Is it worth going to Tunisia?

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Quite often people ask me: “Which country did you like best?” And this question always puzzles me, because... the countries I visited (to begin with, there are not very many of them), each is interesting in its own way. I want to return to almost all of them again. But there is one exception - Tunisia, perhaps the most boring country.

A few years ago, when I heard the word “Tunisia,” I pictured something close to the Maldives. I don’t even know why I had this impression. In reality, Tunisia turned out to be boring and uninteresting.

#2. We were in Yasmine Hammamet, according to reviews it is a calm area with clean beaches. The area is really calm, to the point where you have virtually nothing to do. Deserted streets with hotels

#3. This is a completely tourist area, they even built a civil medina here, which has nothing to do with the word Medina. Let me remind you that in African countries, Medina is the old part of the city, surrounded by a fortress. exactly the old one (look at Medina for an example in my report about Morocco), and not like this:

#4. The main attraction of this area. How do you like it?

#5. Tourists need to be entertained somehow, so they launched a gurney through the streets:

#1. The only place you can go is to the sea. Perhaps some people like to lie by the sea for 10 days, but this is definitely not on my wish list. Look at these happy faces:

#6. Fortunately, there is a bus from Yassin Hammamet to Hammamet. We went there to explore. Here's a little cuter:

#8. Standard scam for tourists:

#9. Fortunately, there is a real medina here, although it still doesn’t live up to the Moroccan one.

#10. But you can take a walk

#eleven. I ran to watch the fishermen at work, but there was silence:

#12. What did I like here? I still couldn't remember

#13. And along the medina there is a pleasant landscape:

#14. If you are in Tunisia, then go here:

#15. If you walk for a long time. then you can find wild beaches:

#17. Well, you can watch the guys:

#18. If you think that cats here are different from those in Russia? Then I will upset:

#19. Electricians at work:

#20. Boring city. True, there is a school here, as an option you can taxi there and see how the local children study, unfortunately I didn’t do this:

#22. The most interesting thing in Tunisia is a two-day excursion. I'll tell you more about it later. One of the points where they are taken on this excursion is the filming location of the famous Star Wars:

Speaking of excursions. Surprisingly, you can’t buy them on the street here. Generally not possible! They don't sell them! Only from the tour operator. Well, or we didn’t find it (excursions like going on aerial nonsense don’t count). Perhaps the only thing more boring than Tunisia is Egypt, but I haven’t been to Egypt, so I could be wrong :)

Tunisia is such a small semblance of Morocco. Therefore, feel free to forget about Tunisia and go to the Moroccans. Everything is much cooler and more interesting there! Read

Is it worth going to Tunisia on vacation? Country overview

Is it worth going to Tunisia on vacation?

Holidays in Tunisia will appeal to many travelers. You can read the reviews of tourists in detail to understand that this is truly a paradise on earth. Snow-white sand and date palms under the hot African sun can make tourists fall in love with this place. The North African country attracts not only with its Oriental flavor and beautiful landscapes, but also with monuments and ruins that are of historical value.

When is the best time to travel to Tunisia?

When planning a vacation in 2019, you should choose a country like Tunisia. You can visit this country for at least a whole year, due to the subtropical climate of the Mediterranean Sea. In winter, Tunisia is visited not to plunge into the depths of the sea, but to go on unforgettable excursions and go windsurfing. If you want to get a beautiful tan, then it is best to plan your vacation from late spring to November. Many tourists believe that the best time is the end of May, the beginning of June. At this time, during the day there is intense heat on the coast, but in the evening a divine chill awaits. Lovers of summer heat can come to Tunisia in July and August. You should not come with children at this time, as they may not tolerate such heat very well.

For parents with children, autumn is a great time to relax. From the second ten days of September, the “Velvet Season” begins, which can last until November, since then the cold season begins.

Which resort should you choose?

