Category: General

If you are thinking about visiting Tunisia, it is important to know whether or not it is safe to do so. This area of the world isn’t always the safest place for tourists depending on the political climate at the time, which is why you will need to get the necessary information before planning your trip.

 

Tunisia Travel Warning From U.S. Department of State

Early in May the U.S. Department of State warned U.S. citizens that they should avoid traveling to southeastern Tunisia along the Libyan border as well as various mountainous areas in the western region of the country because of terrorism threats. This replaced the warning from September of 2016 when a similar notice to tourists was issued.

There have been numerous terrorist attacks targeting the Tunisian government as well as security forces and popular tourist sites. If you want to learn more about this warning, you can visit https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/tunisia-travel-warning1.html.

 

Regional Advisories

It is important to keep in mind that while there is no national advisory in effect for Tunisia, there are regional advisories that you should know about before traveling to this area. Global Affairs Canada advises against all travel to certain areas of Tunisia, including the Chaambi Mountain National Park area, including the town of Kasserine.

There have been violent clashes and the threat of terrorist attacks. It is also highly recommended that you do not go within 30 km of the borders with Algeria, with the exception of Tabarka in Jendouba Governorate. The militarized zone in Tatouine Governate that lies south of Dehiba and El Borma is another area that you will want to steer clear of altogether. You can visit http://travel.gc.ca for more information.

 

Level of Risk

Right now visiting Tunisia is definitely a risky proposition, so you might want to think twice before doing so. There is definitely a heightened risk of terrorism, and it is likely that there will be further attacks in the near future. A state of emergency has been declared across the country due to a suicide attack on a police bus in November of 2015. A British man as well as 20 others was killed in a gun attack on the Bardo Museum in the capital city of Tunis in March of 2015.

Tourism operators have come under a lot of scrutiny for not warning holidaymakers of these threats. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against all non-essential travel to Tunisia and furthermore warns against going to certain regions of the country altogether. Right now there aren’t even any direct flights going from the UK to Monastir or Enfidah airports.

 

The UK Government Weighs in

The UK government has stated that the terrorism threat level is still fairly high, and that further attacks are likely. There are numerous economic, political and religious tensions that have the potential to cause violent demonstrations. It is highly recommended that you avoid any areas with large groups of people who are protesting because of the potential for things to turn violent quickly and without much warning.

Right now there is heightened security at the borders with Libya and Algeria because of conflicts in Libya and terrorism across the borders which could result in crossings being closed without warning. There are other risks that you will have to keep in mind before visiting this area, including muggings, pick pocketing, bag-snatching and petty theft. While these are threats present in almost every city, you will still need to keep that in mind before going. If you are planning to visit this area, it is highly recommended that you have comprehensive travel and medical insurance.

 

2015 Massacre at Sousse Beach Resort

In June of 2015, a total of 30 Britons were killed at the once popular Sousse beach resort in Tunisia. Seifeddine Rezgui went on a shooting spree on behalf of Isil, going through the pool area and up to the Hotel Imperal Marhaba. Police officers could have been on the scene in just three minutes, but it took them 45. The judge ultimately determined that there was nothing that could have been done to prevent the attack, except perhaps having armed guards at the hotel, which wouldn’t have been allowed under Tunisian law.

A total of 38 people were killed in this attack, and it is indicative of the danger that tourists can put themselves in by visiting this country. While it’s true that not all parts of Tunisia are considered to be unsafe to visit right now, you will still need to take all of the facts into consideration before planning your trip.

 

The Foreign Office’s Advice

The FCO has made an official statement that you shouldn’t travel to Tunisia unless you absolutely have, to such as for business. The threat level in this area is simply too great right now because of terrorist activities. While it’s true that there are certain regions of the country that are more prone to terrorism than others, it is still important that you consider not going to this country at all unless you really have to for whatever reason.

 

Why the Travel Ban is Still in Place

While Tunisian representatives have been pressing the UK to lift the travel ban for a number of months now, claiming it is completely safe, officials at the FCO remain unconvinced and insist that the threat level is still too high. The FCO has stated that although they have good co-operation from the Tunisian government, including putting additional security measures in place, there is still enough intelligence to suggest a significant terrorist threat.

 

Conclusion

If you have been considering taking a vacation to Tunisia because you want to enjoy its beautiful beaches and scenery among other things, it is important that you think again. Right now there is a high level of risk involved with going to this country. If you choose to go there, make sure that you keep in mind which regions are not considered safe (as listed above.)

While there have been many men and women who have switched their clothing over to that of the western world there are still men and women who wear the traditional dress. As Tunisians they are proud of their dress and are not afraid to keep wearing it.

