Traditionally, May is a busy time for both tour operators and tourists themselves. Indeed, it is a sin to spend this long weekend (which can also be extended by taking a short vacation between two holidays) in the country, digging in the beds, or even worse - at home in front of the TV.
Where to go for the May holidays in 2018? Our small travel guide will help you with this, in which we tried to cover all the possibilities - from the most budgetary (vacation in Russia, travel by car) to the most exotic (at sea and in the ocean).
Budget holiday options for the May holidays
5. Country boarding house
One of the most convenient options can be found and very inexpensive. Pros - does not require preparation, time-consuming and long trips, and on the spot you will be provided with everything you need. And since everyone traditionally grills barbecue on holidays, take your own barbecue with you just in case - who knows, maybe they will be taken apart by your arrival.
4. Bus tour to Europe
Spring is good in Europe - there is no stifling summer heat, and the weather is warm enough for comfortable sightseeing. You can choose a variety of ideas - from more expensive and long France and Italy to cheap and small tours to neighboring Poland.
3. Baku, Yerevan, Tbilisi
If you want to try something new, but you have no desire or opportunity to go far from Russia, then the capitals of the former republics of the USSR are a very good option. They are quite exotic, and the local cuisine and Caucasian hospitality are unlikely to leave anyone indifferent. And for the curious - architectural monuments, many of which are more than a thousand years old!
2. Czech Republic and Hungary
Traditional and inexpensive ideas for the May holidays for Russian tourists. Magic Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and prices for food and accommodation are quite affordable for the average Russian. And the local cuisine, in addition to many varieties of delicious beer, will delight gourmets. Budapest is not yet as popular with tourists as Prague, and there are many old and very beautiful sights. For example, the Basilica of St. Stephen, Vaidahunyad Castle and the majestic Royal Palace.
1. Montenegro
Do you want to go abroad, but at the same time original and inexpensive? Montenegro is a good option (considering that you don't need a visa to travel there). In the capital of the country, Podgorica, there is something to see - ancient architecture of the period of Turkish rule, ancient Orthodox churches and monasteries and, of course, very beautiful nature. And hotel accommodation will cost less than a night in a hotel somewhere in Moscow or St. Petersburg.
Travel in Russia for the May holidays
5. Elista
Let's start with an option that few will decide - it is too far away from traditional tourist routes. We are talking about the capital of Kalmykia, Elista - surprisingly exotic for an ordinary inhabitant of the middle lane, who decided to spend the May holidays in Russia: Buddhist temples, shamanic rituals and unusual local cuisine.
In addition, tulips bloom everywhere in Kalmykia in early May. Imagine a huge steppe field completely covered with tulips, red, yellow, white. For the sake of this sight alone, it is worth choosing Kalmykia. True, it may not be possible to guess the exact time, because tulips bloom for only a couple of weeks.
4. Bashkiria
If you want to hide from the noise and crowds of a big city, then one of the best places is Bashkiria. You can go to a ski resort, go on a horseback tour of the most beautiful places in Bashkiria, or just stay at one of the tourist centers. Five-star service is hardly to be expected there, but peace, tranquility and excellent food are guaranteed.
3. Black Sea resorts - Sochi and Crimea
In May, the Black Sea has not yet warmed up enough for comfortable swimming. But besides the sea there is so much more interesting things! Historical monuments and wonders of modern architecture, blossoming rhododendrons and flowering chestnuts, excursions and outdoor activities - hiking routes and river rafting. And for children there are rides, a water park, an oceanarium and much more. If you really want to swim, you can use the pool with heated water - fortunately, there are a lot of them in Sochi.
2. Kaliningrad
It seems to be Russia, but with a European touch - the ancient architecture of the Kaliningrad region resembles small German towns. And there is also one of the most beautiful places in the world - the Curonian Spit with its unique flora and fauna, where a strip of light sand crosses the bluish-gray waters of the Baltic Sea. In spring it is a real paradise for birdwatchers, just above the spit are their migration routes from north to south and back.
