Tunisia?

crazycatlady1984

PompeyPete wrote: »

The pros and cons about a holiday in Tunisia are often discussed on this forum.

The following is an excellent thread, and contains other useful very useful links...

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4758772

LolaLemon, you've done the right thing in asking questions before committing your cash.

There are a few low-level scams that you should be aware of but doing a bit of homework beforehand will allow you to easily spot and avoid them.

People who get caught out with porters at airports obviously haven't done any homework before travelling.

Not sure that the dig at me being "caught out" by porter at airport is either necessary or relevant.

I actually did do a lot of reading on Tunisia before I went, and yes, the hassle you can get was highlighted a lot in guide books and online. The point I was making was that having travelled extensively in the Middle East where this is also purported to be a problem, I felt I was prepared for it and it came as a total shock as it is on a whole other level.

I don't think I am particularly naïve but it was a real eye-opener for me just how aggressive it was and I was trying to help by highlighting this.

As a friendly and polite person I found it very difficult to extract myself from these situations without being rude and I totally agree with the person who stated that the best option is to smile and say nothing so as they cannot work out what nationality you are and eventually have to give up.

PompeyPete

Crazycat. If you've travelled a lot of the Middle East then I'm really surprised you found Tunisia to be on a whole new level. I've lived and worked in the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, Morocco, Egypt), and regularly travel to South East Asia. Hassle and scams are a whole lot worse in most of those countries than what you get at Enfidha airport, or anywhere in Tunisia for that matter. The important thing is to adequately prepare yourself for the country you are visiting, especially if it's out of your normal comfort zone. Most of the preparation is there in front of our eyes on travel forums such as TA or Lonely Planet Thorntree, or in your local library.

Ignoring the porters and not making eye contact is by far the best idea. But the porters know the language most people speak by the Thomas Cook or Thomson tags or airport label on your suitcase.

Failing to Prepare = Preparing to Fail. I see it, read about it, or listen to conversations about it all the time. And tbh most of it is unnecessary scaremongering [albeit usually well intentioned, but naive].

peachyprice

I could think of far nicer places to take my child for a first holiday abroad TBH.

Grouchy

I've been to Tunisia several times and have enjoyed it, interesting culture, history etc. I didn't like seeing armed police in the bigger cities though. Never done the hotel complex type holiday (not my cuppa) so this is more a view of being out and about in the towns and cities. As I'd travelled in North Africa a fair bit it didn't bother me much. However the last time I was there I went with a friend (female) who felt very uncomfortable in quite a few public situations and excursions, and would not go out by herself. It wasn't just the hassle you get, which most people can get used to, but how she was harrassed as a woman, she could handle it but felt it restricted her enjoyment. This was before the Arab Spring so no idea what it would be like now.

Regarding food and price of trips, it's a bit difficult to say as everything is relative to your situation. Personally I loved the food (though hotel food is bland and not very North African in general) and found the cost of things very reasonable in general.

As has been mentioned, there might be more suitable options at the moment for a sun sea and sand holiday.

Good luck with your decision.

LolaLemon

Thank you all for your replies, I was hoping on making the booking, but after speaking to my parents who have just came back, I dont think i will go just now.

PompeyPete

Lola.

What is is that your parents have said that's put you off?

LolaLemon

They said the place looked lovely, but that they didnt feel safe, a few incidents happened in their (5*) hotel, one that resulted in the British Consulate having to be called in to help out. Not for them thankfully.
As its just me and young son i think i will give it a miss for a while.
Now the hunt on to find somewhere else

baby_frogmella

Maybe Morocco?

littlereddevil

Morocco less hassle than Tunisia?

PompeyPete

Lola

Isolated incidents can happen in any hotel anywhere.
Which hotel were your parents staying at?