Apr 2007
A Morocco Travel Guide
27/04/07 11:56 |
Morocco
Articles
Welcome to Morocco, a land of mystery and contrasts.
She has modern cities and medinas that date back more
than a thousand years. You can relax in the lap of
luxury or rough it in the mountains. The choices you
have, here, are plentiful.
Morocco is an old country. It has been home to
ancient Phoenicians, Romans, Jews and Vandals. The
Arabs arrived on the scene in the 7th century AD.
However, even before the Phoenicians arrived, Morocco
was inhabited by an indigenous people known as the
Berbers whose descendants still live here today.
Following a basic Morocco Travel Guide will ensure that you have a positive experience on your holiday. Morocco is a safe country in which to travel. Morocco is a Muslim country. Consider this when packing. Wearing modest clothing is suggested for both men and women. You will find the Moroccan people are warm and friendly. They are genuine, generous, and easy going.
You will find Morocco is hot from May to September. It ranges from humid near the coast to very dry, especially the farther inland you go. The mountain sun is very intense. So don’t forget sunscreen and a wide brim hat! From November to April, Morocco is cooler and is still cold in the mountains. Moreover, expect snowy conditions at higher altitudes and cool rainy spells near the coast. Bring warm, waterresistant clothing.
In our Morocco Travel Guide on the website, it is suggested that you pack light. Don’t forget to bring comfortable clothes to wear and shoes for walking. In Morocco, you will do lots of walking, whether you are visiting the sights or going through the impressive medinas.
Many airlines fly to Morocco. You can check with the Morocco tour operators at Journey Beyond Travel about this information because it is always changing.
Visas to enter Morocco are not generally needed. There are some exceptions, however. South African, Israeli and Zimbabwean residents do need to obtain a visa from their nearest consulate. You must have a validate passport with sufficient blank pages. If you have questions, it is always a good idea to check with the Moroccan Embassy.
You don’t need any particular vaccinations to enter Morocco. Just make sure your inoculations are up to date. Most over the counter medicines can be purchased at local pharmacies in country. Do, however, bring an ample supply of any prescription medicines you are taking. A small first aid kit with anti-diarrhea, upset stomach, indigestion or heartburn medicine is also a good idea. Motion sickness medicine is useful for the mountainous roads. Don’t forget sunscreen, and lip protection along with the usual First Aid kit items.
While Journey Beyond Travel attempts to get our travelers off the beaten path on their excursions, we do sugges that you visit Marrakech, Fez, Meknes, Volubilis, Ifrane, Sahara Desert, Ziz Valley Oasis, the Dades & Todra Gorges, Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou, the High Atlas Mountains, Essaouira, Rabat & Sale, Asilah, and if you have time to spare, the northern cities of Tangier, Tetouan, and even Chefchaouen. Some of these places have been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list and in 1,000 Places To See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz.
Many types of architecture are found in Morocco from square adobe huts in the mountains to lavish Palaces and colonial-styled homes in the cities. Other unique structures to see would be the mosques and minarets, mausoleums, babs (medina entrances) and riads (traditional Moroccan houses).
Morocco has a varied landscape ranging from beaches to mountains, from forests to deserts, and everything in between. From Roman ruins and ancient medinas to the ultra-hip and modern Casablanca, Morocco has it all.
Written by: Carole Morris, JBT Correspondent
Brought to you by: Morocco Travel at Journey Beyond Travel
Following a basic Morocco Travel Guide will ensure that you have a positive experience on your holiday. Morocco is a safe country in which to travel. Morocco is a Muslim country. Consider this when packing. Wearing modest clothing is suggested for both men and women. You will find the Moroccan people are warm and friendly. They are genuine, generous, and easy going.
You will find Morocco is hot from May to September. It ranges from humid near the coast to very dry, especially the farther inland you go. The mountain sun is very intense. So don’t forget sunscreen and a wide brim hat! From November to April, Morocco is cooler and is still cold in the mountains. Moreover, expect snowy conditions at higher altitudes and cool rainy spells near the coast. Bring warm, waterresistant clothing.
In our Morocco Travel Guide on the website, it is suggested that you pack light. Don’t forget to bring comfortable clothes to wear and shoes for walking. In Morocco, you will do lots of walking, whether you are visiting the sights or going through the impressive medinas.
