Holidays in Belarus ... The recall of a colleague, relative or just a friend seemed so warm and enthusiastic that you are now ready to go to the station for tickets? In principle, everything is correct, this country cannot but please. She is actually full of mysteries, surprises and surprises.
Section 1. What awaits a tourist in this country
Belarus is a multinational country where cultures and traditions of many nations are intertwined and peacefully coexisted. This state in Eastern Europe has an ancient history and rich cultural heritage, which has been formed over many centuries.
The modern country is rapidly developing in all spheres and industries, including tourism, which is why summer holidays in Belarus recently began to find more and more fans both among local residents and among guests from abroad.
One cannot but note the fact that it has amazing opportunities for a pleasant pastime. Much here recalls such a close and distant Soviet past. The administrative buildings still have the symbolism of the USSR, and monuments to Lenin have also been preserved.
Beach vacations in Belarus can be combined with historical tours that will help to know the past and plunge into the painfully familiar world of the past.
The excursion program, as a rule, includes visits to ancient castles, churches and churches, trips to the theater and watching movies, a colorful show with fire.
But ecological tours will allow you to enjoy nature and feel all the charm of rural life. The most popular options include holidays in Belarus on the lakes.
Fans of outdoor activities will like hunting, fishing or kayaking.
Section 2. How to get to your destination
You can arrive in Belarus by air, rail and road. Aeroflot and Belavia airlines operate direct flights from Moscow to Minsk, the duration of which is 1 hour 20 minutes.
There are also regular flights from other regions of Russia, so if you have already planned a vacation in Belarus, the review of which you are so interested in, then there will definitely not be problems with transport from even the most remote corners.
The country has an international railway service. Every day, at least 15 trains run from the Belorussky railway station in the direction “Moscow - Minsk”. Travel time takes approximately 10 hours. The high-speed train Slavic Express will take you to the capital in 7 hours 22 minutes.
One of the budget transfer options is a bus ride. Bus communication is developed with many Russian regions and neighboring regions. The length of the route along the highway from Moscow to Minsk is 690 km, from St. Petersburg - 901 km.
You can get there by car. Of course, this type of transport is more suitable for those who have planned a vacation in Belarus with children. Border crossing passes through checkpoints. To drive vehicles, an international class driver's license is required. For major highways, there is a speed limit of 120 km per hour. All inscriptions on road signs are written in Cyrillic or Latin letters. Some highways are paid. Rates on such highways depend on the total weight of the vehicle and the number of axles.
Section 3. Visa and customs control
For Russian citizens and tourists from most CIS countries there is a visa-free regime. To enter the territory of Belarus, it is enough to show a general passport and fill out a customs declaration. By the way, it is worth paying attention that a vacation in Belarus with children requires special documents.
Import of foreign currency is not limited, but amounts of more than 10,000 US dollars in equivalent are subject to declaration. It is forbidden to transport dangerous objects and substances (weapons, drugs, ammunition, military equipment, radioactive and explosive substances, etc.). Import and export of animals and plants is allowed only with the special permission of phytosanitary and veterinary control.
There are restrictions on baggage and goods. It is allowed to carry up to 50 kg of luggage in the amount of not more than 1,500 euros. If the norms are exceeded, a fee of 30% of its value is paid, but not less than 2 euros for every extra kilogram.
An adult can import duty-free no more than 3 liters of alcoholic beverages (including beer). It is also permitted to carry 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco (or tobacco products with a total weight of up to 250 grams).
Section 4. Things to Remember for Tourists
If you are trying to organize a wonderful vacation in Belarus (the review of your friends needs to be supported by your own facts!), You should pay attention to some features.
The national currency of the state is the Belarusian ruble, which can only be purchased domestically. Banknotes in nominal value from 50 to 200 000 rubles are in circulation, metal coins are not used for settlements. Currency exchange is made at any banks and exchange points that are located in many shopping centers and hotels. Restaurants, supermarkets, hotels and holiday homes in Belarus accept cashless payments with Visa and MasterCard international credit cards. There are ATMs in all Belarusian cities.
Typically, bank branches work six days a week (except Sunday) from 9.00 to 18.00. Exchange offices at the train station and shops are open until midnight.
By the way, private holidays in Belarus are welcome, you can be sure of the quality of the services provided. However, tourists are strongly discouraged from changing foreign currencies outside of certified locations. This is prohibited by the legislation of Belarus, money can be withdrawn. Or you can run into scammers and lose all the cash. In this case, it will be pointless to contact the police, because you yourself have broken the law.
Regarding tips: they are optional, but welcome. Typically, a tip is approximately 10% of the total bill. Sometimes in hotels of the country up to 15% is included in the bill for accommodation, which is indicated by a separate amount. Holiday homes in Belarus, by the way, use exactly the same approach. If there is no separate line, then you can leave a tip to the maintenance staff at your discretion. Usually, hotel porters and porters are left with 1-2 dollars.
Section 5. Local transport
The main types of intercity transport in Belarus are railways and buses.
