Russia: Vacationing Survey · Global Voices
Veronica Khokhlova

Russian-language LJ community eco_altai is a place for fans of ecotourism in the Russian Altai Republic to meet and share impressions and beautiful pictures.
Right now, an interesting survey (RUS) is being conducted there: on vacationing in the Russian Federation.
Only a few dozen bloggers have answered the survey's eight questions so far, but it's currently in the top 10 of the Yandex Blogs ranking, so the number of respondents is likely to grow.
Here's what some of the results look like now:
Question #1: “What's your attitude toward vacationing in Russia?”
32 bloggers think positively of it – but “without fanaticism;” eight bloggers do not care and choose their destination depending on the circumstances; seven bloggers say “it can't be better;” two bloggers would never spend their vacation in Russia and always prefer to travel abroad; and one blogger (LJ user jan-kiepura) vacations in Russia only – “on principle.”
Question #2: “How/where do you spend your vacations in Russia?”
26 bloggers prefer “active rest” – unprofessional camping, skiing, etc.; 20 bloggers go to the countryside – or their dachas; 18 bloggers don't like to venture far away from home and prefer barbeques with friends; 11 bloggers travel to resort areas; and one blogger (LJ user yasheruga) goes on pilgrimage.
Question #3: “Where do you usually vacation in Russia?”
The most popular vacation destination happens to be the Black Sea – including Crimea, which is a Ukrainian territory (23 bloggers report going there); 20 bloggers tour Russia's big cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, etc.); 18 bloggers visit Russia's ancient towns; 13 bloggers go to Karelia; 12 bloggers venture further north; 10 bloggers prefer Altai; and the Ural and the Caucasus each gets seven Russian LJ visitors.
Question #4: “What do you LIKE about vacationing in Russia?”
29 bloggers like the nature's beauty and diversity; 24 bloggers enjoy places that haven't been touched by civilization; as many choose Russia because it means visa-free travel for them; for 17 bloggers it's a way to learn more about their country; low prices appeal to 12 bloggers; six bloggers combine vacations with visits to see friends and relatives living elsewhere; and none of the respondents mention service as their reason for vacationing in Russia.
Question #5: “What do you DISLIKE about vacationing in Russia?”
Bad service (“something's always wrong with the way the trip is organized, the driver's rude, the toilet's leaking, etc.”) is the major drawback for 23 bloggers; 21 bloggers dislike the roads and the infrastructure; 20 bloggers feel sad about the amount of trash; 14 bloggers worry about their safety; 13 bloggers are tired of their compatriots (who “constantly demand to have a drink with them”); ten bloggers feel that all the problems are insignificant; two bloggers want more “exotica” (“palm trees, kangaroos, serfing, etc.”); one blogger (LJ user simeon75) likes it all.