Many airlines fly to Morocco. You can check with the Morocco tour operators at Journey Beyond Travel about this information because it is always changing.
Visas to enter Morocco are not generally needed. There are some exceptions, however. South African, Israeli and Zimbabwean residents do need to obtain a visa from their nearest consulate. You must have a validate passport with sufficient blank pages. If you have questions, it is always a good idea to check with the Moroccan Embassy.
You don’t need any particular vaccinations to enter Morocco. Just make sure your inoculations are up to date. Most over the counter medicines can be purchased at local pharmacies in country. Do, however, bring an ample supply of any prescription medicines you are taking. A small first aid kit with anti-diarrhea, upset stomach, indigestion or heartburn medicine is also a good idea. Motion sickness medicine is useful for the mountainous roads. Don’t forget sunscreen, and lip protection along with the usual First Aid kit items.
While Journey Beyond Travel attempts to get our travelers off the beaten path on their excursions, we do sugges that you visit Marrakech, Fez, Meknes, Volubilis, Ifrane, Sahara Desert, Ziz Valley Oasis, the Dades & Todra Gorges, Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou, the High Atlas Mountains, Essaouira, Rabat & Sale, Asilah, and if you have time to spare, the northern cities of Tangier, Tetouan, and even Chefchaouen. Some of these places have been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list and in 1,000 Places To See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz.
Many types of architecture are found in Morocco from square adobe huts in the mountains to lavish Palaces and colonial-styled homes in the cities. Other unique structures to see would be the mosques and minarets, mausoleums, babs (medina entrances) and riads (traditional Moroccan houses).
Morocco has a varied landscape ranging from beaches to mountains, from forests to deserts, and everything in between. From Roman ruins and ancient medinas to the ultra-hip and modern Casablanca, Morocco has it all.
Written by: Carole Morris, JBT Correspondent
Brought to you by: Morocco Travel at Journey Beyond Travel
History of Marrakech
27/04/07 11:47 |
Morocco Articles
| Morocco Articles
A resting place for a caravan? A staging area for
troops? A sultan’s paradise? A religious center or
modern city? What is Marrakech?
Actually, the city has been all the above. From
humble Berber beginnings as an oasis, this city
has become vibrant international destination
while keeping its ancient Islamic roots.
Marrakesh (or Marrakech), sometimes called the red
town because of the red Kasbah wall surrounding the
medina, was founded in 1062. Youssef bin Tashufin,
cousin to the sultan began construction of the city.
Under his watch, houses were built and a mosque
begun. Marrakech was the capital of the
Almoravid Empire that covered a vast area from
Maghreb to Europe. Now, along with the Berber,
the Andalusia influence was born.
Marrakech, under the Almoravid grew into an important splendid Islamic city of commercial power and wealth.
Captured by the Almohads in 1147, the religious and civil buildings were torn down. Abdal Mou’min, the great builder, began the Koutoubia mosque. This mosque and its spectacular minaret gave Marrakech its most outstanding landmark. Other important structures such as Menara Gardens were also built in this time frame. Scholars, philosophers and other thinkers of the time converged on the city. Caravans came through ancient Marrakech, making it a very powerful commercial center.
Taken over by the Merenids in the mid-1200s started Marrakesh on a downward spiral. Fez had already been established as the capital. Caravans stopped coming and the major source of income was lost. Marrakech was neglected by the Merenids and fell into a period of decline.
Saadians took over Morocco in 1522. Mostly in ruins, the leader chose to make Marrakech his capital in 1551. Under the guidance of Mohammed Al Mahdi, Marrakech began to be restored to its former grandeur. During this period, the Saadians built many wonderful structures such as the Al Bedi Palace. A glimpse into the life of Sultan can be seen in this still beautiful place. Moroccan crafts reached a pinnacle under this dynasty attracting many artisans whose work is still visible today. Additionally, Marrakech drew Islamic holy men to its gates. Upon death, many were buried within the city’s splendid tombs. By the 1600s, Marrakech had been restored to its former glory. Remaining culturally and economically important until the 1669, it had become the most important and influential city in all of Morocco.
An invasion and capture by the Alaouites in 1669 saw Marrakech lose its status, again. The Alaouite sultan moved the capital back to Fez. Marrakech fell into disrepair one more time.
