Popular Travel Telegram Channels in Russia

In 2024, Telegram ranks third in popularity worldwide, behind WhatsApp and Snapchat. In Russia, it ranks first among social platforms and covers 78.3% of internet users.

Telegram allows users to exchange text messages, audio and video recordings, and create channels where they can conduct polls to receive feedback from subscribers. Thanks to this, the platform has become a convenient space for travel content. Here, users publish route selections, trip reviews, share last-minute tours, and offer booking advice. This fuels interest in travel planning directly on social media and stimulates the growth of online bookings. As a result, more than 9.4% of all travel expenses are now accounted for by the purchase of package tours via the Internet.

Telegram's architecture differs from other platforms, with one of its peculiarities being the lack of organic content distribution and a smart feed, which are available on platforms such as Instagram*, Facebook**, and Vkontakte. This absence eliminates activities from random users, slightly complicating the promotion of channels and advertising campaigns. Each piece of content created must clearly align with the interests of the audience. Simultaneously, the probability of attracting a suitable user remains high. There is also the possibility of native advertising integrations in author channels. The latter format is especially popular in the travel segment, as subscribers trust the personal experiences of bloggers.

How to promote yourself on Telegram: platform features

Telegram does not have a smart feed like Instagram, Facebook, and VKontakte. This means that content is not distributed organically, and each post is only seen by channel subscribers.

This complicates promotion but makes the audience more loyal: people read content consciously and actively respond to bloggers' recommendations. Successful Telegram channels have high post reach (30% or more of the number of subscribers), which is more important than the total number of subscribers when planning advertising integrations.

What advertising formats work on Telegram?

1. Posts with integration are the most native and effective format. It is recommended to choose bloggers with a high average post reach, as this shows the real activity of the audience.

   Native post about the Premium Sea View Suite at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel on influencer Evgenia Sitnikova's channel

2. Telegram Ads – paid advertising in the feed, works for large audiences.
   

   Advertisement (Telegram Ads) in the TRAVEL_LERKA channel feed

3. Promo codes and referral links help measure advertising effectiveness.

   Advertising post with a promo code on the channel “Tourist Notes”

4. Collaborations with YouTube and TikTok – many travel bloggers use Telegram as an additional platform.

   Announcement of a YouTube video about travel on the influencer channel “Krugosvetchiki”

Top-10 Telegram Travel Bloggers in Russia

We have selected the best Telegram channels of Russian travel bloggers, taking into account not only the number of subscribers, but also the level of engagement with the posts published.

“Travel with Taste”

The Telegram channel “Travel with Taste” by popular travel influencer Evgenia Sitnikova has 277,000 subscribers, 48% of whom actively engage with the content. On Instagram, 1.5 million people follow her travels. Evgenia talks about family tourism, gastronomy, and comfort when traveling with children. She has visited Italy, Spain, Turkey, and Egypt, where she explored the local cuisine, family resorts, and festivals. She has also been to Japan, France, the UAE, Thailand, and the Maldives. Evgenia stayed in hotels, got acquainted with traditional cuisine, and explored the cultural features of each country.

Brands choose her to promote travel agencies, hotels, airlines, and restaurants because her audience trusts her experience and makes decisions based on her recommendations. Thanks to the family format, the audience sees her recommendations as real-life experience, and her advice helps subscribers choose destinations and plan their trips.

Svoimxodom

Vitalik and Liza's channel Svoimxodom has secured second place in the ratings with 101,141 subscribers, 62% of whom actively engage with their content.

Lisa and Vitalik are seasoned bloggers from St. Petersburg, with extensive travel experience spanning over 80 countries. Their posts cover a range of independent and budget travel topics, including motorcycle and bicycle trips, hiking, and cruises. They also offer real-time updates on their adventures and even organize trips with their subscribers. The bloggers use their Telegram channel to promote their YouTube videos and share information about their travel preparations and filming process.

They advertise various market players within their niche, such as Tinkoff Insurance, Alfa Insurance, and other travel-related channels. For instance, they may promote a cruise agent.

Travel Lerka

TRAVEL_LERKA, the official ambassador of Russian Railways, occupies third place in the rating with her author channel boasting 72,486 subscribers, 57% of whom actively engage with the channel's content. Since 2023, Lera has also been representing the PRIME SNOWBOARDS brand.

Lera curates a diverse range of content centered around travel and exploration. Various advertising integrations can be found on the influencer's channel. These are mainly advertisements for apps and services for travelers.

