the holidays and 19% of the citizens will go to dacha as usual. The holidays in summer houses are popular mostly among the Muscovites (32%) and the residents of St. Petersburg (36%). Every 10th citizen of Russia (9%) plans to have holidays in other cities of the country. 8% of the respondents will go to the Black Sea of Russia and 5% to the Baltic States. Just 2% of the Russians are planning to travel abroad during the holidays. The residents of Moscow and St. Petersburg plan to travel abroad more often (16% of the respondents in Moscow and 10% in St. Petersburg).

The lack of the money is the main reason of staying at home for the holidays (54% of the respondents in comparison with 57% of last year). Another reason is advanced age and health conditions (12%). The number of the Russians who sacrifices the holidays to the work increased in 2 times (from 6% to 11%). Small kids make 6% of the respondents to give up the trips. Among the other reasons impeding the travels are household (4%) and just the will to stay at home (5%).

It should be noted that for the last 6 years (2006-2011) the expenses of the Russians for summer holidays increased from 10494 to 17102 rubles.

One of the most pleasant tendencies the experts name the growth of the interest in the combination of beach holidays with excursions. “I forecast the increase of 10-15% in this segment”, noted Vladimir Kaganer, ATOR Vice-President. According to VCIOM, the number of such tourists amounted to 30% in 2005 and 39% in 2011. Informative holidays (30%) and medical treatment in the health resorts (25%) are rather attractive for the Russians too. The young people choose beach holidays (67%), active holidays (walking tours, hunting and fishing) and excursions – 37%. The people of advanced age prefer holidays in health resorts (40%) and holidays at home (28%). source: atorus.ru