1. St. Petersburg and Moscow
The two capitals - the official and the northern - are traditional routes for the May holidays. The wealth of historical monuments, museums, exhibitions, cultural entertainment and the general aura of the places - all this attracts tourists, both Russian and foreign. In St. Petersburg, the famous white nights are just beginning, and the weather already allows you to spend whole days in the open air.
May holidays by car
5. Astrakhan
May in Astrakhan is very similar to summer in central Russia - 25-27 degrees, with warm nights, the weather is dry and calm. It is worth going there on the May holidays by car, if you want to bask in the sun and see the local sights in a comfortable environment. If you want to relax by the water, you can choose one of the seaside recreation centers. And the most budgetary option is just a tent on the banks of the Volga. You can fill your fill!
4. The Golden Ring of Russia
You can, of course, go on an excursion by bus, but it is much easier, more pleasant and cheaper to do it by car. Firstly, you can safely examine whatever you want. Secondly, to save money - because hotels in the cities of the Golden Ring themselves are unjustifiably expensive, but only 30 kilometers away you can find cheaper places and, possibly, even with better service.
3. Veliky Novgorod, Staraya Russa
The concentration of historical and architectural monuments in these ancient cities per square kilometer exceeds all expectations, and the car will allow you to go wherever you want. Don't miss the museum of the Novgorod Kremlin, the frescoes of Theophanes the Greek, the ancient settlement of Rurik, try the mineral water from the springs in the sanatorium of Staraya Russa and visit the Dostoevsky house-museum.
2. Karelia
Karelia is not the only city-museum of Kizhi. This is a great place for outdoor activities if you like to get into the wilderness and calmly indulge in fishing or picking up the first spring mushrooms. And for overnight stays, you can rent a cottage, even with a sauna.If the forests are tired, you can go on an excursion along the Mannerheim Line, visit Vyborg or the Korela fortress.
1. Kazan
Kazan is one of the most beautiful, interesting and well-groomed cities in Russia. The capital of Tatarstan has its own special flavor - a mixture of Europe and Asia. You should definitely visit the pearl of the city - the Kazan Kremlin with the ancient Syuyumbike tower and the most beautiful modern mosque.
Where to go to the sea in May
5. Egypt
If the Mediterranean Sea is still cold, then the Red Sea has reached 25 degrees, this is quite enough for a comfortable swim. It is worth hurrying up - the weather in May in Egypt is getting hotter, and at the end of the month the air can reach 40 degrees.
4. Spain, Alicante
The beach season in Spain has already begun, so those who wish are already waiting for a warm sea for the May holidays and luxurious spacious beaches of fine sand. In May, there are still no crowds of tourists, so you can swim and admire the sights in comfort.
3. Israel
An excellent alternative to Turkey and Egypt, both in terms of price and quality of service. In May, the air temperature in Israel for every taste - from 35 degrees in the south of the Red Sea to 25 in the north of the country. And the water in the Dead Sea is able to warm even the most frozen tourist - it reaches 30 degrees.
2. Dominican Republic
In search of summer, it is worth crossing the ocean and soaking up the warm sunshine on an excellent sandy beach with fine sand. Most of all, the Dominican Republic is suitable for those who prefer to have an all-inclusive vacation - by the way, alcoholic drinks are also included there. Anyone who wishes can go on an excursion, admire the local nature, but still, Dominican hotels are best suited for a simple lazy beach holiday.
1. Indonesia
Indonesia is magnificent in May - pleasant warmth, not turning into a stifling heat, boundless ocean and wonderful fragrance of flowers. Rains will not spoil the mood of vacationers - in May the country has a dry season, unlike other popular resorts in South Asia, where it is already getting humid. In addition to beach holidays, you can visit national reserves, attend local religious festivals and admire the wonders of a very peculiar Indonesian architecture.
You should not arrange a vacation at home for the May holidays - there is always where to go!