International Nomad Festival in M’hamid El Ghizlane

Article Title: International Nomad Festival in M’hamid El Ghizlane

Publication: Journey Beyond Travel: Morocco Travel Guide

Summary: Travelers planning to visit the Moroccan desert in mid-March may be in for an additional treat: the International Nomad Festival. This article describes the annual festival.

Each year, the event highlights a theme. This year, the festival centers on the theme of water conservation, an especially relevant topic for nomads and other desert communities. To help commemorate the theme, The International Foundation for Water plans to introduce WaterPODs—a pilot project in which solar stills are used to purify water, increasing the supply of drinkable water to a community. Other presentations at the festival address water-themed topics including managing water in the oasis, water economics and the relationship between water and nomads.

Click here to read the full article.

Read Full Post »

Morocco for Vegetarians

Article Title: Morocco for Vegetarians

Publication: Journey Beyond Travel: Morocco Travel Guide

Summary: Vegetarians visiting Morocco can look forward to flavorful dishes that delight the taste buds. This article describes the vegetarian options commonly available in Morocco.

Since traditional dishes like tajine and couscous typically come with meat, be prepared to not only order these meals without meat, but to also explain that you do not eat anything made with meat. Vegetarianism is not common in Morocco, so this extra clarification can help you avoid unexpectedly meat-based sauces and broths. Although many travelers find Arabic challenging, French is also widely spoken throughout the country and you may be able to master a simple explanation in French with the help of a phrasebook.

Click here to read the full article.

 

Read Full Post »

Tips for Traveling to the Rif Mountains

Article Title: Tips for Traveling to the Rif Mountains

Publication: Journey Beyond Travel: Morocco Travel Guide

Summary: While many people travel to Morocco for its imperial cities and vast sand dunes, visitors who appreciate scenic landscapes will also enjoy the country’s mountain ranges. This article describes what travelers can do while visiting the Rif Mountains, situated in the northernmost part of the country.

Starting daytrips from Chefchaouen gives you access to a variety of trails that ease you into the forest and promises views of the mountains, while also allowing the flexibility to choose less strenuous or shorter routes. Some tour operators also offer transportation to other towns in the mountain range, providing additional outlets for casual exploration.

Click here to read the full article.

 

Read Full Post »

Erg Chigaga vs. Erg Chebbi in Morocco

Article Title: Erg Chigaga vs. Erg Chebbi in Morocco

Publication: Journey Beyond Travel: Morocco Travel Guide

Summary: Venturing into the Sahara Desert is one of Morocco’s iconic experiences, and overnight desert tours are especially popular with visitors. Those who shop around for desert excursions face a choice between two main destinations: Erg Chigaga or Erg Chebbi. This article compares two areas.

The Erg Chigaga dunes, located further south, reside off of a road less traveled. In fact, they’re located over 60 kilometers away from the nearest, lightly traveled road. Those opting for an Erg Chigaga excursion should expect a rustic experience, without access to nearby hotels. Visiting these sands by camelback requires a few days of travel through a rocky desert landscape before reaching the towering dunes. Many who prefer to experience the novelty of a bumpy camel ride in a smaller dose hire a guide to take them into Erg Chigaga by 4×4.

Click here to read the full article.

Read Full Post »

How to Shop in a Morocco Souk

Article Title: How to Shop in a Morocco Souk

Publication: Journey Beyond Travel: Morocco Travel Guide

Summary: Even if shopping isn’t among your favorite activities, browsing in Morocco’s lively souks is a worthwhile cultural experience. This article offers advice and describes what to expect from the experience.

Souks emanate an energy that can feel both invigorating and overwhelming. The packed walkways abound with opportunities to observe locals interacting with family, friends and merchants. Shopkeepers gregariously invite passersby into their stalls, eager to present their wares in hopes of securing a sale. Each seller has a specialty—leather, scarves, jewelry, spices, oils, etc.—and the goods cover every inch of the tightly packed stalls.

