An estimated 50,000 Russian tourists are expected to visit in May, a 20 percent increase over May 2007, according to travel agencies. That's in addition to the larger number of Russian visitors in the country for Orthodox Easter over last year's numbers.

"During the May holidays in Russia, the Czech Republic is among the most popular destinations for Russians," says Natallie Makoviková, director of Olivier Travel Agency.

Prague hotels are preparing for the May invasion -- the InterContinental Hotel has ordered a larger number of Russian newspapers and guides than usual, for example.

Brno, the Czech Republic’s second largest city, has become more interesting for Russian tourists as well. While it used to be seen as a provincial town with Prague prices, its proximity to Vienna and Bratislava is making it more popular these days.

Since the Czech Republic has joined the Schengen zone in December 2007, its borders to neighboring countries are much easier to navigate. That makes places like Brno a better choice for some travelers.

Russian travel agencies have come up with interesting packages from Brno to Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava, for example.

The Schengen zone allows for more free movement between mostly European countries.