Mid 1700s saw Mohammed III restore most of Marrakech. It remained largely unchanged until 1917. The French invaded Morocco and routed the Saharan chieftain, El Hiba who had captured Marrakech in 1912. Morocco was held as a protectorate by France and was governed by the Pasha El Glaoua. The French assisted with revolts of the Berber tribes. Under French tutelage, the Pasha became one of the richest, most influential men in Morocco. A French-styled city was begun outside the medina walls in 1913. French protection ended in the mid 20th century.
Morocco gained her independence from France in 1956. The new king, Mohammed V took over the throne and the Glaoua family was removed from power and its wealth confiscated. With the new monarchy, the capital was moved to Rabat.
Marrakech, today, is an important provincial city. Its Islamic roots are displayed proudly. French occupation brought in European influence, as the new city of Marrakech shows. However, the heart of Marrakech, still beats to the same ancient rhythm.
Written by: Carole Morris, JBT Correspondent
Brought to you by: Morocco Tours with Journey Beyond Travel
Marrakech, under the Almoravid grew into an important splendid Islamic city of commercial power and wealth.
Captured by the Almohads in 1147, the religious and civil buildings were torn down. Abdal Mou’min, the great builder, began the Koutoubia mosque. This mosque and its spectacular minaret gave Marrakech its most outstanding landmark. Other important structures such as Menara Gardens were also built in this time frame. Scholars, philosophers and other thinkers of the time converged on the city. Caravans came through ancient Marrakech, making it a very powerful commercial center.
Taken over by the Merenids in the mid-1200s started Marrakesh on a downward spiral. Fez had already been established as the capital. Caravans stopped coming and the major source of income was lost. Marrakech was neglected by the Merenids and fell into a period of decline.
Saadians took over Morocco in 1522. Mostly in ruins, the leader chose to make Marrakech his capital in 1551. Under the guidance of Mohammed Al Mahdi, Marrakech began to be restored to its former grandeur. During this period, the Saadians built many wonderful structures such as the Al Bedi Palace. A glimpse into the life of Sultan can be seen in this still beautiful place. Moroccan crafts reached a pinnacle under this dynasty attracting many artisans whose work is still visible today. Additionally, Marrakech drew Islamic holy men to its gates. Upon death, many were buried within the city’s splendid tombs. By the 1600s, Marrakech had been restored to its former glory. Remaining culturally and economically important until the 1669, it had become the most important and influential city in all of Morocco.
An invasion and capture by the Alaouites in 1669 saw Marrakech lose its status, again. The Alaouite sultan moved the capital back to Fez. Marrakech fell into disrepair one more time.
Mid 1700s saw Mohammed III restore most of Marrakech. It remained largely unchanged until 1917. The French invaded Morocco and routed the Saharan chieftain, El Hiba who had captured Marrakech in 1912. Morocco was held as a protectorate by France and was governed by the Pasha El Glaoua. The French assisted with revolts of the Berber tribes. Under French tutelage, the Pasha became one of the richest, most influential men in Morocco. A French-styled city was begun outside the medina walls in 1913. French protection ended in the mid 20th century.
Morocco gained her independence from France in 1956. The new king, Mohammed V took over the throne and the Glaoua family was removed from power and its wealth confiscated. With the new monarchy, the capital was moved to Rabat.
Marrakech, today, is an important provincial city. Its Islamic roots are displayed proudly. French occupation brought in European influence, as the new city of Marrakech shows. However, the heart of Marrakech, still beats to the same ancient rhythm.
Written by: Carole Morris, JBT Correspondent
Brought to you by: Morocco Tours with Journey Beyond Travel
The Koutoubia Mosque
27/04/07 11:40 |
Morocco Articles
| Morocco Articles
Can you imagine a caravan coming across Morocco
hundreds of years ago? Rising up in front of weary
travelers is a tower. Prayer time and hot quiet
desert air allows the singsong chant of the muezzin
drift out to meet them. Such sights and sounds have
greeted travelers as they neared Marrakech for more
than 700 years. Sitting in the center of the city is
the Koutoubia Mosque and minaret.
The Koutoubia Mosque has quite a history. Its name
comes from the Arabic word for “bookseller”. The
selling of manuscripts and books was commonplace and
took place nearby. This is an interesting, namely
because even in the 1200s books were unknown in the
Christian world.
