Hi I'm planning a holiday for my family of four. My brother and I are 17 and 19. We're interested in having family days out, but also want a nice beach to go to and some new experiences to try out (like camel riding or quad bikes etc).
My parents would like to relax and unwind, but also love the idea of seeing natural creations (such as wildlife etc) or historic islamic scenery and architecture.
I've done a lot of research on turkey and Morocco, however, I'm so confused after reading so many mixed reviews. Agadir in Morocco seems lovely, but there doesn't seem like there's much to see and explore. It seems like it would be great for a holiday with my mates. I found good deals for hisaronu in turkey, however, I've just read a lot about how its great for bars and clubs. Its not that this bothers me, its just that I know my parents would prefer less of a party atmosphere. We're muslim ourselves amd we don't mind being around a vibrant atmosphere, but would prefer a more cultural and relaxing experience.
What would be a good place to visit? We're only going for a week, so we only need about 4/5 days of sight seeing and experiences. My parents find it difficult to walk very far, but are okay with average journeys and are quite enthusiastic when it comes to seeing natural or traditional things. My brother and I are trying to stay clear of big hotels and resorts, as we don't want loads of little kids everywhere lol (don't mean to sound rude). Timoulay hotel in agadir was really nice and the green forest hotel in hisaronu sounded good too, but location is also a priority.
Thanks for reading and thanks in advance. Ali.
Have you thought about Tunisia? The resorts are more likely to be what your parents are looking for because what evening entertainment there is tends to be more laid back and based around the hotels rather than there being lots of clubs and bars. But it would also tick all the boxes re a more cultural experience. I'm not Muslim but the Great Mosque in Karouain took my breathe away and as well as the Islamic sights, Tunisia also has some tremendous Roman remains as well such as the colosseum at El Djem. You'll find lots more info on the Tunisia Forum but I think that it might be a better bet than either Morocco or Turkey. Others will be able to advise you better about suitable hotels based on more up to date information than I have but as a general rule, as long as you avoid the mega AI hotels that are aimed very clearly at the family market, you should find something that suits you and your parents.
The only thing is, a relative of ours visited Tunisia and had a bad experience. I know it was most likely a one-off yhing, but my parents aren't too keen on the idea after hearing about our relatives time there. I'll try and persuade them, if I find some nice points in my research.
Can you have a weigh in on turkey or Morocco? Thanks. Ali
I'm sure that others can offer advice on Turkey and Morocco - I have never visited either, mainly because I like the sort of holiday that your parents seem to be looking for and after looking into it decided that neither could tick all the boxes for me. What was it that happened to your relative that has put your parents off? Perhaps members her can shed some light on it and help put their minds at rest?
I have also visited Morocco but Tangiers and we loved it but Agadir just seems a beach resort.
Maybe Marrakesh would be more interesting.
I have been 3 times to Tunisia and think that would suit your parents more as the hotels are laid back.
We stayed in Port-el kantoui which would be a nice place to base yourselves and visit the other areas and places of interest from here.
Cheers. I appreciate the detailed reply. Tunisia is sounding lovely
I agree with SMa that Kairouan sounds right up your parents street. It's an impressive site, and if I remember correctly, the fourth holiest site in Islam. Just don't go on a Friday as you'll only be able to see the Great Mosque from the outside, rather than being able to go into the courtyard. And remember to wear / take clothing with you that will suitable - no bare shoulders, knees etc. They do provide cover ups (I forget what they're called) for tourists, but apparently they never get washed, so aren't particularly pleasant!
It's a shame your relative had a bad experience there - as SMa says, if you let us know what happened, maybe we can help put your mind at rest. I've been to Tunisia 15 or 16 times (I've lost count now ) and never had any major problems. The worst was probably on my second trip when I came home with gastroenteritis - but I've had bad food poisoning from a salad bar near where I work in London before, so that doesn't really have much to do with Tunisia. Just bad luck and one of the general perils of travel!
We did visit Kairouan many years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it as part of the 2 day desert safari. Sousse and Port El Kantoui should offer a mix of nice beaches, old souks with ancient and modern all thrown in together etc plus it's easy to get around from there as there's a railway station in Sousse. Both resorts are only a short distance from each other.
Saying that, Morocco (for us it would be Marrakesh or Tangiers) features highly on our "must do" list of places to go but being based permanently in Cyprus for the last 9 years it's really not so easy to get to unless we go via our favourite holiday destination of Egypt. The only problem with that is it's a hell of a flight to get to Morocco and why would we want to not stay in Egypt?
We do love the Arabic destinations - probably because they know how to make a decent cuppa!
We've enjoyed holidays in Turkey too so I think the places suggested already and as intimated yourself are definitely the right destination choices. It's just a case of seeing which offers the best all round for your family.
Post a Reply
Please sign in or register an account to reply to this post.