Vacation to Morocco

The think that September or October, climate wise, would be a time of the year to visit Morocco. After the hot summer the sea temperature will probably be quite pleasant and the air temperature will likely be comfortable. I know that Marrakesh is a very popular inland city that many tourists really adore. Agadir is a very popular resort a bus trip away and it is by the sea. I have heard Fez it is lovely city to visit and it could be reached by train. I hope that you will have a fantastic vacation in Morocco.

I don't know if you have already left for your trip or not, but hopefully you will see this. If you are going to Marrakesh, you must must must visit a place called Ourika Valley! It's about 30-45 minutes outside of Marrakesh up in the mountains, and it is truely the most beautiful place I have ever been to. The weather is nice and cool, compared to Marrakesh which is one of the hottest and most humid places in Morocco. There is a stream running through the mountains and a beautiful waterfall. There's many opportunities to get pictures on camels here, although I don't know if you'll actually be able to ride one. Me in Ourika Valley http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs157.snc1/5860_524476063903_30201310_31199334_7894466_n.jpg Also, be aware that Ramadan is this month. You really have picked one of the worst times to go to a Muslim country if you aren't a Muslim (maybe you are, I don't know). It is going to be very difficult for you to find food during the day. If you are staying in a hotel you'll have it a bit easier. Marrakesh is a tourist city so you might be able to get by alright. Also, be aware that most people will close up shop to break their fast for a few hours. I would suggest going out after 8:00. If you are in Marrakesh, you will certainly be going to Place Jmae Lafna. There's lots to do here: there's a small medina for shopping, lots of restaurants and juice stands, and lots of people doing various things outside to make money. Unless you really want to hold a monkey, stay away from people with monkeys. I learned this from experience. They will force the monkey upon you and then ask you for money. If you want a picture of anyone, be prepared to give them a few dirhams (8 dirhams is equal to about 1USD). Also, don't be afraid to haggle with shopkeepers in the Medina. Most people working in Marrakesh speak basic Eglish. The best way to haggle is to tell them it's too expensive, ask for a price lower than you are willing to pay, and then walk away if they say no. Tell them you're going somewhere else. As you are walking out the door they will most certainly chase you and give you a better offer. Don't be fooled by places charging the same prices as you'd find in America - everything in Morocco is much, much cheaper. From what I can tell, it's hard to find ATMs or use credit cards in Morocco. Bring cash with you, money exchange shops and banks will exchange your money to dirhams as you need it. Some other tips... Don't show any cleavage, but feel free to wear short sleeve shirts and skirts/shorts that are at the knee (I wouldn't go any higher than that). Even if you wear Moroccan clothing people will still instantly know that you are a westerner, so don't even bother trying. If any men awkwardly stare at you, look at them at call them "El Hajj" - this is a common name for Muslims given to them after they take the pilgramage to Mecca. They will be shocked and embarrased that they were staring at you. Obviously you shouldn't drink the water. Always ask for Sidi Ali - this is the best bottled water available in Morocco and most all shops and restaurants have it. Bring toilet paper and hand sanatizer with you everywhere. Most bathrooms don't have tp - some only have Moroccan toilets which are very difficult to use, they are basically just a hole in the floor.