MOROCCO

Woman standing in a flowing dress and young boy seated, both in a blue and white elaborately painted doorframe in the mosaic tiled streets of Chefchaouen, Morocco.
Welcome to Morocco!

Plan your trip to Morocco!

Growing up, my mother’s love for old movies had a strong influence on family movie night in our house, sometimes renting multi-tape (ah, the days of VHS tapes!) sagas with elaborate sets and costumes (long before the days of CGI). Thus began a lifelong love affair with movies such as Casablanca and the romantic intrigue that kept Morocco firmly on my bucket list.

When I was finally able to bring this trip out of the guidebook and into the travel journal, Morocco certainly did not disappoint. Morocco has something for every type of wanderlust: the foodie, the extreme adventurer, the photographer, those looking to study artisans and craftsmen, and endless opportunities to be spoiled by Moroccan hospitality. While the quintessential tourist must-do tourist experiences, such as riding a camel in the Sahara and exploring the medinas, definitely delivered, we were blessed to discover some unexpected gems that I’m excited to share.

The Morocco of my childhood intrigue is still there, but this visit really emphasized how much more diverse this fabled land is. We traveled from cities to mountains, from desert to seaside. We had sticky star-filled nights of silent dunes, and breezy days where the music of nightclubs competed with the muezzin’s call to prayer. Each day, we learned something new or discovered something unexpected – yet I still feel we will need to return to see more (and because, of course, one can never eat enough tagine!).

Use the tips and blog posts to start planning your dream adventure to this magical place, and let me know if you have questions. We love you, Morocco!

Some of our favorite experiences in Morocco:

  • Embracing the silence of a magical sunrise over the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains from a hot air balloon view.
  • Learning about the ingredients of a tasty tagine and making one of our own – delicious!
  • Enjoying the warmest Moroccan hospitality.
  • Stepping back in time to the days of the kasbahs along the ancient caravan route at Aït Benhaddou.
  • Attempting to ride the waves in Essouira, with our first-ever surf lessons!
  • Exploring the excitement and surprises around each corner of the medinas, where we watched craftsmen demonstrate generational-learned skills and techniques.
  • Learning camel-riding skills from our new Berber friends across the sunset dunes of the Sahara Desert.
  • New favorite drink unlocked: Moroccan mint tea. Another cup, please!

Important travel tips for a successful Morocco trip:

  • BE POLITE, USE LOCAL GREETINGS. I always recommend learning polite greetings of “hello” and “thank you” in each place you travel. This gesture is appreciated – just practice your pronunciation! That being said, I was surprised by how many languages you could use in Morocco! Spanish is predominant in the northern regions, French in many of the larger cities, and Arabic here and there (but not nearly as much as I anticipated). There is also a resurgence of indigenous Berber language and culture which is beautiful to hear.
  • STAY HYDRATED! Temperatures can run high in Morocco, particularly in the summer. Drinking tap water is not recommended in much of the country. Save money (and reduce single-use plastic consumption) by bringing a refillable water bottle, and then buying a large 5-liter (or bigger) jug of water at any convenience shop or grocery store. Use this to refill your reusable bottle, and take it when you are out exploring.
  • CURRENCY & TIPPING. Cash is unquestionably the preferred payment method across the country. While you can pay by card in some restaurants and large shops, you’ll want to have smaller local currency (Moroccan Dirham – MAD) on hand for shops, markets, and souks. Tipping is greatly appreciated, and I suggest 10% for services (such as waitstaff, drivers, and tour guides). Changing currency can be challenging outside major cities, and you won’t get the best rates. Bring a card that allows you to withdraw local currency from an ATM at no charge for the best cash conversion.
  • MOTION SICKNESS. Windy roads ahead! As you explore the extraordinary landscapes of Morocco, be prepared for potential motion sickness. I frequently used these patches that stick behind the ear and lasted several days, or these non-drowsy capsules. Alternatively, get funky with these motion-sickness glasses that help reset the horizon (and will give all your travel companions a good laugh!).
  • GETTING AROUND. That being said, driving is no joke in Morocco. The larger cities of Marrakech and Casablanca can be very congested and somewhat poorly marked. Self-driving is possible, but proceed with caution. Outside the cities, be sure to have appropriate offline maps and be aware of long stretches of countryside without fuel stations (particularly in the desert). Private drivers are easy to find and convenient to use from reputable recommendations at reasonable prices. Public buses are very convenient in cities, and there are also comfortable, easy-to-use train lines connecting them.
Concrete Moroccan Houses, Photo by Sergey Pesterev on Unsplash
  • ALCOHOL. While alcohol is legal in Morocco, it can be a little less available to purchase. Higher-end restaurants and those catering specifically to the tourist market will have some options. Alternatively, you can buy it in grocery stores for your own private consumption.
  • DON’T MIND THE CATS. Cats are adored across Morocco. You’ll see them treated with kindness and love. Many people and businesses put food out for the stray cats. Don’t be surprised to see them napping in a shop or sauntering into a cafe. Be mindful that many are strays and don’t all love to be pet, so approach with a bit of caution. Before you know it, you’ll have your own “Cats of Morocco” photo collection.
  • DRESS APPROPRIATELY. Morocco is a glorious melting pot of multiple influences. It is also a relatively conservative culture when it comes to dressing. I recommend being sensitive and aware of this when selecting your Moroccco vacation wardrobe.
  • MOHAMMED V, IN EVERY PLACE. King Mohammed V was a former much-loved King of Morocco. He was instrumental in securing independence for Morocco from France, and helped unify the country. He is beloved by the Moroccan people and as a result, you’ll find “Mohammed V Avenue” or boulevard in almost every major city and town.

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