Holidays in Tunisia can be unforgettable if you choose one of the famous resorts. Many tourists believe that it is best to stop on the south coast, namely on the island. It should be noted that prices here will be slightly higher than on the mainland itself. Tourists who want to have a relaxing time should relax in Mahdia. People come to the resort to swim and take air baths.

If travelers are looking for resorts where the elite will relax and everything will be included, then they must choose. All local hotels here are 3 or 4 stars, there are also 5 star hotels. Sousse is famous as a resort where young people prefer to relax. For an elite holiday, you can consider the resort; here, just like in Sousse, life is in full swing both at night and during the day. Connoisseurs of sea holidays can choose Monastir or Skanes.

Hotels

Hotels in Tunisia fully comply with the standards, therefore, those who choose Tunisia 2019 can safely go on vacation and not worry about surprises. For a family holiday, you can stay at a four-star hotel. Children will spend most of their vacation on the hotel grounds and will have something to do. It is important to consider that many 5-star hotels are located on the first line near the sea and have their own swimming pools on site, especially since such hotels are all-inclusive.

What are the prices for vacations in 2019?

Much depends on the exchange rate, so tourists should know that 1 Tunisian dinar costs about 24 rubles. Russians who constantly come here on vacation say that the prices for products and services are low; to have something to compare with, we will give a few examples.

1. You can travel 1 km around the city by taxi for only half a dinar.

2. Vegetables and fruits are the cheapest here; a kilogram of tomatoes will cost tourists only 1 dinar.

3. You can eat inexpensively in restaurants where half of the dishes do not exceed 4 dinars.

4. If you want to cook something of your own during your vacation, you can safely go to the nearest market and buy bread, nuts, and fish there. Pork is the most expensive, you have to pay 10 dinars for one kilogram.

Holidays with children in Tunisia

Among all the tourist countries in Africa, Tunisia is the most suitable country for holidays with children. They will be delighted by the warm sea and clean white sand. Children will be able to fully enjoy camel riding and visit local zoos. Studying reviews of tourists with children, we can highlight the following advantages:

1. The flight does not take too long, from Moscow to the destination only four hours. During this time, the baby will not have time to get tired.

2. To go on vacation with the whole family, you do not need a visa.

3. Buying an all-inclusive tour is not at all difficult, but during the peak of the tourist influx, you need to take care of this in advance.

4. Sandy beaches are equipped for children; it is convenient to go into the water and swim here, and there are also many places on the coast where a child can entertain himself.

Families with children should go on vacation to Tunisia in June or September, when the heat is not so sweltering. Tourists traveling with children can choose resorts such as Djerba, Monastir or Mahdia.

Search for a tour to Tunisia from Moscow

(You can choose another departure city)

For those planning to holiday in Tunisia this year, the following recommendations are available:

1. You should not worry about trifles and worry that there may be a language barrier with local residents, since almost all locals speak English.

2. You should not drink tap water; it would be better to buy bottled water in a store.

3. You need to bargain with local sellers, then they can make big discounts.

4. The locals are very friendly, but it is considered rude to go outside the beach in a swimsuit or shorts. It is imperative to respect local traditions.

5. It is not at all necessary to leave a tip in a restaurant; as a rule, everything is included in the client’s bill.

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6. There are practically no traffic lights at the resorts, so it is important to be careful when crossing the road.

8. Upon arrival in Tunisia, you must immediately change euros and dollars, since paying sellers with such bills will not be profitable for the tourist himself.

If you carefully follow all the recommendations when vacationing in Tunisia, your vacation will turn out to be truly divine.

Tunisia is among the most popular and frequently visited resorts. However, recently a tense political situation has developed in the state due to the recent terrorist attacks that took place in the country in 2016. This is constantly reported in the media and other official sources. The authorities are trying to resolve the problem.

