I've just booked a holiday to Tunisia in May for 2 families with 3 children and a 1 year old between us. I would just like a bit advice as we're travelling a bit more independantly than we're used to. Normally we go on a normal package tour with one of the usual like Thomson.
This year we've booked with otbeach.com. Has anyone ever travelled with them and how have you found it? While I have been pleased with their service so far my worst nightmare would be to arrive at the hotel at night and there be a problem such as hotel is overbooked and we have no rep there to sort things out. It's probably all worry for nothing I know but it's the first time we've not had a rep there to hold our hands so to speak.
We've booked for the Riadh Palms at Sousse. Have read mixed reports about both the hotel and resort but whatever it turns out like we'll make the best of it. We've been to Gambia before, in 1993. Although it's a different culture to that of Tunisia we're prepared for any culture shock or "hassle" that may occur.
The only couple of other concerns I have is money and trips. Do they accept english money, eg when you first get there transfer driver will want a tip and I believe you can't exchange into their money until you're there.
Also, does anyone have any tips on booking trips? I want to make sure we don't boook with a rougue trader and get ripped off, or worse put ourselves in any danger.
Sorry this is so long, but it's our first time in 16 years that we'll be away from our comfort zones of Spain, Canaries & Portugal - and without the tour operator rep to hold our hands.
Many thanks
Chrissy
Nothing to worry about Chrissy. I've never booked with that company but have done many d.i.y. holidays in Tunisia. To put your mind at rest you may like to phone the hotel about a week before you go (companies don't always give guests' names to the hotels until fairly near the time). The phone number for the Riadh Palms is 00 216 73 225700. You may like to try Saphir Voyages for trips - 00 216 72 240 168. I did the Sahara trip with them a couple of years ago and they were excellent. Make sure you ask for an English speaking trip though. They will pick you up and return you to your hotel.
Is your transfer already organised through OTB? If so you won't actually need cash until you get to the hotel and if you feel obliged to tip then £1 sterling coins will be OK. You should be able to change money at the airport though I'm not sure what time the bureau de change shuts. The TTT bdc at some airports here will let you have Tunisian dinars (Stansted certainly do) but the exchange rate is pants so it's only worth doing for smallish amounts (certainly not more than say £20).
I hope this has set your mind at rest and if there's any further help you need don't hesitate to ask. The weather should be absolutely lovely in May and I'm sure you'll all enjoy Tunisia. The hotel grounds lead on to the beach, which will certainly be a bonus with a young child.
Is your transfer already organised through OTB? If so you won't actually need cash until you get to the hotel and if you feel obliged to tip then £1 sterling coins will be OK. You should be able to change money at the airport though I'm not sure what time the bureau de change shuts. The TTT bdc at some airports here will let you have Tunisian dinars (Stansted certainly do) but the exchange rate is pants so it's only worth doing for smallish amounts (certainly not more than say £20).
I hope this has set your mind at rest and if there's any further help you need don't hesitate to ask. The weather should be absolutely lovely in May and I'm sure you'll all enjoy Tunisia. The hotel grounds lead on to the beach, which will certainly be a bonus with a young child.
Hi Aslemma
Many thanks for your reply. Am getting excited about it already now you've put my mind at rest, and after reading on another topic how Sousse is your home from home. Must be good if you keep going back! And if someone else on the forum has the guts to drive around, camp & widsurf I'm sure we should be able to manage an independant flight and hotel booking.
Chrissy
Many thanks for your reply. Am getting excited about it already now you've put my mind at rest, and after reading on another topic how Sousse is your home from home. Must be good if you keep going back! And if someone else on the forum has the guts to drive around, camp & widsurf I'm sure we should be able to manage an independant flight and hotel booking.
Chrissy
There are quite a few of us who love the place and have become regular visitors over the years, but I have to admit that there are some who simply hate it. If you bear in mind that it is absolutely nothing like Spain or the Costas but just decide to relax, go with the flow and enjoy it you should have a good time.. The natives are friendly, they adore children and if you are friendly towarads them they will repay you handsomely. I look forward to reading your report on your return. Incidentally, I would suggest that the Sahara trip may be an adventure too far with a young child as it can be very tiring.
Thanks. We're very open minded with the fact it's not like Spain etc. First few days in Gambia all those years ago we found daunting but once we'd settled in we found we could have a good laugh with the locals. I can imagine it would be pretty much the same in Tunisia. Looking forward to all the different little shops in the Medina & hubby is a dab hand at haggling. From reading some reports on other websites though he could get offered a couple of camels for me cos I'm a blonde, (better not annoy him). Thanks for the hotel number, good tip. Shan't worry about it now. I worry about everything like that and am one of those compulsive checkers that check their flight bag at least 5 times for passports, tickets money!
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