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This episode also has a video version on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "Travel Agents' Special! How to talk about Morocco to your clients"
Or stay here for the audio version - your choice!
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We take a behind-the-scenes look in today's episode of Destination Morocco podcast, with a different theme and focus than our usual series. Azdean and producer Ted explore the psychology and mindset of how to talk about and sell Morocco, how to answer questions and generate enthusiasm.This episode is tailored particularly for travel agents, who these days have more and more opportunity to promote and encourage travel to Morocco. It's a destination gaining more attention and excitement as major events take place, infrastructure expands and travellers return home with stories to tell.
We uncover strategies for planning trips, including the role of the tour operator, understanding client preferences, and dispelling common misconceptions about Morocco.
Whether your clients are seeking adventurous escapades, historical explorations, or leisurely getaways, this episode packs a wealth of practical advice. We emphasize the importance of personalized, well-timed itineraries and highlight emerging trends in Moroccan travel, such as the growing popularity of hub cities and private villas.
Fundamentals such as the essentials of managing logistics, integrating unique experiences and keeping the best pace of travel are also covered. A good tour itinerary has a mix of both busy activity and down time, and we know how to find that balance. Also, discover how our own local knowledge offers a distinct advantage in designing authentic and flexible tours.
This episode is a launch pad for travel agents looking to deepen their understanding of Morocco and enhance their clients' travel experiences. It also goes well with the tandem episode, "Top Misconceptions About Morocco" from July, 2024, which we highly encourage you to listen to, and add to your foundation of knowledge.
Destination Morocco is here to give you the tools you need to give your clients an experience of a lifetime.
Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.
Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours! -
Today we visit the imperial city of Meknes, which has a prominent place in Morocco's history and culture, particularly as it relates to the Alaouite Dynasty, who continue to reign as the ruling family of Morocco today.
In the mid-17th Century, sultan Moulay Isma'il chose Meknes as his capital. Over the next 50 years, he rebuilt the city on a monumental scale, fitting of a new, imperial city.
The end of Moulay Isma'il's reign however, in 1727, led to a competition for power, and eventually Meknes lost its status of imperial capital, which moved back to Fes. Later, the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755 also hit northern Morocco very hard, causing damage in Meknes that further undermined its status and prestige.
Our episode today features an excerpt from the walking tour Sam and Azdean did in Meknes last summer. We had a fabulous local guide, Abdellatif, who spoke excellent English and had a deep knowledge of history and detail throughout the old city. Be sure to request him if you have Meknes in your Morocco tour itinerary, fingers crossed he will be available!
Abdellatif tells us about the interconnected nature of the medina, which contains more than 10,000 houses. He tells us the history of the Mellah, and how although the population has dwindled, these days Jewish ancestors come back to retrace ancient footsteps.
We explore the Bab el Khamis, one of the monumental entrances to the medina, decorated with intricate calligraphy. Abdellatif translates it for us and explains why it's called the "happy gate."
We then visit the mausoleum of Moulay Isma'il, which includes a mosque, prayer space, madrassa and library.
Then, a bonus: we head up the road 30 minutes to the Roman city of Volubilis.
Ruled by Rome from the 1st century AD until around 285, Volubilis is one of the most extensive Roman ruins outside of Europe.
Our infamous earthquake of 1755 toppled most of what was left, with the stone and marble looted and taken to Meknes. Within 100 years people had all but forgotten where Volubilis even was.
Fortunately, archeologists rediscovered it in the late 19th century, and today Volubilis is an important site that gives a detailed glimpse into Roman life, 2000 years ago.
When you visit, a local guide will be available to interpret the ruins, without whom you would only see stacks of rock and stones.
Khalid was our guide in Volubilis, and he describes the architecture, mosaics, olive presses and more with fine detail and precision.
We'll be doing more episodes on Meknes and Volubilis coming up soon, to give you more ideas that you can add to your itinerary, and history to look for when you come visit.
Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.
Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours! -
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We return to our series on the history of the Amazigh (Berber) people, with part three of the conversation between Azdean, co-host Sam and our researcher, Hiba.
Our first two episodes covered an overview of Amazigh culture and history ("The Amazigh Chronicles" - The Berber History of Morocco, Part 1), followed by an in-depth look at the various tribes, which stretch across not just Morocco but all of northern Africa ("The Amazigh Chronicles" - The Rich Tapestry of Amazigh Tribes: History, Language, and Customs, Part 2).
Today we start to bring things forward and make the links to more modern times, looking at Amazigh influence on art and architecture, language, politics, military and economics, through to the 20th century.
Imagine a time when Morocco was the crossroads of the world, when nomadic traders would cross the Sahara to reach Marrakech and Essaouira by land, while western European ships would head for Essaouira as well, and eastern Europeans and Ottomans would stop at Tangier.
Morocco was the jumping off point to the Iberian peninsula, the Mediterranean, or alternatively the coastal waters south towards the equator. It's no wonder that language, architecture and even banking systems gained an influence that can still be felt today, far beyond modern Moroccan borders.
Gold, salt and olive oil; calligraphy, geometric designs and distinct kasbah strategic design; all these and more passed through this land and collected distinctive new features from the Amazigh people as they did so.
"Berber" may be the more familiar name, but "Amazigh" is their preferred name, and these indigenous people in their many guises maintain a powerful influence in Morocco to this day.Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.
Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours! -
This episode also has a video version on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "What Are Some of Morocco's Unique Cultural Experiences?"
Or stay here for the audio version - your choice!
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Morocco offers many unique cultural experiences and attractions, including many you might be aware of, but with their own distinct Moroccan twist.This podcast episode explains particular Moroccan cultural activities, to help you understand what they are, how they work, where you can find them and how you can participate yourself.
Azdean is joined by podcast producer Ted to chat about:
the Moroccan spa and hammam experience,the hammam sand bath, what's involved with visiting the desert (whether on a day trip or overnight), camel riding in Morocco, where to find Berber (Amazigh) cultural experiences, how to visit mosques and other Islamic sites, andwhere to find Morocco's rich Jewish heritage.Our goal is to clarify those lingering mysteries and ambiguities, and to identify what makes these wonderful activities and experiences unique to Morocco, in their own way.
You'll come away knowing what to look for, what questions to ask, and most of all, if it's something you want to add to your itinerary when you come visit!
Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.
Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours! -
This is a replay of the Live Q&A recording of Friday, September 6, "Discover Morocco's Amazing Selection of Luxury Accommodation."
Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel for even more details and tourist ideas, and particularly for the visuals that accompany our conversation. Maps, photos and more await you there!
"Discover Morocco's Amazing Selection of Luxury Accommodation" (YouTube)
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Morocco is a country that can hold its own when it comes to luxury accommodation. Stunning five star hotels are matched with our distinct riads and desert camps, offering comfort and style in unique and unexpected settings.
In this replay of our recent live Q&A on YouTube, Azdean, Sam and podcast producer Ted take you on a tour from Casablanca to Rabat, Chefchaouen to Fes, Marrakech and beyond, to explore the many options available at each destination.
You'll hear familiar names like Four Seasons, Marriott and Mandarin Oriental, and discover one-of-a-kind, made-in-Morocco properties that can compete on a global stage for luxury and service.
Every once in a while, a Moroccan property breaks through into everyday conversation and awareness. You may have seen recently in the news (CNN) that the Royal Mansour Marrakech earned the "Art of Hospitality" award, by The World's 50 Best Hotels, for its outstanding service and hospitality, as well as its unique concept. Royal Mansour takes inspiration from riads by creating effectively mini-riads within its walls, combining authenticity with privacy.
You may be curious about standards, expectations, grading scale (is 5 star in Morocco the same as 5 star elsewhere?), service, inclusions and more.
This live Q&A gives you more background on luxury hotels and riads, and useful, practical details on logistics, practicalities and what to expect during your stay.
