MOROCCO

Most people think of the desert when they think of Morocco, and rightly so! The Sahara Desert connects with the country, but there are also the Atlas Mountains, and warm sandy beaches on the coast to enjoy. Morocco shares many traits with Mediterranean countries sometimes more so than other African countries, due largely in part to the Atlas Mountains separating Morocco from the rest of Africa. 

Morocco is a liberal Muslim country - meaning it may not feel quite as conservative as other Islamic countries. Even so, mosques are off limits to non-Muslims, except for four exceptions (one in Casablanca, one in Rabat, one is Meknes, and one in Rissani). Clothing for culture conscious travelers should cover shoulders, cleavage, stomach and hips, knees, and in general, shorts are not recommended for either gender. Instead, wear loose fitting natural fabrics (linen, cotton, wool in cooler months) to stay cool and keep mosquitos at bay.

This email has perfect timing as I just returned yesterday from an amazing trip through Morocco, and I can genuinely say, it was magnificent. This country is definitely a must see, and is very open and welcoming of travelers from all over. I enjoyed being immersed in local culture and meeting many people there.

If you don't already follow me on Instagram or Facebook (@experienceculture), you can check out some of my posts there for more photos from my trip, but below are two places I enjoyed from my trip.

Essaouira

This coastal town seems a bit newer than many of the other towns I visited - the reason being that in 1760, the layout of the town was created on a more grid-like format by an architect. It has Portugese influence as well, and was a lovely sea town to visit for a few days (many Europeans use it as a relaxing vacation spot as well). I really enjoyed the medina, as well as the elements of European architecture (such as the cannons along the seawall). 

Ait Ben Haddou

This ksar (or fortified village) is a UNESCO world heritage site, and has been a working village since the 11th century. It retains a few residents (as a condition of the UNESCO rules), and has shops and coffee houses throughout as well. This site was used in the Gladiator movies (Gladiator 2 releases in 2024), Game of Thrones (season 3, episode 4 if you want to check it out), and many more. It was amazing to see a site with such lengthy history that was still in use today!

Best time to travel

Best to visit in the Spring (April or May) and Fall (September or October) when it is warm, dry, and pleasant, however there's always somewhere to see at any time.

Recommended duration

5-10 days

Pairs well with

Spain, Tunisia

Cost factors

Once here, costs are reasonable. The flights from the US can feel a little spendy though

Ready to book a trip here?

If this email has whetted your appetite for this destination, and you're ready to start planning a trip here, hit the button below to set up your complimentary consultation! I also have several great Black Friday Sales for Morocco (and other destinations) so now's a great time to start planning!