“To visit Morocco is still like turning the pages of some illuminated Persian manuscript, all embroidered with bright shapes and subtle lines.”

-Edith Wharton

Before we left Japan, our trip to Nepal was our “master class” for our Asian travel experiences. For our time in Spain, the equivalent trip was Morocco. Even before our move to Spain, Morocco was a place of fascination for us. So close to our adopted home, but on a different continent, filled with people of another religion who often had a very different way of life. As our rental car guy said when we picked up our ride for the trip, “Welcome to Africa! Be careful.”

When we adventure, we really like to DIY things as much as possible. Obviously, no matter how much research we do, we will never possess the knowledge of locals. In certain circumstances, a guide can be essential. However, we really enjoy the spontaneity that comes with being out on your own. Despite recommendations to go on a tour or hire a guide, we really wanted to do Morocco on our own. There ware some hiccups along the way, but overall it was every bit as amazing as we had hoped.

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Tips on Morocco/

  • Given the above paragraph, you may think we would never recommend a guide/tour. However, we DO think there are times where a guide adds to the experience. Do your research, be honest about what you want out of your trip. and make the decision that feels right for you.
  • As much as possible, know how much things will cost before hand. Parking for the hotel? Ask them beforehand what to expect. Looking to buy a certain souvenir? Try and ask a local you trust (i.e. someone from your hotel) how much to expect to pay before you walk in and start haggling. If you don’t, we promise the price will go up many times over just because you are a tourist.
  • I know it sounds calloused, but NO ONE is going to help you or give you advice for free. If someone shows you where to go, helps to find your destination, or tries to show you the local “hot spots”, they are expecting a tip for their effort. If you don’t pay, be prepared for some attitude.
  • Take the time to go off the beaten path. Our favorite Morrocco memories involve places far away from Fes or Merrikhsh.
  • Morocco is a cash based society. Find an ATM shortly after travel and stock up, as you won’t be using your cards here except at the bigger name hotels