Summer vacation in Ukraine has long lost the status of a simple seasonal entertainment, in the current realities it has become a way to stay afloat. When the country lives under the roar of sirens, people have learned to catch silence in small moments: sea air, the aroma of pine needles, morning coffee on the hotel terrace, where at least for a few hours you can’t hear the news. Fatigue becomes total, covering both those on the front lines and those holding the rear. The 2025 season opens under the sign of dangers that, until recently, were unthinkable in an ordinary beach holiday. Mined coasts, the lack of officially open beaches in many regions, changes in climatic and sanitary conditions, new safety regulations and air alarms even over water — all this is changing the very idea of recreation in nature. Are there places in Ukraine where you can really feel calm by the water? What should a vacationer consider when choosing a beach during wartime?
Prices for rest and challenges of the tourist season – 2025 in Ukraine
The season of suitcases and itineraries is slowly but surely approaching, so it’s time to plan where to go this summer to catch your breath. Traveling abroad, as before, remains a desirable but not always available option. On the other hand, domestic tourism in Ukraine keeps pace and even accelerates: infrastructure is expanding, new services are appearing, and old players are improving.
According to the last ones surveys the Styler project with reference to the Ribas Hotel Group press release, most Ukrainians choose to stay within the country. 85% are already planning a summer vacation in Ukraine. Almost 29% aimed to go abroad, despite the difficulty, and only a little more than 3% decided not to go anywhere this summer. As expected, the most popular destinations remain unchanged: the Carpathians confidently lead with more than 75% of tourist attention, Odesa has long been a traditional choice for almost half of Ukrainians. Lviv attracts with its atmosphere and coffee map, and the Kyiv region with its convenience and proximity. At the same time, Bukovel and Odesa are preparing for the next tourist load, which this year may increase by 7-13% thanks to active promotion and updated services.
Ukrainians continue to value the family format of recreation. Travel with family or children prevails, but individual tourism is gradually gaining momentum. Every tenth is considering the option to go alone without restrictions and plans. Regarding the budget, the situation varies depending on the region. In sea resorts, prices will increase by about a fifth, while in mountainous regions, in particular in Bukovel, on the contrary, some reduction of the average check is expected.
Those formats that combine rest and recovery are in the greatest demand: walks in nature, beaches, SPA, delicious local food. People are looking for comfort, but not at any price. The main requirements for housing are simple: comfortable conditions, reasonable cost and affordable location. However, these same criteria often become a barrier, because a high price or unacceptable service forces one to reevaluate plans.
For example, the holiday season in Odessa has already started rapidly. As soon as the thermometers passed the mark of comfortable heat, the Black Sea coast was again filled with voices and movement. Local residents and tourists are already sunbathing, some even dive into the still cool water. The embankment has come to life, summer terraces of cafes are open, bars are welcoming the first vacationers, restaurants promise traditional dishes and a view of the sunset. Children’s and sports grounds are already fully ready for the season. The beaches are also equipped: sunbeds are available, the atmosphere is relaxed, although not completely carefree.
However, the security problem, as always, remains tangible. There are practically no shelters on the beaches, sometimes they are just concrete cubes that can accommodate up to 15 people. At best, you can hide in the underground parking lots of nearby new buildings. People weigh the risks, but do not refuse a short vacation at sea. Shelling, in particular in the port area, did not become a critical factor for tourists. Odesa continues to receive guests. The price situation in the city is stable. Yes, a night in a 4-star hotel is worth about UAH 1,200–1,300, although there are more expensive options up to UAH 3,000. In 3-star hotels, the price starts from UAH 900, and hostels offer a place for UAH 400.
Apartments are almost incomparable in price — 750–1,600 UAH. Most facilities are equipped with generators, boilers and charging stations in case of possible power outages. Food in the city also remains within reasonable limits: a full lunch in a cafe costs 400-500 UAH per person, and in a dining room – 250-300 UAH. Coffee costs from 50 hryvnias. For those who are used to cooking on their own, the city has markets, supermarkets and convenience stores. And this means that you can significantly save money without losing the quality of your vacation.
In general, prices for summer vacations in Ukraine in 2025 show a noticeable increase compared to the previous year, which is due to several key factors. So, this summer, the average daily cost of staying in Carpathian hotels ranges from 875 to 2,000 hryvnias, depending on the level of comfort and location. Compared to 2024, prices have increased by 30-50%. For example, in Bukovel prices for accommodation in middle-class hotels increased from UAH 1,500–1,800 to UAH 2,500–2,700 per day. This growth is also observed in other regions, such as Yaremche, where accommodation prices vary from UAH 650 to UAH 3,250 per day, depending on the type of accommodation and level of service.
As you can see, the prices for vacations in Ukraine this summer are noticeably more expensive than last year, and there are several completely earthly reasons for this. Food, transport, even a cup of coffee have increased in price, and the tourism industry is no exception. Everything that forms the price of a hotel room or a place in an apartment now costs more. The increase in tariffs for electricity, water, heating and even garbage removal forces hoteliers to count every penny. The cost of comfort becomes more expensive together with utility bills, and the owners of tourist facilities transfer part of these costs to the shoulders of vacationers. Otherwise, the business simply won’t make it through the season.