Destination Morocco is here to get you started, get you inspired, and to help you discover the many options available in this stunning country.Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.
Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours! -
Today we have a two-part episode with some excerpts of audio recordings on location from Azdean and Sam's tour around Morocco in 2023. It continues the theme from our previous episode (#67), where we were in Chefchaouen on the same trip.
Today, we are still in northern Morocco. We start off in Rabat, looking out over the ocean from the Kasbah Oudaya, at the edge of the old Medina. A beautiful site with beaches down below, and the river Oued Bou Regreg dividing the cities of Rabat and Salé. You'll hear Azdean and his guide for the day, Mr. Ali, talk about the difference between the two cities, and some of the highlights and sights to see in Rabat.
Then, for part two of this episode we head right up to the northern tip of Morocco to visit Tangier. Azdean and Sam are standing at Cap Spartel Park, a famous lighthouse just west of the city that looks out over the Strait of Gibraltar. Spain is off in the distance, and you can imagine all the history that's taken place right before this spot, over thousands of years.
Sam gives us a bit of background into the place and role of Tangier in Morocco's culture and history, and things to see and do, not just in Tangier but some of the surrounding area as well.
And then we have a final clip where Azdean and Sam head down to the bottom of the cliffs, only about a mile or so south of Cap Spartel, to the Caves of Hercules. Right on the west coast of Morocco, looking out to the Atlantic Ocean, it is a place full of mythology and legend, and which is very much alive and active to this day.
Both the cape and the caves are just a short drive from downtown Tangier, roughly 20 minutes, so very easy to get to when you're there.
We love sharing these little clips with you recorded on-location, live on site. You'll hear the echo of the caves when they're standing there. You'll hear the waves crashing down below. Seabirds flying around. People relaxing and having fun down on the beach below the Kasbah. It's a really wonderful ambiance and we hope it adds to your excitement to come visit.
Don't forget that you can check the episode transcript to confirm spellings, to help you in your research!Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.
Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours! -
Azdean sits down on location with local guide Hamid to learn about the history of Chefchaouen, the famous blue city of northern Morocco.
This small town roughly 4 hours north of Fes, or 2 hours south of Tangier, has been attracting tourists for decades and, in the age of Instagram, gets more popular every year.
As Hamid and Azdean emphasize, Chefchaouen is not just about the stunning colours, but the beautiful architecture, historic Medina and kasbah, and its natural setting in the Rif mountains.
Gentle creeks of water wind their way through the town, artisans and craftsmakers line the paths and lane ways, and fresh orange juice vendors squeeze delicious nectar to help you on the climb up to the Spanish mosque, where you get stunning views of the mountains, valleys and the rolling hills of blue.
Hamid explains the historic founding of Chefchaouen as a refuge for both Muslim and Jewish refugees during the time of the Spanish Inquisition. The town is a perfect snapshot of Morocco's welcoming and tolerant nature, as well as having its share of rebellion and defence against invaders. The ancient kasbah is a reminder of the not-so-peaceful aspects of the region's history as well.
We learn the meaning of the name "Chefchaouen" in the Berber dialect, and finally get a definitive answer as to why the city is blue. Although you may expect that this is something dating back centuries, the reality may surprise you!
Chefchaouen is a calm and quiet jewel of Morocco, with many wonderful features to attract travellers looking for the exotic and colorful, as well as peaceful retreats, fresh mountain air, tremendous hiking and a laid-back spirit and hospitality.
We know that it won't take much to convince you to add it to your Morocco itinerary!Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.
Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours! -
This episode also has a video version on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: Just how easy is it to travel to, and around, Morocco?
or stay here for the audio version - your choice!
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In today's episode of Destination Morocco podcast, Azdean and Sam respond to a common question they receive: Just how easy is it to travel to Morocco?This is then a starting point for a detailed discussion on some useful, practical logistics when it comes to travel to, and around, their beautiful country.
Starting with visa requirements, particularly for U.S. and Canadian travelers, they then talk about passport validity and various direct flight options, more of which are starting all the time.