When the Almoravid ruled Marrakech, a mosque had been built upon this same site. When the Almohads captured the area; however, they destroyed much of the city along with the mosque. No Almohad would ever consider praying in a building constructed by his enemy. A new mosque was erected on the site in the Almohad style and parts of the present day mosque do date back to the era of sultan Abd el-Moumen. A problem with the orientation of the prayer niche to Mecca resulted in a second mosque being built to correct this error. Thus, Koutoubia is a double mosque. As a hall-type structure, it covers 58,000 square feet or 5400 square meters. Twenty-five thousand Muslims can pray within its walls. Koutoubia Mosque has 112 columns and 17 aisles. Leftover from the Almoravid mosque that had been destroyed earlier is an ornately carved pulpit from Almoravid sultan Ali ben Youssef. This Moorish mosque is reputed to be a pinnacle of Almohad art. Spanish and Moorish influence can be seen in the shapes of the arches, cupolas and painted ceilings. Another fact unique to this mosque is it was built during the reign of one ruler. Other comparable mosques, such as The Great Mosque in Cordoba took over 200 years to be completed.
Supposedly, the minaret of Koutoubia Mosque was to be built with three gold globes. Ones topping the tower today are composed of copper. The Wife of sultan Yacoub el-Mansour broke her fast during Ramadan. To pay her penance, she had her gold jewelry melted and made into a fourth sphere. Completed during the reign of her husband, this unique minaret was quite a feat of engineering for its time. Standing 221 feet (69 meters) high, a ramp is built around the tower so that the muezzin could rise to the top. Six rooms are placed, one on top another make up the interior. Minaret towers, Giralda in Seville and Hassan in Rabat, are modeled after Koutoubia.
Non-Muslim visitors can admire the mosque from the outside, but are not allowed to enter the interior areas.
Written by: Carole Morris, JBT Travel Correspondent
Brought to you by: Journey Beyond Travel - Morocco Tours
When the Almoravid ruled Marrakech, a mosque had been built upon this same site. When the Almohads captured the area; however, they destroyed much of the city along with the mosque. No Almohad would ever consider praying in a building constructed by his enemy. A new mosque was erected on the site in the Almohad style and parts of the present day mosque do date back to the era of sultan Abd el-Moumen. A problem with the orientation of the prayer niche to Mecca resulted in a second mosque being built to correct this error. Thus, Koutoubia is a double mosque. As a hall-type structure, it covers 58,000 square feet or 5400 square meters. Twenty-five thousand Muslims can pray within its walls. Koutoubia Mosque has 112 columns and 17 aisles. Leftover from the Almoravid mosque that had been destroyed earlier is an ornately carved pulpit from Almoravid sultan Ali ben Youssef. This Moorish mosque is reputed to be a pinnacle of Almohad art. Spanish and Moorish influence can be seen in the shapes of the arches, cupolas and painted ceilings. Another fact unique to this mosque is it was built during the reign of one ruler. Other comparable mosques, such as The Great Mosque in Cordoba took over 200 years to be completed.
Supposedly, the minaret of Koutoubia Mosque was to be built with three gold globes. Ones topping the tower today are composed of copper. The Wife of sultan Yacoub el-Mansour broke her fast during Ramadan. To pay her penance, she had her gold jewelry melted and made into a fourth sphere. Completed during the reign of her husband, this unique minaret was quite a feat of engineering for its time. Standing 221 feet (69 meters) high, a ramp is built around the tower so that the muezzin could rise to the top. Six rooms are placed, one on top another make up the interior. Minaret towers, Giralda in Seville and Hassan in Rabat, are modeled after Koutoubia.
Non-Muslim visitors can admire the mosque from the outside, but are not allowed to enter the interior areas.
Written by: Carole Morris, JBT Travel Correspondent
Brought to you by: Journey Beyond Travel - Morocco Tours
The Flag of Morocco
21/04/07 12:02 |
Morocco Articles
| Morocco
Articles
Morocco’s flag is simple yet striking. Red, with a
green five-pointed star in the center, it is known to
hold Solomon’s Seal. Morocco has used flags as a
symbol of the state since the Almoravid Dynasty in
the mid 1000s. At that time, the flag was white.
