Journey Beyond Travel...going beyond the destination

Marrakesh is one of Morocco’s largest and most popular destinations, and it can feel a bit overwhelming if you’re wandering into the city for the first time. Take a moment to orient yourself, then head to Place Djemaa el-Fna, a square and marketplace located in the medina quarter, which is considered the old city.

The name Place Djemaa el-Fna may mean “Assembly of the Dead” or “Place of the Vanished Mosque.” No one is sure of the exact meaning, though locals believe the name refers to an Almoravid mosque, which was destroyed over a century ago. Today, the most important thing about Place Djemaa el-Fna is its relation to Marrakesh. Where there was once a mosque there is now a main square, which locals and visitors share throughout the year.  (more…)

Marrakech is in one of the most sensational and culturally vibrant regions in all of Morocco. Located in Central Morocco, Marrakech is surrounded on the south by Jebel Toubkal and a meandering river running through the Todra Gorge. Marrakech is a few miles from the desert for those taking trips through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Tourism has been growing in Marrakech by leaps and bounds over the last few years. Here are some of Marrakech’s top attractions that make a visit worth your while. (more…)

The Argan Forest is a prized place in Morocco because it is one of the last hopes of a fully forested area.  The Argan Forest is the line between desert and a green expanse.  The forest is home to many wildlife species as well as a diversity of flora and fauna.  Unfortunately, in previous years the forest was not as well protected.  The Argan trees produce oils which have been used in cosmetics and for the production of Argan oil used for salads and cooking.  The wood of the trees was also used for medication purposes.  The goal of the Arganeraie Reserve is to protect the last of the forest from deforestation.  Part of the forest has always been used for farm animals so they also rely on the health of the land. (more…)

If your first stop in Morocco is Casablanca then let your second stop be just 60 miles up the coast in Rabat. It is the country’s capital and where most of the foreign embassies are located as well as the country’s head of state, King Mohammed VI. The most talked about and well-visited site in Rabat is the Tour Hassan, built of rosy copper sandstone with a minaret that soars 144 feet above an array of 300 columns of a mosque that was never actually completed. Morocco’s cities are filled to the brim with such boiling brews (more…)

Traveling with children, whether they be toddlers or teenagers, is an amazing, life-changing way to let your young ones experience new worlds, cultures and ways of life. However, let’s be perfectly honest: Traveling with children, through rewarding, is not an easy feat. But, do not let the travails of child-traveling bar you from bringing your young ones on your next Moroccan adventure! (more…)

You’ve finally answered your dream to journey to Morocco, a land of sky-scraping mountains, never-ending deserts and mile-long beaches…not to mention vibrant Imperial cities filled with both elegant restaurants and street stalls brimming with hot made harira (soup), harsha (flat cornbread) and freshly squeezed orange juice (OJ—A Moroccan must-have). While all these make for a gastronomical pleasure-ride, such delight has its downfall. Yes, we’re talking about getting here. What should you take to meet all of your Moroccan traveling needs? Worry not, my friends, for we have listed here the TOP FIVE most crucial items to bring on your Morocco tours! (more…)

Essaouira is a place of enchantment. Residing inside the boundaries of a fortified wall, Essaouira is situated on the Atlantic Coastline, vibrant and rich in historical treasures. The streets are filled with eclectic individuals: from rugged fishermen to local residents to foreign travelers bring a melange of scenes portrayed aesthetically by musicians, artists and merchants showcasing the talents and trinkets of a time-stopped locale. (more…)

It’s vacation time, or if you’ve used all that up, it’s almost summer time. Whatever your excuse, grab those clubs you’ve stored in the tool shed and head for some green. Oh no, Wait! you have to wait for hours in a line and the fees have all gone up–must be global warming, right?. There is hope! What about a Moroccan golfing holiday? You must be surprised at the suggestion. Believe it or not, Morocco is one of the best kept golfing secrets the world over. World class, manicured greens, often lower or at least reasonable fees will keep you playing all day. There’ll be none of the crowds you’re used to back home either. Get your kids to caddy and come to Morocco for a golfing vacation. Here’s how: (more…)

Marrakesh, Morocco, is the embodiment of all the magic and wonder people look for through traveling. One of the most unique ways to truly lose oneself in all the beauty of this land is through a customized Morocco tour, which takes in Marrakech and the rest and best Morocco has to offer. Many of the Morocco tour operators in and around Morocco have private guided tours included on their list of services. (more…)

Marrakech is Morocco’s newest excitement-filled city. Your senses become bombarded with wavering smoke smells, flashing hypnotic lights and thumping drums and screeching voices. Perhaps, though, you’ve been there for some days: You have seen most of the city’s vast treasures; you’ve spent time exploring the market souks. You’ve watched the performers in the markets. You may now be ready for some peace and quiet. Consider taking a day trip or two just outside of your Marrakech holiday. Your Morocco tour operator would be happy to set one up for you. You can even enjoy the scenic countryside during the day and be back in the comfort of the city by night. (more…)

Setting on Morocco’s Atlantic Coast, Essaouria, Morocco is an exciting city that is deeply traditional and excitingly young. A place that has a strong connection to its past, and feet firmly in the present. Essaouria came to about 3000 years ago, when the Phoenicians appeared. It’s eclectic past is filled with rich historical events. It even was a popular place for pirates. Once well known for its sugar molasses exports, today’s city, of approximately 70,000 people, is much younger in feel and attitude. (more…)

Wandering the wet stony streets one thirsty mooned night in Essaouira, Morocco, we searched in vain for an authentic fish eatery. We had eaten so many times at the dock: A couple ambiance boat-shaped restaurants line the dock past the Portuguese-built harbor walls. Though the food is grilled tasty, the prices are not local. Through ear straining hearsay, we heard of a place where thigh-sized fish accompanied pyramids of prawn and shrimp. The hearsaid voices spit in our minds: fish, fresh, eat, cheap… We lusted over the plausibility. (more…)

Morocco is becoming more and more popular as a holiday travel destination for people from all over the world. The great climate in Morocco is, of course, one of the main reasons why people enjoy visiting so much. Morocco also has a great reputation when it comes to friendliness: it’s a culture where strangers are always greeted with a smile and it’s not a rare site for a shop owner to invite you to sit down and share a cup of mint tea before looking or buying goods. Morocco is situated at the northwestern edge of Africa. (more…)

It may be approaching fall or winter time across most of the northern hemisphere, but in Morocco it’s approaching surf time. Surfs up in the land of a thousand-mile coastline with the best surfing months soon breaching. Pack your own board, rent or buy one, but come surf Morocco for some of the wickedest rides in Africa. (more…)