They go over the diverse range of accommodations in Morocco, highlighting both luxury international and local brands. Many, if not most, of the familiar hotel brands are well-established in Morocco, from Holiday Inn to Four Seasons. Plus some particular Moroccan-owned specialty hotels, some of whom have had a role in history.
But if you're a regular listener, you'll know that Sam and Azdean will always tout the virtues of Morocco's wonderful riads. If you're looking for an authentic accommodation experience, with comfort, quality and genuine hospitality, prioritize staying in riads wherever you go in Morocco. Sam highlights a few today, and don't forget we have other dedicated episodes too on riads, with even more detail. (Episode 29: The Allure of Moroccan Riads)
We then talk about transportation options within Morocco, including flights, trains, and buses. Modern Morocco has high-speed trains, luxury AC buses, and increasingly frequent and widespread domestic flights.
Whether you're a solo traveler or planning a group trip, this episode will guide you through those basic fundamentals, and get you started on a wonderful Moroccan adventure.
Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.
Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours! -
This episode also has a video version on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: How Discount Tours in Morocco End Up Costing You 3X More (Or Worse),
Having to pay extra for AC in a hot van,Being pressured to buy "mandatory Sahara scarves" for the desert,Hearing "Guide included," but it's not the guide who ends up meeting you, for whom you then have to pay,Sharing a room with other travellers, because the tour wasn't advertised as "private rooms,"Visiting a Berber "house" that turns out to be a rug shop,
or stay here for the audio version - your choice!
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Our good friend Siham (Ep. 24) returns to continue the discussion with Azdean and Sam from Ep. 62 (May 15, 2024) about dangerous scams and unseemly tourism practices in Morocco.
This time, the topic is discount "tour operators," the type you see in the Jemma el-Fnaa square in Marrakech (or seemingly on every street corner and cubbyhole), offering "$80 tours to Merzouga Desert" or "$20 to visit Aït Benhaddou." Impossibly cheap prices, yet tantalizing as a result.
As has been said, "We hear a story too go to be true - it ain't."
You might be wondering therefore what exactly comes with one of these tours, do they even go to the destination at all? How could they possibly advertise transport, breakfast and accommodation for that price? What actually happens when you sign up?
Well, Siham did us a solid and went on one of these tours to Merzouga, posing as a regular "tourist," to find out.
She tells us about:and much more.
Imagine, you're stuck in the middle of the desert, without any other options: no grocery store, no alternate accommodation, no other transport out. They've got you trapped, and that $80 price is suddenly a faint memory.
Even for more substantial, multi-day tours, Azdean has a story of what starts as an $800 fee then turns into $2800 in expenses once all is said and done.
Tune in to this episode for not just valuable information and some head-shaking examples, but how you can be sure to avoid any of this happening to you!Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.
Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours! -
This is a replay of the Live Q&A recording of Friday, July 5, "Movies Filmed in Morocco (And How to Visit the Locations)."
Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel for even more details and tourist ideas, and particularly for the visuals that accompany our conversation. Maps, photos and more await you there!
Movies Filmed in Morocco (And How to Visit the Locations) (YouTube)
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Morocco is one of the most popular locations in the world for filming movies, and Hollywood is a regular visitor. Many of your favorite movies and TV series have been filmed there:
Game of Thrones, Mission: Impossible, James Bond, John Wick, The Witcher and Indiana Jones are just some of the big names at least partly filmed in Morocco.
Why is Morocco such a popular location? Filming movies in Morocco goes back many decades, but it was a couple of hits around 1999/2000 that really brought it more attention: The Mummy and Gladiator. The setting and environment was as much a star as the actors and story, and triggered a new era of big-budget, blockbuster productions.
The country can easily double for anywhere from Egypt to Greece to ancient Rome, fantasy lands to anywhere that needs a desert. The architecture of the cities and medinas have filled in for India, Italy and medieval Europe.
And, as the industry has grown in Morocco, so has the Atlas Studios, where massive sets can be built and desert and mountains are right on the doorstep. The success of Atlas has made it even easier for major productions to choose the country, especially for weeks-long shoots.