Prior to the Almoravid, banners were carried in
battles, but were not used as a national symbol. Red
became the color of choice for the Alaouite Dynasty
in the early 17th Century. In 1912, a star was added
to distinguish Morocco’s flag from other countries. A
six-pointed star was used on Morocco’s flag until
1915 when the French General Lyautey changed it to a
five-pointed one prior to sending Moroccan troops to
fight in WWI. No explanation was ever really given as
to what the change signified. The five-point
pentagram has been used ever since.
While the green star in the center of the flag is
commonly known as the Seal of Solomon (Arabic:
Suleiman), its origins may be different. Scholars
have argued that it might have been associated with
Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet Mohammed.
Morocco, a Muslim country ruled by a monarchy that
claims lineage from the Prophet, the pentagram may
represent the country’s religion and faith. The
five-pointed star could represent the five-pillars of
Islam. Additionally, it symbolizes the link between
Allah and the King.
The flag of Morocco became the national flag for the whole country when it gained independence in 1956. Prior to that, the red flag was only used in the French territories. It was not recognized in the Spanish zones. Morocco’s flag is unique in that it is a red flag, and not a part of the United Arab Emirates. Historically, red flags are commonly associated with the Emirate States.
By JBT Correspondent: Carole Morris
Morocco Travel at Journey Beyond Travel
The flag of Morocco became the national flag for the whole country when it gained independence in 1956. Prior to that, the red flag was only used in the French territories. It was not recognized in the Spanish zones. Morocco’s flag is unique in that it is a red flag, and not a part of the United Arab Emirates. Historically, red flags are commonly associated with the Emirate States.
By JBT Correspondent: Carole Morris
Morocco Travel at Journey Beyond Travel
The History of the Fez Medina
21/04/07 11:58 |
Morocco Articles
| Morocco Articles
A unique, ancient, and appealing city, the Fez Medina holds true to
its definition that it once was a non-European
city in Africa or the Middle East. In Morocco,
medina simply means “city”. And, Fez has two:
the Fes-el-Djedid (new), built in the 14th
century and Fez-el-Bali (old), which was built
towards the end of the late eighth century.
Built by the first Muslim Dynasty, the
Idrissids, the renowned medina sits on the banks
of the Fez River. Locals claim that the
Kairouiyine Mosque, constructed during the reign
of Yahya ibn Muhammed, is one of the oldest in
Africa. In 859, the University of Karueein, as
it is now called, was officially founded, giving
the Fez Medina one of the oldest universities in
the world.
The majority of the Fez Medina’s population was made
up of refugees from surrounding Moorish dynasties,
namely from Andalusia, Kairouan, and Tunisia. Each
group established their own districts within the
medina, usually separated by geographical markers,
such as the river or surrounding rolling hills.
Historically, the city was a melting pot of North
African Muslims and Jews, who resided in what is
known as the Mellah district. Today, people
originating from Fez tend to have lighter skin tones,
blond hair, and even green and blue eyes.
Throughout Fez’s long history, the leadership of the city often marked the personality of the city. When the Fatimids took over rule of the city in 917, the Idrissids who recaptured the territory in 960 soon overthrew them. In 985, it was taken over by the Ommayyads. Held until 1069, the Almoravid Sultan, Youssef ibn Tachfin succeeded in conquering it. Credited with joining the two walled cities into one, he erected one wall around both cities. Eventually, the Merenids move into Fez Medina in 1269, making it their new capital.
This era was the start of two centuries of building monuments and other important structures. The new quarter was started under Sultan Abu Youssef in 1437. The city remained somewhat stable until 1548, when the Saadians captured the old medina and made it part of the Moroccan Empire. Marrakesh was made into the new capital. But, with the rise of the Ottoman Empire, ruled by under Suleyman, the Magnificent, Fez Medina became the capital again. Followed by unrest and extreme poverty, Moulay Rashid took power in 1666.
Built with winding narrow alleyways, the walk through the Fez Medina is a walk back into time – a complicated labyrinth built to thwart invasions. This city remains a picture of medieval Islamic society set in modern times. Muslim women, especially in Fez’s past, had the tradition of keeping their faces covered from all males except family. Patios were built with high walls, which resulted in making the alleyways dark, but cool in the scorching summer months. Narrow winding streets make bicycles, donkeys and mules the chosen means of transportation. Mosques are in the center of the city with shops and residences built around them. Some habitants have stated that the residents of the old medina could live their entire life without ever venturing outside.
