Savoring Tunisia & Morocco

Tunisia & Morocco  Trip Tips 2025

Prepare to be thrilled on our new adventure with camels & casbahs! Our past groups loved the legendary countries of Tunisia and Morocco, each with a mystique of their own. You will visit 13 different cities and I wonder which will be your favorite. And you’ll get great photos of the golden dunes, Atlas mountains, stunning beaches, Roman ruins, Berbers, souks and more. At present, we have a wonderful group of 18 travel lovers. We need a few more to protect our group price so please share the trip link with your friends now. Deanna knows these regions well and is thrilled to escort you along with your expert local guides. Connect now on your private Facebook group page. Will be sending more details to you as departure nears.

Trip Tips are designed to answer trip-related questions. It’s your responsibility to read this information. Updates and addendums will be posted here. Some travelers have lost their entire trip for not reading what we send on visas, air details, inoculations, etc. Check back from time to time.

Payment dates –  50% May 6 and final due June 6

We partner with Wetravel for secure, fee-free electronic check payments. Simply follow their instructions. Credit card payments incur a processing fee. To minimize costs and offer the best prices, we prefer electronic checks. Alternatively, you can pay by check without mailing it: make it out to AFS, take a photo, and text it to 770-432-8225. We’ll process the payment at no extra charge.

Your Trip Leader – As your Gracious Trip Leader (GTL), I’ll be your liaison between our guides and the group, ensuring a smooth experience.

Meet Deanna a seasoned adventurer with over 60 countries under her belt, Deanna brings her unique blend of artistic vision and technical expertise to the AFS team. Her SCAD degrees in Photography and Graphic Design, combined with her IT background, make her an invaluable resource for travelers looking to capture and share their journeys.

When she’s not helping others troubleshoot tech issues or perfect their social media presence, Deanna stays active through skiing, snorkeling, and hiking. Her eight-year journey with French language and culture, along with her extensive solo travel experience, has made her one of AFS’s most sought-after trip leaders, known for creating memorable adventures that go far beyond the typical tourist experience.

Pre-Trip Preparation

• Read the revised Heading Abroad with AFS, especially if you are new to AFS.
  • Ensure your passport is valid 6 months after return date with two blank pages – these are Visa pages, not addendum pages.  Take a photo of your passport to store in the cloud or bring a copy. If you lose your passport, US embassies now except a digital copy from your email.
  • To speed through US Customs download Mobile Passport. Look in your App Store for details.
  • Notify bank and cc company of travel dates so they don’t block charges.
  • All airline rules differ. It is imperative to read your airline rules on their website to ensure a smooth departure! Always check your flight before departure.

Visa- none

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Fitness Level

Fitness lever for this tour is Moderate, meaning there is walking and activities daily. You should be able to walk one mile in 20 minutes (a stroll). If you have concerns, text your name at 770-432-8225 to discuss. We will call you to discuss.

Air Travel –  We rarely offer group air due to industry changes and past challenges. Previously, participants would express initial interest, prompting us to make a group booking, but if they found better rates and canceled, we incurred significant losses. Given the small group size and lack of interest in group air, participants must now book their own flights. Be aware that airline rules vary and can change, so stay connected with your airline for updates, and remember to print your ticket or have your mobile boarding pass ready for check-in.

• Responsibility: You’re responsible for booking your flights. Understand that all airline rules differ and can change. Monitor your airline’s updates and print your ticket for check-in.
• Early Arrival: Consider flying in early to ensure you’re present at the trip’s start.
• Airline Apps: Download your airline’s app to track bookings, delays, baggage, and contact their support.
• Premium Credit Cards: If you have a premium credit card, explore the air travel perks it offers.
• Business Class: If interested in business class, contact Alen at skylux.com or Ali at business-class.com for potential discounts. Mention Suzy sent you.