So, would you like to visit these locations yourself?!
We've done the research and will show you the locations of famous scenes in film and TV, how they appear in real-life, and then, how you can visit them too!Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.
Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours! -
In today's episode of Destination Morocco podcast, Azdean and Sam discuss common misconceptions about traveling to Morocco.
They debunk myths related to the dress code, safety, LGBTQ+ community, and whether there's more to see in Morocco than just Marrakech (!).
They also address the availability of Western amenities, the use of credit cards, and the fact that Morocco offers far more than just deserts. If you're a surfing fan, discover some amazing beaches you probably haven't heard of yet!
Our podcast aims to offer honest insights to prospective travelers, from native Moroccans like ourselves, and highlights the rich cultural heritage and hospitality of Morocco. Tune in to learn why Morocco should be on your travel list and how Destination Morocco can help craft your perfect itinerary.Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.
Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours! -
This is an excerpt of the Live Q&A recording of Friday, June 7, "Shopping in Morocco: What to Buy and How to Buy It."
Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel for even more details and tourist ideas, and particularly for the visuals that accompany our conversation. Maps, photos and more await you there!
Shopping in Morocco: What to Buy and How to Buy It (YouTube)
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This replay collects many of your questions over the past few weeks, asking about how to shop in Morocco, which is a much different experience from what you may be used to!
Learn about the most popular items to bring home, what to look for, how to barter and find a good price, and what are the specialties of certain cities and regions.
Hear insider tips on how to approach bartering, negotiation, how to say no, when to say yes, and how to confidently find the authentic item you're looking for.
From rugs to tagine pots, argan oil to beauty products, major items to tiny carry-ons: this was a very useful live Q&A session!
Make sure that what you get is authentic, genuine, fairly priced and, most of all, what you wanted to buy. Not what someone pressured you to buy, or something you have no idea what it is, or what it does.
Remember to visit our Live Q&A page to send in more questions on this and other topics, whatever you need help with. We put them together into a topic for our monthly live sessions; join us on YouTube, the first Friday of each month!Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.
Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours! -
Dan & Cierra McPherson travelled to Morocco with Destination Morocco and discovered far more than a generic tour experience. From secret stops to amazing cubbyhole restaurants, they received an authentic, unique exposure to Morocco’s people and culture.
Cierra & Dan had a tall order for Destination Morocco when they got in touch with Azdean, looking to travel to Morocco just a short time later. They wanted to see as much of the country as possible, but over just 11 days. Could it be done?
This episode recounts their journey. Thanks to Azdean and his team, these world travellers had an experience that ranked with the best of their many destinations.
Hear their stories about enjoying Tangia stew, Moroccan bread, and yes, a dish that consists of cooking (then eating) an entire sheep: head, eyes and all, that has been slow-cooked in a hole in the ground (Shoua).
They met Khalil, the blind tour guide of Hassan II Mosque, whom you've heard numerous guests rave about on the podcast. Their guide used his connections to allow them early access to the mosque, before the regular crowds arrived.
In Chefchaouen they sampled fresh peanuts, boiled in honey, and freshly-squeezed orange juice on the walk up to the Spanish mosque overlooking the city.
Thanks to their flexible schedule and efficient transport, they were able to visit both Volubilis and the camel hump town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun on the same day, when most tour groups have to choose one or the other.
And learn about more local delicacies from their personal experience: Having tried a camel burger, which would you now choose, camel or beef?
Dan & Cierra were lodged along the way in Morocco's beautiful riads, which can accommodate no large groups, just a few guests at a time. A great opportunity to mingle and chat with the hosts and other travellers.
Meanwhile, it wasn't planned as a romantic trip, but in such a romantic country, they were swept up in the spirit. Dan & Cierra were treated to their own Moroccan wedding, with henna designs and Berber attire, and enjoyed memorable meal after memorable meal: breakfasts, lunch and dinner.
