Where to celebrate the March holidays: Egypt or Turkey?

New opportunities for travel

Despite the ongoing restrictions on international travel, Russian citizens still have the opportunity to enjoy resorts in mid-March. However, it is important to consider that in some countries, despite the opening of borders, restrictions on the operation of restaurants and amusement parks may still be in place. Experts from an international real estateagency conducted an analysis of prices for week-long vacations in popular destinations such as Egypt, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Tanzania, the Maldives, and other countries that Russians can visit. They also provided information on places where self-isolation is required and countries that will not allow entry without proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Requirements for entry into open countries

To enter most open countries, it is necessary to passPCR test48 or 72 hours before departure. The prices for such testing in private clinics vary from2 to 3,500 rublesdepending on the region and the conditions of service provision. In addition, at Moscow airports (except Zhukovsky), it is possible to go throughexpress testfor 2,750 rubles; the results will be sent to your email within two hours.

Temperature and vacation conditions in Turkey

Meanwhile, the air temperature in Turkey in March reaches19 degreesand above, and some tourists even start swimming in the sea, where the water temperature can be just as comfortable as the air. The rental market in Turkey offers a wide variety of options.

• Elite villa with beach access -11,000 dollars a week.
• Spacious new villa with a pool in Yalikavak -27,000 dollars a week.
• A two-story villa with a garden and a pool in Kaş -4,500 dollars a week.
• A modern villa 500 meters from the beach -3,800 dollars.
• A classic villa with a pool and garden in Kalkan -11,900 dollars a week.
• New premium villa with a jacuzzi and a view -10,700 dollars(50 meters from the sea).

Air flights and entry rules

Regular flights on the Moscow-Antalya route are operated by several airlines, includingAeroflot,Victory,Ural Airlines,Pegasus Airlines,S7 AirlinesandTurkish AirlinesFor example, the cost of tickets for the flight from Moscow to Antalya from March 6 to March 14 is about17 thousand rublesconsidering the luggage.

Upon arrival in Turkey, Russians can avoid quarantine; however, they will need to provide a negative test.PCR test for COVID-19At the registration stage. These moments are crucial for proper travel planning to avoid unpleasant surprises. The opening of borders creates new opportunities for vacations, but it is important to prepare carefully for the trip and stay updated with current information.

General recommendations for wearing masks in Turkey

In Turkey, wearing masks is mandatory even outdoors. In Istanbul, this requirement is enforced very strictly: tourists may be reprimanded if their mask does not cover their nose properly. However, in popular resorts like Alanya and Antalya, local law enforcement is not as strict about enforcing mask-wearing among vacationers.

Accommodation prices

The prices for accommodation vary depending on the location and time. For example:

• You can rent a night in the historic center of Istanbul for an amount starting from1700 rubles.
• For a week's stay in a four-star hotel with breakfast in Antalya at the beginning of March, you will need from25 thousand rubles.
• Tourist packages, including flights from Moscow and comfortable accommodation with three meals a day, start from40 thousand rublesin a week.

It is important to note that during the quarantine, buffets will be prohibited in most hotels: due to strict sanitary regulations, guests are not allowed to serve themselves food.

The situation in the public catering sector

Currently, restaurants and cafes in Turkey are closed and only operate for takeout. The exception is establishments located within hotels that serve their guests. However, in Istanbul and Antalya, you can find places where owners invite guests to relax in cozy courtyards, hidden from prying eyes. You can order food for delivery through the app yemeksepeti — a local equivalent of the international delivery service.

Curfew and excursions

A curfew has been imposed in Turkey on weekends and during nighttime on weekdays, which prohibits local residents from leaving their homes without a serious necessity. However, tourists are not restricted in their movements. Hammams, massage parlors, and attractions such as amusement parks remain closed. Nevertheless, on weekends, travelers can take advantage of tours with accredited guides.

Obtaining the HES code

Here’s a helpful tip: before visiting shopping malls or using public transport, it is recommended to obtain an HES code — this is a "health code" that contains information about the places the traveler has been. To get it, you will need a Turkish SIM card, which can be obtained through hotel staff.

The situation in Egypt

In Egypt, comfortable weather begins in March, and the water temperature is around20 degrees...which allows for swimming, although one should consider the possibility of strong winds. The cost of a flight from Moscow to Hurghada with a long layover in Istanbul for a week is...March 6 to March 13starts from40 thousand rublesper person, and in Sharm El Sheikh - from43 thousand rublesOn the same dates. Please note that most flights to Egypt arrive at night.

Exciting news for travelers

There is good news: the Egyptian authorities have canceled the visa fee of25 dollarsfor entry through the airports of Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada untilApril 30, 2021In addition, the Russian authorities plan to launch flights to Cairo from several cities, such as:

• Astrakhan
• Yekaterinburg
• Irkutsk
• Makhachkala
• Mineral Waters
• Nizhny Novgorod
• Perm
• Khabarovsk

However, it is important to know that these flights are currently in the planning stage.

