I just cant decide. Egypt or Tunisia? Any advice

[hol-queen]

Well, I decided after a disasterous holiday in Salou in May, that as "Therapy" I would book our next years holiday!! After long deliberation we decided on Egypt, for the weather mainly cause its bound to be hot and sunny. Then I discovered Tunisia, so now I have to choose between the two, weather seems to be excellent this time of year in both (has anyone been this time of year before?? whats the weather like??) We are thinking of going mid July 2009. I spoke to a travel agent the other day to told me if we go to Egypt in July that temps can reach 40 or more degrees (which was confirmed on accuweather.com), now this sounds like heaven on earth to me, as I am proper sun worshiper, but I have to consider my 8 year old son. She also told me that the hotel staff do not let you outside if the weather is too hot, can anyone tell me if this is true?? I am not willing to pay 2k to sit in the hotel for 2 weeks!! So this is where we thought tunisia might be a better option. We saw the hotel Houda Golf and beach club (tunisia) and really liked the look of it? Anyone ever been? My son is really concerened about the food, and has asked to to ask what kind of food they serve at hotels in both countrys. We are trying to book a hotel with water slides just for an extra bit of fun, (Houda Golf-Tunisia and Three corners Kiroseiz-Egypt) Any comments on these two hotels would be fantastic. I`m sorry for going on so much but I really want to book the right thing. Also comments on booking early for next year advice would be greatly received. I thought about free child places but to be honest they manage to bump up the price with other things once they have given you the discount. Thank you so much!!

[Sekhmet]

The Sharm forum has a Tips for 1st Timers thread which may help answer some of your queries re: Egypt.
You are the 2nd person to ask if people are allowed out of the hotel when it's really hot in Egypt. Would love to know which travel agents are spreading these weird rumours & why! Yes, you can go outside!!! The staff may pass on advice about how to deal with the heat but they're not in a position to prevent anyone from leaving the hotel. I can imagine what my hubby would say if someone told him not to go outside!

[Snickers-888]

I can only say that I have been to Egypt in August (& it was too hot for me) and not once did the hotell suggest we didn't venture out into the midday sun.
Cannot comment on Tunisa as I haven't been since I was a child.

[lissy05]

I can't personally comment on Tunisia, but my friend has been for the last 3 years running and she loves it.

Just got back from Egypt (20th July) and had a great time.
The weather was lovely, eventhough it was hot it had a nice breeze. Out of the 2 weeks we were there was only one day where i thought it was too hot!!
We didn't go outside in the day while we were there, but the hotels didn't stop people going outside.
Loads to do in Egypt aswell - wouldn't get bored!

[meena]

hi i am going to tunisa in one week,this will be our third time we love the place,beaches are great and people are friendly,we have two boys aged 10 and 7 yrs we stay in sousse in the tour kalef when we go. as there are four hotels in the complex and you can go to any. there are four pools and a short walk through the grounds to the beach.my children get on well with the food there is a good choice.hope this will help you cheers x

[cougar571]

We have been to both destinations, the 1st being Tunisia.
The hotel Merhaba in Sousse, half board. The food was not to our liking, I don't get on with "Chicken Giblets" or uncooked eggs, the puddings were blancmange set in different styles.
The beaches in Sousse are beautiful & clean, the trips are very good value, especially the 3 day one to the Sahara.
Don't be surprised if you get a taxi into town & be greeted by someone saying that they are a barman in your hotel & know you, then insist on 'showing you the sights', they don't know you from Adam, they've asked the taxi driver which hotel he picked you up from, a clever ruse!!

The 2nd being to Hurghada, the hotel Grand Palace, again on half board.
Once again the food was not to our liking, it is mainly veal, luke warm & for German tastes. We had to eat at a set time every day, now I personally don't like to be told when I can eat, if I'm hungry I'll eat!!
We didn't do any trips.
Not a lot happening in Hurghada, you stroll down the street & look in the 1st shop, that's it!! The rest are exactly the same stock & rubbish.

Personally, we wouldn't return to either resort, or Country, again, but everyone likes different things, fortunately, otherwise it would be a boring old world.
Where-ever you decide to go, have a great time.

[hol-queen]

Thank you for all your advice, its great to hear different opinions on different places, thank you for taking the time to write your advice. Happy holidays!!! :0)

[madforegypt]

I'm lucky in that I have been to both countries. Tunisia twice and this year will make the seventh time to Egypt.
You have to remember that all reviews are on a personal level and how each person sees the country.
Tunisia, Seems to be set for tourists. Higher level hotels great, Food not brilliant but passable. Things to do, OK. Sahara tour a blast. It rained on us in June!!!
Have to say I wont be going back too often.
Egypt. Great. Sharm, purpose built for tourists and lovely. Hotels great, food good and be brave, go out and experience the local place. More expensive than other parts of Egypt but lots of holiday things to do. Culture is a bit of a trek away though.
Luxor, centre of culture, some great hotels and food places, plenty to do. Been my base for 7 trips to Egypt. Great base to head out to Cairo for the Pyramids, (been twice) and down to Aswan and Abu Simbel (This September).
Cairo. Mad hustle and bustle. Brilliant hotels and every kind of food you could want. Still cheap but not as cheap as Luxor and the South. The Pyramids are just great and dont miss the solar boat. Not the place for a couple of weeks but great to visit for 2 or 3 days.
If I had to choose it would be Egypt every time. We've only scratched the surface!!

[Dahlia]

Hi, I am Dahlia from Egypt. I want to comment about 2 issues. First, the travel agency who told you that the hotel staff won't let you out of the hotel is definately misleading you. Second, the weather is changeable, yes July and August are very hot, but sometimes to our surprise we have very beautiful weather. So all that you have to do if you want to go out in the sun, wear a cap or hold a small umbrella, you will find many of us holding it during summer, a bottle of water and a sunblock.
About the food, to avoid any stomach problems, I advise you not to eat green salads at all, and don't drink from tab water.
Finally, I wish you a lovely holiday, wether in Egypt or Tunisia.

[great egypt]

I think it probably boils down to what you want your vacation to be.

Tunisia is more western, and is more for beach going.

Egypt is more exotic and for site seeing/history/museums.