Tourist trips are getting shorter but more regular. How Russians and Americans travel, what is the difference

1. Traveling is expensive

Television managed to impose on the majority of Russians that traveling abroad is, in any case, a very expensive business. I saw with my own eyes a program where it was calmly stated that two weeks in Thailand would cost a person at least 3 thousand euros! A fiction passed off as the truth!

On the picture: Russians think that trip abroad- it is very expensive

From personal experience: you can travel with different budgets. Especially in Asia, especially in Thailand, where housing, transport and food can be easily found for any wallet - housing costs from $ 10 per day, food from $ 1 per serving, and domestic flights from $ 20. It all depends on your plans and requests. A normal Russian person can easily, without interfering with glamor, fashionableness and high cost.

2. On TV they say that it is dangerous abroad

In the photo: demonstration of the "reds" in Bangkok

Russian media are happy to scare people, abundantly showing falling buses, killer sharks, maniacs killing Russian tourists, angry demonstrators and other crap.

From personal experience : EVERYTHING is not going smoothly in the world, however, for safe travel abroad, it will be quite enough for Russians NOT to jump from balconies into pools, NOT to climb the barricades with a bottle, NOT to paint a mustache on portraits of a local king, etc. I personally was in Bangkok when on TV they showed “terrible street fights”. I don’t deny that in some areas the Thais arranged their own showdowns, but as a traveler I didn’t climb there, and even received bonuses from the situation - there were incredible discounts in Bangkok hotels at that time :)
Abroad, it is much more necessary to be afraid of a banal poisoning, a cold or a fracture. No more dangerous than at home, only the cost of treatment will be many times more expensive. Therefore, you should always take with you on a trip.

3. Locals always cheat Russian tourists

Pictured: sellers in Indonesia are happy to serve tourists

Russians are accustomed to constant deception in their homeland, so they tend to expect the same when traveling. It seems to them that everyone literally only thinks how to harm them.

From personal experience: Usually tourists are welcome everywhere, it is more profitable for local people to conduct honest business with tourists. Ironically, Russians abroad are mostly deceived by Russians. I often saw, for example, that the excursions offered by our tour operators are many times more expensive than those offered by the locals.
Stop being a gullible Tourist, become a thinking Traveler: prepare in advance for travel, study reviews of travelers, compare prices, learn to bargain in the markets - for this there is our “We Travel-Know” club, to help each other, - to always be in the know , join in Facebook or Vkontakte or classmates

4. Air travel and climate change are harmful to health

In the photo: real travelers are not afraid of anything

A favorite excuse for those who don't allow themselves to travel. For some reason, the Russians are convinced that air travel causes “fatal” pressure drops, and the humidity and heat immediately kill at the exit from the airport.

According to travelers' reviews: Russian people easily adapt to tropical and subtropical climates, it takes a day or two. The main thing is not to forget about sunscreen, drink more fluids and do not overdo it with tanning. In addition, you can always travel to countries with a similar climate to Europe or for example.

5. "There is complete unsanitary conditions!"

A persistent stereotype about “third world countries”. It is generally accepted that a Russian tourist immediately leaving the plane finds himself in sewers with bacteria, surrounded by crowds of unwashed natives ... Sheer stupidity.

From personal experience: the world is full of both dirty and so. Learn to choose the right routes, observe the rules of hygiene, drink bottled water and not get hung up on trash heaps and everything will be OK. In Asia, for example, there is a lot of delicious street food, and no one dies. So, abroad you just need to learn not to interfere with unsanitary conditions.

6. Unfamiliar food causes frustration

In the photo: street food, which tourists and locals

Russian tourists are always wary of exotic food, but they are always determined to try everything.

From traveler reviews: frustration results from sudden changes, thoughtless mixing of all kinds of food and unwashed hands. Do not pounce on everything unfamiliar at once, eat familiar dishes at first or in cafes adapted for tourists.

7. You cannot travel without knowledge of the language

In the photo: it is not necessary to know the language, you can explain yourself with gestures

Usually, Russians on trips speak mainly Russian. And they are a little surprised when the locals do not understand them. That is why ours are strongly “attached” to “their” tour operators, guides, etc.

