Might do Spain tour but nervous about Morocco

Candice,

Even with tours, there are never any guarantees that members won't be "victimized". While I haven't been to Morocco yet, I suspect the level of petty crime is a bit higher than in Europe.

If you're considering the ETBD Spain & Morocco tour, I doubt that you would have any problems. Rick's Guides do an exemplary job of making sure tour members are aware of any local "hazards". If you go touring with other members of the group (rather than by yourself), that should be a bit safer. But of course wear a Money Belt!

Cheers!

Hi Candace - My sister and I did a Spain/Marrakech trip a few years...two women traveling together...no problem. Of course, it is a big culture shock but we did a lot of research before arrived. Fortunately, the first night we arrived we met some people who run a tour company in Marrakech and they provided us with a free guide for the following day. This guide gave us valuable information about precautions we should take, the fair price of carriage rides, bargaining tips for shopping in the Medina, etc. So, my advice would be to hire a guide for at least the first day to help you acclimate.

Since we did Morocco first, it was interesting to see the Islamic influence on Spain's architecture and music...particularly in Seville which was our next major stop.

I have a list of sites I've bookmarked that were essential in planning our days in Marrakech and I will forward them to you in a private message.

I went to Agadir a few years back with my 2 children. We loved it there. Spent 2 weeks. Didn't travel around at all, other than hiring an English speaking taxi driver one day to show us all around. We also took a sailing cruise down the coastline one day that was just lovely.

At no time did I feel unsafe in any way, The Moroccans are a warm and friendly people and as a single woman, not once was I hit on, or disrespected in any fashion. Bargaining in the medina and other shops was fun, the food was delicious, and the beach was pretty nice. As far as languages go, a lot of people spoke English, but also German and many spoke French and Spanish of course.

Go to Morocco, there is nothing to be nervous about. It is a wonderful country and it is great to be in such a different culture, especially if you get to where it is mainly Berber. They are much more open and free. Didn't see many veiled woman there and very few head scarves for that matter. Almost like Turkey in that matter.

Thank you so much for all the info! I'm sure once I do more research, I'll feel more comfortable. I think once I get my work schedule settled, I might be signing up for the tour... fingers crossed!

Morocco is great. And it's very different from anyplace in Europe - it is indeed a bit of a shock at first. But it's quite safe.

One way I like to think of Morocco is that in many respects it's "Europe's Mexico". A long history (not always a happy one) between north & south, a tremendous contrast in wealth, similar issues around immigration, northerners flock to the south for sun, sand & sea, and "cheap" vacations. Moroccans come north seeking a better life. There has long been an exchange of cultures (again, not always happy). Southern Spain, of course, has a long history of "Moorish" influences, but there's also a strong connection to France (colonial history). Food and music from the south add a lot to European culture. But a "westerner" going to Morocco is going to feel a much greater cultural gulf then when they go to Mexico. Unless you can read Arabic, basic things can be a challenge.

Fortunately, Morocco gets lots of European tourists (a lot more than you probably expect), and their close historical ties with France means that many people there speak French (badly, maybe just like you - unlike in France, you need not feel any embarrassment at speaking French badly!). English is also widely spoken in tourist areas - cheap flights from Europe have flooded Morocco with tourists for years.

My advice is, if you're interested in seeing Morocco, skip the "bordertown" experience of the northern coastal cities, the "day trip to Morocco." That's (almost) like taking a "day trip to Mexico" by going to Tiajuana. Head for Marrakech or Fes and spend a couple days. It's safe, relatively inexpensive (compared to Europe) and makes for unforgettable experiences.

There are incredibly cheap flights to Marrakech or Fes from lots of European cities - in 2008, we flew from Madrid to Marrakech for something ridiculous (like 30 Euro?) and then back from Fes to Paris for not much more. Sure beats the hassles of the ferry and running the gauntlet.

Good luck!

Just returned from Morocco and loved it. Marrakesh is touresty but thought Fes was great. I didn't feel unsafe at any point even when we got off the beaten track a bit when we were walking. Trains are an excellent way to travel although ran into someone who travelled up the centre by taxi (3 women) and they said it was a great way to go. Make sure you sort out a really nice riad to stay in. It is a treat. Also find some treasures in the markets. Go for a 1/3 price and then get the best you can upwards from there. Enjoy.

Hi, Candice. You're doing the right thing, asking advice. A little common sense will get you a long way when traveling.

In all seriousness, check out the crime rates for the US and Morocco and compare.

You are 10 times more likely to be murdered or raped in the US than Morocco (by statistic per capita), 6 times more likely to be assaulted, 4 times more likely to be robbed, and 10 times more likely to have you car stolen state side.

Use common sense, follow advice on packing and traveling wisely from the forums, and guidebooks, keep your eyes open, and enjoy your vacation. =)