Journey Beyond Travel...going beyond the destination

If you’re a woman packing for your first trip to Morocco, chances are you’ve wondered what should go in your suitcase. And once you, arrive, do you know what to do when the owner of your riad is introducing you to a male relative? What’s the appropriate greeting?

Amanda Mouttaki, a native of Wisconsin in the United States and author of Maroc Mama, a blog about Moroccan cuisine, knows a thing or two about women’s travel in Morocco. Her expertise is informed not only by the time she has spent in the country, but also by her passion for Moroccan culture and cuisine, which is inspired by her bicultural life with her Moroccan husband.

“My best advice is to dress modestly,” she says, though Hollywood would have women travelers believe otherwise. (more…)

When planning a trip to Morocco, it’s wise to take the seasons into account. Summer brings blistering heat to the south and the plains, but can be pleasant in the High Atlas Mountains. Conversely, winter snowfalls often cut off mountain passes while areas south of Marrakech will be downright lovely. If you’re planning a trip to Morocco, though, you probably already know this.

What you may not be taking into consideration, however, is Ramadan.

The month of Ramadan changes every year. It impacts every facet of life in the Muslim world, and Morocco is no exception. The holiday commemorates the revelation of the Koran to the prophet Mohammad, and is a festive, joyous time. During Ramadan, Muslims are prohibited from eating, drinking, smoking or having sex during daylight hours. In the evening, families join together, listening for the call to prayer that signals the sun has set and the fast may be broken. In Morocco, the fast is traditionally broken with a bowl of harira (a spiced lentil soup), paired with dates, shabekia (a honey-dipped sesame pastry) and, of course, tea. (more…)

Morocco is home to dozens of different traditional dances and musical styles rooted in Arab, Berber and African culture. Visitors can experience Moroccan dances by attending local weddings and parties, going to dance shows at hotels and restaurants, taking cultural tours or attending music and dance festivals.

Shikat

Shikat is the dance commonly known as Moroccan ‘belly dance’ or arabesque. Professional shikat dancers wear colorful costumes with tight, midriff-baring sequined tops and long loose skirts or pants. The dance is characterized by sensual hip movements, pelvic undulations and flowing hand movements. Often a hip scarf is worn to bring attention to the movements of the lower body. Belly dance music alternates between rhythmic percussion sections – which call for quick, sharp body movements – and fluid string sections that prompt more graceful, flowing movements. (more…)

You’re fresh off the plane in Marrakech. You’ve wound your way through the city and into the medina, and you now stand in the middle of Jemaa el Fnaa. To your left is the Kotoubia Mosque; the souk beckons to your right. Before you jump in, though, you need to find a place to stay.

Without many major chains or websites available to aid in research and planning, arrival in a Moroccan city can be a seat-of-the-pants experience as you track down a room and a meal. There is a method to the madness, however, and with a little effort and know-how you’ll be showered, rested and ready to explore in no time at all. (more…)

Ecotourism is a serious buzzword in travel these days but what does it actually mean to travel eco-responsibly?

According to the International Ecotourism Society, “ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well being of local people.”

Based on this definition, ecotourism isn’t just about visiting beautiful natural areas; it is about making a positive impact to the area traveled.

As you prepare for your holiday to Morocco, here are five ways you can ensure that your trip will benefit the environment and its local people.

1. Respect the Environment

Morocco, with its mountains, valleys, gorges, deserts, plains, beaches and forests, is a land of immense and diverse natural beauty.  The land is perfect for trekking trips but it is important to follow Leave No Trace ethics to respect both the land and the people that live there.

Always remember that if you pack it in you need to pack it out.  Consider bringing your own water filter and bottle to reduce the need for plastic water bottles, which only contributes to waste problems in Morocco.  If you need to wash yourself, clothes or dishes make sure you are at least 200 feet away from rivers or lakes and use only biodegradable soap.  Every small act of conversation goes a long way in preserving Morocco’s unique ecosystems. (more…)

If you take a stroll through the souk in any tourist town in Morocco, you are likely to be confronted by a half dozen men simultaneously asking if you would like to visit a carpet shop. Upon even tacit acceptance, you will be led into a ground-level showroom or up a narrow, winding staircase to a room with carpets piled from floor to ceiling. You may be shown a traditional wooden loom and offered mint tea before the shopkeeper starts laying out carpets in front of you.

