Demand is divided into two seasons: the beach peak falls in July–August, and the velvet season in the Mediterranean — in September and October, when the sea is still warm and package prices drop by about a quarter. In winter, people choose between Thailand, UAE and ski resorts.
What determines the cost of a holiday and when to buy
The price of a trip consists of the season, the destination and how early you started searching. Let's break down how to choose the time and not overpay for tours from Petropavlovsk.
High season and velvet season: the difference in budget
Peak demand raises prices by a third and more. In Turkey and Egypt it falls in July–August, in UAE — in November–March. The velvet season in the Mediterranean is September and October: the sea is still warm, the heat subsides, and the cost of packages drops by about a quarter. For a tourist from Kazakhstan, it is more profitable to look at the junction of seasons: late May, early June or mid-September. In these weeks the weather is comfortable, and last minute tours are found noticeably more often. The price difference between July and October for the same hotel can be twofold. Plan your trip so as to fall in the shoulder season if your dates are flexible.
Winter destinations and ski resorts
In winter, the choice splits into two scenarios: fly away to warmth or go skiing. For beach holidays, it is more logical to look at Thailand, UAE, the Maldives and Sri Lanka — there the dry season is in December–February. The ski resorts of the Alps and the Caucasus operate from December to March, the peak of skiing is January and February. Tour operators and agencies of Kazakhstan schedule more charter flights for winter, so it is worth looking for options already in autumn. Packages for New Year dates are snapped up first of all, and prices for them are the highest. If you want to save, take a ski tour for the second half of January. Warm destinations also become more expensive in February because of school holidays.
How to prepare for the trip in advance
Preparation begins long before departure and concerns not only the suitcase. Below is what is worth thinking through in advance.
What to pack for the road and how to prepare documents
Take basic medicines for colds, pain and stomach upset with you. Take medications you take constantly with a supply for the whole trip and with a prescription. Painkillers and plasters take up little space but help often. Sunscreen is needed even in winter on beach destinations. Assemble the first aid kit in advance, not on the day of departure.
Currency, cards and communication abroad
Take part of the amount in cash: cards of Kazakh banks are not accepted everywhere. Small notes will come in handy for taxis and tips, and exchange large ones gradually. Roaming at home turns out more expensive than a local SIM card or a pre-connected internet package. It is more convenient to set up communication before departure: upon arrival you will immediately stay in touch. Keep money in two places — it is safer that way. The exchange rate at the airport is usually worse than in the city, so exchange a minimum upon arrival.
How a flight with a connection in Almaty works
This adds travel time to the trip and requires a buffer between segments.
Time buffer between the domestic and international segment
Between the domestic flight and the international departure, allow a minimum of 3–4 hours. This time goes to collecting baggage, moving between terminals and re-check-in. Domestic flights across Kazakhstan are more conveniently booked in advance: the closer the date, the fewer connection options. If you fly on a single booking, in case of a delay of the first segment the connection will be rescheduled free of charge. With separate tickets, the risks lie with you. Take a morning domestic flight so as to catch the evening international one. That way you will have a buffer even with a small delay.
Baggage allowances and transit visas on the route
Baggage allowances for charter and regular flights differ, and this is worth clarifying before buying the tour. On a charter, the weight is often limited, and hand luggage is smaller in dimensions. The difference between flights in baggage weight reaches ten kilograms per person. If you are flying with a family, add up the allowance for everyone and distribute things in advance.
How to book a tour in advance and not overpay?
Early booking and a successful purchase date give different savings, and they should not be confused. Let's break down how this works.
Deadlines for submitting a request and rules for changing the date
The optimal deadline for submitting a tour request is two to three months before departure. In this window the choice of hotels and flights is maximal, and prices have not yet risen. Changing the date is usually possible, but the conditions depend on how close to departure you applied. The earlier the request is submitted, the more options there are to keep the money if plans change. Booking and payment for the tour proceed step by step: first the request, then confirmation, then payment. Clarify the conditions before paying.
Seasonality of the destination versus the purchase date
Seasonality affects the price more than the purchase date. It will not be possible to buy a tour online at the height of July to the Turkish coast cheaper than in May. But buying six months before high season gives a noticeable discount. Last minute tours from Petropavlovsk appear a few days before departure, but the choice there is narrow. Selecting a tour by parameters in advance is more profitable if a specific hotel and dates are important. Compare prices across several destinations before paying.
What is included in a package tour and how to choose a destination?
A package tour combines flight, accommodation and transfer into one price. Let's break down what the set of services consists of and where people fly most often.
Composition of the package and popular destinations for holidays
The standard package includes a flight ticket, hotel accommodation, airport transfer and medical insurance. Meals depend on the hotel: bed and breakfast, half board or all inclusive. Excursions and additional services are usually paid separately. Popular destinations for beach holidays among tourists from Kazakhstan are Turkey, Egypt, UAE and Thailand. Check what is included in the package tour before payment: the set of services differs among different operators. Compare the composition of the package, not just the final figure.
How to select a tour by parameters and buy online
It is more convenient to select a tour by parameters using filters: dates, budget, resort, hotel category. Package tours from Petropavlovsk are searched by the departure calendar, where you can see which dates are cheaper. You can buy a tour online around the clock, without visiting an office. Booking and payment of the tour proceed step by step: first the request, then confirmation, then payment. Prices for tours from Petropavlovsk depend on the season and how far in advance you book. Check the composition of the package before payment so as not to buy what you need on the spot.
Briefly
- The season determines most of the tour price more than the purchase date.
- Leave 3–4 hours between an internal and an international flight.
- Baggage allowances for charter and regular flights differ.
- Submit a tour request two to three months before departure.
- Filters by dates and budget help you select a tour online.
