Cuba - everything a tourist needs to know about Liberty Island. Holidays in Phuket: tips for tourists What a tourist needs to know about countries

Regardless of whether you are traveling to a well-known and safe European country, or going on a trip to exotic places, there are a number of universal rules to keep in mind.

Make sure you have good travel insurance before you travel. Ask your insurance agent in detail what risks the insurance covers, whether the loss of luggage will be compensated for, and whether it is possible to get dental care under the insurance policy. An employee of an insurance company may not immediately tell about all the nuances, but he is obliged to answer questions honestly and in detail. Don't skimp on insurance. Believe me, this is not the case when you can save.

Consider keeping money while traveling. If you have a plastic deposit, great. It is better to have several cards from different banks. It is not uncommon for the card to be suddenly blocked, if you have withdrawn a large amount, or the ATM decides not to issue back your “gold gold visa”. Have a couple of backup options in case. Be sure to take cash with you so that you can pay with something, water at the nearest kiosk until you find the right ATM.

Make copies of passports and tickets. Place them separately from your documents. It would be nice to send copies of documents in electronic form to your mail. Even if absolutely everything is stolen from you in a foreign country, the local police will help you to your embassy, and it is much faster and easier to restore passports with existing copies.

Take a little time and find out at least the basic rules and customs of the countries where you are going. For example, in many Asian countries, shouting and raising your voice means losing face. If you are unhappy with something and shouted at the service staff in a cafe or hotel, then most likely your requirements will be met. But they will stop respecting you once and for all. And in the future they will be treated accordingly. In many Muslim countries, women should not walk around in miniskirts, and men should gaze very closely at a figure in a hijab. In India, you should not rush and fuss, otherwise you will be considered a frivolous, empty person.

If you are flying by plane, in addition to documents and a book, take a set of spare linen, medicines that you regularly need, glasses and valuables in your carry-on baggage. Even the most famous and prestigious airline cannot boast that it has never lost a passenger's luggage. Usually the luggage will be found sooner or later, but for now, underwear, glasses and headache pills will come in handy.

Do not try to try all the dishes of exotic cuisine on the first day upon arrival at a new place. Get used to the local cuisine gradually, do not force the body. And do not drink too many alcoholic beverages for at least the first 2-3 days.

Drink plenty of water on the plane. The body spends a lot of fluid in flight. On average, you need to drink at least a glass of water every hour.

Observe basic safety rules. Don't put on your best on vacation at once. Leave your gold chains, rings, bracelets, designer pants and fancy bags at home. Do not give another reason to thieves and scammers. Decide what is more important for you - to see the world or to show yourself? Do not let strangers into your room, bungalow, house, compartment. If you and these people were sitting at the same table yesterday in a cafe, they should not pass from the category of unfamiliar to the category of “friends forever”.

And the main rule in travel, which for some reason is often forgotten even by the most advanced tourists - enjoy. Learn to enjoy everything new and unusual, from what you see, hear, taste, feel for the first time. Appreciate every moment, treat any transport delays, changes in plans easily and calmly, like a fun adventure.

How to apply for a visa What you need to know about health insurance How to travel light The essentials in travel For what a tourist can be fined abroad How to choose a hotel Last minute deals: reality or myth Vacation at sea without a visa Holidays at any time of the year Where to celebrate the New Year Holidays with children If you traveling abroad Your safety abroad If you have lost your passport

Visa conditions in a new way
From September 14, Russia plans to introduce new rules for issuing Schengen visas
Consulates and visa centers in Russia will switch to issuing visas with biometric data.
Biometric data for a visa - what is it?
For a new visa format, fingerprints are taken at visa centers using a special scanner. Such a visa contains information that the owner has been fingerprinted and provided a digital photo. The innovation is necessary for more effective protection of the personal data of the passport holder.
How do I get a biometric visa?
It is necessary to personally visit the consulate or visa center and provide fingerprints along with the package of visa documents. Children under 12 years of age are exempt from fingerprinting.
How long is biometric data stored?
Biometric data is stored in the system for 4 years and 11 months. During this period, the tourist does not need to personally visit the visa center when applying for new subsequent visas.
Visa documents are accepted 90 days before the start of the trip.

There are different categories of visas according to the purpose of the trip: tourist visa. guest visa, business visa, transit visa

Depending on the term of its provision, the visa can be short-term or long-term.
If you are going to visit one or several countries of the Schengen area, then you need to apply for a Schengen visa.

In most countries, you need to apply for a visa in advance,

The cost of a regular tourist visa to different countries ranges from $ 50 to $ 80. However, sometimes the cost of a long-term visa can reach several thousand dollars.
The processing time for a visa, as a rule, ranges from 1 to 45 days, depending on the type of visa, as well as the visa history of the applicant.
To apply for a visa yourself, you need to contact the visa center and provide the necessary package of documents.
To apply for a visa through a travel agency, you need to provide the documents to the manager. All the necessary copies, applications and questionnaires will be given to you at the office of the selected travel agency, the travel agency employees will be able to advise you on how to increase the chances of obtaining a visa.

Sign up for an interview at the consulate of the country you intend to visit in Europe. Some embassies are now outsourcing their workforce, and signing agreements with specialized companies. Due to this, you will need to pay some commission to make an appointment. Schedule your interview date a few weeks before your planned trip.

Fill out the form for obtaining a visa to Europe. It can be downloaded from the embassy website or received near the consulate building. Also, application forms can be obtained from a travel agency. It is necessary to answer all the questions in the questionnaire in English or in the language of the state to which you plan to travel.

Collect the package of documents required to apply for a visa. Submit a certificate from work or study on the letterhead of the organization, it must indicate the salary and the position held. The certificate should indicate that for the entire period of the trip, you retain your salary and place of work.

If you are a self-employed person, please submit your registration certificate and tax return. Prove your solvency. To do this, get a certificate from the bank about the existence of an account, enlist the financial support of third parties, and also confirm that you have an apartment, car or other property.

Get a medical policy from any insurance company, which must have a minimum coverage of 30 thousand euros. Take color photographs, be sure to check with the embassy their format. Notarize all documents submitted to the consulate. If you are visiting the country at the invitation of friends or relatives, then the embassy may require proof of close acquaintance or close relationship. Get ready for the fact that you will be "interrogated" on this issue, down to the juicy details. If there are photographs or videos that support your words, then take them with you to the interview.

Get an interview at the embassy. If you have a complete package of documents collected according to the specified rules, then the consulate does not have a formal basis for refusing to issue a visa. Pay the consular fee for a visa to Europe.

1. Why buy a policy before vacation?

All Russians have a green card - a policy of compulsory health insurance. He guarantees that you will be helped at any hospital or clinic in the country. Are you going to Sochi or along the Golden Ring? Take your compulsory medical insurance policy with you - it will help if something happens.

But abroad, doctors will not treat for free. And you are unlikely to find "extra" tens of thousands of euros to pay for their services. Therefore, insurance is needed. Schengen countries without a policy of at least 30 thousand euros simply will not give a visa. The amount was not taken from the ceiling, according to ATOR, it is this kind of money that is spent on the operation or transportation of the patient to Russia. The policy costs an average of 1 euro for every day of travel. That is 250-300 rubles for a week's voyage.

But you can fly to Turkey, Egypt, Thailand without a policy. Travel agencies always include insurance in the cost of the tour. But often cheap, for 10 or 15 thousand euros. Practice shows that this money is enough for 10 days of treatment in the clinic. But sometimes more is needed. Do not be lazy to check the amount written in the policy. Small? You can ask for additional insurance at a travel company (pay extra 100 - 200 rubles) or arrange it yourself.

2. Everyone has their own health. If I am asthmatic or my wife is pregnant, will they help us?

The standard package includes emergency medical care (outpatient or inpatient, with payment for medicines), transportation to the hospital, dental care. The insurance is designed for the treatment of injuries, poisoning, colds and all diseases - except for chronic ones, the repatriation of the body of the deceased to his homeland.

If a chronic sore gets worse, some companies are willing to pay for first aid. But as soon as the acute symptoms are removed, you will have to complete the treatment at your own expense. Help for a pregnant woman depends on the timing of the trip.

A complete list of those included in the insurance is in the contract. Read it carefully, preferably directly with the travel agency and insurance company.

If you see that an important situation for you is not spelled out, you should apply for an extended policy. It is more expensive by 20 - 30% (if absolutely exotic conditions are not included in it). The extended policy includes paying for tickets and hotels for a relative who will fly to the poor fellow who is in the hospital, or organizing the early return home of children if their parents are seriously ill at the resort.

3. Can help be refused?

Again, read the policy, there are listed cases in which the insurance is not valid. The list may vary depending on the company and the cost of the service. The general rules are as follows: injuries and injuries sustained while intoxicated, suicide attempts are not covered. Military actions in Arab countries, strikes of air traffic controllers, volcanic eruptions and other similar misfortunes have nothing to do with medical insurance.

4. What if I want to scuba dive or surf?

Extremals need to get a special policy for sports injuries. It is about twice as expensive as usual. In many dive centers, insurance is already included in the price of the dive. But what it covers and what services it will provide is unknown. So it's better to arrange your own before leaving.

5. It became bad at the resort. Where to go for help?

There is no need to run anywhere. You need to call the representative of the insurer. The phone number is in the policy. He will answer in Russian, and you just have to introduce yourself, tell you where you are and what happened. You will receive further instructions from the interlocutor. He himself will contact all medical institutions, consulate, tour operator, airline, call an ambulance, resolve all issues.

If a person is taken to the hospital unconscious, as soon as possible, you should ask the doctors to contact the insurance company. This is important, otherwise the company may not pay for the treatment.

But! If the tourists themselves went to some doctor, he issued an invoice, and they also spent money on medicines - asking the insurer to pay the costs is useless.

Is it impossible to call the insurer for some reason? You can call the local ambulance team. To do this, it is useful to know a number similar to our 03. In many countries, you need to dial 111.

It makes sense to make a call to the insurance company, even when the case is clearly not covered by the contract. Drunken trauma? Call a representative and honestly describe the situation. He will help you navigate and get good help for a reasonable price. You will have to pay, but you will know that competent people care about you, and not rely on chance.

1. Buy a large bag. A large bag instead of several small ones, specially designed for carry-on luggage, will allow you to put all your things in one place and not lose mobility. A backpack of 30 or 35 liters or a small suitcase fits in the sizes allowed by the airline companies, and at the same time allows you to take it for at least a week, or even two or three with the right approach.

2. Small toiletries. Use a small toothpaste, roll-on deodorant, and shaving oil instead of a large bottle of foam or gel. Soap, shampoo and shower gel are usually found in hotels and inns. They change every day so you can take some with you for your future travels. If for some reason this is not available in the hotel or hotel, then you can buy a small bottle on the spot and leave it when you return home. Place all of your toiletry liquids in a plastic bag for easy airport security and to protect all items in your bag.

3. Put on heavy and bulky items. Boots, jeans, jackets on the plane. Put your flip flops and shorts in your bag.

4. Stuff small things in your pockets. When passing through the airport security service, you will lose a few extra minutes, taking out a mountain of keys, an iPod, a mobile phone, tickets, documents, books, a phone charger and headphones, but this is a small price for the opportunity not to wait for your luggage at your destination. The larger the pockets, the more things you can put in them.

