Top 5 tips for residents of Rostov region to save money on vacation
Most of the summer is behind us, but the vacation season is still in full swing. Travel, entertainment, and delicious food—all of these can become affordable pleasures with smart budget planning. Experts, together with the GigaChat neural network model, have compiled a top-5 list of ways for residents of the Rostov region to save money on vacation.
1. Choosing Budget-Friendly Accommodation
Often, major and resort cities in Russia offer a wide range of lodging options—from hotels and hostels to private homes and campgrounds. Analysts found that short-term apartment rentals in such cities are on average 60% cheaper than staying in a hotel. According to their data, the average cost of a one-day stay in a short-term rental during the summer is 5.3 thousand rubles, while a 3-star hotel costs 8.5 thousand rubles.
The biggest price difference is observed in Crimean resort cities like Yevpatoria and Yalta. In Yevpatoria, the average cost of a one-day stay in a 3-star hotel is nearly 162% higher than renting an apartment (12.1 thousand rubles vs. 4.6 thousand), while in Yalta, it is 161% higher (14.4 thousand rubles for a hotel vs. 5.5 thousand for a short-term rental).
In Kislovodsk, Zelenogradsk, Gelendzhik, Svetlogorsk, and Sochi, short-term rentals are almost twice as cost-effective. In these cities, hotels are more than 90% (or at least 5 thousand rubles) more expensive than rentals.
In major cities, short-term rentals are also more cost-effective than hotels. The largest price gaps were noted in Yekaterinburg, St. Petersburg, Vladivostok, Moscow, and Volgograd. In Rostov-on-Don, a one-day stay in a 3-star hotel costs 72% more than renting an apartment. The average price of a hotel room in Rostov is 6.9 thousand rubles, while renting an apartment costs nearly 3 thousand rubles less—around 4 thousand.
GigaChat added that renting a room in a private home or staying at a campground can further reduce accommodation costs.
2. Saving on Transportation
Getting around on vacation can be done in various ways: by bus, train, or personal car. Public transportation is significantly cheaper than using a personal vehicle, while taxis are a less cost-effective option, especially for long trips.
3. Finding Free Entertainment
For those who enjoy active recreation and sightseeing, Russia’s resort and major cities offer many affordable opportunities to enjoy nature and cultural heritage. Visiting parks, nature reserves, museums, landmarks, and beaches is often free or costs only a nominal fee.
For example, in the Rostov region, families can enjoy Loga Park, the Southern Bird Park “Malinki,” or the village of Merzhanovo. For those interested in ethnic culture, there’s Starocherkasskaya village and Starozolotovskiy khutor. History enthusiasts can explore Novocherkassk and its cathedral, Taganrog with its Chekhov-related sites, and the Azov Local History Museum. For those who prefer sunbathing and relaxing by the water, local beaches include the City Beach on the Left Bank of Rostov-on-Don, the Azov Sea (Pavlo-Ochakovskaya Spit, Beglitskaya Spit, Taganrog beaches), and the Long Canyon in Kamensky District.
4. Dining at Local Cafes and Cooking Your Own Meals
Food expenses during vacation can also be reduced. Instead of eating out daily at cafes and restaurants, experts recommend
Loga Park
Loga Park is a scenic public park located in the city of Pärnu, Estonia. Established in the early 20th century, it is known for its beautiful walking paths, lush greenery, and a historic bandstand that hosts concerts and events. The park serves as a popular recreational spot for both locals and visitors, blending natural beauty with cultural activities.
Southern Bird Park “Malinki”
Southern Bird Park “Malinki” is a nature reserve and bird sanctuary located in southern Poland, known for its diverse avian population and scenic landscapes. Established to protect local bird species and their habitats, the park offers walking trails and observation points for visitors to enjoy birdwatching. While specific historical details are limited, the park plays an important role in regional conservation efforts and environmental education.
Merzhanovo village
Merzhanovo is a small village in Russia, known for its historical significance as part of the country’s rural heritage. While not widely documented, it reflects traditional Russian village life, with possible ties to agricultural and local cultural practices. Its history is typical of many rural settlements in the region, shaped by centuries of farming and community traditions.
Starocherkasskaya village
Starocherkasskaya village, located in southern Russia, was the historic capital of the Don Cossacks from the 16th to the early 18th century. Known for its well-preserved Cossack architecture, the village features landmarks like the 17th-century Resurrection Cathedral and the ataman’s estate, reflecting its military and cultural heritage. It remains an important cultural site, offering insights into the traditions and history of the Don Cossacks.
Starozolotovskiy khutor
Starozolotovskiy khutor (Starozolotovsky farmstead) is a small rural settlement in Russia’s Rostov Oblast, historically tied to the Don Cossack region. It reflects traditional Cossack culture, with roots in agriculture and military service dating back to the 18th–19th centuries. Today, it preserves elements of local heritage, though it remains lesser-known compared to larger Cossack historical sites.
Novocherkassk cathedral
The Novocherkassk Cathedral, also known as the Ascension Cathedral, is a prominent Russian Orthodox church in Novocherkassk, Russia. Constructed between 1893 and 1905, it is one of the largest cathedrals in the country, designed in the Neo-Byzantine style. The cathedral serves as a major religious and historical landmark, housing the remains of Don Cossack leaders and surviving Soviet-era closures before being restored in the 1990s.
Taganrog Chekhov-related sites
Taganrog, a city in southern Russia, is the birthplace of renowned writer Anton Chekhov (1860–1904) and home to several sites linked to his life and works. Key landmarks include the Chekhov House Museum, where he was born, and the former boys’ school he attended, now a literary museum. These sites preserve his legacy and offer insights into his early influences in 19th-century Taganrog.
Azov Local History Museum
The Azov Local History Museum, located in Azov, Russia, is one of the oldest museums in the Rostov region, founded in 1917. It showcases the rich history of the area, including archaeological artifacts from ancient Greek colonies, medieval Tatar-Mongol rule, and Cossack heritage. The museum is particularly known for its collection of Golden Horde-era treasures and exhibits on Azov’s role as a key fortress in Russian history.