From personal experience: it is better, of course, to learn at least a couple of dozen phrases, - English now they know almost everywhere. However, you can always explain yourself with gestures or, at worst, draw something or show pictures - this is quite enough for short trips. Well, in order for flights, for this now, you do not need a language at all - everything is done via the Internet, printed out and shown.
By the way, I recently learned about an interesting service - you can order unusual excursions from Russian-speaking people living abroad. More interesting than typical excursions, and those who are afraid to be abroad for the first time can be met at the airport and conducted, and show everything. Very comfortably. I talked about it.

8. It's easy to get lost and disappear

In the photo: a map and a guide always help out a traveler.

In most countries, locals simply will not let the lost Russian traveler go to waste, because for them it is both an attraction and a matter of honor. Use all kinds of paid and free maps, mobile navigators, special ones, always wear your hotel's business card in the local language, and you will never get lost. In addition, there are always specials abroad. travel agencies designed to support independent travelers.

9. Everyone steals from hotels

Russians abroad are initially determined to keep an eye on hotel personnel and their luggage. Our typical soviet stereotypes say that everything acquired by back-breaking labor will sooner or later be stolen by someone ...

From personal experience: for many years independent travel never encountered such a thing, even stopping in the most budget hotels where there are no safes. I admit that anything can happen, so basic safety rules must be followed. Book hotels either according to reviews of friends or on the Internet, or away from tourist places where the "packets" (those who travel on the tour) are settled. Don't carry a lot of cash with you - in all tourist cities there are ATMs, and in developed countries, cards are accepted almost everywhere. Do not forget to put your documents and valuables in the safe - most hotels, boarding houses and guesthouses have it.

10. They don't like Russians abroad

In the photo: foreigners don't like Russians?

Let me tell you a secret, when you travel, no one really cares if you are Russian or Honduran. Sometimes no one understands where this Russia is. You will be perceived abstractly, regardless of your “past” merit or status. This is what makes the trip pleasant. It all depends on your personal attitude, friendliness and sociability. Smile!

1. "Heads and Tails"

2. "The world inside out"

3. Alexander Kondrashov

4. Kasho Hasanov

5. "On our own"

6. Activer

7. "Tramps of the Dharma"

8. John and Eve

9.Dmitry Dmitriev

10. Maxim Zaselian

11. Present

12. Odyssey of Katya and Sergei

13. Travel "Big Suitcase"

14. Sergey Dolya

15. Sergey Nagorny - Travel and Life

The average duration of tourist trips in the world has been reduced to eight nights. The average cost per trip is $ 1,793. However, Russians prefer to stretch the pleasure and travel for an average of ten days.

Visa has presented another global study of travel preferences Visa Global Travel Intentions Study based on the results of 2017. The study analyzed international travel trends and preferences of more than 15 thousand people from 27 countries.

Main conclusions:

• Trips are getting shorter - an average of eight nights, two days less than in 2013.
• Most often, only one country is visited per trip.
• In travel, technologies are increasingly used (the Internet, navigators, mobile maps, search for travel companions, etc.).

The list of the most visited countries at the end of 2017 was topped by Japan, the USA and Australia. Japan has become a leader due to its popularity among tourists from the Asia-Pacific region. The inhabitants of this region love to travel and there are more of them than in other regions of the world. Therefore, these preferences determined the leader of the rating.

The study also revealed what is important for tourists from different regions. For example, Europeans want to enrich themselves culturally and hope for good weather... Americans need leisure and cultural events... For tourists from the Asia-Pacific region, it is important that the destination is easy to reach and familiar. Representatives of the Middle East and Africa are interested in outdoor activities and worried about the budget of the trip.

On average, tourists spend $ 1,793 per trip per person, and most take $ 778 in cash with them.

Tourists from Saudi Arabia($ 5333), Kuwait ($ 3143), PRC ($ 2988), Australia ($ 2745) and the United Arab Emirates ($ 2722).

The preferences of the Russians who took part in the study differ significantly from the world average. Thus, they travel 4.3 times a year (the world average is 2.5 trips a year). The average duration of one trip is ten days. This is longer than the global indicator, but less by one day than Russians spent on one trip in 2015.

At the same time, the average Russian traveler spends $ 1676 on one trip. Interestingly, in 2015, Russians spent significantly more - $ 2,730 per trip.

Most often, research participants from Russia visit Turkey, Thailand, Greece, Italy, Czech Republic and Germany.

91% of Russians use mobile devices to access the Internet abroad, which is more than the world average (88%), and significantly more than in Europe (78%). Interestingly, Russians use ATMs less often than Europeans on a trip (7% versus 17%), but withdraw more cash (on average $ 547 versus $ 346).

