Morocco or Tunisia

[MsLuxLisbon]

So, I have never been to North Africa, but I would sort of like to go. I'm wondering if anyone has been to either of these countries, and if so, where they would recommend going, and any safety tips, etc. I would be with my husband, so not a lone woman.

I've only been to Tunisia and wouldn't go back. The only way off the hotel was by taxi, and they radio the retailers so you are greeted by vendors who say they work at your hotel and the recognise you. The bazaars are full of people who will literally pull you into their shops and stand in the doorway so you can't get out.

The plus side was away from the resorts we were ignored or treated politely. Our hotel was really nice and if you didn't want to go off-site there was plenty to do.

Loved Marrakesh, busy, vibrant, culture, history, the food. I'd def recommend. We found the men respectful but we dress modestly anyway. We are quite well travelled though and the traffic and bustle didn't bother us. The medina was fantastic

I've been to both and would recommend Morocco. Marrakesh is fab. Try to stay in the Medina ( in a Riad if finances allow)

And yes the food is excellent ( French influenced)

Sadly, this was my experience as well.

I would never go back.

I have never been to either but based on my research because I have had this same thought, I'd choose Morocco. I am still planning to get there eventually. I'd like to take the DC when they are a bit older, stay in a Riad, do all some markets, definitely some beach activities and see about some kind of desert trail. One day....

I’m another one who’d never go back to Tunisia. Not been to Morocco but it sounds lovely.

I'm just back from Agadir and it was wonderful. The food and people were great. I went on some brilliant excursions. I've heard that Tunisia is a bit full on.

Highly recommend Tunisia. Had a lovely family holiday there last year including time at the beach (gorgeous all inclusive hotel) and a few days in Tunis old town (guided tour of the ancient Medina) plus seeing some of the wonderful Roman sites - to rival Pompeii! Very safe, strong security presence on roads etc, friendly, affordable. The Tunisians are so delighted to have tourism picking up again after the pandemic. Really recommend booking professional guides for sightseeing.

I looked at Tunisia for our babymoon many years ago and what put me off is that if I'd needed medical care, it was completely segregated and I'd have not been able to have DH anywhere near me. I don't know if that's still the case, and probably a whole lot less relevant if you're not pregnant , but it's why I'd choose Morocco.

Babymoon?
Is that the same as a Honeybump?

I'm not sure but thinking maybe? Babymoon being a pre-baby holiday while pregnant.

we went to Bath for a long weekend instead! . It was lovely.

I agree. Loved Agadir, much better than Marrakesh and far cleaner and more relaxing.

I went to Morocco in 1995 and absolutely loved it.

Depends on where in either you are thinking of going, and what you want to do and see. I'd say Tunisia for a beach holiday or Marrakech otherwise.
Pick your hotel and resort carefully, the Marrakech hotel might be a long long way from the Medina.

The FO was warning very recently about unrest in Tunisia and curfews. We knew people about to go there. It’s lifted now but I would try Morocco I think. Carthage, Kairouan and the Bardo in Tunis are all worth seeing but issues are popping up at the moment.

Yet another one who disliked Tunisia. We did do some exploring and went to Kairouan, El Jem, the Ribat and Medina in Sousse and Matmata.

We stayed in Sousse, which basically smelled of sewage, in a not great hotel.
The cockroaches, the smell and the endless hassle from the locals was enough for us to decide we were never going back.

Between the two I would choose Morocco. I was only a teenager when we went in 1974, but it was fascinating.

Tunisia is often voted as people's worst holiday destination so I would avoid personally.

@MsLuxLisbon , with Tunisia it depends on the resort. The islands are lovely, especially Djerba. Kerkennah is quiet - I had a beachfront room and could hear the sea lapping on the sand. All I had to do was walk down the stairs and I was at the beach.
Sousse isn't particularly a nice resort as it's a port, but if you aren't venturing outside the hotel complex it won't matter.
Port El-Kantaoui is a marina and is geared for europeans.
I wouldn't go back to Sousse but I'd gladly holiday on the islands again.
I've not been for nearly 20 years, but the ferry to Kerkennah was a bit grim. With Djerba you can get a direct flight.

I loved the food everywhere. Particularly good - brik a l'oeuf.

Egypt is a good place to visit in North Africa.

Bear in mind that these countries are in a different continent, are hot and have a different culture.

I love Morocco. I probably wouldn't go to Tunisia as the reputation isn't great outside of the resorts though it might just be subjective. I know some don't like Morocco but I've been several times and love it. Agadir coast is amazing, and Marrakesh is vibrant and fun.

Morocco is fab and plenty to do and explore

Tunisia is beautiful and interesting but politically unstable so only for the bolder traveler really