Whether on a private tour such as theirs, or on a small group tour that combines nimble flexibility with an affordable price, you can craft your own indelible Moroccan experience with Destination Morocco, and this episode gives you some tremendous ideas to add to your list.Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.
Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours! -
We've talked about scams in Morocco a few times on the podcast, from one of our early episodes (Scams! How to Understand and Avoid Them) to one of our recent Live Q&A sessions, (Latest Scams: Staying Safe While Traveling in Morocco).
It's a topic we often circle back to, because we want to make sure that all tourists, whether they travel with Destination Morocco or on their own, are staying safe and confident while visiting Morocco.
Some scams though are far more involved and intricate than overpaying for a taxi or a rug. They are the product of years of nurturing, patience and trust, trust which turns out to be a dangerous façade.
These scams prey on vulnerable tourists, people in moments of change and desperation in their lives, who can't, or refuse, to recognize the signs. They meet someone and form an emotional bond, and if that bond is made under false pretenses, it's not just money but so much more that comes under threat.
Today's episode is designed to help you know what to look out for, how to recognize the signs, think about your situation and listen to those close to you, who are giving you warnings from a different perspective.
And if you're listening and know of someone who might fit one of the scenarios we talk about, we want to give you the tools to help them be safe, and extricate them from that relationship.
Siham Essahiri, whom you'll remember from the impactful conversation last year, "Henna and the Strength of Moroccan Women," joins Azdean and Sam on this episode to share some of her first-hand experience in recognizing these dangerous scams. These moving stories will help you recognize just how deep these scams and false pretenses can go.
We recognize that this may sound like a very doom and gloom episode, that might put you off travel to Morocco. But as Siham points out, the vast majority of Moroccans, 99+%, are genuinely friendly, courteous and kind. Love stories and friendships do exist that are absolutely real and sincere. But we have seen enough of the opposite to want to make sure that all visitors to Morocco are simply aware that yes, it can happen, and we don't want it to happen to you.Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.
Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours! -
This is an excerpt of the Live Q&A recording of Friday, May 8, "Finding a Morocco Tour at an Affordable Price."
Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel for even more details and tourist ideas, and particularly for the visuals that accompany our conversation. Maps, photos and more await you there!
Finding Morocco Private-Style Tours at an Affordable Price (YouTube)
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If you enjoy the convenience and security of group tours, but find large coach tours of 50 people a little less appealing, this live session replay is for you.
Or, if you enjoy the freedom and control of travelling solo, yet are looking for the safety and service that comes with a private tour, but at an affordable price, then this live session replay is also for you.
Destination Morocco has put together the best of both worlds to give you some amazing tour options in 2024: convenience, comfort, flexibility and personal attention, all at an affordable price.
Quick Sprinter vans enable you to skip the crowds and make the most of every minute. You'll come home with a greater understanding of Morocco, its culture, its people and its stunning landscape.
Each itinerary includes all accommodation stays, certain meals, local tours, a certified private driver, an award-winning nationally-certified tour leader, airport transfers, 24/7 in-destination support from our local office in Morocco, as well as further features.
We want you to see Morocco in 2024, before the crowds really increase. The World Cup is on the horizon, major airlines are adding new flights from North America and Europe, and Morocco is becoming more popular than ever.
Now is the time to experience the best Morocco has to offer, and we can take you there.Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.
Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours! -
Hop down after the episode description for an update on our podcast schedule and our new donor link!
cultural awareness, appropriate clothing, respecting religious sites, photography etiquette, local customs, communication barriers, visa issues, avoiding currency exchange scams, shopping for souvenirs (and budget planning!), managing travel documents, and the importance of travel insurance.
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You've heard that Morocco is a modern, plural, largely Westernized country and, well, that is largely true. Dress or behave, within reason, as you would in most of Europe or North America and you won't feel out of place at all.
But as always, there are exceptions, and this episode of our "travel fails" series draws attention to the places where modesty and propriety are expected. Tourists who pay attention to and respect these customs will in turn discover a wealth of hospitality and welcome.