5. Bring your most versatile gear on the trip. Blouses, skirts and tops can be worn both to the beach and to a trendy restaurant.

6. Pack only the things you really need. Think carefully whether you need this or that thing on the trip and how often you are going to use it. This also applies to clothing and any other things. Can you buy or rent these items locally?

7. Only one pair of shoes. Take just one pair of shoes - and a lot of things that can go with her.

8. Say no to beach towels. They take up too much space in your luggage, and you can take hotel or hotel towels to the beach.

9. Use modern fabrics for travelers. Lightweight, loose-fitting items need to be washed less often, and after washing they dry much faster than items made from traditional materials.

10. Dress in layers like cabbage. This helps not to get cold and not to languish from the heat - just put on or take off something. The main thing is to make sure that things fit together and you don't look ridiculous.

11. Wash your clothes while traveling. Use hotel or hotel shampoo or soap to wash light clothes (shirts, T-shirts, linens) in the sink. Then hang it all up so that things are dry by morning.

12. Collect things in a “knot”. Wrap your belongings around large items (shoes or a toiletry bag) instead. To just add them up. Tuck your socks and underwear into your shoes (in a plastic bag, of course). This will also protect the shoe from deformation. This method saves a lot of space.

Hope these simple tips will help you save your really precious travel time.

The main recommendation would be not to take too much luggage with you on your trip. Naturally, one wants the same freedom of action in choosing clothes as at home, but we must not forget that for the excess weight, at least one should pay for transportation. In addition, often the tourist has to carry all the luggage with him on his own. How long can you walk with a few bags of non-essential items? Such a moment in the tourism process can significantly spoil the feeling of the trip.

All things for travel should be divided into several categories:

The documents;
First aid kit;
Personal belongings;
Hygiene items;
Photo camera, camcorder, laptop - digital technologies.

Without documents, of course, nowhere. You should always check the completeness of all documents important for the trip before leaving, whether you are leaving on vacation or returning back.

The easiest way is if the trip is in Russia. It does not require a visa and a whole list of papers, just a passport is enough. But in any case, it is worth making sure of the list in the travel company from where you order your vacation.

Taking care of your health is a good step. Take the trouble to get insurance, because anything can happen during an adventure. After all, winter rest is basically an active rest.

When traveling, you need to be guided by the versatility of objects. These will be, for example: a knife - opener, a phone with a flashlight. Sunglasses, paradoxically, will not hurt either. They have to filter the brightness of the light that is reflected off the snow. There is such a term as "snow blindness", which develops with a retinal burn. You should take UV-certified sunglasses.

You can buy personal hygiene products while you travel, or take small tubes while you travel.

Clothing should not hinder movement and it is also advisable to choose it versatile. When traveling to ski resorts, special moisture-wicking underwear is recommended. Clothes should dry easily, do not require smooth ironing, easy to wash. A waterproof jacket will be a chic addition to a tourist's wardrobe. Now you know what things you need to take for travel.

Going on vacation abroad, you should remember about the existence of various prohibitions and restrictions, failure to comply with which threatens you with a monetary fine. And sometimes the amount of monetary punishment is impressive.

Not so long ago, the authorities of the Austrian capital decided to fine everyone who dares to feed street pigeons by 36 euros. The fact is that the Vienna authorities took such a decisive step because of the urgent problem of damage to numerous cultural objects and historical heritage by these birds. To comply with this decree, a detachment of volunteers operates in the city, who have every right to levy fines from local residents and foreign tourists who were taken by surprise at the time of feeding the birds.

In March this year, the city authorities of the popular Czech resort of Karlovy Vary also introduced fines for feeding pigeons and wild ducks. Anyone caught by the local police during a prohibited bird-feeding process is required to pay a fine of CZK 500, which is roughly $ 25.

Feeding pigeons is also strictly prohibited on the famous Piazza San Marco in Venice. However, unlike Vienna and Karlovy Vary, the fine here is an order of magnitude higher - neither more nor less than 1000 euros.

In 2012, the Roman city authorities decided to prohibit local residents and tourists from eating in the immediate vicinity of historical and cultural monuments, as well as near objects of artistic value. Violators of this rule, in the event of being caught by the police, are obliged to pay a fine ranging from 25 to 500 euros. This prohibition is explained by the fact that after light snacks, large crowds of tourists often leave behind huge heaps of garbage, which causes serious damage to many historical sites in the Italian capital. This restriction applies in the central part of Rome, around the Pantheon, near the marble fountains of Piazza Navona, as well as on Via dei Fori Imperiali, which leads to the Flavian amphitheater, better known as the Colosseum.

Starting this year, on the beaches of the Spanish resort of Torrox, in the province of Malaga, tourists are strictly prohibited from occupying places on the sea coast from the early morning, using personal belongings, sun loungers and umbrellas. The reason for this was numerous conflicts and scandals between vacationers, in which police officers sometimes had to intervene. Starting this year, all the bedspreads, sunbeds and umbrellas left on the shore will be cleaned by employees of the recreation areas. To get your things back, you will need to pay a certain fine to the local treasury.

Tourists should be especially vigilant when purchasing various designer items in Italy and France. The fact is that on the territory of these European countries there are certain fines for wearing fake bags, glasses, clothes and shoes, which have the image of famous fashion houses, but are not such in essence. So, in the year before last 2012, 8 tourists in the popular resort of Forte dei Marmi, in the province of Tuscany, were fined precisely for buying counterfeit, fake products. It should be noted that imprudent tourists who are led to the temptation to buy an exact copy of "branded" things for mere pennies, often become victims of this law. It is worth remembering that sometimes the maximum fine can be up to 10 thousand euros.

Attempts to take out certain types of souvenir products from the territory of Turkey can turn into very unpleasant consequences for you. In 2013, one Russian citizen made an attempt to export an undeclared souvenir stone from the country. As the investigation showed, the stone bought by the man in the souvenir shop for 10 euros in reality turned out to be an item of cultural, historical and archaeological value. As a result, the man spent almost 3 weeks in a Turkish prison due to his negligence. And this despite the fact that, in accordance with the current legislation, the Russian had every chance, because of his imprudence, to “rest” in a foreign prison for at least 12 years.

In order to avoid unpleasant situations, it should be remembered that in no case should you try to take stuffed crocodiles, ivory, sea shells and corals with you from the territory of Egypt. As for Turkey and Greece, the export of antiques and antique carpets without a receipt confirming the purchase is strictly prohibited.

In some countries of the world there is also a certain list of unspoken prohibitions, violation of which can lead to monetary fines of various sizes. In the city-state of Singapore, chewing gum on public transport is strictly prohibited, in Thailand it is forbidden to appear in public places without underwear, and in the Islamic state of the UAE, the manifestation of any feelings in public is prohibited. On the territory of the Athenian Acropolis and other no less significant ancient places, walking in high heels and platforms is prohibited, since it is unsafe. In sunny Barcelona, outside the seaside beaches, tourists are likely to be fined for wearing a swimsuit or naked to the waist. In the distant Pacific state of Fiji, topless sunbathing is strictly prohibited.

Choosing a hotel: deciding on the type of rest

What is the first thing you need to understand before you start looking for a hotel? I think the main question that you should ask yourself is: "What do I want from the rest?" The answer to this question will help you determine what you really expect from the place of stay. Below are guiding questions to help you formulate your wishes more precisely:

Whether the rest will be active or more measured and calm. You may be spending most of your time traveling on excursions, and you only need the hotel for an overnight stay.
Vacation (travel) with children. Agree that having a rest with children is a special kind of rest.)) To keep a child busy, it is necessary that the hotel has something that may be of interest. This could be a designated play area with appropriate equipment and toys, or it could be some kind of slot machine.
With friends or family. This question is also important, since a vacation with a family can be different from a vacation with friends. After all, there are family-type hotels, and there are more extreme ones in terms of their functionality.
You want entertainment, or you prefer peace and quiet. Before choosing a hotel, you must decide in advance what kind of vacation you are planning. There will be discos, contests and various entertainment events (as in Turkey or Egypt), or you prefer to lie quietly in the sun, sipping a cocktail and reading your favorite blog 2ristic planet.)))
Will you eat at the hotel. This is also an important question, since the price will depend on this, as well as your comfort.
Your budget. How much do you expect? Having decided on the amount, you can immediately weed out half of the options.
Hotel for one night. If you are passing through one of the hotels or are planning your trip with stops in hotels, then, accordingly, luxury apartments should not be considered. You need a warm and comfortable bed, silence outside the window and mute neighbors!))) Joke.))

All these nuances greatly influence the criteria for choosing a hotel. In fact, you yourself decide what conditions to choose for a good vacation. If you answer these questions honestly for yourself, then I'm sure you can find the perfect hotel you would like to stay at. And in order not to make mistakes, I advise you to read travel blogs, for example, a blog on budget travel in Latin America and Southeast Asia, where they share their own experiences.

Choosing a hotel for business - the contract for a million is in your hands!

In order to choose the right hotel where you can hold any business meeting, conference or presentation while on a business trip, you should consider a few points:

Is there a conference room with the necessary equipment (projectors, large screens, microphones, etc.) and a banquet room.
Where is the hotel located in the city. An important point, since it is comfortable and convenient to get from the airport or railway station to the hotel, a guarantee of a successful business meeting or conference. Better, of course, when the hotel is located near the city center.
Availability of the Internet (wi-fi), printers, copiers. Today it is impossible to imagine a good hotel without such means of technology and communication. It is desirable that the Internet be available not only at the reception in the lobby, but also in the rooms.
Of course, what a business meeting without the opportunity to drink in a bar with good service and insidious drinks)). I would say this: Nice bar + strong drinks = pledge of a successfully signed contract)))
Also, do not forget to look or ask when the hotel was opened or the date of the last renovation or redesign. After all, you do not want to blush in front of your partners sitting in plastic chairs with gum under the tables?)))

General information about hotels

To understand and decide on the choice of a hotel, you need to know the globally accepted parameters, main characteristics and abbreviations. When choosing a hotel via the Internet, such abbreviations come across, and you should know what's what. To do this, you will need the information below.

Types of hotel accommodation - do you want a jack?

If you are not a fan of couchsurfing or the free overnight stay at The Hospitality Club, then let's figure out what codes you will have to face.

Single- SGL - single occupancy

Double -DBL- double occupancy (one double bed)

Twin- TWN - double occupancy (two single beds)

DBL + EX.BED (extra bed) - double occupancy with one double bed and an extra bed. Here, the extra bed can be either full, or you can find a folding sofa, a folding bed or even a mattress. Therefore, do not be lazy to clarify which extra bed the hotel has available. Most often, these rooms are suitable for two adults with a child.

Triple-TRPL - triple occupancy. The room has two main beds, and the third can be a stationary or a sofa bed. Typically, these rooms accommodate three adults. Adults are designated by the word adult, and children are designated by the word chld (child).

Views from the window - if only the view is not on the wall!

So, you are already guided by the types of accommodation in hotels, now we will consider what kinds of views there are from the window.

Garden view - a view of the garden (most often this is the opposite side of the hotel from the sea, where flowers grow, everywhere there is a lawn and peacocks running around.)))

Pool view - a view of the pool (often towards the sea - but the sea is not visible). If you can't stand the noise of kids having fun in the pool, but like to watch naked mermaids bathing in the sunset at night, then this type of room is what you need!)))

