Tunisia - Holiday (Tunisia)

Advantages: So different to anywhere I have ever been
Disadvantages: Death by yellow cabs!

...of you who don't know, Tunisia is in the north of Africa, and according to the travel guide, is the most visiter-friendly of the north African countries. The southern-most third of the country is covered with the Sahara Desert. We stayed in the area of Hammamet, which is at the top of the country, near the capital, Tunis. We drove through Tunis on one of our excursions, it was very crowded with roads and lots of half-completed houses and factories, ...
...of the countryside, I thought Tunisia was a very poor counrty. It is poor, but you also have a few quite rich areas, which I noticed on this trip as we got nearer to Sidi Bou Said. The houses were bigger and nicer, and there were boats in the harbours. Another must is camel-riding! It's very bumpy and you will not be able to walk properly the next day! It's really good fun for whatever age you are. Again, we booked this through our rep, so we were ... Read review

Advantages: Potential for year round good weather, pleasant resort
Disadvantages: Depends where you stay

The reason I chose Tunisia for a holiday was that I was thinking about taking more adventurous holidays but wanted to test the water first and try somewhere a little bit different from my usual destinations - the Greek Islands, Canaries, Spain, etc. I wanted to see how I would fare in a country with customs quite different to those I was used to. Tunisia seemed to fit the bill - a Muslim country on a continent I had never visited before and one I ...
...Flights from the Uk to Tunisia last about 4 hours on average and we flew from Newcastle to Monastir with My Travel - the food was OK, the service fine - not much more to add (and besides I'm reviewing Tunisia here!) I do have to say, though, that there was a thrilling moment as we approched Monastir and the plane turned and swooped down for landing - the view of the beach and the sea was gorgeous - shimmering blue ocean and golden beaches - perfect! ... Read review

Advantages: Good value, nice hotel
Disadvantages: lack of facilities

...are no copyright laws in Tunisia so they are free to sell copied Lacoste t shirts for example at about £8! In the evening there is the daily entertainment. This consisted of various activities. And while bless them they do try, there is only so long you can watch someone walk over broken glass. They have their version of a disco. there are a few bars in the hotel but the seating tends to be taken over very early by the Germans. We went into one of ...
...plenty of seating. We thought wed struck gold until we realised it was because the drinks in there were not part of the all inclusive! Around the side of the hotel is a mini golf course but do not wear sandals or your feet will get bitten!. There are also some horses in a stable around the back There are also some tennis courts which you can use but these have to be booked 24hrs in advance. If you are into golf you can use the free golf shuttle which ... Read review

Advantages: The Culture
Disadvantages: Being hassled to buy and the weather

...luxurious looking hotel……in Tunisia. Now Tunisia was not somewhere id ever thought about going. I didn’t really know much about the country, and to be honest had no real wish to go there, but the hotel looked fantastic, as did the beaches, and it was a good price. We booked for a week in mid-November and couldn’t wait. Arriving We had a trouble free journey, with the flight departing on time and even landing a little early. We had booked into the ...
...Culture One thing about Tunisia I was looking forward to was experiencing the culture. Having felt a bit reluctant to leave our hotel – one, because we were so far from the nearest town, and two, for fear of being harassed – we decided to try one of the trips organised by the reps. We picked ‘A Tale of Three Cities’, which takes in Kairouan, El Jem and Monastir. A very early pick up and we were on our way. First stop Kairouan, the 4th holiest city ... Read review

Advantages: everything you could wish for in a holiday
Disadvantages: nothing - the bad things are just a state of mind

...DO NOT go to Tunisia if: You are typically English and expect everything to be done “just so”, this is not the place for you! However, if you have an open mind, a willingness to learn about a new culture and like adventures, enjoy sightseeing as well as sunbathing, then this country will definitely appeal to you. Having never visited the country before I did not know what to expect, and in our beginnings of a war with Iraq, being in an Islamic ...
...climate most of the year, Tunisia offers the traveler a wealth of sights to see and a way of life that is fascinating to the more adventurous open minded Brit. Some of the tourists there absolutely hated it. Me? I absolutely LOVED it ! The way the people are so friendly, they’ll offer you mint tea, and a lovely lovely smile. The way the market traders barter with you on the market (Nabeul) “cheaper than Asda, darlin!” “You cheeky bugger” will have ... Read review

Advantages: Great Spring weather. Loads to see and not a mozzie in sight
Disadvantages: Local dishes a bit thin on the ground and insipid international cuisine

...“Bin ‘ere before? We luv it, it’s our fiff time”, said the guest next in to queue to register at the hotel we had just arrived at, adding “the staff are luvly, and the beer’s real cheap”. I was tempted to see if they knew which country they were actually in, but held back. Tunisia’s like that, operating on two levels, one as a ‘holiday destination’ for the “sun, sand and cheap booze” set, and secondly as a North African country with one foot in the past and enough sights to keep even the itchiest-arsed amongst us occupied. It really all depends on whether you can actually be bothered to move away from the pool. Anyway, if it’s a tan and cheap beer your after, why not see if the British Legion can rent you a room to install a sun lamp? There’s no denying that the sun and sand are superb. I’ve just got back from a week... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Good food and it's a bit different
Disadvantages: Constant hassle from the locals

...The first time I went to Tunisia was when I was sent there as a holiday rep and it took a bit of getting used to. Tunisia was one of the first package holiday places along with Spain in the early seventies but you wouldn't know it. It doesn't seem to have moved on any since then. That's kind of what I find appealing about it. I'd been to Morocco previously and believed it would be similar. I like both countries but I think I prefer Morocco. When I started work I got lots of tips from holidaymakers about the dos and don'ts of the country and I learned to recognise a few of the scams as well. Women get a lot of hassle from the local men and it's worth remembering to cover up when going out and not to walk around unaccompanied, although I must admit this doesn't really deter them. It can be difficult not to let this level... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Not that good anymore
Disadvantages: terrible service

...***-PRE TUNISIA HOLIDAY-*** Big thumbs up for Airtours. They certainly know what you want from a holiday! I have been away with them 3 times now and it will be a 4th on Sunday when I go to Tunisia. I always have a great time. the resorts have always been clean, polite, friendly and fun. Just like the reps. I have never had a problem with reps o an Airtours holiday. I have been away with other companies like Thompson, Club and inspirations and they are always real keen to sell you trips that you dont want. there is no hustle and bustle with these guys. They know you want some peace and quiet and are prepared to let you get on with it. Of course they are on hand if you need them so its a happy medium. In turkey, we had a lot of help from the rep after one of our party was hospitalised. The reps could not do enough for us. Some... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful