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Anyone been to Tunisia recently?

79 replies

RCOR · 20/08/2024 20:11

Hi everyone

We are planning a short holiday with teens 15/17 in September. The first ever trip abroad for the younger two (twins). We have an offer for Tunisia but I've never been before. Any experiences and advice welcome.

Many thanks

OP posts:
Recoverymoreprotein · 20/08/2024 20:14

With girls or boys?

Summervibes24 · 20/08/2024 20:14

No and not sure it's safe as I don't know anyone who has been or plans to go there for years .

Itsmells · 20/08/2024 20:15

Why pick somewhere bordering Algeria and Libya?! Just stick to somewhere less shady.

PrimalOwl10 · 20/08/2024 20:16

One of those countries many don't go, it not safe and alot of people are begging for money when your outside of the resort.

AmandaHoldensLips · 20/08/2024 20:17

Absolutely no way. And DOUBLE that if either of your kids are girls.

PrimalOwl10 · 20/08/2024 20:17

Tunisia has many potential dangers for travelers, including terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, and petty crime:
Terrorism
Tunisia is at risk of terrorist attacks, which could occur at any time. Targets include government buildings, schools, places of worship, transportation hubs, and public places like tourist attractions, restaurants, and hotels. Security forces are on high alert and conduct anti-terrorist operations, but you may be at higher risk in crowded areas, religious sites, and tourist sites.

Kidnapping
There is a risk of kidnapping in border regions and more remote parts of the country.

Civil unrest
Civil unrest is common in Tunisia.

Petty crime
Petty crime like pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and mugging can occur. Women may also experience sexual harassment on the street

NameChangeConfused · 20/08/2024 20:24

We just spent a week there, in Skanes - an area that's "safe" according to the FCO. I wouldn't rush back there but it was fine for a week in the sun that was affordable for us. I have two daughters, both under 13 so they didn't experience any unwanted attention. We didn't leave the hotel complex though, not sure if that would have changed our experience. The hotel was tired in terms of repairs being needed and it's clear they're desperate for tourism and the money it brings. The people begging at the airport was awful but then I feel the same when I see homeless people here tbh. Not sure how helpful this is but just wanted to give a voice of recent experience for you

Beezknees · 20/08/2024 20:35

I went a couple of years back. It's fine, people do try to get you to buy stuff but I experience that in Paris too! I probably wouldn't rush back as it's not really a beautiful country but it's not scary.

RCOR · 20/08/2024 20:37

Thanks @NameChangeConfused appreciate a recent experience. And thanks to everyone for their thoughts. I had read the risks of travel on govt page but was curious about personal experiences.

I'm thinking maybe a few days in Spain Portugal might be better bet.

OP posts:
Wahine24 · 20/08/2024 21:15

I've been (not that recently) and would not go back if you paid me, this was my first "resort" style holiday , basically trapped in hotel grounds / strip of beach ,if you left the grounds it was "unsafe for women" according to hotel staff. I did it wasn't "unsafe" it was lots of men saying filthy things , ppl shoving the child at you to give money to, or being physically pulled into shops .
I hated every minute

Wrennyjenwren · 20/08/2024 21:17

It was a shithole in 2010 when I last went, so I can imagine it's even more of one now.

PearlClutzsche · 20/08/2024 21:21

I also went ca. 2010… didn’t like it at all and the constant harassment was tiring.

Morocco was good though.

irw · 20/08/2024 21:22

We went in July. TUI holiday, all inclusive, family friendly, it was great!

Chewbecca · 20/08/2024 21:23

Spain or Portugal definitely a better bet.

Lougle · 20/08/2024 21:26

I know someone who went earlier this month. They went AI at a hotel. They said they had a lovely time, but wouldn't have left the hotel to go into the local area, and that during the journey to the hotel there was masses of litter along the streets. That said, they said that security was very high.

wineandsunshine · 20/08/2024 21:28

We went last week - I will list my pros/cons! Went with DH and 3 x DS (one with ASD)

Pros: hot, lovely hotel in Monastir, kind hotel staff, quick flight (no time difference), lovely food, cheap gifts.

Cons: airport in Tunisia is V run down but this is like many parts of the country. I didn't feel safe leaving our hotel and the private taxi firm who did transfer was a lunatic on the roads. Armed police everywhere actually made me feel panicked!

Would I go back....possibly. However, I'm not in a rush anytime soon.

DiscoBeat · 20/08/2024 21:32

I've never wanted to after a friend went and said she was followed and pestered by men the whole time.
By contrast we went to Crete this year and everyone was SO lovely and respectful.

Gretasmyname · 20/08/2024 21:39

We used to go regularly before the big terrorist attack. Never went back after that as it was too close to home. Sat on that beach etc. Very upsetting.
Prior to that we loved it!!!
Nice big hotels, lots going on. Golf for Dp.
Weather superb.
People friendly. Never experienced anything bad at all. No unwanted attention. And I even say that a a woman traveling one time alone with my eldest child who was only about 4 at the time.
I imagine it's gone a bit downhill in recent years re:tourism. Its a shame as I only experienced lovely behaviour from the locals who clearly relied on tourism.

Gretasmyname · 20/08/2024 21:42

We used to travel a lot outside the hotel and actually have travelled quite extensively around Tunisia. Yes a bit of hassle, but nothing abusive or sexual.
All this talk if armed police etc must have been put in place since to terrorist attack. I suppose it would been seen as unsettling.

CantStandMeow · 20/08/2024 21:48

We went in May half term. Myself, DH and two DDs (14 & 9), we stayed in a resort but hired a private driver to take trips out. We had a fab time. Hotel was lovely, great food both in and out of the resort and people very friendly. Some encouragement to stop at stalls in markets but nothing a 'no thank you' wouldn't solve. But then we've been to Turkey and Morocco too which MN hates so what do we know!

jaimelesoleil · 20/08/2024 21:51

Go to Morocco, Fabulous country, lovely people and great food.
Marrakesh is a fantastic city. Lots to do and you can mixed it up with a few days at the coast.

Snoopey · 20/08/2024 21:57

Went to Sousse in May. Had a brilliant time. Security is high which is good. Staff can't do enough for you - we went outside the resort a few times and felt safe. We also did a number of excursions. You do get hassled - but then that's quite normal in other countries. You've got to be careful re not being ripped off and getting charged extra when you're out - but again - that's not just Tunisia - that's in a lot of places. With the terrorist attack - tourism took a big hit - but the country is beautiful and the beach where we were was lovely. I am planning on going back next year. We landed at Enfida airport which imo is not run down.

pavillion1 · 20/08/2024 22:04

why not go to the canaries.

longdistanceclaraclara · 20/08/2024 22:17

No chance. Spain or Portugal ideal.

Silver777 · 20/08/2024 22:20

Slovenias nice