SV, Sea view - sea view. Eh, the beauty of such a room is amazing, and the ships and yachts pacify and calm. But this number will cost you more.

Ocean view - ocean view. And that's it. The sound of the surf cannot be replaced by the shell applied to the ear.))

SSV, Side Sea view - side sea view. That is, the sea view opens partially if you look out from the balcony or from the window. Just be careful, better with insurance.)))

Mountain view - a view of the mountains. Why do you need a sea view when only mountains can be better than mountains!

Park view - a view of the park. You can watch couples walking or watch old women walking their dogs.)))

Inside view - view of the atrium, i.e. to a small courtyard or the inside of the hotel. How do you like the views from the windows? Choose what you like and enjoy your vacation!

Choosing the types of hotel rooms

Now let's move on to the types of rooms. You should not be strongly guided by these abbreviations, since each hotel has its own understanding, but nevertheless, when choosing a hotel, you should have this information.

STD (standart) - standard number. Classics of the genre. But also in some hotels the deluxe room may be the simplest room.

Superior - slightly better than standard.

Suite - a room that is larger than a standard one, it can consist of two rooms.

Family room - a room for a family, usually designed to accommodate 4 people or more.

Executive - as a rule, a room for businessmen with superior comfort.

BGL, BG, Villа, Village (bungalow) - bungalows, detached houses from the main building. Eh, a dream to stop like this! They are more comfortable than the rooms in the main building of the hotel, called MB, main building.

Types of food in hotels - maybe a croissant?

The choice of hotel may also depend on the type of food provided in the hotels. It will not be superfluous to have such a list of abbreviations, so feel free to bookmark this article.)))

BB (Bed and breakfast) - only breakfast included. Breakfasts are divided into:

CBF (Continental Breakfast) - Continental breakfast - not very much approved by our "Soviet" tourists, as it usually consists of coffee or tea, juice, buns, butter, croissant, jam. We have met such breakfasts only in France (in Paris and Nice).
English breakfast - usually includes scrambled eggs, toast, butter, jam and coffee (tea), juice. Like an English breakfast served by Berimor.))
American breakfast ABF is more satisfying than CBF - here you can walk around, as there is, in addition to the standard continental breakfast, slices, salads to choose from, as well as hot dishes.
And of course the Buffet Breakfast. You can often find this type of food in Europe. You can have a hearty meal, the choice of dishes is quite large, but it is forbidden to take food with you. But who will stop us, right?)))

HB (half board) - half board - it includes breakfast and dinner (buffet), free tea / coffee, water for breakfast, but drinks at dinner are already paid for separately. Be careful, do not take Dom Pérignon!))

FB (full board) - full board - it includes breakfast, lunch and dinner (buffet), as well as drinks for lunch and dinner for an additional fee.

Well, of course, where without him, without all of us beloved ALL, Al (all inclusive) - all inclusive - breakfast, lunch and dinner (buffet). Here you will also have afternoon tea, ice cream and light snacks and even barbecue. As for refreshing and strong drinks, they are included in the price, but only locally produced. Basically, in Turkey, we met this type of food. Drink - I don't want to! Eat - I don't want to!)) The key word here is UNLIMITED)))

But imagine, there are also varieties of "all inclusive". You ask: "Where is even better"? But no! There is even cooler!)) Look:

UAL, UAI (ultra all inclusive) - the only difference with all inclusive is that the price also includes drinks of imported origin.

SA-Super All inclusive - it can be either (Soft) - a lightweight option, or (Super) - a little cooler than a simple ALL. So it is better to check with the operator or look at the hotel's website.

RO (room only), BO (bed only), AO (accomodation only) - no meals at all. This is everywhere in our country. What can I say, Europe damn it!)))

Hotel classification

In general, the classification of hotels by star rating is a conditional concept. At the moment, about 30 different classifications can be found in the world. In 1989, the WTO (World Tourism Organization) adopted certain standards, but they are purely advisory in nature, so you can meet in different countries under the same stars completely different levels of hotels, both in terms of service, interior design, location, and the size of the hotel and room. Therefore, it is impossible to consider the exact set of services for each category. But I will try to tell you the principles by which you can determine the correspondence with the stars of the hotel.

Hotel 6 * and 7 *. This is practically on Mars)) Such hotels are now only in the United Arab Emirates. You've probably seen a lot of TV programs, where in such hotels everything is gilded, and on the roof of the hotel there are helipads with tennis courts.)))

Hotel 5 *. Such a hotel should be luxurious and extremely comfortable. You should feel like a million dollars in such a hotel. The service must be on the verge of the unreal. Your desires should be fulfilled almost instantly, this is understandable, the money paid is not small. You can feel the service, getting out of the taxi, when your things will be taken by the porters, and the doorman will nicely open the doors for you to “paradise”. At the reseption you will not be kept waiting for a long time, you will be taken to a rather large and luxurious room with a good large bed, a modern orthopedic mattress and an impeccably clean bed. At your service must be presented a mini-bar, refrigerator, plasma TV, air conditioning. Usually in such rooms instead of showers there is a bathroom with a telephone and of course a bidet. Wi-fi is now an obligatory thing, as well as a fitness or spa center. Also, such hotels are not shy and with a large territory, where a swimming pool, tennis court can be located. Hairdresser and laundry services will always be provided for you. Meals can be brought to your room around the clock.

Hotel 4 *. Such hotels may lack something in comparison with 5 *. For example, the territory is small or some type of service may not be available. There is certainly comfort in such hotels, but not luxury. A restaurant is a must. So, you can safely choose a hotel of such a star for relaxation.

Hotel 3 *. You will get the required minimum, but nothing more. After all, the price does not bite either. Although, if you look at European hotels from experience, then 3 * oh is not bad. In any case, we did not complain, living almost in the center of Nice in three stars.)) According to the standards, there must be a toilet and shower in the room. There may not be a restaurant, but there is a bar-cafeteria. As for Turkey, I would not recommend choosing hotels below four stars. Since the Turks have an underestimated level of stardom, this cannot be said about Europe.

Hotels 1 * and 2 * - the most necessary to spend the night. Such hotels have the right to life. I would say cheap and cheerful. A 2 * hotel room should contain: a bed, a chair, a wardrobe and no more frills. There may be a toilet in the room, but most likely it will be on the floor. Almost like a punishment cell.))) 1 * is quite rare and means a hotel on the outskirts, small (10 rooms). Also a bed, bedside table and chair.

The dimensions of the WTO numbers are prescribed as follows:

2 * not less than 10 m2;
3 * -12 m2;
4 * -13 m2;
5 * - 16 m2.

Linen must be changed daily in hotels above 3 *. If they don’t change, let us know about yourself.))) Also, when choosing a hotel, you may come across 3 * +, 4 * +. This means increased comfort. It's just that such hotels are a little short of the next step.

What to do if the hotel room does not fit

It often happens that you have chosen a hotel, moved in, but it did not suit you. Do not despair. there is an exit. Your actions should be as follows. Do not unpack your things, but go straight to the reception. Give reasons for your rejection of the number. For example: you ordered a room with a sea view, and you were given a mountain view. Then, of course, you are obliged to change, for the one that you ordered. If the reason lies in a noisy elevator or number of storeys, or not a beautiful view from the window, then you can easily negotiate with the hotel employees without even "thanking" them accordingly. Although in Turkey, everyone is not too lazy to shove $ 10 at the reception, just to change it faster. An additional payment may be required only when changing the category of the room.

List of questions when choosing a hotel

Let's consider what questions you may have when choosing a hotel and when booking it for all occasions.

Is this a family hotel or a youth hotel?
What is the food system in the hotel? Is there a children's menu? Is it possible to reheat food for very young children? (when vacationing with children).
Mini club services. Babysitting or specialist staff.
The presence of a baby cot in the room (baby chairs in the restaurant).
Entering the water. Sandy or stone? Pier?
Is there a doctor at the hotel?
How far are discos, foam parties, bars and animations from the hotel?
Is it safe to walk alone outside the hotel (the main thing is that you are not afraid, and not you someone.))))
How many stars does the hotel have?
Does the operator believe that the hotel's value is in line with the quality and declared stars? Basically, operators answer such questions honestly.
Are there any discounts during this time period?
What is included in the price in this hotel and what is free (sun beds, towels, internet, etc.)?
Ask what is in the room (central or individual air conditioning, TV, refrigerator).
Are there any renovations in the vicinity of the hotel.
Availability of Russian TV channels (paid or free)?
Little things (is there a hairdryer, disposable hygiene products)?
What services does the hotel provide (conference hall, spa, sauna (in Turkey, hammam, for example), gym, etc.)
Specify which services are paid and which are free.
Is there a transfer?
Check-out and check-in time?
How close to the city is the hotel (or to the sea)?
Close to attractions?
The size of the hotel territory (gardens, parks, swimming pools, children's pools, landscaping, children's playgrounds).
The age of the hotel, the last renovation.
The presence of a children's club (if you are with a child).
Availability of laundry, etc.

When choosing a hotel, do not neglect the reviews of other tourists on the Internet who already have experience of staying in those hotels that you have looked after. Also, do not be afraid to ask questions and find out details, points of interest to you. Also, hotel prices can be discounted. What does this mean? Perhaps they are trying to sniff you a hotel where construction is underway under the windows (this is often the case in Turkey), tram lines, a busy road, or entertainment establishments rumble all night. Or maybe vice versa, the hotel has just opened, and prices are not yet biting. Here you need to thoroughly analyze everything and choose the best option for yourself.

There are hotels where you can save money, because in many hotels children under seven years old rest for free, and sometimes up to twelve. Therefore, do not forget to check the information with the hotel manager if you book the hotel yourself, or with the manager of the travel agency where you asked for help.

If you want to use the search for cheap hotels without leaving your home, you can fill out the search form below and book the hotel you like.

What are last-minute tours and what is the order of their formation

Each of us has heard the concept of "hot tours". Everyone understands that these are cheap or affordable vouchers, sold a few days before the planned departure. However, not everyone knows when, where and why these "last minute tours" appear, what are their features. In order to understand all these issues, first of all, you need to understand the mechanism and procedure for the formation of the tour.

In short, the mechanism is as follows: a tourist operator purchases from a particular hotel a certain number of hotel rooms for the entire season or even a year. He then reserves or redeems the charter flights from the airline. Subsequently, the tour operator, implementing tours, gradually sells tickets for certain dates, since for the most part the entire tourist process is tied to the air carrier and the hotel.

Sometimes a situation arises that, for example, on December 15 and 16, all vouchers are sold out, and on December 13 and 14, for one reason or another, one and a half times fewer tourists go. Tickets, as they say, are “on fire”, because the hotel and the plane are not filled to the planned volume, and the tour operator, who paid for everything in advance, incurs losses. That is why travel agencies sometimes offer travelers the same tours a few days before the final departure, but at a significantly reduced price. In the majority, last-minute vouchers are sold at cost, that is, 15 - 40% lower than the original price.

Market outlook

As a result, I must say that today you can buy last minute deals, which are no different in quality from ordinary tours, but significantly more affordable in cost. However, these are isolated cases, and the whole point is in the following reasons:

Tour operators often do not buy places in advance, since the competition in the hotel and tourism business is still relatively small;
Russian airlines deliberately increase, rather than decrease, air ticket prices a few days before departure;
With the enlargement of tour operators, the segment of last-minute travel deals will develop, but now such resources are not enough.

