Have a wonderful time Jilly. You have nothing to worry about. You are safer in Tunisia than you are in your local High Street. The natives are friendly and, although they may want to talk to you, you won't come to any harm and if you don't want to talk just ignore them. You should, however, be aware that if you accept an invitation to go for a coffee you will usually end up paying for it.

The shopkeepers, particularly in the Medina, can be rather insistent but that is only because they really do need our custom. If you don't want to buy just say 'La shokran' (no thank you) and keep on walking.

Unfortunately there is the same risk of bag-snatching etc. that you get anywhere these days so be on your guard, particularly in crowded areas but, unlike Britain, it is not accompanied by violence. I have been travelling alone there for several years and feel perfectly comfortable walking around, not only in the main tourist areas but also in the back streets of Sousse and Tunis.

The police are far more visible on the streets than they are in the UK and tourism is important to the country, so any crimes against tourists are taken very seriously, which may be one reason for the low incidence,

Hi Briar, Aslemma,

Many thanks for your invaluable advice! Most of it is pure common sense I guess, but its very useful to have someones advice who has tried and tested the theory!

I havent yet booked, am trawling through the reviews to find the hotel that best suits our needs. Had forgotten that Tunisia was a colony of France, my son is excited about trying out his French when we get there!

We learned some Arabic for going to Egypt and it is so true, the staff at the hotel couldnt do enough for us once we spoke even rather haltingly in their own tongue. Gave them a laugh if nothing else.

No doubt I will have some question or other later on.

Talk to you soon!

Jilly

You will find your French extremely useful and they are certain to be impressed that you have some knowledge of Arabic. Tunisian Arabic differs from the classic variety though either will be understood (for example, 'good morning' is simply 'sparkia' rather than sabbah el kheir and an ashtray is 'tak tooka' in Tunisia and 'sandree' elsewhere :lol:)

Hello Aslemma if you pardon the pun! Am glad to find out an easier way to say good morning, as sabah al kheir is a bit of a mouthful!

Hi Jillyjeep,

I've been away in the Canaries and so have only just caught up with this thread. I don't really have anything to add other than to say 'Go for it girl!' I've never felt threatened and felt perfectly safe going out and about on my own but if you have any further questions do please feel free to come back and ask.

SM

Ah gee thanks SMa, nice to know a few girls have been on their own! Any questions, I will not hesitate to ask.