Great beaches and no hassle (Gambia)

Member Name: suzanneb84

Product:	Gambia
Date:	01/06/09 (40 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, great beaches, "experience a new culture"

Disadvantages: Poor, may not be too safe for single girls.

I visited Gambia this February and found it to be very hot - 30 degrees to be precise! The airport was basic to say the least but fine for what it was... a trend the remainder of the holiday had. The Island is very poor, with tourists being their main source of income. The majority of locals live in small, almost shanty like houses, however we felt safe throughout our stay. The hotels are vast and immaculate, the service is also incredible - mainly because most people that go there do not leave the hotel as everywhere else is quite run down. We found the restaurants to be cafe like and inexpensive.... but the quality of food was simply amazing and ten miles better than the buffet hotels - a whole fish and sides cost about 4 pounds!! They are very willing to talk you places, and whilst some just want a tip, if you say you will not being giving them any money some join just to pass their time of day; they are also the best people to tell you where exchange rates are best, guide you around the markets and get you cheap beers which are suprisingley hard to find out there! The beaches were idyllic, long, soft and several small walk up bars you got no hassle from - use the guidebooks and explore with taxis, there is a lot out there to look at, especially the port and a great restaurant called the Arts Cafe. All in all I went there for a quiet coupley weekend and that was exactly what i got - maybe if i was by myself or with another girl i would have been unlikely to explore so much though - they are very respectful but having another male there was much better!

Summary: Gorgeous for a minimal beach holiday