Russians are increasingly traveling within the country: Crimea, Kaliningrad, and Vladivostok are breaking records.

      Experts note: Russian tourists now have many alternatives for beach and sightseeing vacations. Where can you find sandy beaches, where are pebble bays, where are mountain landscapes, and where is Baltic charm? Let's explore the three most promising destinations this summer.

      Crimea: a year-round resort with ancient history

      According to tourism industry experts, the peninsula has long ceased to be solely a summer destination. Here, you can combine mountain hikes with sea swims, visit medieval fortresses and palaces, as well as simply take your time in cozy bays, reports the portal karelinform.ru.

      The swimming season in Crimea starts at the end of May, with peak comfort occurring from June to September. At the beginning of summer, there are still no crowds of vacationers, the air is mild, and fresh berries and fruits appear on the shelves. July and August are the time of stable heat and warm seas, when resort life is in full swing. However, families with children often choose late June or September — there is no exhausting heat, and fewer people.

      Crimea's beaches cater to all tastes: sandy ones in the west, pebble ones on the Southern coast. In addition, there are dozens of excursion routes and natural attractions. Approximate budget: a tour for two for 7 nights departing from Moscow in the first half of June, staying in a 4* hotel with breakfast — from 83,000 rubles.

      Kaliningrad Region: Baltic charm

      The Baltic coast is a separate story. People come here not only for the sea but also for unique landscapes: the Dancing Forest, the dunes of the Curonian Spit, amber beaches. Also, for delicious food: smoked eel, flounder, and as a street snack — a hot dog with mackerel. In Zelenogradsk, you must try freshly baked pretzels.

      The beaches of the Kaliningrad region have received numerous awards. In 2023, the "Yantarny" and "Central" beaches were awarded the international "Blue Flag" — a sign of the highest standards of cleanliness and safety. Several other beaches in the region have been marked with the Russian "Blue Flag."

      As souvenirs, people bring amber — from unprocessed stones to jewelry, as well as marzipan, local liqueurs, and ceramics depicting city views. The cost of a week-long tour for two (similar conditions: departure from Moscow in the first half of June, 4* hotel with breakfast) — from 81,650 rubles.

      Vladivostok and Primorye: exoticism at the same latitude as Sochi

      For residents of the European part of Russia, a trip to Vladivostok is almost a journey to another world. But few know that the Primorsky Krai is located at the same latitude as Sochi. This means that in summer, the water in the Sea of Japan warms up to temperatures comparable to those of the Black Sea.

      The swimming season here begins in late June to early July and can last until the end of September. In the vicinity of Vladivostok and Nakhodka, there are many equipped beaches with gentle entrances, sand, equipment rentals, and cafes. There is enough space for families with children and active leisure enthusiasts.

      Russians are increasingly choosing domestic tourism, and this is not only about saving money but also about discovering new horizons. Crimea offers history and a variety of beaches, Kaliningrad provides Baltic romance and gastronomy, while Vladivostok offers Far Eastern exoticism without the need to travel abroad. Prices for week-long tours start from 81,000 to 83,000 rubles for two, which, given the current exchange rate and flight costs, makes domestic destinations quite competitive.

      The summer of 2026 could set a record for the number of trips — if the trend continues, 174 million will be far from the limit.