6 Tunisia travel tips you need to know before you go – For rewarding and enchanting escapes

Colder and warmer weather spells can be tricky to navigate, especially in a country like Tunisia. This is why planning your holiday to coincide with your preferences is vital. Equipped with this thought, know that the months of April to June and September through November are favourable. During these periods, daily temperatures will hover between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius and as a result, you will not be adversely impacted when it comes to getting about.

Arabic and French are widely spoken in Tunisia and a good way to acclimatise to your new surroundings will be to learn some basic words in Arabic. Words such as “Salaam Alaikum” (Hello) and “Shukran” (Thank You) will certainly help you when it comes to communicating with locals, particularly when walking through local souks or marketplaces.

Travelling in Tunisia means being exposed to numerous modes of transportation. Therefore, for the “do it my way” type of vacationer, renting a vehicle will be best. On the flip side, public transportation in the country provides multiple ways to get about and essentially, visit the most popular regions. SNTRI, which is the national bus company boasts an extensive fleet of luxury buses that ply over 40 routes. For long-distance travel, hailing a train will put you in pole position to call by cities in the likes of Tunis and Sfax. In the event you intend on spending a majority of your time in the city, then the tram will come to your aid. Alternatively, domestic flights can be reserved if you see yourself travelling from Tunis to Djerba.

The Tunisian Dinar (TND is the official currency, which is often resorted to. Thus, when it comes to purchasing souvenirs from local markets or eating at small villages, you can only pay for same with the local currency. Also, money can be exchanged at exchange offices, banks and hotels, while you can make withdrawals from ATMs located in major cities and touristy parts of Tunisia with your credit or debit card. Importantly, you can use your credit or debit card at stores, restaurants, hotels and resorts, including what is arguably, the best resort in Tunisia, which is the well-positioned The Residence Tunis.

As a nation underpinned by a rich heritage and culture, Tunisia affords fascinating journeys and experiences. First up is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Medina of Tunis where you may wander along narrow streets, call by traditional markets and be treated to awe-inspiring examples of Islamic architecture. Passionate fans of history will do well to visit the former Roman colony of Carthage, nestled in the suburbs of Tunis. Learn of the might of the Roman Empire once here and set foot within the Carthage National Museum where you will stumble upon an array of archaeological findings, including the marble sarcophagus of a priest and priestess that was recovered from the necropolis of Carthage. The southern towns of Tataouine and Matmata are priceless, given that you will learn of the traditional ways of life in Tunisia. The desert regions cannot be overlooked, as patrons will be handed opportunities to explore the dunes on the back of a camel and delight in some private tent dining.

Foodie tours to Tunisia will invariably lead you to an assortment of mouthwatering temptations that bear reference to the Romans, Ottomans and Arabs. Be it Brik, which is a traditional local pastry that is filled with harissa, egg and tuna to Merguez, a Tunisian sausage that is made from lamb or beef together with a host of herbs and spices; your tastebuds will be satisfied in no uncertain manner.