Bali, General Lyautey saved the oldest quarter of the Fez Medina when the French took over. He put into place the modern regulations that protect the medieval city from modern development.
Fez’s old Medina is still based on traditional industries, such as tanneries, soap making, textile and flourmills, along with oil processing. Cereal grains, olives, grapes and beans are the major crops of the area. Farming, raising sheep, cattle, and goats is still a stable way of life just along the city’s outskirts.
The Fez Medina has been named to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
By JBT Correspondent: Carole Morris
Morocco Travel at Journey Beyond Travel
Throughout Fez’s long history, the leadership of the city often marked the personality of the city. When the Fatimids took over rule of the city in 917, the Idrissids who recaptured the territory in 960 soon overthrew them. In 985, it was taken over by the Ommayyads. Held until 1069, the Almoravid Sultan, Youssef ibn Tachfin succeeded in conquering it. Credited with joining the two walled cities into one, he erected one wall around both cities. Eventually, the Merenids move into Fez Medina in 1269, making it their new capital.
This era was the start of two centuries of building monuments and other important structures. The new quarter was started under Sultan Abu Youssef in 1437. The city remained somewhat stable until 1548, when the Saadians captured the old medina and made it part of the Moroccan Empire. Marrakesh was made into the new capital. But, with the rise of the Ottoman Empire, ruled by under Suleyman, the Magnificent, Fez Medina became the capital again. Followed by unrest and extreme poverty, Moulay Rashid took power in 1666.
Built with winding narrow alleyways, the walk through the Fez Medina is a walk back into time – a complicated labyrinth built to thwart invasions. This city remains a picture of medieval Islamic society set in modern times. Muslim women, especially in Fez’s past, had the tradition of keeping their faces covered from all males except family. Patios were built with high walls, which resulted in making the alleyways dark, but cool in the scorching summer months. Narrow winding streets make bicycles, donkeys and mules the chosen means of transportation. Mosques are in the center of the city with shops and residences built around them. Some habitants have stated that the residents of the old medina could live their entire life without ever venturing outside.
Bali, General Lyautey saved the oldest quarter of the Fez Medina when the French took over. He put into place the modern regulations that protect the medieval city from modern development.
Fez’s old Medina is still based on traditional industries, such as tanneries, soap making, textile and flourmills, along with oil processing. Cereal grains, olives, grapes and beans are the major crops of the area. Farming, raising sheep, cattle, and goats is still a stable way of life just along the city’s outskirts.
The Fez Medina has been named to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
By JBT Correspondent: Carole Morris
Morocco Travel at Journey Beyond Travel
Choosing a Morocco Tour Operator
09/04/07 12:06 |
Morocco Articles
| Morocco
Articles
While many online tour operator agencies claim that
they offer you the best deals and service for travel
services, you’ll have to discern a variety of factors
before choosing which agency to work with –
especially when you want to travel to an exotic
destination, such as Morocco.
These aforementioned variables should also be weighed against what sort of adventure you and your travel group or family want to have. As you consider different options, the following points will help you to create a shortlist that will help you make an informed decision on which travel company with which to work.
These aforementioned variables should also be weighed against what sort of adventure you and your travel group or family want to have. As you consider different options, the following points will help you to create a shortlist that will help you make an informed decision on which travel company with which to work.
Is the tour operator specialized?
Does the trip provider offer you the type of trip that you’d like to go on? If you are into large bus tours that simply take you from one five-star hotel to another, then you’ll have plenty of tour companies to choose from. However, if you are looking for something different, intimate, cultural, or perhaps active, find a tour operator that deals with these sorts of adventures.
How many destinations does the tour operator specialize in?
If you decide to work with a large travel and tour agency, they might offer holiday packages in several different countries. These types of companies could be labeled as the “master of none”. While they might offer decent prices on tour packages throughout the world, that doesn’t mean that the trip is going to be tailored to your needs. In a world where nearly 80% of travelers book tours on the Internet, it is best to find a tour operator who is specialized for the area in which you want to travel.
Where is the tour operator located?