Booking Your Flights & Trip Extensions
Making Flight Arrangements – We recommend booking your flights directly through the airlines or via Google Flights. While third-party booking sites like Expedia offer competitive prices, they often complicate matters if you encounter travel issues. For peace of mind, consider either:

Booking directly through your chosen airline’s website
Working with your personal travel agent
Contacting our flight specialist, Delhi, at [email protected] (include your passport name, birth date, desired travel dates, and destination)
Extending Your Stay

We love when our travelers want to explore more! If you’re considering extending your trip, here are our recommendations:

Adding extra days at your final destination is ideal, as you’ll already be acclimated to the local time zone and culture. Many of our travelers connect through our Facebook community to coordinate extended stays together, sharing costs for tours, transportation, and accommodations.

While we encourage adding stopovers to your journey, please note that any independent travel arrangements fall outside our tour package. We cannot assume responsibility for the quality or outcome of personal travel plans made before or after our scheduled group tour.

A Note About Individual Travel: As a specialized group tour operator, our expertise and resources are focused on delivering exceptional group experiences. For individual travel arrangements outside our group tours, we recommend using services like Viator, which specializes in personalized travel experiences.

Important Air Dates: Depart USA Sep 11 – 20, 2025  (Land starts in Tunis on September 12 at the Residence of Gammarth.)

 Departure – USA to Tunis on September 11.

23 airlines fly to Tunis – Turkish, Air France, united, KLM, Qatar, Lufthansa and more. Turkish is the cheapest now. Consider adding a stopover city pre-or post trip.

Return – Marrakesh to USA on September 20.

Group Internal flight –  September 16 we fly from Tunisia to Casablanca 7 to 10 AM. Please know we had to ticket you now to secure your seat at the price of $180. We were forewarned the price will increase so have invoice due now for this seat.

About Airport Transfers- we may provide one common group airport pick up if most flights come in the same time. However our hotel is 20 miles from the airport and only around $12 to transfer there.   Due to the complexity of managing individual flight schedules, and with people arriving on different days and times it’s impossible to provide a group transfer. We’ll collect everyone’s flight information through a form, arrival transfers will only be available if we have a minimum of 10 people arriving at similar times. Travelers arriving outside this group transfer windows will need to arrange their own transportation to the hotel via taxi or Uber. This shift aligns with current industry standards, as most major tour companies have already moved to having travelers arrange their own arrival transfers. Like our industry peers, we’ve found this to be the most practical solution for everyone involved. Rest assured, we will still provide a return transfer to the airport on the final day of the tour. As we get closer to the departure date, we’ll send you a form to collect your exact flight details, which we’ll need for coordinating both potential arrival transfers and your guaranteed departure transfer.

Meet Up With Group- On Sep 12 call me by 4 PM at the residence hotel. See hotel link in itinerary. Welcome dinner at 6 PM. Deanna will be collecting your arrival times a month out.

Baggage– Think light to ease your burden, not like you’re fleeing your homeland.  You change hotel properties 5 times. 1 carry-on bag & 1 medium suitcase not to exceed 45lb checked bag – weigh on a bathroom scale.  Apple AirTags work great to track checked bags when the airline cannot, also good for carry-on.   Leave space for great souvenirs. Be sure to attach ID inside and out of carry-on and checked bag.

Packing-  The weather is usually perfect that time of year. Warm days fade into comfortable evenings, making it ideal for exploring ancient medinas and wandering through bustling souks. But packing for North Africa requires some thought. You’ll want to balance comfort with cultural sensitivity, and be prepared for everything from beach days to mosque visits. Leave space in suitcase for phenomenal bargain shopping.

• Light clothes: T-shirts, cotton pants, modest options for religious sites. Ladies dress more modest covered elbow to knees. Bring headscarf for mosques.
• Layers: Light jacket or sweater for AC and cool evenings.
  • Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes, sandals, flip-flops for beach.
  • Sun gear: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
  • Day bag: Small backpack, toiletries, meds.
  • Bring type C/E adapter.

Read Packing 101 in Heading Abroad with AFS

Cool travel hacks from our AFSers! Pack overnight outfit in your carry-on, liquid IV packets to hydrate, use packing cubes, downy wrinkle spray, Apple AirTags, extra nylon bag to check laundry home, tons of US dollars for extra tips, fully charged travel banks, less is more, get global entry.

