Tunisia (Hammamet) Report

[nrpmum]

I was asked on a previous thread to write a brief report of Tunisia. Well I am in my final couple of days there now, so thought I'd get it done.

So far I have found the country to be very poor. I was concerned that we would be hassled when we left the resort, but having wandered into town with my husband, and on my own I have found the Tunisians respectful when you say 'no'.

We have stayed in a 4* hotel, all inclusive for the time we have been here. You could probably get away with going self catering and eating out, but as you cannot get tnd in the UK, or exchange it when back I think you would be restricted to getting cash out every day which could prove tricky because the nearest ATM to us is 45 minute walk, although there are plenty of taxis. Most hotels exchange GBP for tnd though.

There are plenty of activities to participate in, such as horse riding, archery, paragliding, jet ski, the list is endless. There are also lots of excursions to choose from at extremely reasonable prices.

The hotel I am staying at (Sentido Phenicia) is good for couples and families. The beach is very clean. Sea is clear. The pools are varied, and very clean. The entertainment is very good. The staff are absolutely excellent. Truly could not fault the food, something for everyone! Entertainment is great fun, and although you are encouraged to take part there is no pressure. This particular hotel has a kids club, and daily activities for the kids too, although there aren't many here. Probably because it's school term. Mainly German, English and French nationals here.

Security wise I don't feel unsafe at all. I think as long as you stay away from the Libyan border you'd be safe.

In summary, overall I would go against the grain and recommend Tunisia.

Interesting report, thank you for sharing as I am thinking of visiting the country myself.

However please can you clarify what you mean by finding the country to be poor, as you don't elaborate anywhere else on that point in your review?

@Ribrabrob quite a few run down/condemned property and hotels, although tourism is picking up now so I expect over the next few years it will change. From chatting to the employees of the hotel most work 6 days per week and scrape by. I get the impression that off season they struggle financially.

The terrorist attack had a massive impact on the economy and from what I gather the country is just starting to rebuild itself.

There has been really very limited intrusion. Maybe approached 5 or 6 times to buy items, but they walk away straight away after a "no".

After living in Cyprus I expected the animals to be treated poorly (I love all animals) and all the horses, dogs, camels, etc I have seen have been well fed and well looked after.

Oh and the food is delicious.

Sorry to add extra bits to your questions, am writing as I remember.

I love Tunisia, visited regularly before the attack, and feel desperately sorry for the country now. It is a poor country and the residents rely on tourism for work and money.
They were nothing but friendly and welcoming to us, and we never felt unsafe.
The Red Sea is glorious for snorkelling, the marine life is abundant and fascinating.
I truly hope it recovers and become the popular destination it was.

But it doesn't sound fun! Run down blah blah. I prefer to go somewhere that is beautiful, cultural, aesthetically pleading or has jungles or temples or rivers or eco parks not a hotel in a run down unpleasant place.
People only go to Tunisia because its cheap. No one would choose it over somewhere else if they had the budget.

Hollowvictory. Not sure about that. Lots of people want sun, sea and somewhere different. Tunisia would tick those boxes and if it’s cheap so much the better.
I ‘ve been to Nepal which is one of the poorest countries in the world. Most go for the walking.
I don’t really like holidays in poorer countries and that includes Greece, Bulgaria etc. But actually they have been some of the best holidays because the memories are unique. I live a plush hotel but I find I endlessly pick on the faults and one lovely hotel is much the same as another lovely hotel.

@Hollowvictory

Tunisia has beautiful fascinating marine life, stunning views and you can take a trip into the amazing Atlas Mountains, go to the set of where Star Wars was filmed etc etc
Don’t be so snobbish.

@Nesssie thank you. It is a beautiful place. You can travel to the Sahara here as well on a two day excursion.

I have travelled, and also lived in, varying countries and have found them all to have their own beauty and cultures to see and learn. Normally we don't go all inclusive, but we've not had a holiday for 3 years and as I was seriously unwell last year and subsequently have a chronic illness now I needed to see how I'd hold up to the travelling, etc.

@Hollowvictory everyone is entitled to their opinion but I have travelled quite a lot, and chose Tunisia because neither of us had been before, and for health reasons currently needed short haul. Plus I would prefer to give places the benefit of the doubt, and will always try somewhere once.

Tell us where you're going next, @Hollowvictory. I'm sure a lot of us would like to avoid you.