When you go to Tunis you will notice that the traditional clothes are a part of the national heritage and the national identity. Most of the time instead of seeing the traditional Tunisian dress on the street you will see them at events such as religious events, circumcision ceremonies and also weddings.

When it comes to the old quarters of Tunis and go to a wedding you will look around and notice there is quite a large group of the men and the women who are wearing traditional garb.

 

Jebba

The most popular male costume is the Jebba. It is still worn by some men. The Jebba is made of silk and wool. It covers almost the whole body as the only parts that will be showing are the forearms and the calves. The Jebba can be worn with a Farmla which is a vest. Sometimes you will see a Sadra or Badia as well. The outfit is finished off with a jacket that is called a Montane and some baggy trousers or Sirouel. A silk sash is used as a sort of belt right at the waist. There are many different colors when it comes to the Jebba and t is considered a ceremonial garment. You will also see the traditional round felt hat called the Chechia.

 

Barnous

A Barnous may cover the Jebba. It is a well-known garment and has been sported by the Tunisian President in his public life. Elderly men are often caught wearing this garb as well. This is most common in the winter seasons. The Barnous is long hooded woolen coat much like a poncho but it has no sleeves. It is the crowning piece of the Jebba to give the wearer special prestige.

 

Blouza and Fouta

The Blouza and Fouta are two pieces of the same outfit. The Fouta is a dress made of cotton and silk. Women wrap this from their waist to their ankles. The Blouza is the bustier of the outfit. If you go to a wedding you will see the bride in a Kesswa Tounsia that is lined with crystal beads and rhinestones. This two piece outfit is made up of trousers and a bustier. This outfit was inspired by traditional wedding dresses of the past.

 

Kontra and Balgha

The Kontra and the Balgha are the traditional shoes that are loved by Tunisians but tourists love them as well. The closed leather shoes are often pointed or rounded at the end. The Balgha or the Kontra can be worn by men or women but most of the time you will find men wearing them. The Kontra is a beautiful shoe that is light sometimes all organic and should be worn with the Jebba or the Gulf-syle Siroual.

 

Safsari

The Sefsari is a large scarf that is made from yellow or white silk. It covers the entire body of the Tunisian woman. The Sefsari is still worn in some out of town areas by the older women but most young women do not wear it. If you go to the Tunis Medina and the souks you will see some of the women wearing the Sefsari. Most of the women do not cover their faces anymore. They just wrap that part around their head so they are more comfortable.

 

Weddings in Tunisia

If you really want to see an amazing sight then you want to go to a wedding in Tunisia. You will not get much notice when it comes to the actual invitation as it will only come about a week before the event. Don’t worry, everyone will have been asking you if you were coming months before the formal invites actually came out.

 

The groom may wear a suit like in a Western wedding or they could be wearing the traditional jebba gown. If they are it will be beautifully embroidered. The bride on the other hand will most likely be adorned in an amazing white gown with jewels and a tiara will be atop her head. What will be worn at the wedding greatly depends whether the bride and groom are from the north or from the south. Those in the south are a little bit more traditional than those in the north.

The beautiful garments of Tunisia can make anyone feel as if they are in a fairytale and allow you to greatly enjoy the beauty of the rich culture. Whether you are a native or an onlooker you will appreciate the how much work goes into each of the outfits here in Tunisia. It is true craftsmanship.

For some who have learnt and internalized the art of road tripping, extended voyages Is always astonishing and exciting. However, some people never seem to get the proclaimed connection between their inner selves and the nature of voyages.

 

 

They consider them as miserable journey which they could sleep over and get up already in the desired destination. Road tripping, however, is more than just what it sounds. For beginners, road tripping might be difficult, stressing and extremely tiring. Travelling with the whole family, especially accompanied by toddlers, can be a tough task in itself not to talk about the constant nagging and screams that children bring.

 

If you are that person who always remains at home while people go for extended voyages, then you don’t know exactly what you are missing. Perhaps you are hesitant, but if you try taking road trips you may finally get the hang of it. This should be a step by step , gradual process. You don’t have to start with extended voyages. To realize and appreciate the art of road tripping, then you have to begin with short distances of about 30 to 100 miles.

 

As you develop, you will be amazed at what a road trip can do for both your inner and outer being. If toddlers are your problem, then worry no more. When taking kids along, you have to make regular stops, preferably at picnic sites to have some rest. Children are not used to travelling for extremely long distances, so a little distraction from time to time will do them a lot of good.

 

No matter how well you plan for the voyage, emergencies and frustrations will always crop up, but it is upon you not to allow anything to mar your experience. If you are a novice, it is high time to take the challenge head. The exhilarating experience will surpass your expectations.