Electric– Don’t forget a portable backup charger, cords, gadgets, etc. Cell phones and tablets do not need a converter; you only need an adapter plug.  AFSers often leave charger cords in room, so be sure to double-check your room before check out. All properties have hairdryers.

See https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com

Money Matters – Most meals included.  Always bring some cash!  You will need some cash for personal tipping, meals, and shopping. $300 cash should suffice.    Change currency on arrival at airport, bank, or hotels or withdraw local currency from an ATM.  Note -independent ATMs are risky due to skimmer scams. Safest ATMs are at airport and banks. Always shield your pin number when entering.  Bring newer bills 2016 on as some countries won’t take old or slightly damaged bills.

Master Card and Visa widely accepted.  Amex rarely accepted.   Credit cards are far safer than using your debit card. I use my credit card for most purchases.  Many cards now offer no foreign transaction fees. (Some countries in Africa and Asia require new bills dated after 2016. Older bills not accepted when changing money.)

• Currency  Exchange Rate  Tunis 3 DT to $1 and in Morocco 10 MAD to $1
• Follow the link below to create a conversion cheat sheet

• Before you go, create a quick currency conversion cheat sheet using XE’s Currency Converter. Having a rough idea of exchange rates will help you avoid overpaying and make quick decisions when shopping or dining out.

Gratuities –  In the Middle East, gratuities known as “bakshish” have been an established way of life for centuries and are an important part of the service experience. We’ve simplified this process by including standard gratuities in your invoice – this covers tips for your guides, assistants, drivers, porters, lodge staff, and other service personnel.  The amount we include in your invoice was carefully calculated based on industry standards for this group. Our trusted tour operators determine these baseline amounts to ensure fair compensation for local service providers.

Tipping on own – If service is stellar, feel free to give more directly.  All we tourists leave behind is our reputation. It’s a good idea to bring $30 in US one-dollar bills. This way you’ll have enough small bills for personal tipping throughout Porters – AFSers roll bags to their room.  If you use a porter, please tip.  For group lunches or dinners included, please leave $2 for waitstaff!

Communication– Internet access is available. Check with your phone provider for international rates and coverage before departure.

• • Data roaming rates can be expensive. Use Wi-Fi for texting, iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook messaging.
  • Be cautious with public Wi-Fi. Never open attachments or access financial/personal accounts without a VPN.
  • Unless connected to Wi-Fi, all phone use incurs data charges (e.g., viewing email, browsing, social media, mapping, and some apps).
  • The most affordable way to get data on your cell phone is by using a SIM card or virtual Sim card. However, this will only work if your phone is unlocked, meaning it’s not tied to a specific carrier.
  • Facebook Messenger Phone is a free way to make calls.

Safety: At AFS safety of our Travelers has been our priority since our inception in 1989. Our local teams constantly monitor any issues with your destination. They can access real-time safety updates and inform us if necessary.

Avoiding Hackers on Vacation.  Thieves not only want your money but also your data.    Change passwords often. Check device security settings before you leave for your trip. Back up, update, and encrypt your devices and data using a virtual VPN. Since 1989, your safety is our primary concern. Our local teams are experts, constantly monitoring any issues with your destinations. They can access real-time safety issues and will keep us informed if necessary.

• Bottled water is always best abroad, as our gut isn’t accustomed to local tap water.  Stay hydrated.
• Travel health – Bring Imodium or anti-diarrhea medicine.  Bring sunscreen.  Load up on antioxidants like vitamin C to zinc.

Health –  All our meals are pure and water is filtered. Bottled water available.

Photography – Before taking pictures of locals, know it is polite to ask.  Your AFS Private Facebook Group Page is a great way to share your best shots with each other. AFS loves photos with group participants (not typical churches, monuments, or any shot that looks like you pulled it off of the net, etc.) for our website. The best photos are ones that include a group member with a local, children, animals, or at iconic sites in the same frame! Note, that there may be some restrictions with photos in Buddhist places and religious sites. Guide will advise.

