We would like to go to Tunisia in September, but our time is right in Ramadan. Does anyone know if this would affect our tourism (restaurants, beaches, museums, all the usual stuff)?
Thanks,
Elliott in Seattle
Posted by
Bend, OR
576 posts
Elliott, on one of the "Rick on Radio" archived programs (click on top of this page), the pros and cons of traveling during Ramadan are discussed. I'm not exactly sure which one, but seem to recall tht it was a show on Egypt. I have had similar concerns with planning a trip to Egypt.
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA, USA
4 posts
Terry-Thanks.
After posting my question, I found a brief comment in our of our Tunisia guidebooks.
Basically the author said that travel during Ramamdan is feasible but that service could be spotty. Also, much would be closed during the day (museums, restaurants, etc), but that it was even better after dark.
Since we are early-birds, staying up at night isn't an option. So next year for us!
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
I've been to Dubai during Ramadan two year ago. There it was important that whenever you drink a bottle of water or anything during the day you had to make it secretly so that absolutely nobody can see you do that. Quite a challenging task but you get good at it over time ;-)
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA, USA
4 posts
Oh good, secret drinking!!!
That's not a vacation; I do that at home.
Posted by
Berkeley, CA, USA
25 posts
Possibly the worst part was banging of drums at 4am down the hotel corriders to 'celebrate' Ramadan!
Or at least the beginning of it. I was able to get right back to sleep though, since walking a lot can tire you out pretty well.
- Andrys
Posted by
Houston
26 posts
Elliott - We will be in Marrakesh during Ramadan and we have the same concerns as you. We are already booked and its too late to change it now, we will just consider it a great experience.
Posted by
Browns Point, WA, US
72 posts
We found traveling in Turkey during Ramadan two years ago to be very interesting. In the days before, the buses and terminals were full of families traveling with bags overflowing with fresh vegetables and canned and baked goodies. Then when Ramadan began our days began in the early morning with the drums banging early to announce daybreak and the commence of fasting. . .but then the first call to prayer usually followed every morning any way, so if you weren't awake yet, you soon would be. There seemed to be less activity during the day on the streets, but the restaurants and stores all were open. Oops. I just noticed my note may not be timely. I hope you enjoyed your trip. It's a privilege to be able to experience other cultures. Gwen Sailer Browns Point Washington