7 Things You Need to Know About Morocco Before You Go
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Dear Traveler,
Are you fascinated by old history and eager to experience Morocco's rich cultural heritage? Are you in a process of planning a trip to this North African country but don't know what to expect (cultural norms, shopping, tipping) when you get there? Then, this quick read is for you.
Tipping is a major part of the Moroccan culture
Every local who provides you with service, no matter how insignificant, is hoping, if not expecting to be tipped (bell-boys, restaurant staff, tour guides &, drivers, even when taking pictures on the street). Always keep small bills handy. On a 7-Night Tour, budget between $80-$100 per traveler for tips.
Drink and brush your teeth only with bottled water
The tap water is generally harmless and consumed by locals, however, it has a chlorine taste. If you will be in the country for a short period of time, it's better to be on the safer side and purchase bottled water easily accessible at street stalls and supermarkets. Deluxe & luxury hotels and riads typically offer a complimentary bottle of water as well.
For quality, hand-made souvenirs shop only at cooperatives & workshops
You can buy souvenirs from any street bazaar, however, if you are looking for quality, hand-made goods, the best place to buy them is at cooperatives located in the countryside. The cooperatives in Morocco are government-supported and often provide employment for the entire village. First, start at the workshop and see the laborious crafting process unfold in front of you, then move to the display showroom. Frequently, travelers make the mistake of waiting until the end of the tour in Marrakesh for last-minute shopping and will go to the bustling Jemaa el Fnaa (the main square), which is an exhilarating and inviting bazaar. However, despite its large size, the stalls lack variety and the souvenirs are overpriced and often poor quality.
Always haggle, the asking price is rarely the final price.
Moroccan people are traders and negotiating is part of their culture. When haggling, be tactical and do it with respect. Some cooperatives have fix prices and will tell you that ahead of time but will still give you a discount if traveling with a group.
Select a tour that includes visiting Fez & Sahara
Visiting Fez is a cultural feast. The oldest among Morocco's imperial cities, it dates back to the 9th Century and feels like you are stepping back in Medieval times. Fez's exhilarating ancient medina is a winding labyrinth of more than 9,000 streets and home to artisans and craftsmen practicing ancient techniques passed down from one generation to another over the centuries. The oldest continuously operated university in the world is tucked in the heart of the bustling medina and today this area is designated a UNESCO heritage site.
Driving almost 300 miles south, you will reach the town of Merzouga, set right on the border with Sahara. Seeing the sunset on the top of the dunes is a life-changing experience!
Sahara Desert
Prepare for unpredictable weather
Don't rely on AccuWeather -- bring an extra layer. The driving distances between the main towns are easy 4-5 hours and there are multiple climate pockets that often cause a rapid change in the weather. The nights in the Sahara desert are cold and in the High Atlas Mountains peaks during the spring months are still capped with snow.
Crossing High Atlas Mountains
Reserve a tour ending in Marrakesh and extend your stay there for 1-2 days to explore on your own
This former imperial city offers a vibrant blend of Western & Arabian influenced culture and architecture. Instead of a hotel, consider staying at a Riad (renovated traditional home/palace). The central hotel zone is safe, pedestrian-friendly, and has plenty of al-fresco European-style dining and traditional Morrocan options to choose from. At the end of your journey, what a better way to relax your body and soul than a traditional hammam (Moroccan bath)?
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