The situation was quickly brought under control by the government. The fact is that the tourism business for Tunisia is profitable, and the budget here is replenished mainly from vacationers. Russians, in turn, find holidays in Tunisia, as well as in Turkey, comfortable and inexpensive. At the same time, hotels in the country still operate an all-inclusive food system. Many vacationers prefer Tunisia to a number of other countries with developed tourism. These include Egypt.

How are things going in the 2019 season? News about the possibility of closing entry into the country appears periodically. At the moment, access to the comfortable resorts of Tunisia remains open for Russians, despite the recent terrorist attacks.

The warm climate of the sunny state and high-quality living conditions organized in hotels and inns do their job. Government authorities were only required to ensure a sufficient level of security for vacationers. Many people today are asking questions: is it worth planning a trip to Tunisia during the holiday season, how safe will it be and how much will it cost?

According to the data presented for tourists, which can be read on the official website of the Russian Foreign Ministry, the situation in Tunisia still remains tense. The police are trying to suppress outbreaks of aggression. In addition, there is no 100% guarantee that terrorist attacks will not be repeated. Demonstrations indicate that Tunisia is unsettled and the social situation remains difficult. However, the 2019 beach season is open for vacationers, and some of the tourists are not deterred by recent events.

Unrest in the cities of the neighboring state, in particular in the city of Ras Jedir, periodically makes itself felt.

There was no official order banning travel to Tunisia. The Russian Foreign Ministry recommends vacationing in protected resort areas of Tunisia, where constant control has been organized and police squads have been deployed. Vacationers are advised to leave hotels as little as possible and not take frequent excursions.

About the ban on entry into Tunisia

The Department of the Situation and Crisis Center of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism has an official website that provides reliable information about the situation in Tunisia. The decree to close entry to the territory of the state was never issued. Tourist vouchers are sold as standard. The organization of departure of vacationers is maintained at the proper level. It is worth noting that, besides Tunisia, a similar situation has developed in a number of other tourist countries. These include India, Thailand and Israel.

The Tunisian authorities have taken all measures to prevent armed conflicts within the country: a video surveillance system has been introduced, armed control at entrances to shopping centers, hotels and other social and public facilities has been strengthened, and the staff of police and security personnel has been increased. At the same time, vacationers are guaranteed the preservation of confidential information while ensuring a sufficient level of security.

Only vacationers themselves can decide whether to visit Tunisia during the 2019 season or not. All truthful information for them is laid out in full. In addition, it is possible to follow the news. The Tunisian authorities have done everything to protect vacationers and not create additional obstacles for them when selling vouchers and organizing tours.

When is the best time to vacation in Tunisia in 2019

The largest flow of tourists to Tunisia is observed during the beach season from June to September. The most popular resorts in the country are Sousse and Hamammet. They are most suitable for family holidays when you can take children with you. Young people may be interested in active water sports. In addition, club entertainment is organized for them, and cafes and restaurants are open. The service in Tunisian hotels is attractive. High-level service is quite inexpensive, and this is explained by the fact that the tourism business in Tunisia is developed and is still being improved.

During the cold spell from November to April, the flow of tourists usually decreases. However, spa lovers continue to come to the country. For this category of vacationers, vacations are provided at reduced prices. Many foreigners are attracted by the clean sea air and useful time spent in comfortable hotels. Thus, guests visit the country even on New Year’s holidays and Christmas. In this case we are talking about Russians and citizens of European countries: Germany, Great Britain and France.

Tours are the most expensive in the fall during the velvet season. This is facilitated not only by proper organization of recreation, but by a favorable climate, when the heat disappears and the water remains warm for a long time. During this period, you can still sunbathe, and the likelihood of getting burns is completely eliminated.

Upon arrival in Tunisia, vacationers are advised to see the country's sights and visit historical sites. On the sea coast in Tabarka there are diving centers where drivers have the opportunity to see underwater reefs.

A visit to the Colosseum in El Jem would not be out of place; many are interested in visiting the remains of the destroyed city of Carthage, which are preserved as a historical monument in the form of ruins. It will be interesting to visit the salt lake Chott el-Jerid, as well as the city of Matmatu, whose buildings are unique architectural structures.

