If ever you're feeling whimsical you might think about booking a last minute holiday for the family to the sun-soaked coastline of Tunisia. No, that's not completely mad. In fact, it could turn out to be one of the best things that you'll ever do. Visit with an open mind and just into the Tunisian culture and holiday spirit with gusto. Let the discovery begin.
Hitting the markets
The street markets in Tunisia are famous for selling everything from spices to scarfs, sweets to saucepans and will offer something of interest for your whole family. Touring through the labyrinthine paths through the stalls with your kids is one of the most fun things that you can do with the family on holiday in Tunisia. The kids can completely immerse themselves in the Tunisian culture, speak to locals, handle money, try new foods — meanwhile you’re free to look at the gorgeous scarfs and handcrafts available.
Blitzing the beaches
The weather in Tunisia is pretty much gorgeous all year around, and because of its geographical location, has that beautiful dry heat instead of the sticky humid type you’ll find further south. So it’s hard not to be completely and utterly seduced by the kilometers of beaches and waters. The kids will be occupied all day with all the fun that surf and sand offers, while you can lay back and soak up some rays on your last minute holidays.
Riding a camel
It may seem like an odd choice, but camel riding is enormous fun, and a great way to walk along the shorelines and take in the cityscapes of the town you are in. The kids will adore this, as being on a camel affords them views being up on high, and the ride is even and not scary. The novelty is there for adults too, just make sure you don’t book a trip for longer than half a day if you don’t want to be saddle sore!
Tasting the cuisine
Tunisian food is a mixture of Mediterranean cuisine and the more traditional north African culinary traditions and is basically to die for. It’s inexpensive and tasty, made up of mostly meat and fish dishes with vegetables and couscous. Though you can get all the regular fare you can find at home, be adventurous with your food choices, you won’t be sorry.
Splashing out
One of the best things about Tunisia and an absolute surprise is the amount of watersports on offer. Learn to jet-ski or wind surf in warm waters. It’s an ideal way to spend the day, and though exhausting, when you finally sit down for a drink and a delicious Tunisian meal, overlooking a sunset over a white-sandy beach you won’t regret one minute on that surfboard.
Go on, be adventurous, book that last minute holiday, your family will thank you for the experience, and you will gain an understanding of a new culture, and hopefully, a tan!
Images by miriampastor and upyernoz, used under Creative Commons licence
This post was contributed by Thomson Holidays