For many tourists, haggling over traditional Moroccan carpets is a memorable experience. (more…)

The cuisine in Morocco is as varied as the country’s landscape, in part due to numerous culinary influences such as Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, Senegal, Turkey and the Berbers. Morocco imports very little food, so its Mediterranean spread of fruits and vegetables tend to be locally grown and fresh. Much of the country’s livestock is free range—picture cattle meandering in the mountains and valleys—resulting in fresh, flavorful meat.

Although each region is known for its unique flavors and dishes, meals throughout the country commonly feature meats with veggies and are often spiced with cumin, cinnamon, saffron and paprika. This bouquet of flavors is woven into Morocco’s breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. (more…)

Though train travel in many parts of Africa is inconsistent and inefficient, the train system in Morocco is one of the continent’s best. It’s true that many people come to Morocco for trekking or to take guided tours through the imperial cities, but train travel offers a good opportunity to visit the country’s main sites independently with minimal energy and money.

Run by the Office National des Chemins de Fer, the country’s rails connect many of the main cities with two lines that run from the north to Marrakesh. The first rail line leaves from Tangier while the second departs from Oujda. They both cross paths in Sidi Kacem on their way to Marrakesh. There are tentative plans to extend the rail service with a high-speed TGV line from Tangier to Casablanca, but for now you’ll need to continue south by foot or public bus. (more…)

After years of world-class restaurants, massive traffic, all-night parties and the stress that comes with living in New York City, it’s little wonder that Carrie Bradshaw and her friends Charlotte York, Samantha Jones and Miranda Hobbes had to escape the Big Apple. Though Sex and the City 2 is supposed to take place in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, most of the movie was actually filmed in Morocco.

Celebrity watchers first spotted Sarah Jessica Parker and Cynthia Nixon in Marrakesh, with sightings of Kristin Davis and Kim Cattrall to follow. In addition to Marrakesh, filming also occurred in Rabat and Erfoud. Walk in the footsteps of these decadence-seeking ladies and create your own Moroccan girlfriend getaway. (more…)

If you enjoy the adventure of getting lost in a whimsical destination, Fez el Bali should be right up your alley…literally.

Known for its seemingly infinite winding alleyways, Fez’s old town allows you to experience ancient Morocco with its well-preserved historical character. Wandering through the city’s narrow walkways is like embarking on a journey as far back as the ninth century, shortly after Arabs arrived in the country.

Fez el Bali is a huge medina and UNESCO World Heritage site with narrow alleys packed with lively restaurants, spice markets, crafts, workshops, hammams, mosques, fountains and performers. You’re welcome to wander at your leisure throughout the medieval town, but, of course, if getting lost isn’t up your alley, plenty of local guides are available for hire. (more…)

The world is filled with fascinating places to visit, and there will be a time when you have to choose which destination is right for you. We’re not afraid to let you know, though, that if you’re looking for a vacation experience that encompasses adventure, culture, history and wilderness, you should look no further than Morocco, a diverse country filled with majestic palaces, interesting museums, mouth-watering cuisine and large expanses of stunning natural landscapes.

Still not convinced? Here are ten great reasons to make Morocco your next vacation destination:

1. Trekking

The Rif Mountains, High Atlas Mountains, Middle Atlas Mountains and Anti-Atlas Mountains all fight for attention from trekking enthusiasts. Located in the northern portion of Morocco, the Rif Mountains’ peaks may not be as high as those in the High Atlas Mountains, but they are covered with forests and caves. The Middle and Anti-Atlas Mountains are not as heavily visited as the High Atlas, so they offer a quieter, more personal experience with nature. (more…)

