Exploring the Surge in Off-Season Domestic Travel Among Russian Tourists in 2025

The Growing Trend of Off-Season Travel in Russia

In 2025, approximately 25% of domestic trips among Russian tourists occurred during spring and autumn, marking a significant rise of 4.5% compared to the previous year. This clearly indicates a shift towards exploring the country outside the traditional high seasons, reflecting evolving traveler preferences.

Short trips lasting two to three days have become especially popular, with travelers keen to change their surroundings, attend local cultural or sporting events, and discover new regions. Moreover, the depth of advance bookings has increased by roughly four days, averaging 17 days ahead, which suggests travelers are planning more thoughtfully to secure better accommodation deals and make their trips more predictable.

Off-Season Travel—Beyond Seasonal Curiosity

This rising interest in off-season travel isn’t just a passing fad but the outcome of deliberate efforts to make Russia a year-round tourism destination. Thanks to ongoing initiatives to improve infrastructure and promote lesser-known regions, visitors aren’t just sticking to traditional hotspots but exploring smaller towns with rich heritage and unique natural sites.

Top Off-Season Destinations and Regional Growth

The most visited locations during spring and autumn remain the usual favorites: Moscow and its surroundings, Saint Petersburg, Krasnodar Territory, Tatarstan, and Kaliningrad region. But what’s truly notable is the rapid increase in demand (ranging from 40% to 200%) in emerging tourist hubs like Crimea, Adygea, Karelia, and Tyumen. Small historical cities including Rybinsk, Rostov Veliky, Vyborg, and Kolomna are also attracting many visitors who prefer varied accommodation such as hotels, apartments, and glamping sites.

Accommodation Preferences and New Trends

Three-star hotels dominate the accommodation scene during the off-season, with average checks of about 4,200 rubles in spring and 5,000 rubles in autumn, offering affordable options for travelers. At the same time, a remarkable surge in glamping—luxury camping—has caught attention, growing by 75% in spring and 50% in autumn. This suggests a growing appetite for immersive, nature-based stays.

Benefits of Off-Season Travel for Tourists

Traveling during the off-season offers multiple advantages. Most trips are brief—about two to three days—a perfect duration for a quick recharge or a break from the routine. Longer trips tend to cluster around school holidays but are otherwise less common.

Prices are generally 10-20% lower than peak times, which means travelers can either save money or upgrade their choice of accommodation without stretching the budget. Off-season also reduces the tourist crush, fostering a more relaxed visit and the chance to engage with local events such as festivals, exhibitions, or sports competitions, simultaneously unveiling the character of destinations beyond their usual tourist image.

Why This Matters for Taxi and Transfer Services

The shift towards off-season travel also impacts how transportation services like taxis and transfers operate. With more travelers exploring smaller towns and new regions, demand for reliable transfer options outside peak seasons rises. Platforms like LocalsRide.com become invaluable by offering the option to book tailored transfers, allowing users to select exact vehicle types and drivers based on prior ratings and detailed information. This transparency ensures travelers find the right ride to meet their off-season travel needs comfortably and affordably.

The Future of Off-Season Travel

Experts expect the upward trend of off-season domestic tourism in Russia to continue in the coming years, driven by travelers’ desire for new experiences, budget-friendly options, and cultural events. As connectivity improves and diverse accommodation choices expand, the off-peak seasons will no longer be considered downtime but rather a prime time for authentic, comfortable travel.

Summary of Key Insights

Off-season domestic travel in Russia is gaining momentum, with one in four tourists preferring to journey during spring and autumn. This trend highlights a preference for shorter trips, early planning, diversified destinations, and a growing interest in non-traditional towns with rich cultural heritage.

The hospitality sector is adapting, with increasing demand for three-star hotels and rising popularity of glamping, offering travelers both comfort and unique experiences. Lower prices and less crowded attractions make the off-season increasingly attractive.

For those planning trips, especially transfers from airports or between cities, platforms like LocalsRide.com provide a user-friendly, transparent way to book exact vehicles tailored to traveler preferences, ensuring a seamless journey from start to finish. Whether it’s a compact car for a quick city trip or a spacious limousine for a group excursion, the choice is clear, convenient, and reliable.

Experience Matters Most—Choose Wisely

While reviews and feedback provide useful guidance, personal experience remains the best measure of a service’s quality. LocalsRide offers access to verified providers with licensed drivers and fair pricing, empowering travelers to make the most informed decisions and avoid unnecessary costs or surprises. The platform’s wide range of vehicle options and additional services—such as meet-and-greet or extra luggage handling—are designed to enhance convenience and fit every budget.

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This rise in off-season travel may seem locally focused but reflects a broader shift in travel patterns encouraging year-round tourism in diverse destinations. Although its global impact might be modest, it signals a dynamic change that LocalsRide monitors closely, ensuring travelers have access to dependable, personalized transportation services that keep pace with evolving trends. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with LocalsRide.