Websites of Interest:

Here are the official tourism board websites for Tunisia and Morocco:

– Tunisia National Tourist Office: www.tourismtunisia.com

– Morocco National Tourist Office: www.visitmorocco.com

These sites can be great resources for planning your trip and finding up-to-date information on tourism in each city you’re visiting.  Also Google our three hotels will be staying at on this trip for great information.

Chewing-  Tunisian and Moroccan cuisines are vibrant, aromatic, and rich in flavors, making them a delightful experience for tourists. Tunisia is known for its spicy dishes like couscous, brik (a savory pastry), and harissa (a chili paste), often featuring fresh seafood and a variety of vegetables, reflecting its Mediterranean influence. In contrast, Moroccan cuisine is famous for its tagines—slow-cooked stews infused with spices like saffron and cumin—and couscous, often served with succulent meats and an array of vegetables. Both cuisines showcase a blend of Berber, Arab, and Mediterranean influences, with an emphasis on communal dining, colorful presentations, and the use of local ingredients, enticing visitors to explore the rich culinary traditions of each country. The vibrant markets, known as souks, also offer an immersive experience where tourists can sample street food and discover an array of spices, further enhancing their culinary adventure. You will love our two cooking classes included and the street food tour!

Optional tours – September 18 – hot air ballooning $245. We will get you details in a headcount later.

September 17 – you can book these on arrival. Horse and carriage ride $36. Amazing dinner show called Fantasia at Chez Ali.  Our past groups loved it. $98. Our hotels have hammams. But there are some amazing ones in Marrakesh. We cannot book a group so just Google Morocco hammam collection and the guide can advise you there.

Accommodations –Accommodations – Our itinerary has links to each hotel.  Hotels can change, but it’s rare.

Roommates –  Single supplements have significantly increased in price– if available at all.  Save money and buy yourself an awesome local gift. We all live alone but save money when traveling by rooming together. Suzy spends a lot of time on roommate matching.  99% of our clients are wonderful and you’re only in your room to sleep at night.   The best option is to invite a friend.  Note, kindness begets kindness.  Many of our seasoned travelers bring headsets to drown out any excess noise.  We share rooms only to sleep at night.

Please understand if the AFS room list ends up with an unbalanced gender, and forces a single room, we will offer it to all in the group.  If all decline, we split the added forced cost single room. If you were the last to book we may have to remove you from the trip unless you share in the supplement cost

Leisure Time –  For your free time, it’s best to arrive and ask our local expert guides for suggestions.  We notice many newer clients pre-plan many activities on the AFS trip well before they arrive, often with disappointing results.  Our daily itineraries are pretty full, but there will be some free time. Expert travelers revel in the element of surprise in a new destination and allow the wind to blow them where it will. Use Google Maps on your phone to find everything nearby.

Amending tour pre-or post-trip. We honor your independent spirit, but encourage you to extend more days at the trip’s end when you’re acclimated well to the destination.  If you add another country, we often see many AFSers on Facebook urging others to join them what do you consider the cost of tours, transport, hotels, etc.  Stopovers are great to add, but understand AFS has no responsibility for the quality of your trip. Please understand that we are a group tour organizer and do not have the time or resources sources to arrange private vacations for individuals.

Private Facebook Group Page  –  The benefit of the Private FB Group Page is that you have an opportunity to introduce yourself to your fellow travelers before departure and share trip photos during and after the tour.  The link can be found in your Wetravel welcome letter after your initial deposit.  (We found that some never read the Trip Tips jumping right to the Private FB Group Page assuming they will get all trip info needed. Often, they only receive rumors or misinformation. All important information is ALWAYS emailed to each participant and posted in Trip Tips under UPDATES. Nobody misses a thing.)

Emergency Contact – AFS phone or text 770-432-8225, or email us at https://afstravelers.com/contact-us/    More contacts will be provided with your Final Docs email 2 to 3 weeks before departure. Your guide can handle a call home for a true emergency. Do not expect to use your trip leader’s cell phone; you’ll need to use your own.