Click here to read the full article.

Read Full Post »

Tips for Traveling with a Morocco Tour Guide

Article Title: Tips for Traveling with a Morocco Tour Guide

Publication: Journey Beyond Travel: Morocco Travel Guide

Summary: Traveling with a tour guide can offer visitors a more personal perspective on Morocco’s sights, culture and history. This article offers advice for getting the most of out the experience, whether you intend to travel with a guide for an hour, a day, a week, or longer.

Learning about your guide’s family, hobbies and way of life provides you with a glimpse into Moroccan life. If a guide asks you questions about family, work or leisure, interpret that as an invitation to ask similar questions. Not only will it allow you to compare cultures, but you may also be surprised by how much you find in common.

Click here to read the full article.

Read Full Post »

Exploring Sala Colonia in Morocco

Article Title: Exploring Sala Colonia in Morocco

Publication: Journey Beyond Travel: Morocco Travel Guide

Summary: Many travelers visit Morocco’s imperial cities and desert villages seeking historical sites. Visitors near the nation’s capital can explore ancient roman ruins by taking just a few steps beyond the walls of Rabat. This article describes scenic ruins of Sala Colonia and their history.

The Roman town is surrounded by its own set of walls, made of the red stone common for that area. The few entrances to the premises possess the form of the region’s characteristic arch, with the main entrance marked by majestic pillars near the northern end of the west wall. Once inside the walls, you see ruins of buildings built before 1100 AD, including seemingly isolated pillars and rocks with readable ancient carvings.

Click here to read the full article.

Read Full Post »

Typical Traditions in Morocco

Article Title: Typical Traditions in Morocco

Publication: Journey Beyond Travel: Morocco Travel Guide

Summary: Experiencing local traditions is an enriching element of any trip abroad, and some of Morocco’s most flavorful traditions are easily accessible to visitors. This article describes a few of the country’s iconic traditions and how travelers can include them in their visit.

The country’s maze-like medinas present tradition around every corner. Even when tourists are abound in full force, locals outnumber visitors in the historic alleyways. Locals and visitors alike engage in the long-standing tradition of haggling with merchants over any purchase from basic household items to novel handicrafts. The souks display an array of artisan wares, many of which are still made using traditional methods that date back several generations. And since shopping works up an appetite, you are never far from a café offering a traditional meal complemented by mint tea.

Click here to read the full article.

Read Full Post »

The Can’t-Miss Marrakesh Holiday

Article Title: The Can’t-Miss Marrakesh Holiday

Publication: Journey Beyond Travel: Morocco Travel Guide

Summary: Some travelers have only a few days to spend in Morocco, yet want to experience the rich history of an imperial city, a taste of luxurious modernity, and the serenity of the Sahara and nearby mountains. For these travelers, Marrakesh brings good news…you can experience it all. This article offers ideas to travelers who want to get the most out of a short visit to Marrakesh.

Days of sightseeing may motivate you to get off your feet and rejuvenate at one of the city’s many hammams. Akin to a spa experience, cleansing in a hammam offers visitors an opportunity to refresh and dabble in a long-standing tradition. Many upscale hotels offer stylish, full-service hammams in-house. If your accommodation does not have one, ask the staff to recommend one from the many available throughout Marrakesh’s neighborhoods.

Click here to read the full article.

Read Full Post »

The Art of Moroccan Tea

Article Title: The Art of Moroccan Tea

Publication: Journey Beyond Travel: Morocco Travel Guide

Summary: Sipping mint tea is among Morocco’s iconic experiences. This article describes the drink, its customs, and where travelers are most likely to encounter it.

Mint tea is part of Morocco’s lifeblood; and, in fact, is popular throughout North Africa. If you are fortunate enough to be invited into someone’s home while you’re there, you can look forward to being offered this drink of hospitality. If it’s offered to you, be sure to accept—not only does it possess a pleasantly sweet taste, but it is impolite to refuse it.

Click here to read the full article.

Read Full Post »