TOURISTS' ANSWERS:

I didn’t think for a long time about the question of whether it was worth going to Tunisia - the price for a last-minute tour was too attractive. And now, having visited this African country, I am definitely sure that Tunisia is worth visiting!

Sea and beach holidays

Tunisia is absolutely not an alternative to Turkey and Egypt. Tunisia differs greatly from the first resort in the quality of hotels. There is very little or virtually no noisy and fun animation here. And it is strikingly different from Egypt because of the sea. It is wonderful, gentle, clean, but... empty when compared with the Red Sea. So if you are a sophisticated lover of the rich underwater world, the Mediterranean Sea will, if not disappoint you, then certainly not shock you. Although you can find beautiful underwater caves and grottoes here, so an experienced diver will not be bored, but you should not count on anything special.

But the beaches of Tunisia are simply magnificent! Snow-white sand, gentle entrance to the water, but again there is a small caveat - algae. Every morning, hotel beaches are cleared of a huge number of slimy plants.

Naturally, where there is a beach, there is no need to talk about cleanliness. But it is these algae that are one of the foundations of local cosmetology, but more on that later.

Another problem in Tunisia is jellyfish. They migrate throughout the sea, staying in one place for about three to four days. Of course, it doesn’t happen year after year, but you can run into this waterfowl and painfully stinging thing at any Tunisian resort.

Story

There is plenty of room for lovers of various antiquities to explore here. Tunisia, due to its location, attracted different peoples and almost each of the nationalities left a mark on Tunisian soil. In addition to one of the most famous cities - Carthage - now an open-air museum, Tunisia has a lot of historical attractions, museums, settlements of the indigenous Berbers and much more.

The roads in Tunisia are good, the transport network is developed, which facilitates independent movement. But, again there is one caveat - language. Many independent tourists are accustomed to communicating exclusively in the most popular and widespread international language - English. This number won't work here. Tunisia is a former French colony and the local population speaks exclusively French. A simply hilarious situation arose with me: having arrived in the capital of Tunisia, the city of Tunis, at the station at the travel agency I asked for a map of the city (they are given out free of charge), with an apology they handed me a map of Tunisia in... Italian. So I, a person who knows only English, in a country where everyone speaks French, moved with a map in Italian. And nothing, I managed it, perceiving it as a fun and educational adventure.

The main places that you simply must visit in addition to Carthage: the blue and white city of Sidi Bou Said, the holy city of Kairouan for Muslims, the beautifully preserved amphitheater in the town of El Jem. Many people visit the desert. This is one of the most popular excursions among hotel guides, but I didn’t go. Although there are a lot of rave reviews.

Thalassotherapy

This is the real pride of Tunisia. Many tourists come here specifically for this service, with the secret hope of losing weight, tightening their skin and, of course, looking younger. And I must say that it works.

If previously there were thalasso centers only in expensive five-star hotels, now even a run-down three-star hotel has its own, albeit small, office where these cosmetology services are provided.

But you need to be very responsible when choosing a thalassotherapy center. After all, although this is cosmetology, it is still medicine, and the main requirement of medicine is to do no harm! Consultation with a cosmetologist, and in some cases a dermatologist, is mandatory! Especially on your first visit.

In each Tallas center you can buy both a package of procedures and a one-time session. The approximate price for a six-day course of four to five procedures per day is from $600. A one-time procedure starts from $25-30. The result appears immediately after the first procedure. I think that this is a kind of marketing ploy - a couple of hours of massage with a scrub plus a wrap and the skin literally becomes velvety. And you immediately think: “Wow, this is what I’ll become after the whole course!”

I highly recommend attending at least one procedure for both women and men; by the way, they sell family packages. Indeed, in addition to the visible result: cleansing, softening and tightening the skin, you will receive enormous inner pleasure and plunge into nirvana.