Requirements for COVID-19 testing

Before embarking on their journey, passengers over the age of six must provide a negative COVID-19 test. This test must be taken no more than three days before departure, and the results should be in English. It is important to note that upon arrival in the country, there is no requirement to undergo mandatory quarantine.

Housing prices

When it comes to housing prices, you can find affordable apartments with positive reviews that are located further from the beach, starting at 15,000 rubles per week. Staying in a five-star hotel on the beachfront with breakfast will cost around 30,000 rubles. If you prefer a hotel with three meals a day, the budget will be about 50,000 rubles, while an all-inclusive package will be approximately 70,000 rubles.

The situation with sanitary standards

Currently, the situation in the country is as follows: the use of masks is mandatory on public transport and in stores. Restaurants, cafes, and bars have restrictions on the number of visitors, and smoking rooms and buffets are prohibited. In hotels, dishes are served by waiters or chefs, and self-service is no longer in use. On weekdays, local dining establishments are open until half past eleven, while nightclubs and discos operate until two in the morning. Some hotels have restaurants and shops with round-the-clock service.

A trip to the United Arab Emirates

When it comes to traveling to the United Arab Emirates, it's worth noting that the time for relaxation may be less than you expect. In spring, Dubai is particularly attractive — the temperature is still moderate, but pleasant for swimming and sunbathing: the air warms up to 25 degrees Celsius. Direct flights from Moscow to Dubai are operated by Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, and Emirates, with a travel time of about five hours, and no visa is required for the trip.

Airfare prices

However, during the March holidays, the price for round-trip tickets will be at least 85,000 rubles, including luggage. A more budget-friendly option with a long layover in Istanbul could cost from 30,000 rubles for a return ticket for one person.

Introduction to the Real Estate Rental Market in the UAE

In the United Arab Emirates, renting real estate offers many attractive opportunities. Currently, there are 59 listings available, with prices starting at $10,200 per week. One of the most impressive options is a large townhouse with stunning sea views, located in an exclusive residence that provides access to a pool and direct beach access. This property is situated on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai and includes 6 bedrooms, making it perfect for accommodating large groups or families.

Seclusion and comfort

If you are looking for a secluded place to relax in comfort, you should consider renting a villa that has its own pool, garden, and private beach in one of the most prestigious areas. It covers an area of 550 square meters and consists of 4 bedrooms. The cost of such a villa can vary depending on the season and the relevance of the request. Classic villas with similar characteristics are also available, offering the same services, which will ensure you a stylish and comfortable vacation.

Modern housing options

For those who prefer a modern style, there is an option to rent a contemporary villa with a private beach on Palm Jumeirah. For $10,500 per week, you will get 4 bedrooms, accommodating up to 8 people. This is a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing getaway on the coast and all the benefits of living in an elite area.

Another interesting option is a modern penthouse with a pool and panoramic sea views, covering a total area of 560 square meters.

Tanzania: A Unique Tourist Destination

Tanzania stands out among other travel destinations due to its vibrant biodiversity and budget-friendly safari prices. This country attracts tourists with its warm ocean and the absence of strict requirements regarding negative COVID-19 test results.

Upon arrival in Tanzania, guests undergo a temperature check and are required to fill out certain forms. If any travelers show symptoms of illness, testing and self-isolation may be mandated.Testing pricesamounts to about 100 US dollars.

Requirements for health insurance

To travel to Tanzania, travelers will need to obtain medical insurance that covers cases related to COVID-19.The cost of insuranceIt starts at around 1,600 rubles per person.

Flights and accommodation

In the lead-up to the March holidays, you can find direct flights to Zanzibar, with prices exceeding 115,000 rubles for a round trip, while more economical options with layovers start at 82,000 rubles. You can spend a week in an apartment hotel in Jambiani for 40,000 rubles, including breakfast.

The best option would be to purchase a ready-made tour:

• Weekly vacation with breakfast included
• Flight to a cozy four-star hotel
• The cost starts from 140,000 rubles for two people.

Taking local customs into account

Don't forget to take local customs and traditions into account when planning your trip. Men are prohibited from being in public places with bare chests, while women are advised not to wear short skirts or shorts that do not cover the knees, as well as overly revealing tops that expose shoulders and stomachs. However, these rules do not apply to beaches and hotel areas, where tourists can wear more relaxed clothing.

Maldives: A popular but expensive destination

The Maldives is also a popular vacation destination, but the travel costs here are significantly higher. To enter the country, you need to take a PCR test and submit the results in a special form on the immigration service's website to create a "health declaration" no later than 24 hours before departure.

The test should be taken within 96 hours before departure; however, some airlines, such as Emirates, require that the result be obtained no earlier than 72 hours before the flight. After filling out the declaration, the traveler receives a QR code, which should be saved on their smartphone or printed for future use.

