Morocco Again
This time I'm writing to you directly from Marrakech, yes I'm here right now. And I realize I have to change my computer, it's already too slow for me...
As you may have noticed from the title, I'm alone in Marrakech. But calm down, it's only for two days, until the rest of the tour participants arrive. Yes, I'm back in Morocco, and this time I'm taking the Imperial Cities tour with Morocco.com. The last time I was in Morocco (and the first) was last year in November 2017. I did the Tour from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert and I fell in love with this country, and I was sure that I would return.
Two Days Alone
Walking the streets of Marrakech alone can be daunting, but it's not impossible. And if you really want to wander around on your own, there are some essential precautions to take (just like anywhere else in the world, of course). And if you're a woman, you know that you'll always end up being more exposed, not just here, but certainly even in your own city. Is it sad and revolting? Yes, but that's what it is. And the most important thing is to stay safe, regardless of where you are. And each place has its own specificities.
Tips for Getting Around Without Stress
- Buy a mobile data card. This will give you more security (in terms of personal comfort, as you'll feel more confident) and on a real level. If you get lost, you have google maps, or any other location app, to help you find your way back. If you're wondering where you can buy the data card, I'll give you a hand. You can buy it at the airport or at the kiosks in the Medina. I bought it in the Medina and it was half the price of what they were asking me at the airport. (At the airport the card cost 20€).
- Bring some Pocket Money with you. Which is to say, some of the country's money. There aren't ATMs on every corner here. I usually book in Lisbon at a bureau de change. And quite frankly, for the minimal fee they charge, it's worth it not to worry about exchanging money here. The local currency is the Moroccan Dirahm. I'm also going to write an article on booking and buying foreign currency.
- Goods and valuables in the Riad or Hotel. Take with you the money you need to eat and do some shopping, don't carry all your cash! (I know it's a basic tip, but sometimes the laziness of having two wallets and moving the money around makes us make basic mistakes).
- Walk with confidence, not like "scared little rabbits". What do I mean by this? Imagine you see someone walking in the middle of the street looking frightened and like they're afraid of their own shadow... they're going to be much more prone to approaches. Why is that? Because they'll first appear desperate for help, and this doesn't mean they'll do you any harm, just that they'll be an easy target for "scams". And please note that these tips apply here and anywhere in the world. I just want to demystify the fact that it's more dangerous to walk around here. You have no idea how many people have told me that they don't travel to Morocco because they're afraid. And that's a shame, because it really is a spectacular trip. If you ask for help, the most likely thing is that they'll ask you for money for the information, not take a kidney...
- At the Riad/Hotel they will give you a Map. This map has marked the route from where they are staying to where it is advisable to go. Or rather, as far as you can expect to go without getting lost. Carry this map with you at all times. And even I, who wasn't blessed with a spectacular sense of direction, was able to find my way around.
- They've lost their way, the Internet isn't working and they really need to ask for help/information. Okay, you have the map but you still get lost, that's normal, it's happened to me too. Obviously, even in Lisbon I get lost... But that's not why I'm staying at home on the sofa moaning that my sense of direction isn't spectacular and that's why I'm not going to travel. You can see from this that all of this is highly challenging for me. So here are the rules that the guy at the Riad advised me on, and which have worked perfectly.
- Ask for information in a commercial establishment. They'll help you for sure, and you don't have to buy anything. But be friendly and at least say good morning... Arrogance, my friends, will definitely not help you. (Extra advice for life in general...)
- Choose to ask women for information, especially if you're a woman. That's not to say that there aren't less friendly women, but female solidarity really does work here.
- Watch out for backpacks and suitcases. Friends, in Lisbon you don't ride the subway with your backpack on in the middle of the rush hour crowds, do you? So why do you go to another country and do it?
Well, that's all the basic tips I can think of. Now that you're oriented, I'm going to take a stroll through the Medina and find a restaurant for lunch.
Tomorrow sees the start of the Imperial Cities Tour. Follow me on Instagram and Facebookwhere I'll be sharing all the details of the trip.
Another way to feel safe and confident is not to neglect travel insurance. If you usually travel without insurance, be sure to read on this article on the importance of traveling with travel insurance. And if you take out insurance with Heymondo Insurance through my Blog you get 5% discountJust click on the image.
I hope you enjoyed it, happy travels and see you in the next article.
Like the post, save it to Pinterest. Pin It!
💡 Poupa tempo e dinheiro com estas ferramentas úteis para a tua viagem
Estas são as plataformas que uso e recomendo nas minhas viagens. Ao usares estes links, beneficias de descontos exclusivos e ajudas a manter este projeto — sem qualquer custo extra para ti.
I loved the tips, but traveling alone is not an option, you have a lot of courage... kkkkkkkkkkk
I've written down all the tips and I'll be there next year....
Hi Daniele, glad you liked the tips 🙂 it's hard to take the initiative to travel alone for the first time. Are you coming to Portugal next year? That's great, if you need any tips about Portugal or any specific place, just let me know. Love and thanks for following the blog. Happy travels.
Good tips! I don't usually travel alone, I always need someone by my side to talk to (lol), but unfortunately, we have to create strategies to feel safer. The cell phone chip tip seemed really interesting. I don't usually buy them, because I don't like being connected every second, but it seemed useful!
Hi Juliana, I didn't think I'd like traveling alone either, but I love it! And the cell phone chip is also great because it gives you the security of being able to call someone in case of emergency. Happy travels 🙂
I still have to get up the courage to go to Morocco, maybe in a year's time. I've always wanted to visit both Marrakech and Casablanca, so much history!
Yes, Flavia, it's a wonderful country. You've won me over!
Great tips, especially asking other women for tips. Marrakech is an incredible city, one of the most interesting places I've been. Traveling alone to a Muslim country can be a bit tricky. Even when accompanied there, I experienced explicit displays of cultural chauvinism.
Hi Lulu, yes, sexism is very present, but it's a question of learning to deal with it, and it's often not easy. But we have to keep in mind that the most important thing during the trip is our safety. Love and happy travels.
I had never thought of visiting Marrakech until I moved to France and saw so many packages and low-cost flight options there. Then I started reading about it and seeing photos, and I was really enchanted. I'm very interested in getting to know the landscapes and cultures of this place. I'll be following your next tips! 😉
Yes, Niki, I'm sure you'll love it. Initially there may be some culture shock, but if you manage to get your head around some of the cultural differences, it will be a wonderful trip. Big kisses and happy travels. Let me know if you go.
I'm dying to visit Marrakech, I almost went 3 years ago but changed my destination. I don't travel alone but I loved your tips, when I go I'll be sure to check them out.
Hi Cynara, when you go, let us know what you think. Love and happy travels.
I love traveling alone! To the point that now I find it hard to travel with someone else 😛 But I think that in certain countries it's much more complicated to travel alone when you're female...
It's true, when you start traveling alone, you have to get used to traveling with someone else again.
A beautiful city and great tips to enjoy it. Traveling alone is great!
Thank you 🙂 It really is all good.
Congratulations on your courage and tips. Some countries end up not being on my "to visit" list because of the safety issue and because I travel alone most of the time. But I will pay more attention to these details. Enjoy your trip and come back with more tips! bjs
Thank you 🙂 Love and happy travels.
Wow, what a post! Congratulations on your courage 🙂
Thank you Camila. Big kisses. And happy travels.