Tunisia

[Charliesmummy1972]

Has anyone been and what did you think. I am thinking of going next year but i have heard some scary stories. Any advice would be helpful

I have been, but it was a lot of years back so can't advise on hotels & the likes, but I loved the place.

I found the people to be very friendly & respectful - even more so if you speak French food fantastic & the climate great too, lots to see & do, some amazing & surprising historical sites, such as one of the best Roman amphitheatres in the world

if you are not much of a traveller & prefer western food, there where plenty of pizza places & the likes around

the only thing I would say is to respect the fact that its a muslin country & when out & about at sites, markets etc, cover up a bit, but in the hotels & beaches its just another holiday resort & no one minds

I took off & travelled down to the South, spent time in the Sahara desert with Bedouins, met some amazing people, especially an elderly tattooed cave dweller who, spoke no english, but her Granddaughter translated my French for her, she made me bread, by hand from scratch, including milling the flour on stones & it was still probably the best bread I have ever tasted

Best advice - keep an open mind, respect the local culture & traditions, get out & visit the sights, there are some fantastic things to see & do in Tunisia, but when in the hotels & tourist beaches, just relax as you would any where & have a fantastic time :)

Good advice from RH. We went about 20 years ago too. DH was fascinated by the ampitheatre and we went three times
One word of warning though. The prickly pears that the vendors sell are lovely. Dont' try to save 10p like I did and pick your own. The pricks were in my tongue for about 8 weeks. They remove them.

We went 26 years ago and, although the weather and sightseeing were great, our choice of hotel was awful and really spoilt the holiday, but don't let that put you off. We stayed in Sousse as we hate characterless, purpose built resorts. We found that we were pestered a lot every time we left the hotel and did find it rather wearing.

Some of the sights are amazing - the Roman remains at El Jem are worth visiting, and the troglodite dwellings at Matmata are awesome. We also visited the great mosque at Kairouan. If you go do make sure you cover up. If you don't they give you a huge hairy blanket to wrap yourself in - not very comfortable when it is over 30 degrees!

Had a fab holiday there but came home with the most horrific food poisoning :( from our 4star hotel. That was pre-children, have never felt so ill before or since and wild horses wouldn't drag me back there, especially not with young children.

Sorry. Guess it could happen anywhere. Was a quick way to lose half a stone.

went there oct half term last year and really enjoyed it (with ds then 5). Stayed in Sousse at a 4 star all inclusive. food was okay - choice of fresh pasta, fish and meat and freshly cooked pizza. Although the spa facilities were basic, the prices were unbelievable. £10 for full body massage, best pedicure I've ever had for £8 etc etc.the beach was long and sandy and yes, there were hawkers, but didn't hassle too much if you made it plain you were not interested.

As Rockin says, muslim country so in downtown areas, dress modestly. we went to El Jem - really interesting, Tunis by train- again interesting (stood for two hours on way back with ds but everyone friendly!) and 'a must see', Sidi Bou Said where we stayed for two nights in the middle of our holiday. it felt like a nice mix of a 'travelling' type holiday and a package experience.
Tunisians love children and make a fuss of them.

Not sure what the political climate is like at the moment (check on fco) but they must be desperate for tourists and the prices probably reflect this.