Topics covered in today's conversation include:When you're on a Destination Morocco tour, your knowledgeable guide is not just there to explain history or keep things on schedule, but also to make sure you're prepared and informed to avoid any potential faux-pas and sticky situations.
Even our Small Group Tours are small enough that you get that personal attention and assistance, while sharing the experience with new friends.----
As we head into a busy summer, our programming is adjusting to follow suit.
For starters, you can now join our monthly Live Q&A sessions on the first Friday of every month, at 1 pm Pacific/4 pm Eastern/10 pm Central Europe.
This means the next one is coming up this week, on Friday May 3rd! We'll be sharing more about how you can get a private tour experience without the expense, the best of both worlds, so bring your questions on logistics, practicalities, pricing and more.
Meanwhile, we'll be publishing two regular episodes per month, on the 1st and 15th, in addition to the replay of each Live Q&A.
If you enjoy our podcast and would like to support us, you can now easily do so on our new donation page. Thank you for your generosity! We'll continue to inspire your dreams and plans to see Morocco yourself and enjoy the country has to offer.
----Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.
Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours! -
In our recent Live Q&A session on secret places in Morocco off the tourist path, one such location is a stunning lake located east of Marrakech, a roughly three hour drive from the city. Perhaps because of this distance, and the fact that it is not on the main tourist routes, it is still largely known only to locals and the occasional informed tourist.
You are about to become one of those in-the-know travellers.
The lake is in fact a large reservoir, held back by a mini-Hoover Dam, creating one of the largest bodies of water in Morocco: Bin el-Ouidane.
Mountains and rolling hills line the shore, in an area still largely undeveloped and untouched. A nature paradise, but with some stunning accommodations available too.
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One of the most impressive places to stay, not just at the lake but in all of Morocco, is the Widiane Luxury Hotel and Spa. Built on a hillside overlooking the lake, with access to the water, the resort is a combination of relaxing getaway and a multitude of adventure activities. When you're ready to get out of the busy cities and discover amazing hiking, watersports, spas and hammams, 5 star food and accommodation, and most of all tremendous service, this is the place.
Azdean and his team stayed at Widiane last summer as the final stop on their two month tour around the country, and he sat down with hotel ambassador Mr. Nabil to talk about this stunning part of the country, and how the resort fits in to the environment.
Widiane places a particular emphasis on local: local cuisine, local ingredients (often reinterpretations of international cuisine), local artisans and local staff. This is not a member of a chain of resorts and hotels, it is Moroccan-owned and supported, and a great way to give back to the local economy.
Check out our conversation today, recorded live on location, to learn more about this beautiful area. You can add a stop here to your tour itinerary, which gives you transport and guided stops along the way.
Visit our website to learn more: www.destinationsmorocco.comDo you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.
Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours! -
This is an excerpt of the Live Q&A recording of Wednesday, April 10, "Getting off the tourist path in Morocco."
Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel for even more details and tourist ideas, and particularly for the visuals that accompany our conversation. Maps, photos and more await you there!
Getting Off the Tourist Path in Morocco (YouTube)
List of sights mentioned (doc)
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We spend a lot of time talking about the great sights of Morocco, from Marrakech to Fès, Chefchaouen and Tangier, Ouarzazate and the Merzouga Desert.
If you are making plans for your first trip to Morocco, and indeed if it may be your only trip to Morocco, then we always say to make sure you visit these famous locations, to get a good overview and understanding of the country.
But if you are the type who likes to wander further afield, get away from the crowds, discover something new and different (and maybe be a trailblazer in that regard!), then this live Q&A session will be right up your alley.
We'll be focusing on some of the lesser-known sights of Morocco, the places that people typically get to after they've visited the more famous locales. Or, perhaps they have a few extra days on their big trip and can start exploring right away.
Whether waterfall or canyon, quiet neighborhood or hidden museum, there are lots of options to get off the touristy path while on your tour. And the best part is, it is easy for us to integrate those stops into your itinerary or, with enough notice, modify a full day.
