Planning a Summer Vacation Is Never Easy for Siberians
Omsk travelers pick Turkey and Vietnam—but Uzbekistan is rising fast
Residents of Siberia face a perennial challenge when planning their summer getaways: they want warmth, affordability, and minimal travel time. But this year, global circumstances are reshaping their options.
Omskinform spoke with local travel agency leaders to find out where Omsk residents can fly for their holidays in 2024—and which destinations are currently in demand.
All-Inclusive and Warm Seas
For Omsk travelers, foreign vacations still mean one thing: all-inclusive resorts and warm seas. The market is seeing an intriguing shift in competition. Turkey remains the undisputed leader in bookings, prized for its reliable service and familiar comfort. Yet Vietnam is rapidly closing the gap.
"Turkey is still the most popular summer destination, no question—but Vietnam is catching up fast," says Tatiana Semikina, director of Pegas Touristik in Omsk. "These are the two top choices for the summer season."
History Is the New Trend
At the same time, experts note an emerging trend: Omsk residents are growing weary of beach-only vacations and increasingly turning to cultural tourism. Uzbekistan has appeared on the radar, though opinions among professionals are sharply divided.
Semikina sees enormous potential in the destination and highlights strong interest from Omsk travelers in organized cultural tours.
"Uzbekistan is generating a lot of buzz—we already have bookings," she explains. "We've even put together a group tour for May, covering Samarkand and Tashkent. Educational tours are gaining traction. Right now, alongside individual trips, group tours are becoming a major trend—everything's planned for you, no hassle."
Yelena Kashlenko, however, is skeptical about Uzbekistan's mass appeal for Omsk tourists. In her view, what they really want in summer is a seaside escape.
"Uzbekistan is a bit of a joke—it's overpriced, and there's no sea," she argues. "People from Omsk want to relax by warm water. In peak season—July and August—the question is: where do you even swim?"
An Alternative to Sochi
While international travel is relatively straightforward, those trying to plan a summer trip to Russia's southern resorts face a harsh reality. According to Kashlenko, the Sochi coastline can no longer guarantee a peaceful holiday.
Instead, she recommends considering Anapa—despite the logistical challenges.
"We can only offer the Anapa coastline for now," says the director of Mister Fogg. "We've been told the beaches will be fully restored with new sand after the environmental disaster, so they'll be open to visitors. The beaches can accommodate a large number of people. The only issue is that Anapa Airport isn't operational—it was used for heavy fighter jets for years. Flights are only landing in Gelendzhik and Krasnodar, but trains do run directly to Anapa."
Cheaper via Kazakhstan
For residents of Omsk looking for a warm seaside getaway but working with a tight budget—or those who missed out on direct flights—Kashlenko recommends a tried-and-true travel hack: flying through Astana.
According to her, these routes often cost a fraction of the price and sometimes offer more interesting destinations than flights from Russian cities.
"Astana is our eternal friend and helper," Kashlenko explains. "Hainan Airlines has great prices, solid conditions, and a wide selection of hotels. Sometimes the cost is half what you'd pay flying from Russia. Take Da Nang in Vietnam, for example—we fly there from Astana."
Even in a volatile market, experts advise Omsk travelers not to give up on a proper vacation. Options may be limited, but a suitable trip can still be found—if you know where to look.
Tour operators warn against waiting until the last minute, hoping for last-minute discounts on packages. Planning ahead and being open to new destinations can help secure a great getaway for any budget.
