Mode of Transportation

"The "best" way to travel in Tunisia all dependes on personal preference and where you are going. To have an enjoyable and relaxing ride, the train is often the best way to go (if it goes where you are going to). However, if time is a concern, travelling by louage may be your best bet. A louage is like a taxi that goes long distances (from city to city). You often have to share it with other passengers -- this is recommended anyway since it is cheaper. There are also buses. I've never taken the bus, but I've heard to avoid it if you can. Of course if Taxi you have the money, the best way is to rent a car, so you have control over your own destiny!
In the major cities you can also hail a taxi. In fact this is the best way to get from the Tunis-Carthage airport to your hotel (whether it is in Tunis or Carthage). However make sure the taxi-driver uses his meter/counter; do not go with someone who just suggests a lump sum." - Me (Colette)

Raf Raf

"I can definitely recommend that people no follow the advice in whatever guidebook it was were were following, and that they stay away from the 'grass huts' in Raf Raf. Unfortunatley I do not remember in which book it was that we read about those huts, but it was definitely misleading!" -Alicia.

Sousse and El Djem

eldjem "We took the train from Tunis to El Djem (first class -- it's not that much more expensive and much more comfortable, but not all trains have first class). In El Djem we went straight to the Amphitheatre you can't miss it). It cost us a dinar to get in. You can walk around inside it. It is restored and well kept. Once you've seen the Amphitheatre, there is not much else to do in town. There is a museum that has mosaics. If you are interested in mosaics, they are worth going to see. We found El Djem to be quite hot (beginning of June) compared to Sousse.

The trip to El Djem can easily be apart of your trip to Sousse, since it is only an hour or two away. We took the train from El Djem to Sousse and found a cheap hotel near by the train stop. Sousse is a city like Tunis, and cheap and clean accommodation shouldn't be hard to find. The same goes for dining. There is a nice beach to relax on in Sousse. There is the medina also, which twists and turns its way through the old city. It is very interesting to walk around, but I recommend you don't try it at night. There is a museum in Sousse too that is worth a spin through (if I remember correctly it has strange hours).I'm sure there is much more to see in Sousse, but we only were there for a day and a half..." - Me (Colette)
Sousse - World Heritage City


Tabarka

"Tabarka is a great little town. It is the resort town for Tunisians. However when I was there two years ago, there were a few western resort hotels just outside of town. Because of its growing popularity, prices are higher in Tabarka. There is of course the beach to visit in this northern town. For those who like to explore, hike up to the castle on the hill. Be warned, however, people do live there, but didn't seem to mind people exploring the uninhabited parts.

You can scuba dive from Tabarka too -- my friends who went said that it was well run. I wanted to go to Aim Draham (sp?) a little mountain village near Tabarka, but it is not the easiest place to go. Sounds worthwhile though.

Getting to Tabarka can not be done by train. You have to take a louage there and back. They are fairly common. Make sure you know where to catch one back to Tunis before you go exploring!" - Me (Colette)


Tunis

"Tunis is the capital of Tunisia, and its biggest city. Tunis is where the louages and the trains leave from. The best way to get around Tunis is by foot, or by bus. Tunis has a souk in it medina that is worthwhile to go to. Check the hours and days it is open. There is also the Bardo museum in Tunis that is worth the stop. If you are going to be there for Canada day (or Independence day) you may want to let the Embassy know, and you can party with your fellow Canadians or Americans." - Me (Colette)
World Heritage City
The Bardo Museum