Cancellation Policy –  At Adventures For Solo Travelers (AFS), we understand that sometimes unforeseen circumstances may require you to cancel your tour. We have established the following cancellation policy to provide clarity and fairness to all our travelers; thus keeping in line with other tour operators and global suppliers today. A deposit secures your place on an AFS tour. The deposit amount varies by tour and will be clearly stated for each trip.  (Cruiseline deposit structure in terms may differ.)

Deposits Paid- Cancel and You Find a Replacement – $100 Penalty

• If you cancel your tour and YOU find a replacement, you will be refunded your deposit minus a $100 processing fee. Please note that finding a replacement does not fully alleviate the administrative burden on AFS, as we must still spend time familiarizing the new traveler with the tour details, answering questions, and sending all previous communications. The $100 fee helps offset these costs. You are responsible for finding a suitable replacement and ensuring they meet all AFS eligibility criteria and agree to the terms and conditions of the tour.

Travel Insurance– While travel insurance is optional, in today’s world we highly encourage you to get standard coverage to cover trip interruption and cancellation.  Best source for all is www.insuremytrip.com.   CFAR or cancel for any reason covers Covid but is expensive.  Note that no company covers for fear.

Preexisting conditions – If you would like the security of travel insurance and have a pre-existing condition (elderly parent, medical, etc.), you must purchase insurance within 15 days from your initial trip deposit in order to assure full coverage.  The trip cost can be amended or adjusted as needed after your initial purchase (eg. like adding an air ticket cost later). You can buy travel insurance at any time, just know that there may be some possible limitations if purchased outside the 15 day period.  We like TravelSafe, Allianz or Seven Corners.

• Click here to Purchase Travel Insurance online

AFS Group Etiquette – Prepare for your departure joyfully with no contempt before investigation upon arrival. Please understand that with travel, things are not like at home and changes may occur. Great trips work best for those with an open mind, flexible attitude and adventuresome spirit.  If changes occur, embrace them with serendipity. Who knows?… The unexpected may prove to be a better experience.  Adapt and go with the flow with a laid-back attitude.  Be spontaneous. Be tolerant of foreign cultures in respecting their centuries of traditions. Embrace the differences. Be curious, not shy. Smile – locals will sense your energy of kindness and kindness always begets kindness.  Our common goal is to experience different cultures, make new friends, get great photos, have large fun, and return home safely with memories worthy of recollection.

10 Commandments for AFS Travelers

1. Thou shall not expect to find things as thou hast at home, for thou hast left thy home to find things different.
2. Thou shall not take anything too seriously.A carefree mind is the beginning of a fun vacation.
3. Thou shall not let other group members get on thy nerves, for thou art paying good money to enjoy thyself.
4. Thou shall not forget that doist represent America (Canada too) at all times. Kindness begets kindness, ugliness begets ugliness.
5. Thou shall not worry. This is for thine AFS trip leader.  They who worry hath no pleasure, and few things are fatal.
6. Remember thy passport at all times. A person without a passport is a person without a country.
7. Blessed is the person who can say “thank you” in any language
8. When in Rome, do as the Romans do
9. Do not judge the people of a foreign land by one person with whom thou hast had trouble.
10. Remember, thou art a guest in each land. They who treateth their host with respect shall be treated as a guest of honor.

Please note that AFS is non-partisan – With our homogeneous groups, we all want to focus on the common denominator – our love of travel.  In today’s divisive world, we suggest members not discuss politics and if you must, please practice my rule of TOK:  Tolerance, Open-mindedness and Kindness.

Please be advised that the operation of some tours may need to be rearranged or modified to suit local conditions, but all activities stated will be included.  We are here for you to address any questions about your trip. In time, we believe travel will begin to normalize with less rules and we appreciate your cooperation until then.  Now more than ever before, travelers value the privilege of travel to explore our world. You’ve been waiting so long, it’s time for recess!