Domestic tourism in Russia: where people travel for New Year and autumn 2026

General picture of domestic tourism 2026

From the start of the year to the end of August Russians made more than 63 million trips within the country – up almost three percent compared with the previous year. The biggest share came from residents of Moscow and the Moscow region, who account for about a third of all journeys. Among the regions that saw a noticeable increase are Moscow Oblast, Tatarstan, Amur Oblast and the Altai Republic. The latter, for example, attracted 60 % more visitors than the year before, helped by a rise in officially recognised tourist sites and the training of new guides.

The summer season showed uneven growth: in the Far East the number of trips over seven months rose by more than 13 %, while demand for tours overall fell by an average of 7–19 %. The average length of a holiday dropped from a week to six nights, and bookings started to happen about five weeks before departure instead of several months ahead, as was usual.

New Year tourism: when and where people go

Bookings at the start of the year

Tour operators note that most New Year tours are sold in the first weeks of November. The hottest dates are January 2–4 – sales on those days beat even the night of New Year’s Eve itself. Popular destinations include Krasnodar Krai, Crimea, Rostov Oblast, Adygea, Stavropol Krai, as well as major cities – St Petersburg, Moscow – and routes along the “Golden Ring”.

Price dynamics

Because of the VAT increase and higher costs for carriers and restaurants, tour prices have risen by 3–5  thousand rubles. That’s roughly the price of two‑day programmes (about 20‑23 k RUB), three‑day (27‑30 k RUB) and four‑day (35‑40 k RUB). Extra expenses come from the need to hire several guides for inter‑regional routes – that adds another 20‑30  thousand rubles to the group cost.

Why New Year’s Eve is less popular

One reason demand for trips on the actual New Year’s night drops is the expensive banquet. A festive dinner this season costs from 16 k RUB per adult and 8.5 k RUB per child up to 12 years old, often approaching the total price of the whole tour. Consequently many operators now offer options without a banquet, letting travelers book a restaurant table on their own.

Preferred destinations

Among the “hottest” spots at the beginning of the year are Vyborg, Murmansk, Udmurtia and the Urals. In these regions tourists find a mix of interesting excursions and more affordable accommodation.

Autumn tourism: gastronomy and golden nature

What draws people in October

Autumn in Russia is when the landscape bursts into bright colours and local kitchens showcase seasonal produce. According to tour operators, October trips that let you taste gingerbread, cheese, cloudberry and other regional delicacies are especially popular. Short‑duration tours (from a day up to a week) often include tastings of local dishes and the chance to bring home edible souvenirs.

Price range

Ready‑made autumn tours start from 13.3 k RUB per person, and packages for couples begin at 28.5 k RUB. Those prices cover lodging, transport and basic excursions, but usually exclude pricey festive dinners, which helps keep the budget in check.

Ideas for short trips

1. Seaside relaxation – small coastal towns where you can stroll the promenade and sample fresh seafood.
2. Mountain routes – hikes in national parks, where autumn foliage creates picturesque panoramas.
3. Gastronomic tours – visits to farmer’s markets and cooking workshops for traditional dishes.
4. Cultural capitals – tours of historic centres, museums and theatres, many of which host festivals in October.

Practical tips

• Book early: even autumn demand rises, and the best hotels can be taken up weeks in advance.
• Prefer flexible packages: they let you add or drop a banquet, excursions or transfers as you wish.
• Watch regional promotions: in some oblasts, after the “land amnesty” many new tourist sites have opened, often accompanied by discounts.

What to expect from domestic tourism in the near future

Experts say that despite rising prices, demand stays steady, and attempts to push rates sharply higher could trigger a sales slump. The trend toward more economical trip planning persists: travelers increasingly choose programmes without costly banquets and look for options where they can control expenses themselves.

Overall, 2026 shows a variety of preferences: from New Year trips to southern regions to autumn gastronomic tours in mountain and coastal zones. When you plan a journey, base it on your own interests, keep seasonal quirks in mind and always check the latest offers from tour operators – that’s how you get the most out of a Russian trip without unnecessary costs.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru, atorus.ru.