What Russians Consider the Perfect Vacation—and How Much They’re Willing to Spend

A new survey from financial platform Webbankir, polling over 3,000 Russians nationwide, reveals a wide gap between the vacation people dream of and what they actually plan to do. More than half of respondents said the ideal getaway would cost between 50,000 and 200,000 rubles. About 21% put that number at 200,000 to 300,000 rubles, while 15% said 300,000 to 1 million. A small but determined 4% believe a perfect trip runs over a million rubles.

But reality looks different. When asked about their upcoming vacation, most people are keeping costs low: 23% plan to stay home, 21% will head to their dacha, and 17% will opt for outdoor activities like fishing or hiking. Beach holidays—the most popular “ideal” choice, named by 27% of respondents—will actually be taken by only 22%. Excursions (13.5% ideal vs. 11% real) and sanatorium stays (9.5% ideal vs. 6% real) also see a gap.

Perhaps the most striking finding: 51% of Russians would take out a loan to fund their perfect vacation. For 5%, borrowing for travel is a regular habit. Meanwhile, 44% refuse to go into debt for a trip under any circumstances. And despite these big dreams, 52% don’t save for vacation at all. Of those who do, 20% start putting money aside just before the trip, 12% plan a few months ahead, and 7% save for years.

Only 28% said their current finances match their ideal vacation budget. Another 19.5% would need an unexpected windfall to afford it. For everyone else, that dream trip would require years of saving—or a credit application.