Tag: Tunisia

Travelling to Tunisia

On 21st September 2019 we flew to Tunisia from Manchester Airport. There was a group of us which included our Daughter, Son in Law and two Grandchildren aged 6 and 16 months old. Basically we just wanted a cheap and cheerful week away. Therefore we only paid £330 each for the week as we had booked flights and accommodation separate. We booked our flights with Thomas Cook and the accommodation with Travel Republic. Also we arranged our own transport from the airport (Holiday Taxis) which was also very cheap and efficient. Our driver was waiting in the airport when we arrived with our name on a sign. The journey to the hotel took about 40 minutes.

Accommodation

The hotel we stayed in was the Marhaba Beach Hotel in Sousse. Must remember it is only a 3 star so was what you would expect from a 3 star, We did not pay 5 star prices so was not expecting that standard.

In general all the rooms have modern but basic furniture. Everyday the rooms are cleaned with fresh towels provided. Also the rooms have a mini fridge and TV. We have been to some 3 star hotels which do not have a mini fridge.

The day after we arrived Thomas Cook announced the company was folding. Subsequently it was absolutely chaos in the hotel following the announcement. Unfortunately the hotel refused to let Thomas Cook guests use the facilities if they did not pay them the money for the accommodation. Furthermore they were charging guests more than what they had originally paid.

Meanwhile some guests tried to leave the hotel but were stopped from doing so by the Police. There were people in tears many with young families who had no way of paying again for the accommodation that they had already paid for. It was really upsetting to see families in this predicament and being unable to help them as we were prevented from speaking to any of them. We did not have any issues as we had not booked our hotel with Thomas Cook. Finally it was sorted and the guests were allowed to remain and use the facilities.

Pool and Beach

The hotel was basic but met our needs. There is a lovely swim up pool bar which was shallow enough for children to go in and a large pool which is deep in area’s. The waiters behind the pool bar were lovely and very attentive Surprisingly there was always enough sun beds no matter what time of day it was. The Beach is lovely with soft white sand. The children loved to play in the sand after lunch.

Food and Drink

There is a snack bar on the beach which was really nice to sit and have lunch whilst children able to play safely in the sand. The snack bar serves the usual – Burgers, Pizza, Hotdogs, Chips and Salad. The food in the buffet restaurant was what you would expect from a 3 star but always enough choice and always able to find something we liked. There was always meat, chicken, pasta, meats, cheeses, chips, chicken nuggets and salad. There wasn’t a great choice on deserts but always something.

Drinks were strong if ordering a spirit and a mixer. If you wanted a sort of cocktail these were very sweet and each cocktail did not taste much different to the other.

Since we had only paid 3 star prices we did not expect 5 star food and drink.

Entertainment

The entertainment on a night was pretty low key with not a lot of people watching. We did wonder where everyone went on a night. There was a sister hotel that had a lot more happening on an evening than in our hotel. The age range seem to be younger too. On one of the days at the sister hotel there was a foam party on the beach which was great fun. We took our 6 year old granddaughter who absolutely loved it.

Location

If you are wanting to go to bars outside of the hotel in Sousse then you are in the wrong place. Because we like to walk most days we do like to call at a bar along the way and not once did we find a bar outside of the hotel. Although we did find a lovely little cafe bar which served amazing Kababs. The owner agreed to deliver to our hotel when ever we wanted something. When the bar shut in the hotel which was around 1pm we would order our food prior to this and sit and eat our takeaway with a drink by the pool which was quite nice.

Excursions

On one occasion we went on a Pirate ship excursion which was probably not the best idea. Our daughter gets sea sick so she was not enjoying it. It was too hot for the children so we were trying to keep them in the shade. They did have walk the plank which was good fun though. Lots of people were jumping off the boat and having a swim in the sea including us. Overall we enjoyed it but probably best to do it without children or anyone who gets sea sick.

Previous visit to Tunisia

Previously we had travelled to Tunisia but stayed in another area. On one occasion we got a taxi to the train station, got on a train to the capital of Tunis. Straightaway we then got on a tram to a zoo. Whilst at the Zoo we were asked if we wanted to feed the lions which we declined lol. It was clear that we were the only tourists there.

When we got off the train in Tunis we had asked a young man where to go and he took us to the zoo. He spent some time with us but then went on his way. Finally we went for something to eat in a locals cafe bar. We had a meal and a drink each which entailed a sandwich and a soft drink. After having a wander around Tunis we headed back to the hotel. Finally we got back to the hotel we worked out that the whole day had cost us £10 in 2013.

Summary

Overall we did not find that much to do in Tunisia outside of the hotel. Would we go again? not sure. If we did we would definitely ensure we went to a higher standard of hotel with more dinning options and better entertainment. We would also do more research as to what to do in Tunisia.

Images

Things to do

• Visit Port El Kantaoui and wander around the marina.
• Take a boat trip
• Visit the Medina
• Take a trip to Tunis.
• Visit Sidi Bou
• Visit Carthage (some trips do Tunis, Sidi Bou and Carthage in one day). We did a similar excursion several years ago and enjoyed it.

Top Tips

• Higher standard hotels have more entrainment and dinning options.
• Research things to do if you are wanting to get out and about.
• Tunis is worth a visit
• If you visit Tunis be aware of pick pockets
• Boat trips not suitable for young children
• Check out the Government website before travelling to Tunisia https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tunisia/safety-and-security
• Check out other destinations in Africa we have visited. Please click on the following links Morrocco, Hurghada , Cairo , Sharm El Sheikh
• Check out the weather as it can get very hot in the summer months

Weather

Temp – Celsius Rain – mm	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High Temp	22	23	26	25	26	28	30	30	29	28	25	22
Low Temp	8	9	11	13	14	17	18	18	17	15	12	9
Rainfall	37	29	25	13	7	1	0	1	1	22	29	63
Number of days	5	3	1	2	1	1	0	1	1	3	3	5