"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
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)
"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.
"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 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 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