An operator that is located in the country that you would like to travel is worth more than gold. Someone who books tours from an office in New York City, for example, is not going to be able to offer you the minute details of the country that a specialized agency will be able to do. If the company does book tours and trips from outside the country they operate, then they should have a representative office in the country in which you plan to travel. If you need help while on your journey, then don’t expect the travel agency in NYC to do a whole lot.
Does the tour operator offer personalized or customized itineraries?
A tour operator should offer a variety of Morocco itineraries to meet different travelers’ needs. For those who are the more active type, an itinerary that includes hiking in the High Atlas Mountains, for example, is an option. Other travel groups or families might decide that they would prefer a comfort trip with some cultural highlights. Agencies that can offer a variety of holidays that are crafted towards your own style of travel should be highly regarded.
How responsive is the tour operator to your e-mails?
Does the tour operator whom you have contacted respond to your request for information within a day or so? You can judge how much a tour operator cares about its customer relations with not only their initial response, but also their follow-up responses in helping you put together that perfect itinerary. A tour operator who calls you at your convenience and checks in to see how your plans are coming along is a responsive and responsible one who will also keep in communication with you up until the day you depart.
How much information does the tour operator make available to you?
A tour operator who specializes on Morocco, for example, should be an expert in their respective field. If you found them by searching on the Internet, which travel website did you find their reference? Finding a tour operator who is located in the upper search engine results means that the agency has done a lot of work in order to promote itself on other travel websites who are willing to vouch for its credibility. It has nothing to do with paying their way to the top. These are organic listings and to get there isn’t an easy accomplishment for any operator who is not legit and of some reputable quality.
Additionally, a tour operator may or may not be able to book flights for you. But, they should be able to recommend flight options that will save you money. They might also be able to arrange in-country airport pick-up that will save you hassle upon arrival. The more information the tour operator in Morocco can outline about the country you’ll be traveling in, through information packets or online articles, news, and reading material, the better prepared you will be in the end.
Does the tour or vacation agency meet varied price needs of their clientele?
A tour agency that offers a variety of itineraries in Morocco means that they know the country well enough to offer different levels of services to their clients. Unbelievably high prices means that the agency is targeting a certain elite market, or it means that the agency is not working out its itineraries to save its customers the most they possible can for any particular itinerary. It makes sense that the more days you wish to travel, the varied activities you’d like to do, and the type of accommodations and transport you prefer will all be considerations taken into account for the final quoted price. If an agency is willing to help you work out the price structure to make it more affordable to you, then you know that they operator puts its customer relations first and wants your business more than anyone else.
As a side note: Some people searching for great Morocco travel bargains and budget trips want to acquire as much information about the country and itineraries as possible. In some instances, a travel specialist might ask someone who wishes to arrange an itinerary for a ‘trust deposit’ (that will be applied to the future sale) for the services they wish to have rendered. A tour operator has to ensure that before she or he gives out too much of the company’s valuable information that the travelers are actually going to utilize the agency’s full services. This deposit guarantees a traveler and an agency will remain faithful in their collaboration. An agency cannot offer its services free and a ‘trust deposit’ ensures that the agency’s valuable time will be properly remunerated.
Overall, a good Morocco tour operator will be able to answer your questions and give you the individual attention to detail you deserve.
A quality tour operator in Morocco should:
1. Be responsive
2. Understand your needs
3. Arrange the best prices possible
4. Provide testimonials to their service
5. Provide you thorough information about the country
6. Offer a variety of services
7. Offer a variety of activities
8. Answer your questions even after the sale
9. Ensure that every detail of your in-country itinerary is arranged
10. Request feedback to better their operation
These top-ten Morocco tour operator rules are the basis of forming a trusting relationship between the travelers and the tour operator agency. For those who are searching and want to make sure that their travel dollars will result in the quality of experience they deserve, they should hunt for an agency that meets all the abovementioned criteria. Once the itinerary is fully arranged and booked, its time to prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!
Brought to you by: Journey Beyond Travel
Does the trip provider offer you the type of trip that you’d like to go on? If you are into large bus tours that simply take you from one five-star hotel to another, then you’ll have plenty of tour companies to choose from. However, if you are looking for something different, intimate, cultural, or perhaps active, find a tour operator that deals with these sorts of adventures.
How many destinations does the tour operator specialize in?
