I just had the inspiration for my family and me to travel to Morocco next Christmas time but haven't a clue how to go about it. I must begin my confusion with the airlines that fly to Morocco from either Newark, JFK or LaGuardia. It's too early for me to check flights this far in advance, so I have no idea of direct flights, air fares, etc.
I have been to the Andalusia area of Spain twice and fell in love with the architecture, twisting, winding, narrow streets and also Istanbul with the same awe. Morocco has been in the back of my head for a while. We took everyone to Costa Rica last Christmas for the beauty and warm weather. I know that Morocco isn't CR warm, but must be warmer than NJ/NY.
I've read the Rick Steves' Spain guidebook chapter on Tangier, Morocco and Fodor's Essential Morocco. I just received the guidebook, Moon Morocco, yesterday which is recommended by RS.
Moon Morocco (MM) suggests a day in Casablanca; three days in Marrakesh; two days in Essaouira; one day in the High Atlas; four days in the Sahara and the Southern Oases; and, two days in Fez, Meknes and Rabat. With nonstop flights, that would be a total of 15 days. We won't have that amount of time due to my grandsons' school schedule--they will be 9 and 11 by then, btw. So, I'm wondering what all of you who have traveled Morocco would do in @ 12-13 days including travel. I'm springing this on the family (seven of us) this Christmas as a next-Christmas gift. I think that we'd all like to see places such as Marrakesh--to get that "old Morocco" feel; a night in the Sahara and maybe a day of not-too-strenuous hiking in the High Atlas. I would love to also visit Fez. And, then, of course, there's Rabat, Chefchaouen, Tetouan. . . The author of MM, Lucas Peters, says you really have to make two trips to Morocco, and I believe him. He also says that even though it's sunny everyday in December, it's actually cold (?) Is that your experience?
I want to stay in riads; go glamping (for one night); get steeped in the culture and just gaze at the beauty that Morocco has to offer. Also, there has to be a museum or two.
How do we get from Point A to Point B of those sites mentioned above? Is it even doable? Taxis are recommended in all three guide books even for long distances, but maybe rent a 4x4??
So many questions! TIA
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1327 posts
Lindy,
How many people,adults and children? Will you be there on Christmas Day and New Years Day?
Posted by
OP
1046 posts
Judy, it will be my two adult sons, daughter-in-law, grandsons, ages 9 and 11 (then), my husband and I. We would be there probably Christmas Eve and definitely Christmas Day. I'm unsure about NYE or NY. It depends on air fare, the kids's school schedule.
Posted by
100 posts
Suggest you look at Friendly Planet.com. We did a tour with them pre-Covid and it was great. Trying to sort the same out with that many folks going to "a less developed destination" is complicated, to say the least.
Posted by
West Coast
179 posts
I had really helpful responses from several Forum contributors for my Morocco trip planning- look on the Beyond Europe option and enter Morocco in the search feature. I found more fairly recent posts there, too.
Also, what an incredibly generous gift to your family (and yourself) creating these lifetime memories together!
I am adding this in the hope it helps you: some of the reputable companies listed for me provide family- oriented tours. With transportation and language being potential challenges, especially when responsible for your family, it could be a benefit to have all these arrangements (including airport transfer) taken care of, so you can just relax and enjoy your time together.
Also, from the West Coast I am really having issues with finding flights, since my tour ends in Marrakesh JFK and EWR seem like the airports that come up the most, so that's going to be fortunatel!
Your family will be so excited!