10 Tips For Travel In Morocco

Learn these 10 tips for travel in Morocco to make your trip more enjoyable. Moroccan culture is a mix of African and Islamic influences. There are tons of things to do in Morocco, from hiking trails on the Atlas mountains to riding a camel into the Sahara dessert to view a beautiful sunset. These travel tips will help you learn the ins and outs for your stay in Morocco.

1. Seasons to Travel. Travel to Morocco during the spring and fall. This is the best time of year for weather and activities. The extreme cold in winter make it hard for tourist to enjoy the attractions. In the summer, it is very hot and many restaurants and cafes are closed due to specific holidays.
2. Stay at Riads. A riad is a traditional house built around a garden. They are good places to stay when visiting Morocco. Often, they are located in tourist areas that have many attractions nearby. Riads often offer great services and food made to order for guests that stay there.
3. Tipping. Tipping is an important part of travel in Morocco. When dining at a restaurant, ten to fifteen percent is a standard tip. Tipping tour guides and bus drivers or anyone who helps make your trip more enjoyable is advised.
4. Bargaining. When shopping, bargain for what you want to buy. This is a part of the culture. Ignore the first price and try to negotiate a good deal for yourself. You will learn a new skill and enjoy shopping in Morocco.
5. Bus and Train Travel. Morocco has a good bus system that is a relatively inexpensive way to travel through the region. You will be charged for baggage handling when riding on the bus. Traveling long distances is reasonably priced. Another transportation system available is traveling by train. It is a comfortable and affordable way to travel.
6. Credit cards, debit cards and traveler's checks. These are the most accepted payment methods in Morocco. US currency is easy to convert at most Morocco banks.
7. Try street food. There are many great  food dishes to sample made by street vendors. Some must-try dishes are snail soup, flat bread with bean puree, pancakes and sandwiches.
8. Drinks. Freshly squeezed orange juice is a common beverage in Morocco. A cup of mint tea is very popular as is spiced Moroccan coffee. Many great local wines are available for adult travelers.
9. Religion. The religion is Islam. Only Muslims can visit most mosques unless it is allowed by the local tourism board. Dress conservatively if you are a  woman as this is the custom.  Women that dress in sexy clothing are often verbally harassed by men. When visiting a mosque, check the rules before going.
10. Tourist Guide. Get an official guide from your hotel or the tourist office. They will be reasonably priced but do not purchase merchandise when with a guide. Often they inflate the prices. Unofficial guides are illegal and can get you in trouble with the law.

Drink plenty of water and wear a hat and use sun screen to protect yourself from strong sun. Stay in the shade as much as possible. Bring medications with you. Expect to get diarrhea from bacteria so bring over the counter medications with you or purchase there.