Morocco

[Anonymous]

My DH and I, along with our 18 month old DS are thinking of visiting Morocco in March/April.

Anyone have thoughts/advice to offer? Is that a good time to go? Would we have fun with a toddler? Any tips would be appreciated!

[Anonymous]

Why Morocco? Just wondering...

[Anonymous]

Have fun, OP! It's on my to-do list, but likely the distant future. We go to Egypt often (family). I would assume there are many similarities -- dress more modestly, certain health precautions like not drinking the water, etc. Hopefully someone else can chime in. If not, do a google search and I'm sure you'll find travel and/or expat forums for Morocco.

Take a GREAT camera!

[Anonymous]

I went to Morocco before I had children. If you don't speak French, it's very hard to get around. I've traveled to over 30+ countries and it was in the top 2 of places where I found it the most difficult to communicate....and I do have some knowledge of French. There was a lot of anti-American sentiment at the time (during the toilet flushing Koran incident 6-7 years ago), but I'm not sure about now. Honestly, I did not enjoy it there at all, but it really depends on what you are planning on accomplishing during your visit. I would just try to gather as much information about it ahead of time. I was in Casablanca and Marrakesh. I thought it was going to be romantic and incredible, and it just fell far short....at least for me.

[Anonymous]

Where specifically are you going? DH and I traveled to Marrakesh pre-kid and had a really lovely trip, but we didn't travel outside of the city. We had no trouble with language (I have a bit of French but it seemed like everyone spoke some English). We stayed in a very family-oriented riad and explored the main square and the souk. I think I'd go again with my 19 month old, but we have already taken him to Europe and South Asia, so I guess I feel I kind of know what to expect.

[Anonymous]

I went to Morocco pre-kids and had a great time. I think Essaouira would be a good place to go with a toddler. It's very laid back and there's enough stuff to do to keep you occupied. Good seafood too. I was there in February and it was nice enough to sit outside and eat, so March or April would probably be good too, although the sea might be cold.

I think Marrakesh was my least favorite place in Morocco, but maybe it's because I got food poisoning from eating at one of those open air restaurants in the main square.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Why NOT Morocco?! What a strange question. I've traveled a ton all around the world and Morocco has always been on my list. Might as well get around to it now. Don't speak French though, and my Arabic is elementary and I doubt I'd understand the Moroccan dialect anyway so communication might be an issue. I'll have to look into Essaouira. thanks!

Also, I know this is a long shot, but I was also wondering if theres a way to get to Canary Islands from there and if anyone has done it and might have advice.

[Anonymous]

I am FROM Morocco. But it really depends on where you are going and what type of vacation you are looking for, sine different cities offer different things. I have been ALL over from North to South. If you do have a little French it's good, but I have experienced that especially in the larger cities people are getting better at English. Be careful WHERE you eat, and BUY your water. Don't let anyone force you to buy stuff you don't want and try to bargin of you DO wanna buy. Morocco is known for it's handcraft, handmade rugs etc. Agadir would be a good place to go with a toddler compared to Marrakesh which is more faced paced and crowded.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the tips PP. What's a good city to fly into? I'll be traveling from Dulles and going to start looking at tickets now.

We like to sight see a lot so want to see as much as possible! We will have approximately 9-10 days there. Any highlights to make sure we hit?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Agadir has an airport, but you have to go through Europe first (Paris, Madrid). If you choose Agadir as your base and then sightsee in and around the city. You will also have the opportunity to go to Marrakesh. Agadir has a nice beach (camel rides or horseback riding on the beach). Several markets. Agadir is approx. 1 hr car ride from Tiznit which is famous for its silver. (and several other small berber towns)
You could do a 1 day trip to the coastal city of Essaouira (windy city which has a Portugeese/Spanish feel to it)

You could also fly to Casablanca which is the biggest city in Morocco and very crowded (kinda like NYC). It's close to the capital Rabat. If you are into that, then you could find straight flights from NYC to Casablanca.

In short, north and south offer different types of vacation. With a child, I'd prefer the south. I don't know what you are into.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Why NOT Morocco?! What a strange question. I've traveled a ton all around the world and Morocco has always been on my list. Might as well get around to it now. Don't speak French though, and my Arabic is elementary and I doubt I'd understand the Moroccan dialect anyway so communication might be an issue. I'll have to look into Essaouira. thanks!

Also, I know this is a long shot, but I was also wondering if theres a way to get to Canary Islands from there and if anyone has done it and might have advice.

Um, because you'll be traveling overseas with a very young child, and many people would wait until their children are older, or go someplace where they might have some familiarity or speak the language.

Why do you want to travel there with your child? What if they get food poisoning, or sick?

[Anonymous]

Traveling overseas with a young child is nothing to be afraid of. Yes, maybe many people would wait, or go somewhere where they know the language, but many others wouldn't. So what?

And if they sick? I'm pretty sure Morocco has doctors. And children. And doctors who take care of children.

[Anonymous]

I dont have any info for you but I clicked on it because it is my plan to go there sometime. I have the same travel attitude as you do. I travel with my kids as often as possible incl third world countries and always had a blast. Have a great time and enjoy on my behalf too.

[Anonymous]

We went four years ago when I was pregnant and it was GREAT! Neither one of us speaks French and we had no issues getting around. We went to Essouria (recommend staying at Dar Loubia in the medina), Fez, Merrakash and a night camping in the Sahara. Two nights three days in each is enough. It is a terrific country. We only ran into only one pair of American travelers the entire time. It will be hard to push a stroller in the medina's as they are cobblestone.

[Anonymous]

Just be aware that Agadir is a package holiday town. You should be ok that time of year, but if you decide to go there just make sure you're not stuck in a holiday with lots of drunk Brits and Germans!