Morocco is home to high mountain ranges, wide expanses of stunning deserts, green oases, national parks filled with wildlife and miles of coastline. The array of natural wonders in the country ensure that there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Though it may be difficult to narrow down the prize attractions on your next trip to Morocco, here are three natural wonders that shouldn’t be missed:

Todra Gorge

Located on the remote, eastern side of the High Atlas Mountains, Todra Gorge can be difficult to explore unless you are on a trekking or climbing tour of Morocco. The gorge was carved out of the earth, and the canyon floor runs several miles through the Atlas Mountains. The imposing canyon walls make the Todra Gorge one of the most stunning rock formations in all of North Africa. (more…)

When people think of wildlife, Kenyan safaris and the Galapagos Islands often come to mind. Few people would consider Morocco to be a destination worthy of visiting for its wildlife, yet well-preserved national parks and vast expanses of forests are not only natural retreats but home to a wide variety of birds, reptiles and mammals.

Morocco has more than 40 different ecosystems with habitats for many endemic species. Over the years, the country’s cities and industrial centers have had a direct impact on the wildlife. Unfortunately, numerous species of plants and animals in Morocco are endangered due to industrialization, but there are still a number of places throughout the country to view wildlife in their natural habitats. (more…)

One of the most inexpensive ways to experience the sights and sounds of a region may be by camping there. Camping can provide you with a laid-back and leisurely way to spend a vacation or extended holiday. Besides, what better way is there to get out away from all the people you left behind? Camping in Morocco will not really be that different than any other place as far as the privacy you might find or the feelings you may experience out under the stars. Yet, the majestic views may be like nothing you’ve ever experienced elsewhere. (more…)

Morocco is a wonderful country filled with imperial cities, cultural heritage, and scenery you will want to record.  Planning your trip is essential.  There are items you will need to bring with you on the trip whether you are trekking Morocco or staying in a city like Fez.  As a guide to preparing you for Morocco, we have a list of things you will need to consider before embarking on your Morocco trip. (more…)

Morocco for the past several years has been trying to stop the deforestation of their lands by creating a number of bio reserves and national parks in the Ait Bougmez Valley, Rif Mountains, and High Atlas Mountains. Wildlife in Morocco has dwindled because of agricultural use of the land, pollution entering the water sources and locals annihilating various species. The government has taken this turmoil into account, and there are still many areas of Morocco which luckily still untouched.  There are eighteen species of mammals that are on the border of extinction along with eleven bird species here in Morocco. For anyone who is visiting Morocco the best places to witness the wonders of wildlife are the national parks and reserves. (more…)

Trekking Morocco can consist of the highest mountain peaks of the country or moving from city to city visiting the various regions of the country.  Morocco is a beautiful place, with many splendors waiting for you.  One Morocco tour provides you with an eclectic trip through the Sahara Desert, mountains, beaches, and Imperial Cities that make up the region. This trip encompasses the very best a Morocco tour has to offer. (more…)

Trekking Morocco is an experience you will not soon forget–so many places are worthy of a visit–some for a couple hours, some a couple of days. Noteworthy regions throughout Morocco include the High Atlas Mountains, the Rif Mountains, and the Anti Atlas region.  Depending on which region you want to visit, you do have a plethora of National Parks. Read on to get an idea of what National Parks (some combined with trekking) await you in Morocco. (more…)

Morocco is teaming with a variety of activities.  The nature lover in you has probably considered several that you can enjoy while on a Morocco holiday.  The perfect Morocco holiday will not be complete unless you take the day trip to the Ourigane and Tin Mal Mosque.  Both locations are an hour from Marrakesh.  You will travel first to the Ourigane, where a new dam was recently built. (more…)

Morocco, though considered in the west, has its own cultural values and norms apart from the West. What may be OK to do on the beach in Spain may actually be illegal just forty-five minutes south in Morocco. If you know one thing about Morocco, you probably know that it is a Muslim country, or perhaps, you know it’s an Arab country. Given this, there are certain ways to behave especially in public in the country where Allah watches all. If you’re planning a Morocco trip and your itinerary has you venturing through city and village alike, keep in mind these simple rules of etiquette. (more…)