So, the last-minute vouchers act today all over the world as a widespread and fair method of selling a tour, which is especially excellent for people with irregular working hours, when the decision to travel is made outright. But the Russian market of tourist services is far from filling this segment, since what many operators here proudly call a last minute ticket is actually a special offer or a discount discount not exceeding 10% of the cost. However, we can say with confidence that as the tourism industry in Russia develops, the sphere of last minute tours will certainly be in demand.

Where in Europe to rest without a visa?

Visiting most of European countries for Russians is associated with the need to obtain a Schengen visa. But not all European countries are members of the Schengen agreement.

Montenegro - you can travel around the country for a whole month, to enter you have a passport with you, the validity period of which ends no earlier than the end of the trip.
Ukraine, Belarus - the period of stay is up to 3 months, you must present both passports: both a citizen of the Russian Federation and a foreign one.
Turkey - stay up to two months, only a passport is required.
Serbia - you can travel up to a month, you must have a foreign passport.
Macedonia - travel period - 90 days, in addition to a foreign passport, it is desirable to have a certified invitation or a voucher from a travel company.
Bosnia and Herzegovina - travel period - up to 1 month, in addition to a passport, you need a certified invitation-support, the provision of tickets to the Motherland, a travel agency voucher.

Countries with different entry conditions

Republic of Cyprus. In general, Russians need a visa to travel to Cyprus. But in case of arrival by aircraft landing in Paphos or Larnaca, it is possible to purchase a visa for three months online in advance. You must first submit an application form on the embassy website.
In Norway and Poland, a two-week visit to the border part of the Sør-Varanger region is allowed if the Russian lives no more than 35 km from the Norwegian border. Kaliningraders can visit the northern regions of the Warmia-Mazury and Pomeranian Polish regions for a month.
And in Latvia for a period of 90 days, you can go to Russians - residents of cities: Krasnogorodsk, Pechera, Pytalovo, Ostrov and the Pskov region.

Where to relax at sea without a visa?

The overwhelming majority of Russians associate holidays abroad with the obligatory swimming in the warm sea. In which countries by the sea can you spend your vacation?

Turkey

Previously, to visit Turkey, you had to pay for a visa upon entering the country. Now this procedure is not required, so Russians can visit any of the Turkish resorts and stay in the country for up to 30 days. High-quality service, all-inclusive system, excellent nightclubs and mandatory animation in every hotel are indispensable conditions for rest in Turkish hotels. Additionally, you can purchase a tour for a flight to Israel, enjoy excursion programs.

Vietnam

Traveling to Vietnam does not require a visa to be issued in advance - it is issued upon arrival in the country. However, before buying a ticket and traveling, you must obtain permission from the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam to obtain a visa upon entry. This can be done in two ways: through a tour operator or on your own via the Internet. The "Vietnamese" destination is still new, so it's worth visiting the country before it turns into a typical tourist reservation.

Dominican Republic

A visa to the Dominican Republic is issued directly at the airport upon arrival in the country. Valid for a month. Beach holidays in the Dominican Republic are pearl white beaches and coral reefs, warm ocean and gentle sun. There is also a huge nature reserve with American crocodiles in the country. Tourist enthusiasts will appreciate the many museums and monuments that highlight the history of the colonization of the islands.

Egypt

A country proven by generations of tourists, where traditional beach activities are successfully combined with ancient history. Those wishing to enjoy a spa vacation and visit the majestic pyramids need only pay $ 20 for entry. Read more about visa to Egypt and free entry methods.

Israel

Jerusalem is an ancient city with a special atmosphere, as if saturated with the spirit of ancient world religions. And the Dead Sea of Israel is famous for its healing properties. Russians can stay in Israel without a visa for up to 90 days.

Maldives

To fly to the Maldives means to enjoy a vacation on the cleanest beaches surrounded by a piercing blue sea with coral reefs, try yourself in diving and plunge into the atmosphere of absolute peace. The right to enter is confirmed by a visa, which the tourist receives for $ 10 right at the airport.

Thailand

"Pop" Thailand, which is so attractive to tourists, also does not require travelers to pre-apply for a visa to enter.

For a 30-day stay in the country, a passport with two blank pages is sufficient, the validity of which expires no earlier than six months before the end of the trip.

Rest abroad without a passport

Abkhazia. The purest sea water and low housing prices are very attractive for tourists. The most popular resorts of Abkhazia are New Athos, where you can visit unique caves, Gagra with a rich history and architectural monuments, Pitsunda, Sukhum and Gudauta.
Belarus. This former Soviet republic is famous for its sights and quality sanatoriums. There is no sea in Belarus, but there is a huge number of lakes and protected areas. It is better to go here on a voucher to a sanatorium and combine rest with excursion programs: visiting Belovezhskaya Pushcha, visiting historical monuments in Grodno, Minsk and Brest.
Kazakhstan is a land famous for its unique national reserves and a whole complex of historical, architectural and archaeological monuments. Baikonur, the world's first cosmodrome, is also of interest to tourists, as well as rest in the best ski resorts located on the slopes of Altai.

Visiting most of the countries of Europe for Russians is associated with the need obtaining a Schengen visa... But not all European countries are members of the Schengen agreement.

Countries with visa-free travel in 2015:

Montenegro - you can travel around the country for a whole month, to enter you have a passport with you, the validity period of which ends no earlier than the end of the trip.
Ukraine, Belarus - the period of stay is up to 3 months, you must present both passports: both a citizen of the Russian Federation and a foreign one.
Turkey - stay up to two months, only a passport is required.
Serbia - you can travel up to a month, you must have a foreign passport.
Moldova - travel period - 90 days, a foreign passport is required.
Macedonia - travel period - 90 days, in addition to a foreign passport, it is desirable to have a certified invitation or a voucher from a travel company.
Bosnia and Herzegovina - travel period - up to 1 month, in addition to a passport, you need a certified invitation-support, the provision of tickets to the Motherland, a travel agency voucher.

Countries with different entry conditions

You can also travel to Europe without a visa to the following countries:

· Republic of Cyprus . In general, Russians need a visa to travel to Cyprus. But in case of arrival by aircraft landing in Paphos or Larnaca, it is possible to purchase a visa for three months online in advance. You must first submit an application form on the embassy website.

· In Norway and Poland, a two-week visit to the border part of the Sør-Varanger region is allowed if the Russian lives no more than 35 km from the Norwegian border. Kaliningraders can visit the northern regions of the Warmia-Mazury and Pomeranian Polish regions for a month.

· And in Latvia for a period of 90 days can go to Russians - residents of cities: Krasnogorodsk, Pechera, Pytalovo, Ostrov and the Pskov region.

Where to relax at sea without a visa?

The overwhelming majority of Russians associate holidays abroad with the obligatory swimming in the warm sea. In which countries by the sea can you spend your vacation?

Turkey

Vietnam

Dominican Republic

Egypt

A country proven by generations of tourists, where traditional beach activities are successfully combined with ancient history. Those wishing to enjoy a spa vacation and visit the majestic pyramids need only pay $ 20 for entry. Read more about visa to Egypt and ways of free entry.

Israel

Maldives

To fly to Maldives means to enjoy a vacation on the cleanest beaches surrounded by a piercing blue sea with coral reefs, try yourself in diving and plunge into the atmosphere of absolute peace. The right to enter is confirmed by a visa, which the tourist receives for $ 10 right at the airport.

Thailand

"Pop" Thailand, which is so attractive to tourists, also does not require travelers to pre-apply for a visa to enter.

For a 30-day stay in the country, a passport with two blank pages is sufficient, the validity of which expires no earlier than six months before the end of the trip.

Rest abroad without a passport

Resort countries where it is worth buying a ticket or going to travel "savages" without a foreign passport at all are:

· Abkhazia. The purest sea water and low housing prices are very attractive for tourists. The most popular resorts of Abkhazia are New Athos, where you can visit unique caves, Gagra with a rich history and architectural monuments, Pitsunda, Sukhum and Gudauta.

· Belarus. This former Soviet republic is famous for its sights and quality sanatoriums. There is no sea in Belarus, but there is a huge number of lakes and protected areas. It is better to go here on a voucher to a sanatorium and combine rest with excursion programs: visiting Belovezhskaya Pushcha, visiting historical monuments in Grodno, Minsk and Brest.

· Kazakhstan is a land famous for its unique national reserves and a whole complex of historical, architectural and archaeological monuments. Baikonur, the world's first cosmodrome, is also of interest to tourists, as well as rest in the best ski resorts located on the slopes of Altai.

VERY IMPORTANT!
When choosing where to go to rest in the fall, pay attention to the water temperature. In many countries, the sun shines all year round, but it is impossible to swim all year round because of the cool sea water ...

Autumn is the time when most countries are more tempting than summer. The ambient temperature is out of the maximum range. The time is coming, popularly called the velvet season.

In the fall, it is best to go on vacation if you can barely endure the hot weather. The heat subsides, but the water remains at a pleasant bathing temperature.

The resorts of Turkey are gaining a comfortable state. Here you can enjoy the all-inclusive system to your fullest. If you want a good quality holiday without leaving the hotel, then you should go to this country in the fall, where most tourists prefer to travel because of the good value for money. But remember that the season in Turkey gradually ends in autumn, and already in October the difference between day and night temperatures becomes very noticeable. Evenings and nights begin to grieve with their coolness. The water temperature is getting colder. Do you want to enjoy the beaches of Turkey even in October? Then give preference to Side, Belek and Alanya;
With the resorts of Egypt, everything is much better. Egyptian warmth and sunshine can be enjoyed until the end of November. In addition, after the exhausting summer heat, the underwater world of the Red Sea comes to life in September and pleases with a palette of various colors;
In autumn, you can still go to the popular island of Cyprus. This wonderful resort with a huge number of historical sights and entertainment until mid-October, and if you are lucky with the weather even longer, will be glad to offer guests all its beauty. But if in September Cyprus is still a beach resort where sunbathers can hurry to go in the fall, then in October it is more of an excursion vacation, as the water in the Mediterranean Sea becomes cool for those who like to swim. But the bright sun and good tanning Cyprus can provide even during this period;
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will welcome guests in the fall, where we advise those who love shopping and a healthy lifestyle. It is in the fall, in October, that the main holiday of Ramadan is celebrated in this country. Some restrictions begin to apply: entertainment programs are canceled and almost all alcoholic drinks are removed from the menu of bars and restaurants. The ambient temperature is at around + 35C;
The resorts of Greece will allow you to spend your holidays on them in the fall only until the end of September. But this applies to those wishing to spend time on the beaches of Greece, in October Greece becomes an excursion country;
Finally, calm weather is established in September in the resorts of Tunisia, where it is impossible not to go in the fall. The weather becomes very comfortable for traveling with children or elderly people who do not tolerate high temperatures. In addition, good seasonal discounts on accommodation are provided in Tunisia in the autumn. But for the evening, do not forget to bring warmer things, the nights here will be cool. October is the end of the season;
Beach holidays in the fall, but only in September, can be enjoyed in the resorts of Spain. October and November are ideal for sightseeing holidays, where only lovers and connoisseurs of historical sights can go in the fall;
In the fall, it is not forbidden to go to all-year-round resorts, where lovers of a quiet secluded vacation strive. Heavy showers are gradually losing their fervor. If you are not afraid of possible short-term rains, then welcome to the resorts of the Indian Ocean. It's always summer here. Hot air temperature and water as warm as fresh milk. Maldives, Sri Lanka and Seychelles are waiting for you;
The Dominican Republic and Cuba, located on the Caribbean coastlines, are also starting to gain traction in terms of tourist numbers. It is best to go to these resorts in the fall, but already in the month of November, when the likelihood of rains is reduced to zero;
Bali resorts, where all surfers come in the fall, allow you to rest until November. Then the rainy season begins.