The route railway network within the country connects more than 2,000 settlements. Problems with getting to the destination, as a rule, do not arise, because without exception, all pensions, motels and recreation centers in Belarus provide their guests with a detailed scheme of movement.
The cheapest and fastest way to travel is by bus. However, the train ride is more comfortable and enjoyable. You can also go on a trip in the country in a rented car. The tracks are in good enough condition, and the rules of the road practically do not differ from the Russian ones.
By the way, if you plan to combine rest and treatment in Belarus with sightseeing of local attractions, it is worth paying attention to the fact that domestic flights in the country are limited and are very rare. Departures are carried out only to regional centers 1-2 times a week.
Section 6. What to see first
Holidays in Belarus (reviews and recommendations from relatives will not let you lie) is attractive due to the opportunity to visit natural national parks.
In the north-west of the country is the reserve "Braslav Lakes", the pride of which, in fact, are the lakes themselves, which were formed during the ice age. They are all connected by ducts, each of them is unique and beautiful. In clear transparent waters, many fish live. Birds and animals of rare species live in this corner of nature. Not far from the park is the ancient city of Braslav. Holidays in Belarus with children spent in this place will certainly be remembered for a long time in both young and adult travelers.
The famous Belovezhskaya Pushcha with relict forest has the status of a biosphere park and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The oldest centenarians of this region are century-old giant trees that have been living for 600 years. It is here that rare representatives of flora and fauna have been preserved. Bison are found in the forest, which you can hardly find in other places of the planet. The most popular holiday homes in Belarus are located directly in this area.
In the north of the state is the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve. Dense coniferous forests with a fluffy carpet of moss stretch for miles, clean lakes give way to swamps, and the air is filled with the scent of tar. In the west, the Berezina River flows , giving the name of the reserve. Many species of animals and plants are listed in the Red Book. Bears, bison, beavers live here. The natural complex is of great importance not only for the country, but for the whole of Europe.
On the territory of Polesye (along the Pripyat River) , the Pripyatsky National Park was formed. The relief of this area was formed due to constant floods, it is represented by swamps, lakes, meadows and floodplain forests. In addition to the picturesque nature, architectural monuments of the 9th-12th centuries of the Principality of Turov are preserved here.
Section 7. Rest in the lap of nature
Today, the country attracts tourists from many parts of the world with its pristine nature. That is why, for example, rest in Belarus on the lakes should be planned in advance, because at the last moment, places at camp sites, in boarding houses and sanatoriums may simply not be.
Ecological tourism is especially popular. Wellness treatments can be combined with sightseeing excursions and visits to theaters, museums and art galleries.
It is possible to get acquainted with national cuisine in restaurants and cafes, where all dishes are prepared from environmentally friendly products.
Each season is interesting in its own way. Summer vacations offer mushroom and berry trips, boating and catamarans, swimming and sunbathing. And the ski centers welcome their guests in the winter.
The fast pace is the development of active recreation:
- cycling, horseback riding and hiking;
- ski slopes and snowboarding;
- hunting for game (wild boars, deer, hares, quail, partridges and deer);
- fishing (eel, perch, roach, catfish and pike), etc.
More and more vacationers prefer rest in Belarus in the private sector, as they say, in the lap of nature.
Section 8. Features of treatment in the country
Belarusian medicine is considered one of the best among the countries of the former Union, it has promising development. Increased interest is caused by health resorts of Belarus. Holidays with children are recommended here both by local and foreign experts. All year round, doctors carry out health-improving procedures that help restore health and get rid of many diseases.
It should be noted that after the collapse of the USSR, all pensions were preserved and restored. Among the most famous are Belaya Rus, Belorusochka, Nalibokskaya Pushcha, and Silver Keys. To date, wellness centers are equipped with modern equipment and a medical and diagnostic base. Qualified specialists undergo internships in the best medical clinics in the world.
In addition to traditional methods of treatment, phytotherapy, hirudotherapy, acupuncture and other latest methods of healing the human body are used. Due to the unique climatic conditions, rest in Belarus in a boarding house does not require special acclimatization and contributes to a speedy recovery. For treatment, mineral springs and sapropelic mud, healing air are used. Various SPA procedures are actively carried out.
All health resorts of Belarus are built in natural areas - on the banks of lakes and rivers, in coniferous forests or protected protected areas. The country of lakes has preserved unique flora and fauna. Many representatives of the animal and plant world are protected. Regardless of the time of year, you can visit the famous Belovezhskaya Pushcha and Polesie.
All this is an unsurpassed advantage of a holiday in Belarus.
Section 9. Resting with the baby
In general, Belarus is an ideal place for traveling with the whole family or with a child. Here you can be calm for the safety of the crumbs.
It is possible to send the child to specialized sanatoriums with various medical profiles (Kachye, Rainbow, Romance, Chenki, Youth). A rich excursion program will allow you to get acquainted with historical monuments, visit ancient castles, museums and theaters. There are tons of possibilities. For example, you can go to a ski resort or spend time in a guest house by the lake.
