I am a single woman travelling by myself.
I am trying to fly to Fez from Barcelona and don't seem to be able to find any non stop flights. Someone recommended flying into Nador but Nador is about 400km away.
Should I fly into Casablanca and then take the train to FeZ? Can I catch a train from CMN airport for Fez? I was on http://www.oncf.ma/Index_en.aspx and can only find Casa Port and Casa Voyageurs to Fez. Please help! :(
Thanks.
Jade, it's a long train ride from Casa to Fes.
Ryan Air flies from Girona (just outside Barcelona) to Fes 3 times a week. Prices vary wildly, but advance fare is crazy low (17 Euro). Look into that.
Note that many sites spell the city name with an 's' rather than a 'z' (Fes, not Fez), so be sure to try both - but the spelling with the 's' is more common.
Thanks, David for the prompt response. I did see it before but the dates didn't match and I was hesitant to catch the flight from that airport. Oh well, I think that is a better than my option above. :(
BTW, I also need to go frm Fes to Marrakech. The only option I found was by train. Do you know of any flights?
Another none transportation question. When I get there it will still be hellish hot! :( Is it true that women should wear long sleeves, high collared shirt and long pants/skirts?
You live in Seattle. That's so awesome! :)
I never found any inexpensive domestic flights within Morocco. The train is probably your best bet from Fes to Marrakech. It's a long haul, but the trains are good, comfortable (like slightly older European trains) and there's no hassles. Bring something to read, and be prepared for what awaits you upon arrival (do not just show up late at night expecting to find your way to your hotel, the old city in Fes is a complete maze even during the day). I suggest coordinating your arrival with your hotel - beware of locals who want to be your 'friend'. Some are sincere but it's a good way to get into trouble.
When are you going? It might be less hot than you think. It can vary quite a bit.
The standards for acceptable dress for women tourists are really not much different from what is considered polite in many parts of Europe (Italy, Spain - AWAY FROM THE BEACH RESORTS). I would not worry too much about wearing long sleeves or long pants/skirts in most places. Shorts are OK for us infidels, but stick to "conservative" shorts - no "beach ware" or overly revealing stuff. You won't be going to any holy places anyway (I'm assuming you are non-muslim, apologies if that's not the case). Bring good shoes and a hat.
Everyone will know you're a tourist (oh, boy will they). Prepare for at least some unwanted attention from men. Traveling on your own you will get more of that. It certainly is true that you should dress somewhat conservatively, but that's as much to ward off the horny guys as it is to not offend sensitivities.
This is all true for the big cities; if you venture far off the tourist circuit, then adjust slightly, but don't worry about covering up too much - no burkas necessary. Remember, Morocco has close cultural ties to France, and gets plenty of European visitors.
Are you planning to venture much beyond the cities?