Morocco has much to offer the traveler. A Moroccan vacation features views of two worlds, ancient and modern. Spend your days at celebrity spas. Hike through the Sahara. Visit villages untouched by time. As with any destination, the vacationer must be familiar with local customs and requirements.
Begin with the basics. U.S. citizens need a passport to visit the Kingdom of Morocco. Travelers may stay up to three months. If flying to the country, Moroccan law states you must have a return ticket. Morocco is a Muslim nation. Though a short distance from Europe, many of Morocco's customs are those of North Africa and the Middle East. Pay attention to local sensibilities. In rural areas, women should not wear revealing clothes. Men should also cover up as much as possible. Mosques demand similar etiquette.
Get the most out of your Moroccan vacation by visiting as many areas as possible. Rabat is the capital and Tangier is the closest city to Europe. But you should not miss trips to other famous sites such as Fez, Casablanca and Marrakesh. Moroccan cities typically feature a casbah, or old section. Here you will find bazaars that stock a wealth of traditional goods. You will also be able to find bargains on fashionable leather goods and Moroccan handicrafts. Remember, in Morocco you must bargain when you buy. Never accept the first price quoted. Play the game. Keep going until you think you have a good deal. And don't be too disappointed if you overpaid anyway. Bargaining is a skill that takes time to develop.
Travel to the Sahara. The great desert is never far from any of Morocco's major cities. Plan to take a bus tour. Book your tour before you go. Companies like Globus, Trafalgar, Insight and Cosmos provide expert guides and arrange all acommodations. Prices range from less than $700 for an 11-day budget package to nearly $7,000 and more for a luxury stay of similar length. Airfare is extra. Check Internet sites like Travelocity and Expedia for current fares. Fuel costs are always changing. Booking flights in advance may help to guard against sudden price increases.
Be sure to check out Morocco's past. Tour guides possess knowledge of local culture and history. The Berbers were Morocco's original inhabitants. Visit their mountain villages. Morocco's desert and Atlas Mountains are an eco-tourist's dream. See ancient cliff-side villages and houses virtually buried in the earth. There are Roman ruins along the coast. And don't forget the Moorish fortresses and palaces.
Spend a bit more and you can stay in one of Morocco's luxury resorts. Hivernage Hotel and Spa in Marrakesh sports high-end accommodations amid the scenery of the Stlas Mountains. Play golf on three courses or spend the day at the spa. Average price throughout the year is almost $300 a night. But book early because rooms sell out quickly. Remember also that summer is extremely hot in Morocco. Winter prices will be considerably higher. Looking for more local flavor? Try the Caravanserai. The Caravanserai says it features "ethno-chic" complete with mud walls and floors. But the spa is world-class. Year-round prices average a little under $250 a night. Desert spa or medieval market--Morocco offers something for everyone.