Winter holidays in the company of the real Santa Claus in Belovezhskaya Pushcha will remain in children's memory for many years. The child will spend a whole week in the residence of his beloved character and his granddaughter. He is waiting for contests and games, horseback riding, sleigh rides and other entertainments.
All recreation centers are located in picturesque places on the lake or in the forest. Clean air, stunning nature and friendly staff will help you escape from the bustle of the city and enjoy the silence, which will undoubtedly benefit the whole family.
Holidays in Belarus ... Braslav Lakes, Pripyat National Park, Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve - these places need to be visited first of all, going on vacation with the whole family. Thus, you can teach your child to love and take care of wildlife.
Section 10. Rest on the lakes of Belarus
Belarusian lakes of glacial origin are the real pride of the country. Sorochansky and Braslavsky lakes are considered the most beautiful reservoirs.
The first ones are attractive for lovers of canyons, forests and landscapes. The reserve has five cleanest water bodies: Tumskoye, Edi, Sparrow, Gubeza and Kaymenskoye. In Lakes Gubeza and Edi, water transparency reaches 4 meters. Moving through the waters of these lakes is permitted only by special water transport. Motor boats are strictly prohibited.
The structure of Braslav lakes includes 50 reservoirs. Among them stand out Tsno, Nedrovo, Voiso, Potsekh, Boloyso, Drivyat, Strusto. Resting houses, children's camps and camp sites, piers for boats and yachts were built on the banks. Belorussia can provide pastimes for every taste: rest with a pool, a weekend with a tent, cheaper and more expensive - the choice is really huge.
Almost all sanatoriums, camp sites and luxury hotels are located on the banks of water bodies, which means that you can enjoy the scenery from the window of your room.
Sailing competitions are often held here. A large number of spectators are going to such regattas. In these places more than 30 species of fish are found, including zander, pike, burbot and eel.
Not far from Lake Naroch is the famous tourist base "Blue Lakes". On the shore of a unique reservoir there is a resort village of the same name with rest houses, pensions and health resorts. Residents of Belarus, the CIS countries and foreign countries come here. This is one of the best holiday destinations in the country. Each health resort has its own private beach, where you can rent a catamaran, boat or boat.
Section 11. Rental of cottages in Belarus
For relaxation in Belarus, you can rent a cottage in the countryside. This has an advantage - for a fee, not a room is rented, but a whole comfortable house with a garden and a pool. Most often, such cottages are rented by business people for corporate events, negotiations or conferences. But ordinary tourists who prefer comfort also choose this option for a vacation.
You can rent a separate house or an entire estate in any part of the country. The choice is quite wide and varied, it all depends on the preferences of the tourist. Someone chooses a cottage on the shore of a lake or river, someone seeks to leave away from urban civilization. The cost of renting a vacation home varies depending on location, capacity and tourist season.
The price of houses in the area of ski resorts increases in the winter. In the period from spring to mid-autumn, estates rise in picturesque resort places: in the forest, on the banks of a river or lake, etc. Typically, cottages on average accommodate a company from 10 to 20 people. The rental price per day ranges from 200-300 euros (when calculating per person - from 10 euros). At the same time, for such money, a swimming pool, a bathhouse or a sauna, private parking, a separate exit to the lake, and much more are available. This is a very good offer if you plan to relax in company with friends.
Section 12. Rest in Belarus in the winter
Due to climatic factors in Belarus there are no cold winds and severe frosts. Winters are snowy and mild; January temperatures average 6 degrees below zero. In the last decade, the country has been popular with lovers of skiing and snowboarding.
There are no mountain peaks in Belarus, but there are slopes and hills ideal for skiing. Two large ski resorts were opened - Silichi and Logoisk. Each of them has modern routes and has a developed infrastructure, which is not inferior to the famous European resorts.
These ski centers are very popular among Russian tourists. And the advantages of such a winter holiday are obvious:
- the road to Belarus takes little time;
- lack of a visa regime;
- reasonable prices for holidays;
- ski slopes of the European level;
- excellent weather conditions.
It offers ski slopes, ski lifts, an extreme park, an ice rink and a gym, restaurants and cafes, equipment rental, etc.
Other ski centers also operate in the Minsk, Vitebsk and Gomel regions: "Yakut Mountains", "Mozyr", "Raubichi". And in the urban area of the Belarusian capital on the shore of the reservoir is located the complex "Solar Valley".
The influx of tourists in sanatoriums and rest homes is observed on New Year's holidays. Each guesthouse offers its own entertainment program and a number of different services (including wellness treatments). Most often, the duration of the tours is up to 10 days. The program includes sightseeing trips to famous Belarusian cities (Minsk, Grodno, Brest, Gomel), sightseeing, horseback riding and horseback riding lessons, ice skating and skiing.
During traditional holidays, resorts host entertainment events. Especially fun here is the New Year, Valentine's Day and Shrovetide.