Q: I have been offered a cheap holiday to Tunisia. I have been advised to fly out to Tunisia THEN look around the hotels and then book a room. Obviously this will be cheaper than booking it all through a travel agent. Has anyone ever tried this-what was it like? Was it cheaper? And if so would you do it again? Thank you
A: Hi. First off, I'm glad that you are going to be enjoying beautiful Tunisia! Second, it is purely up to you as to what you want to do. I used to be a hotel manager and here is how things work as far as people who come in with no reservation: If the hotel is not full (less that 40%) we would give anyone who walked off the street a low rate to boost occupancy. If the hotel was half full (between 40-65%) We would give them a standard rate, the one that they would most likely have gotten with a travel agency, or had they booked online. If the hotel was full (between 65-99%) we would give them full price - no discounts. If hotels aren't full, you can find REALLY great deals by just walking in. But it's a chance you have to take. You need to ask yourself if you are basically willing to gamble with the price of your room, or if you want a fixed rate with no worries. Whatever you choose, I hope that you have a wonderful vacation here in Tunisia, and if I can be of any more assistance, please feel free to contact me.