With Destination Morocco, we can easily incorporate any such requests. On a private tour, you can make those decisions, you're the boss!
The best way to follow this episode is by watching it on our YouTube channel, where you can follow along with the maps and images.Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.
Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours! -
"Travel Fails:" a popular theme in this era of do's, don't's and travel research, comes to the Destination Morocco podcast with today's episode, featuring Azdean, Hiba and Sam. They share their knowledge of travel in Morocco, as well as first-hand experience as travellers themselves in their country, to give you some useful tips of what to do (and what not to do) when you are exploring Morocco yourself.
Focusing on safety, we talk about security measures against pickpocketing and theft, avoiding scams, medical preparations, food and water safety, and dealing with the heat. The importance of understanding and respecting local street food practices is another big one, as we want to find a balance between encouraging trying out new food and flavors, while not taking any undue risks to your stomach.
Meanwhile, being aware of insect-borne diseases also comes up, as although Morocco is far from a tropical country, it can get hot, and add to that some puddles of standing water and you can have the right mixture for breeding mosquitos. It partly depends on the time of year, but if you are planning a summer trip then make sure you take account of both heat and insect precautions.
Certain topics are as common to Morocco as to any place in the world: drinking bottled water, avoiding unfamiliar areas after dark, and the benefits of carrying a basic medical kit. But we also talk about understanding local dress codes, and again finding that balance between being comfortably modern yet suitably modest.
Preparation, awareness, and cultural respect are key to enjoying a safe and pleasant trip to Morocco, and this episode will help get you ready. In fact, we anticipate a series of further episodes along a similar theme, so stay tuned in our podcast feed. And if you haven't already, we have two episodes focused specifically on tourist scams in Morocco, so make sure you catch up on those:
Live Q&A Episode #5 - Understanding Scams in Morocco: How to Travel With Confidence
Ep. 3: Scams! How to Understand and Avoid Them
Destination Morocco is your safest partner in Morocco, helping you navigate through unexpected moments and sticky situations. Visit destinationsmorocco.com to learn about our tour options, including our new series of Small Group Tours!Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.
Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours! -
Azdean and his local Fes guide extraordinaire, Moulay Hafid Alami, conclude their tour of the old city with a visit to the pottery and ceramic studio, "Mosaique et Poterie de Fes."
Located just to the east of the medina, this is more than a simple shop selling their beautiful craftwork (and there is a lot of it!). When you arrive, you get a guided tour of the facility, starting with handling the raw clay itself, learning how it's shaped, dried and fired, then glazed and decorated.
In our episode today, Azdean is taking this very tour, and you'll hear all the explanations, combined with the sounds of patting down clay, opening the kiln door, chiseling delicate vases and more.
Listen in to learn why Fes is such an important and influential artistic centre, not just to Morocco, but worldwide. We visit the kiln and learn about the firing process, the particular wood used, and a special natural ingredient added to the kiln.
Zalish mosaic tiles, famous around the world, are produced right here in this studio. Zalish is the root of the Portuguese word "Azulejo," the famous blue tiles, meaning "polished stone" in Arabic.
We learn more about funduqs (such as the converted Nejjarine Museum), the unique former accommodation for traders in Fes, and then we end the tour with a quick stop back in the medina, at the al-Karouyin University, the world's oldest.You can view this special Google Map to find out the exact location of all our stops in Parts 1 and 2 of the Fes tour.
And don't forget, all our episodes have transcripts, which can help to make sense of some of the accents and place names. Apple users with the latest update should see the transcript on their phones. Or, you can visit the episode page below to follow along with the .pdf file:
Fes Walking Tour Part 2: Visiting the Famous Fes Pottery Studio
Thank you for joining us during this past month of celebrating the magical city of Fes, Morocco. As Azdean says, if there is one place in the country you should visit, it's right here, and we hope this series has given you inspiration and momentum to book your trip!
Music credits:
Mike Franklyn / Scorpion Dance / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.comDo you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.
Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours! - Visa fler