Visa predicts that over the next two years, people will travel more often, and the number of trips per year will increase from 2.5 to 2.7. They will also spend more - this indicator is expected to grow by 36.25%, to $ 2,443, and for Russians - by 5%.

Recently, the editor of an interesting site "Travels without Borders" (http://www.natasmirnova.ru/?p=631) Natalia Smirnova invited me to answer the questions of an interview that she would like to place in her virtual edition. I agreed with great pleasure, because, as you know, I really love traveling! I bring to your attention this material, perhaps it will also seem interesting to you.

- Hello Irina! Please introduce yourself, who are you in life and by profession?

My name is Irina Scarborough. My last husband's surname is Scottish today, although I live in America. In Ukraine and Russia, before moving to the United States, I was Zhigareva, Mansurova and Selezneva. All her life at home she worked in newspapers, although she was a philologist by education. In a word, I am a journalist for life. However, after marrying an American and moving to the States, I had to retrain here and look for another job. Russian-speaking reporters in South Texas, alas, turned out to be unclaimed. But I was not very upset, and, having made some effort, I received a certificate of a mid-level medical worker here, and for many years I have been working in this honorable and well-paid industry. But of course I continue to write. First, because I love this business. And secondly, I have many readers who love my first-hand travel stories and life in America. And I just can't leave them to their own devices. For them, dear ones, I created my own website and now we all travel together, both to the fashionable world resorts, and to the hinterlands of the same Mexico or the Wild West. So join our fun company.

- Have you ever lived abroad? If so, what unique experience have you gained abroad?

As you understand, I not only had to live abroad, but I continue to live in it. The most unique experience is the English I learned here. Now I can communicate with the people of almost all countries of the world. From material achievements - US citizenship, which has opened doors to almost all corners of the planet. As you know, Americans travel without visas everywhere except in a few countries, including ... Russia. And this is sad. Although you can always open a visa. And we're going to do it somehow. I, of course, at one time traveled to the territory of the USSR and the satellite countries ad libitum. But my husband is not, but really wants. So we decided to fill this unfair gap.

- How did your craving for travel begin?

Craving for travel, it seems to me, is our national trait. We the peoples Soviet Union have been behind the Iron Curtain for decades. And it is not surprising that as soon as it collapsed, we rushed en masse to move around the world. I noticed an interesting detail among Russian immigrants in America: as soon as they have an extra penny, they immediately go on a trip. Native Americans also travel a lot, but they are far from us. However, the world today is very fragile and restless, so people prefer to sit at home and relax nearby.

- What country was your last trip? How would you describe this country in one word?

My last trip was to Mexico. I have gone there 5 times in the last 10 years. This is very beautiful country with a distinctive culture and history, wonderful nature and good even for winter holiday climate, friendly and smiling people and original cuisine ... In a word, we can say that Mexico is a solid Fiesta. That is, an endless holiday, festival, carnival ...

- Could you destroy any well-known stereotype about one of the countries that you have visited?

Easy! Everyone knows America is a big village! But few people know that in this country unique nature... All can be found here natural areas from the desert to the mountains ... And the stunning canyons! After all, this is nowhere else in the world! I think rich nature, numerous parks and reserves, a well-developed tourism and entertainment industry also play a role in keeping Americans within their own country. Why are there countries - one state. For example, the same Texas in area is equal to six Holland. You can't go around in years.

- What is the most unique trait that characterizes Americans as a nation?

Americans are characterized by benevolence, readiness for positive contact, and a loyal attitude towards "foreigners".

- Which of the countries you have visited would you like to return and why?

I have been to many countries and there is not one that I would not like. But for some reason I miss Poland the most. Probably because she was my first abroad. I will definitely return there sometime.

- Which of the countries you have visited is the closest in mentality and temperament to Russia?

It seems to me that those close in mentality and temperament to Russia are the Czech Republic and Slovakia. But the closest ones, I say with full responsibility, are the Americans. I have lived here for over 10 years and I see how far they are from the stereotypes that apply to post-Soviet space... Just as far away as the statement that in Russia bears walk the streets. Believe it or not, the Americans are just as reckless, even "reckless" like us.

- What are the traditional features of the country, first of all, do you form your idea of ​​the country?

Of course, this is primarily culture, architecture, service. A significant role is played by how hospitable the people are and even what they feed you, that is, their cuisine. In my opinion, one of the most benevolent and hospitable nations in the world is the Mexicans.

