When I asked work for some time off last year to join my family on vacation in Tunisia, the unanimous response was: “where?” Until recent political turmoil brought Tunisia to the front pages of newspapers (and into the State of the Union), few Americans had actually heard of the small North African country. But for the French (and Europeans in general) Tunisia is a popular and affordable travel destination, a mere 2 hour flight away from Paris. Best known for its beaches, the country also boasts an amazing archaeological heritage. The ruins of Carthage, 15 km away from the capital of Tunis, are a must see, for example. El Kef in the northern part of the country has a splendid Byzantine kasbah rising out of the old medina and El Jem, in the east, holds the remains of a UNESCO World Heritage listed Roman amphitheater. On my most recent trip to Tunisia, I met my family in Djerba, a small island in the Gulf of Gabès, where my grandmother was resting at the Radisson Blu Resort & Thalasso following knee surgery. Here are some of the highlights of Djerba.

HOUM SOUK, ITS MARKET & ITS FORT


Love the camels on the beach! Were it not for the political unrest you mentioned, I would love to visit Tunisia. Looks beautiful.
Tunisia is a beautiful country.It would be a waste if people will let their fear of the recent turmoil discourage them from traveling here. I would love to have one of those colorful dishes as souvenir.