Morocco Travel Guide – Budget Travel Tips

Morocco Travel Guide – Budget Travel Tips
Reading Time: 4 minutes

 

Few countries come close to matching the diversity of colors, sounds, flavours, and scenery of Morocco.

From the bright blue city of Chefchaouen to the sprawling coastline of Agadir, across the dunes of the Agafay desert, and through the snow in the Atlas Mountains– Morocco has it all.

Here is a look at what not to miss on your next visit to Morocco, an idea of what your budget might look like, and which cultural faux pas to avoid.

 

4 Things NOT to miss in Morocco | Morocco Bucket List

Whether you fancy yourself an intrepid adventurer or simply are looking for an intriguing cultural experience, there is a Moroccan highlight for you.

 

Explore Aït Benhaddou

It is easy to add cities like Marakesh, Fez, and Casablanca to your Morocco Bucketlist but Morocco has much more to offer. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Aït Benhaddou for a truly unique experience.

Photo by rigel on Unsplash

Stroll through the 11th-century walled city -where there seems to be a permanent sepia filer applied- and find filming locations for iconic productions like Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones, and Gladiator.

 

Walk in the desert at Merzouga

Photo by Tienko Dima on Unsplash

No visit to Morocco is complete without immersing yourself in an expansive desert scene.

Merzouga is a small village close to the Algerian border where you can step into the vast Sahara Desert. 

Ride across the sandy dunes on the back of a camel and spend your evening stargazing in one of the luxury desert camps around the village.

 

Shop till you drop in Marrakesh

Photo by zakariae daoui on Unsplash

The souks of Marrakesh are one of the most popular attractions in Morocco and you should leave some spare room in your suitcase for all the trinkets you are bound to buy.

Browse through thousands of shops selling leather goods, spices, clothes, and décor- half the fun is in haggling for your next “can’t live without it” item!

The city has dozens of other fabulous attractions to keep you busy between your shopping sprees and places like Jardin Majorelle, El Badi Palace, and Ben Youssef Madrassa should all be on your itinerary.

 

Strike a pose in Chefchaouen

Few places in the world lend themselves to photo opportunities quite like the cobalt-colored streets of Chefchaouen.

Photo by Kyriacos Georgiou on Unsplash

This blue-hued village is no longer a hidden gem on the tourist front but it is far from overrated.

Its beauty and uniqueness far surpass its popularity and your camera will firmly be glued onto your hand as you try to capture every colorful corner of this amazing town.

Get lost in the winding smalt always or shop in the bustling Plaza Uta el-Hammam, as long as you take pictures every step of the way.

 

Budget for Morocco

Not only is Morocco one of the most diverse countries when it comes to things to do and places to see but you are also guaranteed to find a fantastic accommodation option for any budget.

For budget-conscious travellers, there are hostels as low as $7 a night but you never have to compromise on comfort and hospitality- even budget options offer great value for money in Morocco.

Luxury travellers are also spoiled for choice with picturesque glamping locations across the country that will set you back anywhere from $500 to $1000 per night.

Even mid-range travellers have plenty to choose from and hotels in central city locations with great reviews and even better views will only set you back around $40 per night.

Morocco is also a small country making transportation easy and affordable.

Short-distance taxis cost around $10 while you can get private transport between cities for around $70 but busses are easy enough to navigate and you can get to almost anywhere in the country for less than $15 by bus.

The delectable food in Morocco is shockingly inexpensive and you can expect to pay as little as $15 a day for more than enough to eat, leaving you with lots of spending money for the souks!

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

 

Travel tips for Morocco

Morocco is a hospitable destination but it is important to remember some of the cultural differences that might land you in hot water if you don’t tread lightly.

  • Morocco is an Islamic country so respect customs and beliefs. It is best to avoid discussing religious matters altogether.
  • Do not wear swimwear outside of resorts or beach areas. Foreigners are expected to dress modestly and respect local customs on the matter.
  • Consider Islamic religious holidays. During times like Ramadan, you will find some places have limited trading hours or selective goods on offer.
  • A lot of Moroccan cuisines are eaten by hand and you should take care to use only your right hand for this.
  • Negotiate prices when you visit the souks. As a tourist, you will automatically be charged inflated prices and haggling is part of the experience.

Morocco has already seen more than 10 million tourists return to its shores in 2022, with 2023 looking even more promising.

Don’t be left in the dark and get on the next plane to Morocco to see where Africa, the Mediterranean, and the middle east all collide in spectacular fashion.



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