Shopping

There is no shopping in Tunisia. At all! You can buy bottles with multi-colored sand, various spices and hookahs that are familiar in Turkey and Egypt. If you already have piles of all this at home, then as an option, buy some of the jewelry that the Berbers make or, if it’s not too hard to carry, a handmade carpet made in Kairouan.

Safety

Tunisia seemed like a safe country to me. After all, this was once a French colony. You need to remember that the country is Muslim and, naturally, you should not wear any T-shirts, short skirts or shorts. The center of the capital generally looks like a small Europe. Many girls are dressed in jeans, but you can also see a woman in a burqa.

If, like me, you plan to travel around Tunisia by public transport: minibuses, buses, trains, be sure to take your passport with you. They checked it several times, but they always returned it with a smile, having seen that I was a citizen of Russia.

I have never encountered deception. Everywhere they tried to help me, despite mutual misunderstanding and lack of knowledge of the language. They gave us change regularly, helped us pay for the bus fare, and showed us the way. I figured out to write down the place I needed in French on a piece of paper, naturally, not without the help of the Internet, and everyone I met considered it their duty to help me - oriental hospitality in action.

I know that many tourists, after visiting this African island, have not very pleasant memories. It's most likely a matter of unjustified expectations. A tourist, accustomed to Turkey and Egypt, wants fun and entertainment. But this is not the case here. They want the real East, for which they go to Medina, and there they are greeted by stench, dirt and heaps of garbage - everything that is the norm for poor areas all over the world. I liked Tunisia and I will definitely return there.

Is the answer helpful?

Tunisia- a worthy alternative to Egypt and Turkey. An ideal place for those who want to get the same all-inclusive hotel holiday, soak up the wonderful sandy beaches, and at the same time, change their favorite destinations to something new. But, despite the fact that tourism in this country has been developed for a long time, there are relatively few Russians who have visited here on vacation. It seems that everything is there for a comfortable stay, but somehow everyone chooses other directions. Perhaps it’s a matter of poor promotion of this place, information is not conveyed in the way it should reach the consumer, or maybe the climate is to blame. Tunisia is Africa, and the beach season here begins in the summer, the best time is from June to September. It is during these very months that most famous resorts, strong competitors to Tunisia, open their doors to tourism. But, despite this, Tunisia still receives its constant percentage of vacationers who choose this country as a summer vacation.

A strong plus in the direction of Tunisia is the presence of thalassotherapy. Most tourists fly here solely for the sake of it; in this country, this service is carried out very high quality, they already have a wealth of experience in this area - but the cost of the procedures is not cheap.

Beach in Tunisia.

Pros of holidays in Tunisia.

1. The flight to Tunisia takes only 4 hours. This is convenient; any category of tourists can easily withstand such a time in flight, from small children to the elderly.

2. Prices for tours. Flying to Tunisia is not expensive; of course, there are options that are far from economical, as elsewhere. But the most important thing is that a tourist with limited financial resources will be able to afford a vacation here.

3. Wonderful beaches. An excellent place for swimming with children and those who like soft, fluffy sand underfoot without any pebbles.

4. Mediterranean Sea. By itself, it warms up very quickly and has no cold undercurrents. Therefore, already in June you can safely swim and not worry that the water will still be cold after winter.

5. The presence of an all-inclusive meal plan. Most hotels offer their guests a similar system. It is ideal for families with children, and as practice shows, not only for them.

6. Availability of entertainment for children. Tunisia may not have the strongest animated entertainment program in hotels. But, you can always take the children somewhere else so that they don’t get bored. Tunisia has amusement parks, water parks, zoos and botanical gardens.

7. Rich excursion program. If you get bored of relaxing on the beach, Tunisia offers a wide range of excursion programs to choose from. This includes Carthage with its amphitheater, the Sahara Desert from where you can bring a chic souvenir “desert rose”, El Jem and much more.

