It’s freezing during winter on the most part of Russia, excluding the Southern regions near the Black Sea. What would locals prefer to do on holidays during this time of the year?
The ideal winter holiday for Russians
The All Russian Public Opinion Research Centre (WCIOM) asked locals what type of a holiday they would consider an ideal plan for the cold local winter.
Surprisingly, spending time at a warm country in a resort only came at #3 (21%) and not on the top. Russians are tough. They love their freezing winter weather.
- Skiing, sledging, and other winter sports took #1 position on the list. 32% of locals think this would be ideal to do it.
- 22% of respondents would love to learn something new, explore historical sights and places, go on an excursion.
- 21% would go to a tropical beach to warm up in the sun in a foreign country (Russia has no warm places to sunbake during winter months).
- The same share of respondents think that it would be idea to travel to see family and friends: 21%.
- Relaxing at home looks attractive enough for 19% of people.
- Fishing, hunting, and hiking have 18% of adepts among respondents.
- 14% of survey participants would love to go to theatres, museums or art galleries during their winter holidays.
- Going to the countryside home (dacha) appeals to 11% of participants.
- Attending organized events and street parties for the New Year’s Eve and Christmas would be the ideal choice for 8% of respondents.
Ideals vs. reality
It’s interesting to see what people imagine as ‘ideal’ vs. what they actually do.
- 21% would like to visit family, friends — 30% of respondents did.
- Winter sports: 24% of locals did it, although 32% said this would be ‘ideal’.
- 17% went to performances and parties, although only 8% said it would be ideal.
- About the same share of respondents mentioned theatres and concerts as the number of people who went to do it: 14%.
- The same story with the countryside houses (dacha): 11% want to spend time there, and 11% did spend time there.
- Beach vacations scored 21% of dreamers, but only 1% got to enjoy an overseas holiday, presumably in a warm country.
- Excursions and traveling to historical sights is popular as a dream (22%), but doesn’t seem to have support in reality.
So, here you have it.
- Russians say they want to do winter sports, and many of them do enjoy it, although a much smaller share than the ones who express the wish to do it.
- They go to organized events quite willingly, although don’t think it’s the ideal holiday pastime.
- Dachas, attending theatres and concerts, going to museums are the cornerstone of the Russian culture and people indeed engage in these activities, if they can.
But the best idea for a winter holiday with your Russian girlfriend would be indisputably a beach vacation in a warm country.
If you add exploring sights and excursions during this trip away, you will be the night in shining armour giving your beloved lady what she really wants!
Places like Tunisia, Egypt, Israel, and Thailand are very popular with Russian tourists during the cold season of November-March and your lady friend will certainly enjoy it, if you invite her to join you. This could be the vacation of the lifetime, if something special develops between you two. There is still a lot of time left this season, give it a go!
Data: WCIOM
Read also:
- Holidays in Russia: Which ones Russians love to celebrate?
- Tips to get the girl of your dreams for Valentine’s Day
- 84% of Russians consider themselves happy
- The keys to success in life, according to Russians
All these Russian winter activities look crazy for foreigners, who have never experienced real winter, that’s why it’s better not to invite your new foreign friends to visit Russia and have fun together in winter. They may think you’re mad as you’re willing to spend time outside, when it’s -20.