In addition to just a beach or sightseeing holiday, winter makes it possible to celebrate the New Year in an unusual way, to give children and yourself a hot New Year or Christmas vacation.

In winter, there are a huge number of options where you can safely advise to go on vacation. Choosing any of them, you should not be afraid of a vacation spoiled by any nuisance. All countries on the list are distinguished by high-quality service and a developed tourism industry.

If your wallet allows an exquisite expensive vacation, then you simply have to go to rest where every second person on earth has never gone before. Not everyone can afford such a vacation. But this is also its zest, even in winter. A romantic getaway for two will provide you with the fabulous paradise islands of the Maldives and Seychelles. Evening walks along the deserted coast of the Indian Ocean will give you the opportunity to devote time to your loved one, enjoying the beauty of the sunset;
Do not disregard Sri Lanka, which is ready to delight you with the comfort and variety of natural landscapes;
If you want to swim in the clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, then your path should lie in countries such as Cuba and the Dominican Republic - probably those places where most people dream of going to rest. In winter, these stunningly beautiful resorts open up their best holiday season. The torrential downpours are finally over, the sea becomes calm. Lovers of luxury beach holidays and the underwater world are invited. The resorts of the Caribbean coast provide insanely beautiful views of the sea depths, are popular with amateurs and connoisseurs of quality diving;
In Thailand, the most popular among Russian tourists, those who wish an unusual New Year gather under a palm tree. They are attracted by their inexpensive prices and excellent service;
Do you want to understand how the highest culture and the utter poverty of local residents can be combined in one country? We suggest you go on vacation to India. In winter, Goa is a popular resort in India;
Mexico is reopening its doors to tourists from all over the world. The unpleasant seasons characteristic of the Mexican land are finally ending: the rainy season and the hurricane season;
Looking for romance? Boat trips together? Do you want warmth and affection, privacy and tranquility? The Maldives is made for you. The coast of the Indian Ocean will surprise you with the beauty of its beaches. The calmness of the ocean water will allow you to go on a yacht for a walk along the water surfaces. The spring months are among the best times to visit the resort;
Do you think where else you can go to rest in the spring with the aim of solitude and enjoying nature in absolute silence? We recommend that you visit the Seychelles. April opens the best season for visiting the resort. Not a single soul will interfere with romantic walks;
The rainy season in Indonesia is ending. You can safely go on vacation in the spring to one of the resorts of Bali. There is no place for a quiet and relaxing holiday, Bali is an island of carnivals and fun adventures;
Where else? There are plenty of options! You can also go to the UAE to have a rest in autumn. One gets the feeling that there are always discounts in this country. The vastness of shopping centers lures with bright signs. If you are not a fan of extreme heat, then the way to the UAE is open for you at this time of the year;
Are you a lover of real delicious Ceylon tea? Go to Sri Lanka for your addictions. The spring period is very interesting for this resort. The dry season ends in March for the west and south coasts, but in May it already begins for the east coast of the Indian Ocean;
Do not forget to go on vacation to Thailand in the spring, where you can safely go for comfort until the end of March. Warm sea water and not exhausting heat will give you a lot of pleasure;
Mexico remains at your disposal until the end of April. There will be no hurricanes or rains here;
Do you want to step foot on the ground where human civilization was born? Do you want to be in the center of the equator itself? Then hurry to Kenya;
The clearest waters of the Caribbean Sea, the best weather conditions await you in the spring in Cuba and the Dominican Republic. It is worth going to have a rest here, because these resorts are famous for the beauty and snow-white beaches, as well as for the variety of rest. It will be comfortable for those who like to spend time away from the hustle and bustle, and for those who like nightlife and a cheerful, heady atmosphere;
All fans of the Mediterranean Sea resorts are looking forward to the end of spring. Resorts in Spain, Turkey, Tunisia, resorts in Greece, the island of Cyprus - are beginning to gain momentum in attracting tourists for a beach holiday. Of course, the water has not yet warmed up to the state of fresh milk, but the sun is already burning the body with its rays and this forces us to open the bathing season.

In the summer, everyone wants to go on vacation to the sea. I want to leave everything in the world, get on a plane and fly wherever my eyes look. Many do not know which countries are ready to receive tourists in the summer. This article was created so that there are more people who understand this issue. Where to go to have a rest in the summer is up to you, and we can offer only suitable options.

Let's start with the most famous and visited resorts in the Mediterranean. People visiting abroad never leave them unattended. From the beginning of June, many of them are ready for a full-fledged beach holiday. The water is warmed up to the required temperature, the sun burns with its rays:

In the summer, it is worth going on vacation to the resorts of Turkey, where people, regardless of age, can go. The centuries-old history of cities and a huge number of architectural monuments can be seen on Turkish soil;
The cities and resorts of the island of Cyprus greet their guests with warm rays of the sun and an absolutely warm and clean sea. In addition to a beach holiday, there is something to make up and an entertainment program, for example, a visit to the huge Aqua Park, which will delight not only children, but also adults, this is not all that the island has to offer. Cyprus is a resort where you can go to rest in the summer with any company;
Having visited the burning Spain, you can perfectly combine a beach vacation in Spain and the desire to learn about the European way of life and culture of the country;
The famous island of Crete, which is one of the resorts in Greece, and other interesting places in this country are also fully prepared to receive tourists from all over the world. Swim, sunbathe as much as you like;
Tunisia is another country whose resorts are located on the Mediterranean coast. People who have been here advise their friends and acquaintances to visit this country.

New Year's holidays in Russia are determined by high prices and a shortage of vouchers in the first decade of the month. Practice shows that by October-November most of the vouchers are sold out. But right after the holidays there are deliberately "disastrous" dates, when people are uncomfortable with going on vacation, and you can easily find cheap tickets.

December is the time to switch to holidays in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Bali, Singapore, Sri Lanka, GOA, Maldives, etc.). In this regard, there are quite a few proposals for New Year's holidays in Asia.

Lovers of independent recreation can recommend Thailand - there you don't even have to book a hotel for the entire time (only New Year's dinner is better to order in advance). A good option for recreation is the United Arab Emirates, but the sea temperature there is not very high, for an amateur.

Sri Lanka is interesting for its nature, history and culture - it will be possible to combine New Year's celebration with interesting excursions. Organized tours position this destination as an elite one, and indeed, they offer quality accommodation and good service. But do not forget that in Lanka you can find inexpensive accommodation right on the spot (for those who are not afraid to organize their own vacation), you do not need a visa - but a rather expensive and long flight.

Another destination for recreation is Israel (first of all, the Eilat resort on the Red Sea). Officially, the New Year in Israel is not considered a holiday, but the Russians living there, of course, celebrate it.

And for outdoor enthusiasts, December is the beginning of the ski season! But - be careful, there is snow only in high mountains - first of all, these are the Austrian, French and Swiss Alps. (Well, or in northern Finland - this is, as you know, a good destination for beginner skiers).

End of December - Catholic Christmas. In many countries it is the main holiday of the year, and in the cities of Europe and North America in the last days of December it is very beautiful.

Our closest European neighbors are easy to reach even by train, avoiding air travel.

If you are not intimidated by the polar night, various Christmas tours are offered to Finland, the birthplace of Santa Claus. Additional bonuses include the Sirena water park, which is widely popular with our compatriots. A good option for traveling by companies is accommodation in cottages.

It is good to celebrate Christmas and New Year in Czech Prague - fun companies, many attractions.

The agencies also offer tours to the Baltics (Vilnius, Tallinn).

The holiday season in Turkey ended in October, but, nevertheless, a lot of Russians go there for the New Year. Despite the cold sea (its temperature can be about 16 degrees), Turkish hospitality, comfortable hotels and not very high prices have not been canceled. So those who want to meet the holiday in comfort and inexpensively go to Turkish resorts with pleasure. The ski area is also developed in Turkey - the most popular resorts of Uludag, Palandoken. But, keep in mind, the mountains are not very high, and Turkey is a southern country - so the snow conditions are different, there is no year after year.

Egypt is also a good enough budget option for the New Year.

Cool sea and breeze - but comfortable hotels, all the same ancient history. (The sea has not yet cooled down completely, the water temperature is 22 degrees. During the day, the air warms up to 25 degrees, in the evening it can drop to 15 degrees). If you do not need the presence of the sea nearby, you can keep in mind that it is warmer in Luxor than in Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh.

Exotic destinations for those who are not constrained in money and want to get "from winter to real summer" - South America, Australia, Tahiti. A civilized vacation in a beautiful, interesting and clean place.

Vacation is a time of relaxation for the whole family. Not only are adults looking forward to a vacation to get away from the hustle and bustle of work and a change of scenery, but children are also looking forward to unforgettable days with their parents. And in order for everyone to have a comfortable and interesting rest, you need to carefully think over a vacation with children in advance.

What should you pay special attention to when planning a vacation with a child?

Choice of country and purpose of travel (beach summer vacation or excursion around the country).
Climatic conditions.
Vacation time. You should not go on vacation with children during the hottest summer months (July, August).
Flight duration.
The adaptation period (more for a child than for an adult).
Duration of the trip (for a resort beach recreation with children, it is recommended to go on a trip for at least 3 weeks).
Hotel selection. Here it is worth asking the tour operator in advance such questions as: additional babysitting service at the hotel; entertainment programs for children; clean beaches with convenient access to the sea; children's pools with sea water and attractions; children's table.
Food for children and drinking water.
Sightseeing and entertainment facilities for children.
Documents for the child's departure abroad (passport, passport, photocopy of the child's birth certificate (required), documents for consent to take the child abroad (even if accompanied by one of the parents, it is recommended to have such documents with you (or a document stating that you are parent), because at the border, employees are sometimes reinsured; if a child travels alone without being accompanied by his parents (teacher, grandmother, grandfather), then the consent of both parents to leave is required).

It is best to take children on vacation from the age of 6. You can, of course, earlier, only for this you need to think more carefully about the details of the vacation and focus more on the child's rest than on your own entertainment.

The child should be gradually accustomed to water. Better to start with children's pools, only then into the sea. Dosing the time spent by the child in the sun, alternating with the shade: start with 5-7 minutes, gradually increasing. Be sure to wear comfortable, loose clothing, light colors, a hat, and use sun protection (high coefficient cream).

The best traditionally inexpensive resorts for families with children are: Greece, Egypt, Turkey and Tunisia - they combine beautiful sandy gentle beaches, clear sea, baby food, interesting entertainment programs, hotels with a high level of service, climatic conditions. Bulgaria is very popular for children's recreation, but recently the purity of the sea and the improvement of beaches are inferior to other modern tourist countries. However, a lot depends not only on the country, but also on the hotel itself. Therefore, only a carefully prepared and well-planned vacation will bring unforgettable impressions to the whole family.