If you decide to work with a large travel and tour agency, they might offer holiday packages in several different countries. These types of companies could be labeled as the “master of none”. While they might offer decent prices on tour packages throughout the world, that doesn’t mean that the trip is going to be tailored to your needs. In a world where nearly 80% of travelers book tours on the Internet, it is best to find a tour operator who is specialized for the area in which you want to travel.
Where is the tour operator located?
An operator that is located in the country that you would like to travel is worth more than gold. Someone who books tours from an office in New York City, for example, is not going to be able to offer you the minute details of the country that a specialized agency will be able to do. If the company does book tours and trips from outside the country they operate, then they should have a representative office in the country in which you plan to travel. If you need help while on your journey, then don’t expect the travel agency in NYC to do a whole lot.
Does the tour operator offer personalized or customized itineraries?
A tour operator should offer a variety of Morocco itineraries to meet different travelers’ needs. For those who are the more active type, an itinerary that includes hiking in the High Atlas Mountains, for example, is an option. Other travel groups or families might decide that they would prefer a comfort trip with some cultural highlights. Agencies that can offer a variety of holidays that are crafted towards your own style of travel should be highly regarded.
How responsive is the tour operator to your e-mails?
Does the tour operator whom you have contacted respond to your request for information within a day or so? You can judge how much a tour operator cares about its customer relations with not only their initial response, but also their follow-up responses in helping you put together that perfect itinerary. A tour operator who calls you at your convenience and checks in to see how your plans are coming along is a responsive and responsible one who will also keep in communication with you up until the day you depart.
How much information does the tour operator make available to you?
A tour operator who specializes on Morocco, for example, should be an expert in their respective field. If you found them by searching on the Internet, which travel website did you find their reference? Finding a tour operator who is located in the upper search engine results means that the agency has done a lot of work in order to promote itself on other travel websites who are willing to vouch for its credibility. It has nothing to do with paying their way to the top. These are organic listings and to get there isn’t an easy accomplishment for any operator who is not legit and of some reputable quality.
Additionally, a tour operator may or may not be able to book flights for you. But, they should be able to recommend flight options that will save you money. They might also be able to arrange in-country airport pick-up that will save you hassle upon arrival. The more information the tour operator in Morocco can outline about the country you’ll be traveling in, through information packets or online articles, news, and reading material, the better prepared you will be in the end.
Does the tour or vacation agency meet varied price needs of their clientele?
A tour agency that offers a variety of itineraries in Morocco means that they know the country well enough to offer different levels of services to their clients. Unbelievably high prices means that the agency is targeting a certain elite market, or it means that the agency is not working out its itineraries to save its customers the most they possible can for any particular itinerary. It makes sense that the more days you wish to travel, the varied activities you’d like to do, and the type of accommodations and transport you prefer will all be considerations taken into account for the final quoted price. If an agency is willing to help you work out the price structure to make it more affordable to you, then you know that they operator puts its customer relations first and wants your business more than anyone else.
As a side note: Some people searching for great Morocco travel bargains and budget trips want to acquire as much information about the country and itineraries as possible. In some instances, a travel specialist might ask someone who wishes to arrange an itinerary for a ‘trust deposit’ (that will be applied to the future sale) for the services they wish to have rendered. A tour operator has to ensure that before she or he gives out too much of the company’s valuable information that the travelers are actually going to utilize the agency’s full services. This deposit guarantees a traveler and an agency will remain faithful in their collaboration. An agency cannot offer its services free and a ‘trust deposit’ ensures that the agency’s valuable time will be properly remunerated.
Overall, a good Morocco tour operator will be able to answer your questions and give you the individual attention to detail you deserve.
A quality tour operator in Morocco should:
1. Be responsive
2. Understand your needs
3. Arrange the best prices possible
4. Provide testimonials to their service
5. Provide you thorough information about the country
6. Offer a variety of services
7. Offer a variety of activities
8. Answer your questions even after the sale
9. Ensure that every detail of your in-country itinerary is arranged
10. Request feedback to better their operation
These top-ten Morocco tour operator rules are the basis of forming a trusting relationship between the travelers and the tour operator agency. For those who are searching and want to make sure that their travel dollars will result in the quality of experience they deserve, they should hunt for an agency that meets all the abovementioned criteria. Once the itinerary is fully arranged and booked, its time to prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!
Brought to you by: Journey Beyond Travel
