Anyone ever been to Morocco?

[blau iii]

My wife just scored a deal on cheap flights from Pittsburgh to Casa Blanca, direct from Pittsburgh. I have three kids (boys 9 and 6, daughter 3) and we've traveled to Mexico and Iceland as well as a lot of the US.

Has anyone ever been to this area? Any recommendations? We're going in early March and I'm trying to plan out the trip. Any comments are greatly appreciated!

[Run Silent]

1) Be aware of the local etiquette, like not taking someone’s photo without permission, or being prepared to tip for the privilege. Negotiating in Morocco is an art form. Typical of other places in Africa, there is a lot of poverty in Morocco. Usual caution is advised. No worse than any other African big city in my opinion.

2) Generally, Casablanca is a day visit at best, Marrakesh & Fez are the places to be. Note that Marrakesh is overrun by tourists though. Fez and Essaouira are better. If you want to see a touristy desert - Marrakesh is a good set-off spot for these types of tours. I wouldn't bother with Tanger.

3) I would encourage you to add Rabat and Sale, if you want to see real casbas as both are not very touristy and there are things to keep you busy there for a day or two; they're essentially one city, separated by a river. They're also on the way to Fez if you take the train.

4) Daytime weather will be hot (mid to high 90's), but be cognizant of local dress codes. They're very welcoming to tourists, but be respectful visiting sights such as mosques etc and be sure the women dress appropriately.

[blau iii]

Originally Posted by usshelena725

1) Be aware of the local etiquette, like not taking someone’s photo without permission, or being prepared to tip for the privilege. Negotiating in Morocco is an art form. Typical of other places in Africa, there is a lot of poverty in Morocco. Usual caution is advised. No worse than any other African big city in my opinion.

2) Generally, Casablanca is a day visit at best, Marrakesh & Fez are the places to be. Note that Marrakesh is overrun by tourists though. Fez and Essaouira are better. If you want to see a touristy desert - Marrakesh is a good set-off spot for these types of tours. I wouldn't bother with Tanger.

3) I would encourage you to add Rabat and Sale, if you want to see real casbas as both are not very touristy and there are things to keep you busy there for a day or two; they're essentially one city, separated by a river. They're also on the way to Fez if you take the train.

4) Daytime weather will be hot (mid to high 90's), but be cognizant of local dress codes. They're very welcoming to tourists, but be respectful visiting sights such as mosques etc and be sure the women dress appropriately.

Awesome, thanks for the detail, this def helps!

[The0pportunist]

Been to Marrakesh,

1) The villas with pools are very reasonably priced.
2) Only handful of clubs but very good. 555 is my fav, owned by French Montana.
3) 99% of pretty women inside clubs are working women.
4) As above always agree a price before taking the picture.
5) Be careful of people trying to lure you deep into the souks.
6) Fantastic food.

[******]

Been there but quite awhile ago in the Air Force. Since you’re married with children you would not want to go to the places I usually went.

[Megabrode]

I have not been. Advice from two of my sons: Avoid local water and ice (one kid got horribly sick for a week), do not allow yourself to be led anywhere by a stranger, stay somewhere with AC. Advice applies to many third-world countries.

[Ross61]

Been on a Road to Morocco. I think I road backwards on a camel.

Thanks for the memories, BTW.

[blau iii]

Originally Posted by Megabrode

I have not been. Advice from two of my sons: Avoid local water and ice (one kid got horribly sick for a week), do not allow yourself to be led anywhere by a stranger, stay somewhere with AC. Advice applies to many third-world countries.

That's interesting about the water, I had no idea.

[Alfisti]

I'd get a refund.

I don't trust anywhere that poor, life is cheap, cops are crooked and you're a walking target with small kids.

Spend a few more bucks and go to Portugal or something.

[Run Silent]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

I'd get a refund.

I don't trust anywhere that poor, life is cheap, cops are crooked and you're a walking target with small kids.

Spend a few more bucks and go to Portugal or something.

You mentioned crooked cops and walking target and then chose Portugal as an alternative? Not any other European country. Portugal? LOL.

Portugal is the DRC of the Eurozone, lol.

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by usshelena725

You mentioned crooked cops and walking target and then chose Portugal as an alternative? Not any other European country. Portugal? LOL.

Portugal is the DRC of the Eurozone, lol.

I know, I know, was trying to keep it cheap but not "Third world" cheap.

[Run Silent]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

I know, I know, was trying to keep it cheap but not "Third world" cheap.

I would seriously consider listing Portugal these days with respect to crime, unemployment, and overall sketchiness as comparable to some of the better African countries.

Seriously, I would probably feel safer in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Mauritius and several other countries than Portugal.

[RickFLM4]

I once owned a bar there but haven't been back in many years.

[******]

Originally Posted by RickFLM4

I once owned a bar there but haven't been back in many years.

You had a piano player named Sam, right?

[RickFLM4]

Originally Posted by Herdalum

You had a piano player named Sam, right?

He was a helluva guy.

[******]

Originally Posted by RickFLM4

He was a helluva guy.

I think I went to your bar. I was stationed not far away. Quite a coincidence, of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, I walked into yours.

[Megabrode]

Originally Posted by blau iii

That's interesting about the water, I had no idea.

This was Marrakech. Two backpacking brothers ordered two OJ's without ice. The guy brought one with, one without. Eldest brother said "no ice." The guy fished out the ice. That son got sick -- some kind of ptomaine, lost 14 lbs. He looked horrible when we met up in Milano. The other son was fine.

[UncleWede]

Originally Posted by Megabrode

This was Marrakech. Two backpacking brothers ordered two OJ's without ice. The guy brought one with, one without. Eldest brother said "no ice." The guy fished out the ice. That son got sick -- some kind of ptomaine, lost 14 lbs. He looked horrible when we met up in Milano. The other son was fine.

Blame the fingers, not the ice?

[Megabrode]

Originally Posted by UncleWede

Blame the fingers, not the ice?

Could be. Not sure about the method. I'll ask my son if he knows.

[******]

Check out Suzanne’s, in Rabat. And Rick’s old bar in Casablanca, of course.

[///mawana]

Originally Posted by usshelena725

I would seriously consider listing Portugal these days with respect to crime, unemployment, and overall sketchiness as comparable to some of the better African countries.

Seriously, I would probably feel safer in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Mauritius and several other countries than Portugal.

No way! Unless you spend all the time in East London.

[No one]

Originally Posted by UncleWede

Blame the fingers, not the ice?

Left hand's fingers in particular.