MaldivesThey offer excellent opportunities for relaxation even while adhering to all formalities, but due to their popularity, one should expect quite high prices for accommodation and services.

The popularity of the Maldives

The Maldives are becoming an increasingly popular vacation destination due to their incredible beauty and unique conditions. Currently, there are 21 villa rental options available on the website, allowing every tourist to choose the perfect option in this stunning archipelago.

Choice of villas in the Maldives

Among the available options, you might consider a two-story villa with a private pool, located right on the seashore of Baa Atoll. This villa covers an area of 971 square meters, includes four bedrooms, and is offered at a price of$25,600per week. This is a great choice for those looking for comfort and luxury.

In the mid-price segment, you will find a spacious villa with direct beach access and breathtaking panoramic ocean views. It has an area of 630 square meters and also includes four bedrooms. Renting this property will cost$12,500for a week. If you need a more secluded place, check out the villa in Gaafu Alif with a jacuzzi and pool, covering an area of 300 square meters. Its cost is$13,600for a week, and it includes two bedrooms.

Elite villa offers

For lovers of the highest quality rental options, a one-bedroom villa on Baa Atoll with a private beach access is also available, priced at$15,700in a week. There are also more luxurious options, such as a villa with a well-maintained garden and a pool within a complex that includes a spa and sports facilities. The total area of this villa is 975 square meters, and it has three bedrooms, with a rental price of$19,400per week.

You might also be interested in another elite villa with beach access, covering an area of 286 square meters, which features two bedrooms.$10,400per week. A cozy villa with access to the lagoon, covering an area of 100 square meters, will be suitable for small families or romantic couples, with a rental price of$15,000.

Budget options and coronavirus

Don't forget that for those who choose a more economical option of staying in guesthouses on local islands, a coronavirus test will be required before returning.

Prices for airline tickets and hotels

Regarding the prices for flights to the Maldives in March, they are quite high — starting from90,000 rublesfor a round-trip ticket for one person with transfers. Additionally, it is necessary to consider extra expenses for the transfer to the chosen island.

As for hotel and resort prices in the Maldives, costs start from200 dollarsovernight with meals. It is recommended to choose packages with three meals a day or an "all-inclusive" system, as paying for food at local restaurants can significantly increase expenses. For example, an overnight stay in a four-star hotel on a populated island can cost from40,000 rubles.

Factors to consider

It is also important to remember that some islands may have restrictions on alcohol consumption, and certain beaches are designated for sunbathing in bikinis.

Statistics on tourists in the Maldives

It is noteworthy that in December 2020, the number of Russian tourists visiting the Maldives significantly increased and surpassed the figures of December 2019 by approximately70%This has become a historic record in the field of Russian tourism in the Maldives.

Seychelles as an alternative

Now let's take a look at the Seychelles, which offer a more upscale vacation. In March, the weather here is wonderful, but vaccination certificates are required to visit the Seychelles. They are accepted only from individuals who have completed the full vaccination course and can be in English or with a certified translation. A negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure is also required.

Vaccination in Seychelles

By the beginning of February, approximately so many people have been successfully vaccinated in Seychelles.30%the population, and by mid-March it is planned to reach a level of75%This moment should be taken into account when planning your trip, and after vaccination, it is important to stay updated on the current entry rules for the islands.

Conclusion

Despite the existing restrictions and closed borders, Russians can still find ways to travel, allowing themselves weekends at warm resorts in March. However, it is important to keep in mind that sanitary measures and restrictions are still in place. In my opinion, proper preparation and knowledge of the current information about restrictions in different countries can make the vacation more comfortable and safe.

Turkey and Egypt: possible vacation destinations

As follows from the review,TurkeyandEgyptThey offer relative freedom of movement compared to other destinations. It's nice to see that in Turkey, the air temperature is already reaching 19 degrees, and the sea water is becoming warm enough, which is especially appealing to beachgoers.

Although many restaurants are closed, I can confidently say that even in such conditions, you can find nice spots to try local delicacies.

Prices and rental housing

Rental prices for housing in Turkey, as well as travel costs, remain quite reasonable, allowing for options to fit any budget. Travelers should keep in mind the need for a PCR test, but the presence of government measures to protect health provides more confidence when planning trips.

Restrictions and alternatives

The main restrictions, indeed, affect restaurants and entertainment venues. However, even the travel restrictions are not insurmountable:

• In every region, there are local "oases" where you can forget about your problems and simply enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.
• The opportunity to enjoy delicious takeout or savor the cuisine at hotels.

From what I can gather from this information, it is certainly possible to conclude thatdespite the difficultiesThe world is still ready to welcome tourists, offering a multitude of wonderful places to relax.

Preparation for the trip

Therefore, if you are planning a vacation in these countries, it's worth familiarizing yourself with the latest news in advance and preparing all the necessary documentation. Remember that your safety and health should always be a priority. Good luck with your travels!