- Irina, what do you think is the difference between a traveler and a person who has never traveled anywhere?

In principle, I do not think that people, in general, are very different from each other. You can be an intellectual, sitting in a taiga hut without getting out, or you can be a Fonvizin Mitrofanushka, endlessly cutting through the waters of the world's oceans on a snow-white liner. But travel certainly broadens one's horizons and teaches communication, which is very important in modern world... And it is also a great pleasure and joy.

- Thank you for your answers. What would you like to wish the readers of our club - "Travels without Borders"

Thank you very much too. It was very interesting for me to answer your questions and share my thoughts. I wish the readers of the club health and material well-being. As soon as it happens, then, I'm sure, they will immediately go on a journey. And happiness and amazing adventures will certainly find them there.

Each of us from time to time asks the question - where to spend a vacation, which country to choose for the next trip? The very word "travel" is very strongly associated with abroad, but not with Russia. We think about traveling around the world, around the planet, about traveling to Mars, but not about Russia ...

This is how our thinking is formed. In Soviet times, people thought differently - domestic tourists did not know foreign resorts, countries. All routes were the same and no one really complained - travel within the vast USSR ...

Was this correct and who was better off from these internal restrictions - the traveler or the state? - these questions were relevant for that time. The state provided affordable cheap vacation, and domestic resorts and sanatoriums were always full ...

For example, my grandfather is a teacher, traveled the floor of the "union", adored Caucasus mountains- he was everywhere he only had time to visit and all his travels were within the bounds of a huge country. Since 1991, the avid traveler has not been able to fly anywhere else ... I think now, he would rather sadly travel abroad in Russia. Cheaper.

Today, the limit of teachers' dreams is a vacation in Egypt or Turkey, because it is more accessible than domestic resorts. In addition, we - Russians have one feature - while resting in Sochi or in the Crimea, we are damn tired of each other, and therefore, choosing a foreign hotel from tour operators, we will certainly ask if there are many "ours" there ...

So why do most Russians strive to see the world, not wanting to take a closer look at the beauties of their country? Why since 1991 domestic tourism still cannot get stronger and offer the internal consumer something tempting and affordable. The very opportunity to relax is cheaper than in Egypt for the same teachers (who are not businessmen) and miners, for doctors and representatives of other professions, whose salaries, to put it mildly, are negligible - this opportunity would be a pleasant surprise ...

But today with the domestic tourism of Russia, everything is somehow sad. Instead of cheap and affordable tickets - resort taxes, which are about to take effect. Here is an excerpt from the domestic media:

So, the state took the path of developing the domestic tourism industry through the next collection of funds from the population. And instead of trying to lay routes outside the promoted "Golden Ring", instead of supporting domestic tourism, the state seems to deliberately alienate the domestic consumer from the vast expanses of our Motherland.

Today at the state. the most popular destinations, such as - Sochi, Crimea, Krasnodar. Other areas are more actively pursued by professional photographers, travelers and bloggers. It is they who propose to go on a trip across Russia, to those places that Rostourism has not even begun to develop and popularize. For example, the following directions are popular with bloggers: Yakutia, Kamchatka, Magadan, Altai, Novosibirsk, Teriberka, Irkutsk ... While Rostourism is only planning to actively promote travel to Baikal.

What does this all say? - About the fact that specialized types of tourism are very poorly developed in Russia - spiritual, extreme, ecotourism, photo tourism, ethnic, gastronomic, film tourism ... Why the Ministry Agriculture does not develop agritourism? Why agritourism flourishes in Italy, Israel, Australia and other countries where travelers tired of megacities are offered to become a farmer, fisherman or beekeeper for a week ... There are many ideas. And if you do not have your own ideas, there is nothing shameful to “lick off” (to learn from the experience) from those countries that have succeeded in this, and to implement in those regions where it will be in demand.

The main problems of the development of domestic tourism in Russia:

1. Poor development of provincial tourism

We live in an era when tired metropolitan residents are looking for bear corners for rest. A wooden house with a garden, a bathhouse and a place for a barbecue is much more attractive for them than a pretentious hotel with a conference room, lifts and a jacuzzi in the room. But the most picturesque Russian towns and villages are completely unprepared to receive guests. Meanwhile, even from the most ordinary village, it is possible, with an effort, to make an object attractive for travelers.

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