Summer is always associated with vacation, sea, beach and fresh fruit. Where to go if you’re on a budget? We have selected several options for you where you do not need to spend money on a visa, and where food and housing do not cost exorbitant money.
Albania
Since April 1, 2019, Albania has abolished the visa regime for Russians. All summer and half of autumn until October 31, no additional documents are required to enter the country.
There is a stereotype that Albania is a Muslim country. In fact, there are several times more Catholic churches in the country than there are mosques. The Albanians themselves are nice and welcoming, the vast majority speak English fluently. The distinctive authentic culture makes this place truly unique. There are stunning mountains, two seas (Ionian and Adriatic with pebble and sandy beaches) and beautiful lakes.
The coast, where most of the seaside resorts are located, the most popular of which – Himara, Borsh, Saranda, Ksamili, Dhermi – are called the Albanian Riviera. It is a 240 km long coastline located just opposite the Italian region of Apulia. By the way, if you have a multiple-entry Schengen visa, you can take a ferry to Italy – the two countries are separated by the 75 km wide Otranto Strait.
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Montenegro
Last summer, 29 beaches in Montenegro were awarded the Blue Flag – an international award for water purity and safety.
The cost of rest in Montenegro depends on the place chosen for living. The highest prices are in Kotor, Becici, Rafailovici, Przno and Milocer. In Tivat and Herceg Novi, food and accommodation prices are noticeably lower.
Local residents like to relax in Tivat – there are not many tourists here. One of the most beautiful places in the vicinity of the city is the Island of Flowers near the medieval monastery. Hikers can see the traditional Montenegrin fishing villages of Lower Lastva and Upper Lastva within 5 km of the city.
Herceg Novi is located on the hills of the picturesque Bay of Kotor. Walking around the city can be compared to walking in a botanical garden. A long time ago, sailors began to import plants from different countries to the city, so now Herceg Novi is literally drowning in all kinds of flowers, huge cacti, banana palms and other exotic plants grow here.
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Georgia
Progressive Georgia ditched plastic bags last year and chose the country’s first ever female president. Here you are welcome everywhere, wherever you come. In the capital of Georgia, even with a small budget, you can easily feel like the king of life. For example, in the center of the old city, in a cafe with the inscription “I love Tbilisi”, you can order a portion of khinkali for 100 rubles and a bottle of the famous Borjomi mineral water and enjoy your meal overlooking the old town, the Kura River and the Holy Trinity Cathedral. >
The city seems to have been created to be photographed. After the next shot, do not rush to put your phone in your pocket, with a probability of 100%, another retro or architectural masterpiece will be waiting for you around the next corner. Among other things, prices for group excursions to the main attractions of the country are encouraging in Georgia. You can go to the Gergeti Trinity Church along the picturesque Georgian Military Highway and to the Alazani Valley for an amount of 2,000 rubles.
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Turkey
Of course, the easiest and most affordable way to relax in Turkey is to go to the all inclusive that has spawned many jokes and stories. Even in high season, hotels offer tours with discounts up to 50%. It is better to take care of buying a tour two weeks before the trip in order to catch a good price. On the OneTwoTrip website, some tours are available in installments.
Popular Turkish resort towns in the summer turn into a continuous unceasing holiday with a lot of entertainment. A large number of affordable accommodation options and free entertainment can be found in Alanya, Marmaris and Bodrum. The most expensive resorts are Fethiye, Side, Kemer and Belek.
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Russia and Abkhazia
For those who like noisy and fun on vacation, Sochi is suitable. There is an opinion that it is expensive in Sochi. But in fact, the prices for food and products here are the same as in most cities in Russia, the main thing is to know the places. In other words, this is the same life as in your city, only you have to pay separately for housing. Ask for advice at the reception at the hotel where the food is tasty and inexpensive. In addition to large hotels, throughout the coastal zone, locals rent out many guesthouses at affordable prices.
For those who do not like to be surrounded by crowds of tourists on vacation, we advise you to go to Abkhazia. A big plus – you can enter the country with an internal Russian passport. The nature in Abkhazia is just as beautiful, but the prices are lower. For recreation, choose cities close to the Russian border – the infrastructure is better developed there. Take the time to visit Lake Ritsa surrounded by mountain peaks, the huge New Athos cave, the mesmerizing Gegsky waterfall, the picturesque New Athos monastery on the top of the mountain, where you can climb along the path of sinners, and the trout farm.
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