REMINDER TO THE TOURIST LEAVING ABROAD

This information is common for all cases of traveling abroad and can be useful to you in any country in the world.

THE DOCUMENTS

Foreign passport for each adult family member. The validity of the foreign passport must expire no earlier than three months after the end of the trip. Minor children (up to 14 years old) can be entered in the passport of one of the parents *.
For children under 18 years of age traveling abroad without parents, a power of attorney from both parents is required, or a power of attorney from the other parent, if the child is traveling accompanied by one of the parents.
When leaving Russia on a foreign passport, accompanied by both parents or one of the parents, as well as accompanied by guardians, adoptive parents, trustees, a minor child (under 18 years old) must have a document confirming relationship with parents (guardians, adoptive parents, trustees) (certificate birth certificate, certificate of guardianship, etc.).
air tickets (round trip) for everyone traveling abroad
tourist voucher (voucher)
insurance certificate for all those traveling abroad
driving license if you intend to rent a car
At the airport, you must fill out a customs declaration (when exporting an amount over USD 3,000 per person). This declaration must be kept until the end of the trip and presented at customs inspection at the end of the trip.

* When traveling abroad, you must apply for a visa of the country to which you are traveling.

AIRPORT REGISTRATION

You must be at the airport THREE HOURS before departure.

Check-in for the flight ends 1 HOUR before departure.

To BOARD the flight you need:

FILL IN THE CUSTOMS DECLARATION. Customs declaration forms are located in front of the customs line at special counters or tables. When filling out the customs declaration, you must indicate the ENTIRE amount of foreign currency that you export. When exporting foreign currency in the amount of more than 10,000 USD, it is necessary to provide a CERTIFICATE FROM THE BANK when going through customs control.
PASS THROUGH CUSTOMS. Customs control takes place in the wing of the airport where the boarding is made.
REGISTER for your flight at the check-in counter and GET BOARDING CARD. All wishes about a seat on the plane must be expressed before receiving a boarding pass. The check-in counter number is indicated on the information board opposite your flight number. To check in, you must present an air ticket and a foreign passport. At check-in, you check in your main baggage and leave your carry-on baggage with you, which you will take to the aircraft cabin. REMEMBER that it is FORBIDDEN to bring any piercing or cutting objects on board the aircraft. Therefore, if you are bringing a nail kit or nail scissors with you, they must be checked in with your main baggage at check-in.
PASS BORDER CONTROL in any cab.
BOARD THE PLANE through the gate, the number of which is indicated on the information board.

ARRIVAL IN THE DESTINATION COUNTRY

When going through customs in some countries, you must present a completed migration card. In this case, the migration card is handed out by the flight attendants during the flight. It is necessary to carefully fill in all the fields on the card.

Upon arrival in the country of destination, you must go through passport and customs control. In some countries (Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia), before passing through passport control, it is necessary to purchase a visa, which is glued into the passport right at the airport of the country of destination.

If you have any questions, they must be resolved right at the airport. We strongly advise against leaving the airport building until all problems have been resolved.

At the exit from the airport, you will see the counter of your tour operator. You must go to the counter and present your voucher. A representative of the tour operator's company will show you the parking lot of the bus that will take you to the hotel. If you ordered an individual transfer, a representative of the tour operator will take you to your taxi.

AT THE HOTEL

Arriving at the hotel, you must give your passport to the reception service. REMEMBER that all hotels have check-in and check-out times, which vary from country to country. Thus, if you arrived at the hotel before the check-in time, you may have to wait for the appointed time in the hotel lobby. However, if the hotel has free rooms, you will be given a room before check-in time. If your plane leaves for Russia in the evening, you will be asked to vacate your room strictly at the appointed time (checkout), and you will have to wait for the bus to the airport in the hotel lobby. However, you will be able to use the restaurant and all the services provided by the hotel.
Keep documents and valuables in the hotel safe. A safe in the room may be subject to a charge.
We strongly recommend that you follow the hotel rules. REMEMBER that telephone calls, as well as in-room mini-bar and a number of other services, may be subject to a charge.

ON EXCURSIONS

Before each excursion, you must check the availability of tickets for this particular excursion.
We strongly recommend that you do not take more cash with you than you plan to spend.
We do not recommend that you be late for the start of the tour.
Do not leave money or valuables on the bus, as the driver is not responsible if they are lost.
Do not forget your belongings on the bus after the tour ends.

IF SOMETHING HAPPENED ...

If something happens, you can ask for help at the consulate or embassy of the Russian Federation located on the territory of the host country. REMEMBER: do not give your foreign passport to strangers. We recommend that you make a photocopy of your passport and keep your passport in the hotel safe.
If you are sick, you must contact a representative of the company that insured you. The phone number is indicated on the insurance certificate.

HOMECOMING

The day before departure, information about your departure time and the arrival time of the bus that will take you to the airport will be posted at the information desk at the hotel.

When collecting things, do not forget to take all documents with you.

When leaving the hotel, you must pay for all additional services that you used.

At the airport you need to go through registration, customs and passport control. The passage procedure is generally the same as the boarding procedure described above. Follow the information boards and you will not get lost at the airport.

Arriving in Russia, you will also need to go through passport and, possibly, customs control. And then - in a taxi and home.

We wish you a pleasant trip and vivid memories !!!

When preparing your trip, special attention should be paid to the history, religious practices and geography of your destination. Write down the phone numbers of the consulate, the embassy and the local emergency phone number in your notebook. Also ask if any mass celebrations are planned during your trip, or, on the contrary, funeral ceremonies in the country where you are going, whether terrorist attacks are expected in connection with this. Also watch out for reports from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which warns citizens about those countries that are not completely safe to visit.

At airports and train stations, observe the following precautions:

Take a seat in the waiting room with your back to the wall. So you can see everything that is happening around.
Do not sit near windows.
Stand or sit near pillars, posts, or other obstacles that provide cover in case of danger.
Look around, record possible places where you can hide.
Lock your luggage so that no one can plant drugs or an explosive device on you.
If a stranger asks you to bring an object on board the plane, refuse and notify security immediately.
Never stand in front of unattended luggage. It may contain an explosive device. Avoid standing near waste bins, telephone booths, or other objects that may contain an explosive device.
If you have any suspicions, do not hesitate to report them to the airport security staff.
Don't be curious. If there is a commotion or activation of the special services, go the other way.

First steps: going to the police

If you are abroad and your documents, including your passport, have been stolen, you should contact the local police as soon as possible. There they will tell you how to write a statement, make a copy of it and certify it. (A certified copy of your statement about the loss / theft of your passport and other documents must be taken from the police with you.) In addition, you will make a list of the stolen items and they will familiarize you with your rights, also in writing.

At the Embassy

Then you should try your luck and ask the police for the address of the Russian Embassy in this or the nearest city and its phone number (or call a paid information desk, they definitely have to tell this number). If you cannot get through immediately, you should go directly to the Embassy as soon as possible. They usually work from morning until lunchtime and perhaps not every day. For example, in Spain, in Barcelona, the opening hours of the Embassy are from 10:00 to 13:30.

You must have a certified copy of the statement to the police, a Russian passport and its notarized copy, and two photographs 3.5 x 4.5 cm.You can notarize a Russian passport directly at the embassy, for a fee (in Barcelona it cost about 41 EUR per page), or from a Russian notary.

If you do not have any documents proving your identity, then two people must go to the Embassy with you, who will be able to certify your Russian citizenship. At the same time, your so-called "alibi" must have a passport with you, and ideally - also copies or originals of Russian ones. Otherwise, you will have to call your friends in Russia and ask them to send a copy of your passport by fax or mail and also go to certify it.

Better yet, before traveling abroad, make notarized copies of Russian and foreign passports and take them with you (in this case, you don't even have to take the original Russian one). At the same time, you should always carry copies with you, and the originals should be hidden deeply and deeply and, except at the airport, they should not be shown anywhere at all.

Upon completion of all bureaucratic procedures, the injured tourist will be given a long-awaited Certificate of the right to return home. Upon arrival, a tourist with the same long-suffering certified copy of the statement to the police and a Certificate within two days must come to the FMS, where he previously received his lost passport.

Go to other tips

Most people are not born seasoned tourists. Everything comes with experience and time spent on the road. In the beginning, you make a lot of mistakes, you make countless mistakes. Any travel is a real art. You can learn some secrets from this article.

1. Take pictures

Take as many pictures as possible - of nature and people. Years later, you will want to look back - to those nights that you cannot remember, and those people who made them unforgettable.

2. Take care of the charger

Another good tip: get a charger. Batteries are dying and your good mood shouldn't.

3. Take earplugs

Noise and snoring are everywhere, and you need to get enough sleep.

4. Don't plan your trip

Almost all tourists make this mistake. Let your days unfold naturally, plan just two or three things, let the rest happen on its own.

5. Be patient

In the end, you will certainly succeed, you should not rush. You will get to where you are going in due time. Travel is a journey, not a destination.

6. Get insurance

Don't be stupid. If something goes wrong, you are unlikely to want to spend thousands of dollars. Travel insurance is the most important thing you should do, even if you never want to use it.

7. Eat street food

If you're missing out on street food, you're missing out on culture! If you are afraid, just look for places where children eat: if it is safe for them, it is safe for you.

8. Get vaccinated

Agree, becoming a victim of a disease in a foreign country is not the best entertainment.

9. Choose good shoes

You have to walk a lot while traveling. Take care of your feet and they will take you to amazing places.

10. Take pictures of luggage and clothing

If your bags are lost, this will allow you to find them much faster, and it can also speed up your travel insurance process.

11. Pay attention to free walking tours

In addition to being free, these tours will allow you to navigate the city and get a feel for its atmosphere.

12. Take an empty bottle

Fill it out as needed. Drink tap water whenever you can. This will save you money and help the environment.

13. Try new food

Don't ask what it is. Just put it in your mouth and listen to how you feel. If you're constantly on your guard, you might miss out on the delicious local cuisine.

14. Be open to strangers.

They don't bite! You will be able to make lifelong friends.

15. Relax in hostels

They are incredibly cheap and you will meet a lot of people. By the way, the bars in the hostels are also inexpensive.

16. Prepare a first aid kit

Accidents happen, so be prepared for them. Bring patches, antibacterial cream, and ointments for cuts and scrapes with you.

17. Don't forget the flashlight

It allows you to see at night, you stop stepping on things and you can tell ghost stories.

18. Eat at an expensive restaurant

During lunch, restaurants will offer you the same food as for dinner, albeit 2 times cheaper.

19. Go shopping

Locals don't dine in restaurants every night, and you shouldn't either. Go shopping, so you can learn a lot about the taste preferences of the locals.

20. Visit historic sites at lunchtime

The fact is that any sights are more accessible at lunchtime, there are almost no queues.

21. Request an upgrade

Do this when you check into the hotel. Most hotels are flexible.

22. Always watch out for business travelers

Especially on the security line. They move very fast, try to keep up with them.

23. Seek

When booking air tickets, it is sometimes cheaper to fly to airports near your final destination, and then take a train or bus to your destination.

24. Don't be ashamed to go to Starbucks

Sometimes calling by name is reassuring.

25. Check with the hostel staff

Do this even if you don't stop there. They deal with budget travelers every day, so they know exactly where to go to try inexpensive cuisine.

