For Russians, vacations aren’t what they used to be. But they still have options

Western Europe used to be the destination of choice for Russians.

Things have not been the same in the past.

Max, a Russian in his 40s, used to visit museums in France, eat fine cuisine in Italy, and hike the hills of Spain.

Russia invadedUkraine. Europe was not considered as a vacation destination by Max this year.

Obtaining visas to European countries can be difficult.

The travel agreement with Moscow was suspended last week by the European Union. It will be more difficult for Russians to travel to the bloc.

In the future, when Putin leaves and we become a normal country again, I hope that I will be able to visit Europe again.

In February, the EU airspace to Russian airlines was closed.

Max said that he is against the war and Putin but he also experiences travel difficulties.

When Putin leaves, I hope that I can visit Europe again. I adore Italy a lot.

Max was one of many Russians who traveled to other countries this summer.

According to data from ForwardKeys, Italy, Spain, Cyprus and Greece were among the top destinations booked by Russian travelers before the war began.

EU countries like Italy, Spain, Cyprus and Greece were among the top 20 destinations most booked by Russian travelers before the war’s outbreak, according to ForwardKeys data.

Russian air travel to Europe over the summer was only 26% of what it was in the year before.

Direct flights to many popular destinations have been banned as a result of Russia's invasion ofUkraine. It is still possible for Russians to visit Europe, but they have to change their flights.

Several leisure destinations saw an increase in Russian visitors during the summer months of June, July and August.

1. Maldives (5% jump)
2. Seychelles (4%)
3. Turkey (4%)
4. United Arab Emirates (2%)

Before the war, a lot of those countries were popular with Russians. Turkey was the top destination for Russian tourists in 2019.

According to analysts from the EIU, wealthy Russians can easily get tourist visas to stay up to 90 days in theMaldives.

Russian tourist arrivals to Europe decreased during the summer, but rose in the Maldives, a favorite vacation spot for the country’s wealthy citizens.

Mario Bikarski and Federica Reccia of the EIU told CNBC that a more favorable exchange rate in Turkey may have boosted travel numbers there. The Turkish lira is close to a record low of 18.23 against the dollar.

Russians may not be able to travel as much. In addition to the EU suspending its preferential visa agreement with Moscow, Bikarski and Reccia said that economic problems could make Russians hesitant to travel.

The war is expected to affect Russians' propensity to travel.