To all this, unexpectedly active demand is added. Many Ukrainians decided to travel within the country this year. Some regions show relative stability, and this creates the impression of a certain security. So demand is growing, and with it, prices are growing. In the most popular locations, vacancies are becoming less and less, and hotels are quickly adapting to the new market.
Foreign vacation as therapy during the war
In 2025, foreign resorts will also become an attractive “escape point”. Popular destinations, surprisingly, remained familiar. Turkey stays at the top of demand not because it is the best in the world, but because it is stable. A visa is not required, planes fly regularly, hotels have been used to Ukrainians since peacetime. The prices here are relatively acceptable: for a week, the two of you will have to spend an average of 1,100–1,300 dl. If you want better service and a view from the window to the sea, the budget will have to be raised to 1,800–2,000 dl.
Egypt is a different story. The prices here are even more attractive: from 700 to 1100 dl per week for two. Everything looks good until you start googling the news about the situation in the region. While it is quiet in Sharm and Hurghada, there is still uncertainty. This is the case when in one hotel you can get relaxation, and in another – unexpected adventures that were not part of the vacation plan at all. And yet, Ukrainians take risks, because they want to escape somewhere to the sun and warmth.
While mass tourism is focused on the “classics”, new destinations are also quietly but surely gaining popularity. For example, Albania. Until recently, Ukrainians did not consider this country a serious tourist option, and now its beaches are gradually being filled with Slavic speakers. Prices here are much softer – apartments can be found for 30-40 euros per night, food is inexpensive, and the sea is clean. But, perhaps, the most important thing is that there is not yet such an influx of tourists here. For similar reasons, interest in Georgia is growing: mountain landscapes, the Black Sea coast, food that does not need any advertising. In addition, there is a very loyal attitude towards Ukrainians in the country. Here, a week will cost approximately 800-1200 dl, depending on the chosen level of comfort.
Montenegro remains attractive to those who want a bit of Europe, but without the hassle of visas. Prices here are higher than in Albania or Georgia. A week can drag on 1000-1300 euros, if you do not plan luxury. But the scenery, infrastructure and service will not disappoint.
But the real Europe, for example, Italy, Spain or France, is still a dream for the majority of Ukrainians. Not only because of the cost, which can easily exceed 2,000 USD, but also because of the visa requirements, which have not yet been simplified. This is an option for those who are ready to plan ahead, submit documents, wait, book in advance and not count every hryvnia for dinner.
In general, the modern Ukrainian tourist has become more practical and cautious. Not only the beach and food became important, but also the stability of the region, the quality of insurance, and the availability of medical care. For the first time, many pay attention to the conditions of evacuation in the event of an emergency, save copies of documents in the “cloud” and even write down the telephone numbers of embassies. But at the same time, the main thing did not disappear: the desire to go somewhere, to see another sky, another water, to feel alive without the shadow of war in my head. Even if it’s just for a week and you have to count every dollar.
Vacation in precautionary mode
In 2025, vacationing abroad remains a desirable but difficult decision for many Ukrainians. In the conditions of war, economic instability and general exhaustion, a trip to the sea is no longer perceived as something easy or carefree. Most of those who plan a vacation face internal tension. There is a feeling of guilt, doubts and attempts to explain to oneself why this is necessary at all. The demand for travel still persists. Turkey, Egypt, Albania and Georgia remain the most popular destinations. They are chosen because of convenience, familiar service and relatively affordable prices. But in parallel with these trips, many people constantly check the news from Ukraine. Even on the beach, people continue to live in the rhythm of anxiety, albeit at a distance. This creates a double effect. On the one hand, there is physical rest. On the other hand, mental fatigue remains. In such conditions, rest does not become a full-fledged reboot, because consciousness does not allow you to forget about reality at home.
Another important factor is security. In today’s realities, it has become a defining criterion for many tourists. People study in detail the situation in the regions where they plan to stay, look for countries where there are fewer risks, where the internal environment is more stable and there is a clear medical system. Related to this is the growing demand for insurance and clear travel planning. European destinations attract less. A trip to Italy or Spain requires a lot of expenses. The minimum budget per week should be from 2 thousand dollars. To this are added the costs of a visa, processing documents, and transportation. For many it is simply out of reach. And although Europe offers quality service, clean beaches and good logistics, most Ukrainians are looking for closer and cheaper options.
Increasingly, a pragmatic approach appears in the choice of rest. People stop chasing the “luxurious sea” and start looking for peace, security and silence. Instead of hotels with entertainment, they choose apartments or small hotels where there is less noise. Instead of loud resorts, there are more local and unpopular locations. This indicates a change in priorities. But despite everything, vacation remains a need. It is not an escape from reality, it is an attempt to regain strength. There is a war going on in Ukraine, and that is why many people want to have a few days without constant tension. People are tired, and tiredness accumulates. Under such conditions, rest cannot be perceived as some kind of whim or luxury. It’s just a way to save yourself.
As you can see, in 2025, Ukrainians learned to balance. They do not forget about the situation in the country, even when they go on vacation, take into account risks, count money, plan with a cool head. Vacation is no longer an easy decision, but it remains a necessary part of life, even in such difficult conditions.