It is especially worth doing this while in a country where the traffic flow differs from that to which you are accustomed.

27. Carry a castle with you

It comes in handy when you need to lock your belongings.

28. Take only what you need

Limit the amount of cash and bank cards you carry with you. So, if something happens, you can easily restore everything.

29. Visit your local tourism office

Here you will be told about the events that take place in the city.

30. Use the card

It is better to seem like an inexperienced tourist than to get lost.

31. Check your local laws

Never get drunk on the streets of Dubai or spit out gum in Singapore. Do not think that your country's legal system will follow you around the world.

32. Scan your passport and all travel documents

Give copies to family and friends. If you lose your passport or tickets, backups can take the pain out of your mind. By the way, this will help your family find you in the event of a disaster.

33. Learn a few phrases in the local language

Talk to locals, get to know their culture. This is much more interesting than just wandering around the city.

34. Become familiar with fraudulent schemes

Spend some time on the Internet and find out what tricks are being used by scammers in the country you are going to.

35. Learn the art of bargaining

It will save you money and teach you to be bold. Plus, you can buy coffee with the $ 4 saved.

36. Take a jumper on the plane

During the flight, you can freeze, because it is equipped with air conditioning.

37. Take thick socks flying

Cold feet will keep you awake.

38. Find out if tampons are sold in the country you are going to

In some countries, no. Or they are hard to find. Yes, even in places you wouldn't think of, like Athens.

39. Learn as much as possible about altitude sickness

Give yourself time to adjust, drink more when you are high.

40. Be respectful

Pay attention to how local women dress to see how you should do it.

41. Wash your clothes in the sink

Use hotel soap, take some washing powder with you. It's much easier than looking for a laundry in another country. It also allows you to take less laundry with you.

42. Learn How to Say "No Thanks"

Of course, most of the time you say, “Hi. Yes please. Thanks". However, in some countries, you really want to say, "No thanks, please leave me alone." Think of the crowded markets in Asia. Knowing how to politely refuse in their language will give you peace of mind.

43. Keep your money in a cache

In the event that you lose your wallet, you still need to eat something. Empty chapstick is a fantastic hiding place.

44. Learn how to drive a car with a manual transmission

Stuck at the airport after your flight was canceled? You can get behind the wheel! True, you have to bang your head on the table if they only have mechanical gearboxes.

45. Before you travel, stock up on plastic bags

They come in handy for dirty clothes or shoes.

46. Learn to swim

You never know when you might need it!

47. Find out how much a taxi ride costs

Please bring your hotel address card with you. Ask the taxi driver to use the meter. Make sure he is a legal taxi driver.

48. Make sure your bank cards work

There is nothing more annoying during the holidays and weekends than phone calls to the bank.

49. Learn How To Take Decent Pictures

Don't come home with tons of Instagram selfies. Memories fade away, and it is quite possible that you want to remember the landscapes that surrounded you.

50. Take folders for travel documents and cards

This will prevent you from rummaging through the pockets of your bag when checking in at the airport.

Turkey is a great choice for your first overseas vacation. What you need to know before traveling to Turkey so that your trip will leave an extremely positive experience.

Beach vacation

Turkey is washed by four seas: Black, Mediterranean, Aegean and Marmara. There are wonderful resorts on all the coasts. But for the first time, it is recommended to go to the Antalya coast.

The Mediterranean resort has several advantages:

Antalya Airport, located 10 km from the city of the same name, receives direct flights from different cities of Russia.
The resort has a large selection of hotels, entertainment venues for every taste and budget. All hotels on the Antalya coast have Russian-speaking staff.
Price tags in stores, tariffs for services in beauty salons, dry cleaners, menus in cafes are in most cases translated into Russian.
The tourist and trade infrastructure is well developed here. Water parks, aquariums, amusement parks, shopping centers and much more are built for the guests of the resort.
A large number of attractions are located near Antalya. You can visit waterfalls, nature reserves, museums, ancient cities and much more.

Even a short vacation on the Antalya coast will leave a positive impression.

Resorts offer comfortable conditions for couples with children. Quiet bays, small hotels create an atmosphere of tranquility and comfort. The beaches of Ulash, Damlatash, Cleopatra with golden sand will appeal to both children and adults.

- a resort with fashionable hotels, golf courses. The coastline is conditionally divided into Central and Kadriye. Accommodation prices are above average, but service is also better. Elderly European couples prefer to stay here.

The resorts are suitable for families with children and young people. Family people prefer Kirish and Camyuva with few entertainment establishments.

Kemer is also great for active youth. You can jump with a parachute, go to the disco in the evening.

Is a universal resort. Families with children and young people come here. Plenty of entertainment - surfing, diving, sea excursions.

Excursion rest

Cognitive tourism is well developed in the country. For the first acquaintance, we recommend choosing Istanbul with its unique history.

Places worth visiting if you are going to visit Istanbul for the first time:

The Blue Mosque is a symbol of the city, erected at the beginning of the 17th century. NS.
Cathedral of St. Mary - a historical monument included in the UNESCO list.
Galata Tower is visible from almost all points of the center of Istanbul. Its height is 61 meters.
Rumelikhisar Fortress - a fort on the banks of the Bosphorus.
Istiklal street. The name translates as "independence".

If you have time and desire, you can buy a tour that includes visits to Istanbul, Troy and other famous cities.

When is the best time to go on vacation?

The choice of the month for travel depends on your financial situation and health.

People who cannot tolerate the heat should go in May, June or September, October. The weather and prices during this period are encouraging.
If you come from the end of June to August, you will be able to get a good tan, but in the high season - high prices.

But not everything is so simple, at any time of the year you can choose the best option.

They take standard tourist documents confirming the legal right to stay in a foreign country.

These include:

international passport;
air tickets in both directions;
insurance;
voucher / hotel reservation;
wardrobe for the season.

And, of course, a sum of money based on personal needs.

How tourists are met at the airport in Turkey

Upon arrival at the airport, passengers go through standard procedures:

passport control and baggage claim are well organized, do not take much time;
at the exit from the airport, tourists are met by a guide with a sign on which the name of the company specified in the voucher is indicated;
the representative of the company checks the name and surname according to the list, adds them to the new list of arrivals.

The Turkish hospitality business is targeted at different categories of citizens.

Service features:

Check-in time 12:00, check-in 14:00.
Upon arrival in advance (before 14:00), tourists check in their luggage in the luggage room at the hotel and can use the hotel's services: visit a restaurant, swim in the pool.
At the reception, in 90% of cases, there is a Russian-speaking staff who helps with accommodation.
After registration, the staff at the reception can leave the documents of those checking in for 2-3 hours to verify the data. These are normal standard security measures.
If the proposed number does not suit you, you can ask to provide another. To thank (tip) for the service rendered or not, vacationers decide for themselves.

Turks are a clean people. Cleaning is carried out daily and at the request of vacationers.

Meeting with a private guide

The day after arrival, a separate guide meets with the tourists. He briefly explains the basic rules and offers a variety of sightseeing tours.

As a rule, their cost is higher than that of local companies. You should not immediately accept the offer of the guide. Go to local travel agencies, find out the conditions and prices for tours from them.

What currency to take to Turkey. Currency exchange

The amount is calculated based on the number of family members, friends and their needs. It is better to take dollars to the country as the main currency. Before departure, it makes sense to exchange 100-200 dollars for lira to pay for small purchases, travel in transport. When exchanging currencies, exchangers pay attention to the last line on the board indicating the exchange rate.

Safe holiday rules in Turkey

Caution is never too much. To make it easier and faster to adapt to a new country, it is better to buy a tour for the first time. This will allow you not to waste time and energy on booking a hotel and air tickets, and insurance will give you confidence in a foreign country.

To make the trip go smoothly, you should use some tips:

valuables and large amounts are kept in a safe;
dollars, euros and other currencies are exchanged at exchange offices, and not at random people on the street;
while walking, shopping in the city they take a passport.
drinking alcoholic beverages on the street is strictly prohibited, for which a fine is imposed;
it is undesirable to photograph local residents without asking. In Turkey, there are institutions in the background or inside which it is forbidden to take selfies. Warning signs are posted in such places.
dress and behave modestly in public.

Communication with local

Turks are sociable, hospitable people. Cultural behavior, friendliness are welcome anywhere.

Subtleties of communication:

With a request in a city, a store, it is undesirable to address the opposite sex. A man refers to a Turkish man, a woman to a woman.
In case of denial or refusal, they say "hair" (no) or click their tongue. Turning the head to the left to the right is perceived as "I do not understand."
During the greeting, only men shake hands, they always serve the right one.
When addressing elders, it is customary to add “bey” or “hanym” to the name - lord and madam, respectively.

For the help, the service is thanked with a gesture, putting his hand to his chest.

Learn Turkish words and phrases

Travelers should learn a minimum set of phrases in Turkish.

This will help win over the locals.

hello - merabah;
goodbye - khoshcha kalyn;
thank you - teshekurederim;
please - lutfen;
Bon appetit - afiet olsun;
yes - evet;
no - hair;
where the toilet is a tuvalet nerede;
how much it costs - ne kadar.

At all the resorts favorite by the Slavs, they speak Russian well. As a last resort, you can use the Translator application on your phone.

What to watch out for on Turkish beaches

The resorts are very comfortable, time flies by on the beaches. Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to heatstroke and burns. They put on hats while in the water, water their heads more often or dip completely.

In the high season, the temperature rises to + 50 ° C. People with hypertension, cardiovascular diseases can hardly tolerate heat. To avoid health problems, it is not recommended to sunbathe from 11 to 16 hours.

Mobile communications and Internet for tourists

The state has a well-developed telecommunications system. There are 3 large mobile operators with excellent coverage: Turkcell, Vodafone, Turk Telecom. The choice of a provider depends solely on personal needs.

Of the three companies, Vodafone offers the most favorable terms for international and local calls and mobile internet. For 105 TL, a subscriber buys 300 minutes of local, 30 minutes of international and 30 GB of Internet. You can buy the card in the communication shops that are open at the resorts.

Shopping Success in Turkey: How to Make Good Shopping

The state is famous for its bazaars, where they sell almost everything - from food and clothing to outlandish souvenirs. The famous Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is open from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm daily, except Sundays and religious holidays. Shopping festivals are held annually from 1 to 31 July in the main shopping city of the country.

In the bazaars, in the absence of a price tag on the product, they are traded. The dispute about the price for the Turks is a whole art, they like to do it and willingly give in.

Those who are not fond of bazaars and bargaining can go shopping in the malls. The most widespread network is Migros, there are stores in Kemer, Antalya, Manavgat. In Antalya, vacationers with children can visit the TerraCity shopping center. Outlet centers are suitable for those wishing to buy clothes of famous brands at a low price.

What will surprise you for the first time in Turkey

The country has its own characteristics, for which you need to be prepared in advance:

There are many military control and inspection points. Numerous fences and gratings make it unpleasant. At the entrance of large supermarkets, metal detectors and security checks.
In all places of mass gathering of people, a sugary smell of perfume. Women and men generously spray deodorants on themselves, indoors, and vehicles.
Shouts of the servants of the mosque (azanchi, muezzin), calling Muslims to prayer. A pleasant but powerful voice is heard at five in the morning and several more times throughout the day. In the early days, chanting is very annoying.
Nervous taxi drivers. Turks do not like queues and wait, getting into a traffic jam loudly shouting and swearing. The situation was aggravated by the ban on smoking in taxis.
Persistent street barkers. They offer to buy things, beckon to a store or a small restaurant. You cannot give in to persuasion, in response you should nod and say: "Yaryn", which means "Tomorrow".

