Cheap Summer Getaways in Russia: Why the Golden Ring Beats the Black Sea

For Russian travelers looking to stretch their rubles this summer, the smartest money might be on a short drive rather than a long flight. According to Dmitry Arutyunov, general director of tour operator Art-Tour, the most affordable domestic destinations are the towns of the Moscow region and the Golden Ring.

Arutyunov told RIA Novosti that places like Kolomna, Tver, Yaroslavl, and Pereslavl offer a compelling mix of history and convenience. "They are very interesting and not far away—just two to three hours' drive from Moscow," he explained. A day's stay in the Moscow region can start as low as 5,000 rubles.

Compare that to a trip to the Black Sea coast. While the sea is a classic summer draw, Arutyunov warns that travelers should budget between 7,000 and 10,000 rubles per person per day. That gap makes the Golden Ring a clear winner for cost-conscious vacationers.

Still, the heavy hitters remain unchanged. The top three most popular Russian destinations are Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Krasnodar Krai. Following them, Arutyunov notes, are the Kaliningrad region, Kazan, Dagestan, and North Ossetia—regions that are drawing increasing numbers of tourists. For those willing to trade a beach towel for a walking tour, the savings—and the scenery—might be worth it.