8. Diving. Few people know that Tunisia is a country where you can dive into the underwater world, but this is true and the best place for this type of vacation is Tabarka.

9. Having an active nightlife. Tunisia is an Arab country, but despite this, it has a well-developed club life for active tourists. The best and most popular places: Sousse, Port El Kantaoui.

Disadvantages of holidays in Tunisia.

1. A limited amount of time is possible for relaxation at this Resort. Tunisia, due to its location, cannot compete with Egypt, for example; the season here is quite short, starting in June and ending at the end of September. In October, the weather is no longer stable and no one can guarantee you a warm sea and sun.

2. Bad situation with the hotel base. There is currently no development in this direction in Tunisia. There are old hotels on the market that require serious renovation; there are very few decent options with large green areas.

3. Most of the beaches in Tunisia are municipal, so anyone can come to swim and sunbathe, but as a rule, there is no need to pay for sun loungers and umbrellas; hotels provide them to their guests for free use. This rule applies to 4-5* hotels.

4. Language barrier. Despite the fact that Russians have been coming here on vacation for a long time, hotel staff understand Russian speech very poorly. English and French are used in conversation.

5. There is no pronounced animation as such: for both adults and children.

6. The attitude towards Russian tourists is worse than towards Europeans. This situation has been occurring frequently in many countries lately. But in Tunisia, such complaints creep into almost every review.

"Desert Rose" is the most popular souvenir in Tunisia among tourists.

After "closing" Egypt and Turkey, many tourists began to look for other beach holiday destinations. One proven option is Tunisia. Russians have been going there for quite a long time. In recent years, the north of the African continent has experienced not the most pleasant conditions for recreation due to terrorist activities. Libya and Egypt have become a springboard for political battles. What about neighboring Tunisia? Last year there were also serious problems there. The state of emergency in the country has been extended until June 22, 2016. How safe is it to vacation now and is it possible to travel to Tunisia in 2018?

The tourist season opens on the Mediterranean coast of Tunisia. On May 1, charter flights from many Russian cities began. Judging by thematic forums, you can go to Tunisia, but You need to follow a few rules while on vacation:

• do not travel to the center of the country's capital;
• do not leave tourist areas;
• do not approach large crowds of people on the street;
• behave carefully;
• do not allow or participate in political disputes and provocations.

Back in March 2016, the Russian Foreign Ministry extended its recommendations regarding holidays in Tunisia, where it confirmed the above rules. The host government assured that it will do everything possible to ensure the safety of tourists in hotels, airports, and tourist areas.

Compatriots living in Tunisia say that even during the difficult period they did not feel any special problems. Therefore, there should be no difficulties with rest.

Terrorism has spared no one in recent years. You can become a victim in Tunisia, in the center of Europe, or in a Russian provincial town. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to insure yourself against this. There is a good Russian proverb: “If you’re afraid of wolves, don’t go into the forest”.

Tunisia is a visa-free country for Russians. But only if the vacation does not exceed 90 days or if Tunisia is not a transit country for the trip. Otherwise, you must obtain an entry visa at the Consulate in advance. Usually, at customs, Russians are treated quite loyally and do not require unnecessary documents, but it is still better to complete them properly. After all, the situation in the country is unstable and this is necessary, first of all, in order to protect oneself from problems.

For the trip you only need a valid Russian passport. Its validity must be at least 3 months after the end of the trip to Tunisia. Check it out in advance.

When crossing the Tunisian border at the airport, have your hotel voucher and return ticket ready. If you are traveling independently, please provide a Tunisian visa.

Tunisia is a beautiful country with a mild maritime climate, vast experience in health medicine, rich culture, an abundance of antiquities and natural attractions. Despite the difficulties in the state, it is possible and necessary to travel there. Let's repeat it again. Follow the rules of caution, do not leave protected tourist areas, do not provoke strangers, try to avoid large crowds of people and then your holiday in Tunisia will remain unforgettable.