The country loves cats, even stray animals are clean and most with collars. They walk everywhere: on the territory of hotels, on the terraces of cafes.

For whom vacation in Turkey will be difficult

Resting in Turkey is comfortable at any time of the year. In summer, tourists are welcomed by warm sea beaches, in winter there are ski slopes, the off-season is suitable for excursions to ancient cities.

But there are no ideal places, the following categories of citizens should refuse to travel to the country:

Lovers of calm meditative rest. The peculiarities of the temperament of local residents make them "loud" and unnecessarily intrusive in the eyes of some travelers.
Citizens who do not like compatriots.
People smoke a lot in the republic, smells of tobacco are present everywhere. Those who cannot stand a specific aroma will find it difficult.

People who, for health reasons, cannot be in the sun can go on vacation in winter or autumn.

Conclusion

Turkey is a hospitable country. In any place, the owners, regardless of nationality, social status, are always glad to see culturally friendly guests who respect their home.

For the mass Russian tourist, Egypt, along with Turkey, has always remained one of the most popular resort destinations. Reasonable prices, year-round heat, stunningly beautiful sea with the richest underwater world - all this can compensate for any shortcomings of the tourist service, which, however, friendly Egyptians are trying to eradicate from year to year.

Most of the offers from travel agencies are directed to the two main resort centers of Egypt - Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh. Almost all major airlines regularly offer flights to these destinations. The capital of Egypt, Cairo, is also very popular.

Climate of Egypt

In Egyptian territory, the climate changes from subtropical in the north in the Mediterranean region to tropical as you move to the south. 96% of the territory is desert, active life is concentrated in the delta and on the banks of the Nile. In winter and spring, the temperature does not exceed 33-35 degrees, but strong winds often blow from the desert, sandstorms are not uncommon in such areas. On winter nights, temperatures can drop dramatically, so it's best to take at least some warm clothes with you. In summer, the temperature rises, and can reach 45 degrees in August, but the sea in summer is truly remarkably warm - up to 27-28 degrees. Although in winter its temperature does not drop below 21 degrees. The swimming season is open all year round. Even extreme heat is tolerated normally, as the climate in Egypt is very dry.

Egypt beaches

The shores of the Red Sea with sandy beaches are the real pride of Egypt. The best coastal resorts - Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Soma, Makadi Bay, Safaga, El Gouna are famous for their incredibly blue, as well as gentle and warm sea. The water in the Red Sea is very clean and salty (which is often suitable for tourists who come to restore their health). Not a single freshwater river flows into the Red Sea, which maintains its constant salinity at a very high level.

The beaches of Egypt always offer a wonderful opportunity to do water sports, scuba diving, and sailing. Every tourist will find entertainment for every taste.

The beginning of the journey. customs control

For citizens of the former CIS, an Egyptian visa, worth $ 25, is issued at the airport (a special stamp is glued to the passport). A visa for children with a passport is also paid.

Customs in Egypt have their own specific requirements. Corals and shells cannot be exported from Egypt. Foreign currency is imported without restrictions, for personal use it is allowed to import 250 grams of tobacco, a liter of alcohol or 50 cigars. You can take out 2 liters of alcohol purchased in duty-free shops.

Transport in Egypt

You can get around by local shuttle buses (£ 2 per person) or by taxi (depending on the distance of the route). It is advisable to agree in advance with the driver about the price and not deviate from the agreed amount. It is better not to rent a car, it is not very safe due to the low traffic culture in the country.

Safety regulations

As for the rules of conduct, they primarily concern beautiful ladies. Egypt is a Muslim country. Mini-skirts and open blouses will not be the best choice, although the Egyptians, in principle, are used to foreign tourists. It is not worth flirting with the locals, just as openly swearing with them and insulting them.

When swimming in the sea, it must be remembered that corals can injure an unwary tourist, and you can meet marine life on them, which should not be disturbed. Do not drink tap water in the hotel - it can cause severe stomach upset. Money and valuables must be kept in a safe. Theft, unfortunately, is quite common in Egypt. Currency exchange is best done at a bank. You can also do this at the hotel, but this is unlikely to be beneficial. After the exchange, it is important to check the received money. Dexterous Egyptian fraudsters sometimes substitute large bills for smaller ones, using similar-looking banknotes.

Types of local population

While traveling in Egypt, you may come across interesting types of locals. Surely during the excursions you will see extremely annoying Egyptians begging for "baksheesh". Most often these are children, but adults do not disdain begging. Offering a variety of services, from photography, to the services of a guide or guide, and in any case, the result will be the same - you will be asked to give the assistant "baksheesh" with a smile. If you do not want to part with your finances more often than you should, it is better to be on the alert. Also, an innocent tourist at every step will be awaited by local traders and “lovers of ride”. Often, traders will beckon to their shop, claiming that he will simply show the goods, and there is no need to buy anything. But rest assured, they are not going to let you out without buying. Therefore, if you do not need this or that product or service, be firm and do not respond to the pleas of the locals. Remember - tourists are one of the main ways of earning money for them.

Tipping in Egypt is also a different story. Be prepared to ask them of you for any, even insignificant service, and not giving a small reward is considered bad form. It is better to have a certain amount of small money with you, in local or foreign currency. It will be enough to give one or two Egyptian pounds, depending on the situation.

If you have any problems with the locals, there is a special tourist police in Egypt. These are people in black uniforms with a machine gun or a pistol. They can be found almost everywhere in resort towns. You can always turn to them for help. The mere mention of the tourist police often silences even the most lively local.

Egypt hotels

All of them are almost 100% all-inclusive. For comparison, there are much fewer such hotels in the resorts of Turkey and Greece. Typically, breakfast included and half board are offered there most often. It happens that a hotel in Egypt is located far from the village, but they all have a well-developed infrastructure. A large number of all kinds of services: restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, entertainment establishments are most often located right on the territory of the hotel. Many services are offered free of charge, but there are always those for which you have to pay extra. This should be clarified as you arrive at a particular hotel.

Payment systems in hotels may vary. Some use a magnetic card system that records the amount of paid services during the holiday, and some use a check system. Any receipts issued by the hotel staff must be kept with you and not thrown away until final check-out. Some services may be paid for in cash.

Check-out in all hotels is carried out at 12.00, check-in - at 14.00.

It is worth repeating about the safe for storing money and valuables. You should definitely use it and keep the code secret from strangers. It can be free or offered for a separate surcharge of $ 1-3.

Nutrition

In Egypt, you can choose for yourself: eat in a restaurant for tourists or in canteens and public catering for local residents. The choice of food in restaurant canteens is usually very varied, but it is better to give preference to dishes more familiar to a Russian person, without "exoticism." You cannot drink tap water, it is recommended to drink only water from tightly packed bottles. If you prefer local eateries, go for the more crowded. Locals will not go to a canteen where they do not cook well or wash dishes. It is not accepted to eat with the left hand in Egypt, this hand is considered "dirty, unclean." Bargaining should be moderate in local eateries, prices are low initially.

Purchases

If you want to buy souvenirs from the land of the pharaohs for yourself or your family, you will always be offered various figurines depicting gods, pictures from papyrus, figurines from alabaster, basalt or granite, hookah, perfumes from aromatic oils. The prices of the overwhelming number of stores are either approximate or far from the truth. Bargaining in stores should be "until you lose your pulse" - the price can be knocked down several times! Bargaining must be thoughtful, unhurried and not hesitant. Those who buy without bargaining are not highly respected in Egypt. After hearing the £ 300 price tag, feel free to suggest 10! The cost of the goods will be clear already in the bargaining process. It is also necessary to check the quality of goods on the spot. For example, stone figurines may not be stone at all, but made of painted plaster, on which it is easy to leave a white stripe. Aromatic oils should only be purchased from specialized factories. A visit to such a factory is often included in the tour price. The shops on the territory of the hotel most often buy these oils and dilute them. The quality of the papyrus also varies. Low-quality and short-lived factory stampings are sold cheap, at 1-3 pounds each, but high-quality papyrus prints will cost much more. They are easy to distinguish by their neat drawing technique and, if possible, be crumpled and rolled up without damaging them. You should check the hookah you bought; you often come across souvenir hookahs, the use of which is very difficult or impossible for the intended purpose.

Egypt landmarks

Egypt is a country with a rich and ancient culture. Millions of tourists come here every year to see the ancient pyramids, temples, museums of antiquities. Most of the attractions are concentrated in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. In Cairo, on the central Tahrir Square, there is the world famous Museum of Egyptian Culture, and if you are in the capital, be sure to visit it. If you are a student or schoolboy, having issued an ISIC international student card, you can save up to 50% of the ticket cost. In addition, you will have an additional international document in your hands, which can be useful in case of an emergency, for example, the loss of other identity documents or getting into the police. Also in Cairo, in the Giza district, there are the well-known Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Every tourist will be interested in seeing one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. You can get there by a local minibus, which can be found in the square (if you are traveling on your own).

You can go on excursions by ordering them from the guide of your travel agency, which you can always find at the hotel. But it is worth remembering that tourists traveling on an excursion with such a guide do not have the right to move between cities, since they are tied to a specific hotel! You can easily organize your trip on your own and get to the cities of interest from the bus station in Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh. However, you should always remember that unknown guides should not be trusted. Money and documents must be kept with you and monitored; it would be best to buy a special bag for them, which is hung around the neck.

In addition to Cairo, Luxor deserves special attention - a city in the south of Egypt, one of the most interesting for fans of Egyptian culture. This is one of the ancient capitals of Egypt, which was called Thebes. The city is divided by the Nile into eastern and western parts, the eastern one in ancient times was considered the city of the living, in which ordinary people lived, and the western one was the city of the dead, and there is also the Valley of the Kings, and the dead pharaohs were buried in it. On the eastern bank of the Nile there is an ancient temple of the sun god Amon-Ra, where hundreds of unique statues, columns and paintings have been preserved, whose age reaches 4.5 thousand years. On the west bank you can visit the tombs of the ancient pharaohs, the entrance ticket gives the right for 3 such visits. Also within Luxor, you can visit the perfectly preserved temple of the ancient queen of Egypt, Hatshepsut.

In the very south of the country, on the border with Sudan, there is the city of Aswan, famous primarily for its Abu Simbel temple. Also in Aswan, tourists are offered an unforgettable sailing boat trip along the Nile, excursions to local tombs, a cozy botanical garden, the Aga Khan mausoleum. Entrance fees to any of the temples do not exceed $ 4 per person.

The Egyptians themselves prefer to vacation in Alexandria on the Mediterranean in the summer, and in Aswan in winter.

Output

Egypt is not only an ancient country with a distinctive and mysterious culture, but, undoubtedly, the main "health resort" and a place of tourist pilgrimage for residents of the post-Soviet space. Be that as it may, this country is truly captivating. Despite the peculiarity of local customs, flaws in the tourist service and an unusually hot climate for a Soviet person, a visit to this country will bring a lot of unforgettable impressions, pleasure and reveal all facets of the exotic beauty of the East.