Mark Eremin

As a traveler, businessman, and family man, Mark shares his knowledge of unique destinations in Russia and around the world. In his channel, the blogger publishes unusual places in Russia and around the world. For example, in this post, he explains why it is worth visiting Doha (the capital of Qatar) or the unusual Kurkure waterfall, located in the Altai Mountains. The influencer also answers popular questions from tourists, such as “How much money do you need for a trip to Turkey in 2025?” or “Which cities should you visit in Russia in 2025?”

Mark publishes promotional posts both on topics unrelated to his niche, such as the Cover app, and on topics within his niche. For example, he posted about T-Bank's online acquiring service, which can be useful for travelers.

Zapiski Turista

Zapiski Turista is a channel whose bloggers inspire traveling and give advice. For example, a post about a trip to Egypt. In addition, the authors announce their travel videos on YouTube. The channel has 98,631 subscribers, 41% of whom read the posts.

The creators of the channel, Dmitry and Natalia, also often publish promotional content, mainly in connection with their niche, such as Yandex Travel ads.

Po Zemle Budzhetno

Po zemle budzhetno is a private channel with 36,636 subscribers, 37% of whom actively engage with the content. The blogger shares valuable insights about his life, offers expert advice, and provides answers to questions. He talks about the beautiful beaches in the Seychelles and the favorable area in Dubai for living. The channel's continued growth is a testament to the exceptional quality of its content. 

The influencer actively posts advertising integrations for travel services and apps on their channel, or promotes other Telegram channels. You can also find advertisements for clothing brands.

Pognali!

Stas Natanzon's Telegram channel, Pognali!, boasts an impressive 108,227 subscribers.  

The blogger shares exclusive travel lifehacks and episodes that are not included in his main releases on YouTube and Dzen. Thematic selections filmed in various parts of the world are also published. The channel publishes themed compilations filmed in different parts of the world, such as a short trip to Nagasaki. It also organizes various quizzes, such as “Guess the Country.” 

Stas's Telegram channel does not contain any advertising publications. Basically, the author places promos on YouTube, which suggests that cooperation with him within Telegram is promising.

Zhanna Badoeva

Zhanna Badoeva, a TV presenter of travel programs such as 'Heads and Tails' and 'Life of Others'  has a good audience on her channel - 54,312, partly because the author has established herself back on TV as an experienced expert in tourism. 

The blogger talks about interesting and unusual places on Earth. For example, about the luxurious island of Phuket in Thailand, an unusual water park in Japan, and others.

The channel features advertisements for cosmetic brands and travel services, such as integration with the online hotel and apartment booking service Ostrovok.

Napravleniya

Dmitry Lukyanchuk, a travel writer, shares his experiences and insights on various destinations, including Gambia, Ethiopia, Central Africa Republic, South Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and other locations. His Telegram channel has an impressive number of subscribers,  155,433. The influencer talks about animals, people, and their customs and mentality in other countries, publishes life hacks, and announces articles for the PSG travel magazine. The channel has some entertaining posts, but not many.

Dmitry mainly advertises other Telegram channels on various topics, but sometimes there are advertising integrations with Aviasales and OSAGO from T-Insurance.

Krugosvetchiki

Krugosvetchiki channel has 29,041 subscribers, but the posts are read by 104% of the audience. Andrei and Alexei, the authors and creators behind the channel, have also established a successful YouTube channel, where almost every content is called a series. Their Telegram channel serves as a platform to announce new content.
In addition to author channels, Telegram also features themed public channels and brand channels. Let's take a look at the most popular ones related to tourism.

Top-10 Telegram travel publics in Russia

In addition to personal blogs, thematic public channels are actively developing on Telegram:

• Channels with promotions for airline tickets and tours – for example, Vandrouki, Aviasales, etc.
• Channels of airlines and tour operators – S7, Aeroflot, TUI.

You can also place ads in public groups. For example, this is what a promotional post from T-Bank looks like in the public group “Ways to travel almost for free (RU)”.

The messenger also features numerous online travel magazines, tour operator channels, and much more. The integration possibilities for brands are extensive. However, when choosing a strategy in Telegram, other important factors must also be taken into account, such as analytics, budget, advertising creativity, campaign period, etc. 

Given that Telegram is one of the most popular messengers in Russia, using it as an advertising platform can significantly enhance brand promotion. Entrust this task to the professionals at RMAA to ensure the success of your campaign. We offer solutions that take into account all the features of Telegram, budget, and individual client preferences for promotion in Russia and the CIS. Contact our manager by filling out the application form in the contacts section. 

Want to receive useful news about modern digital marketing on a regular basis? Subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with the latest trends. 

Follow us in social media