How to make a family vacation to Morocco fun, safe, and exciting
This week we are joined by Leslie Stroud to talk about planning a successful trip to Morocco! She has visited over 40 countries with her husband and 5 kids, so she has tons of great advice when it comes to family travel.
Let’s talk about all the things you need to know about planning a family trip to Morocco!
How do I get to Morocco?
Morocco is located in the Northern part of Africa.
You will want to fly to the country if you plan on visiting.
Casablanca, Fez-Saiss, and Marrakesh all have great airport options to fly into.
Things to consider
Morocco is a Muslim country. In general, drinking alcohol is not allowed. Also do your best to dress modestly by covering your shoulders, wearing longer pants/skirts, and covering cleavage.
Leslie found a guide online to help them travel. Based on her research, it’s super convenient to have someone to drive and help you get around.
If you stay in one city, you’re probably ok to drive yourself, but as you travel between cities the roads are harder to navigate and less developed.
Their guide was also helpful when seeking out safe food and good restrooms.
Your guide can also help you plan out where you want to go!
You are expected to tip your guide money at the end of your journey. Don’t forget that your guide gets kickbacks from the places that they take you. Based on how much money they get back can influence how much you tip.
Everywhere you go, bartering is expected! Feel free to negotiate prices wherever you go.
If you’re wanting to work on the road, SIM cards in Morocco provide you with great, high-speed internet.
How long should I visit?
Leslie recommends a week minimum to see the highlights of Morocco.
There is so much to see and do that you could spend even a couple of months there.
If you have more time than a week to spare, you’ll be able to see more than the basic attractions!
Where should I stay?
Stick to hotels when traveling through Morocco. They are used to travelers staying one night in each hotel as they pass through cities.
Leslie chose to book her own hotels rather than having a guide plan it, as they had specific preferences.
Hotels are very cheap in Morocco! The most expensive hotels are close to $100 per room per night.
Since Leslie has a large family, they typically get 2-3 hotel rooms.
In the older cities and countryside, you’ll want to stay in a riad.
Riads are mansions that used to be owned by the wealthy but have now been converted into hotels.
They have beautiful interiors and typically a pool or spa to enjoy.
Leslie’s family of 7 usually books 3 rooms in the riad.
Is the food safe?
Big things to avoid are street food, as the carts sit out in the sun with bugs most of the day. This includes hot foods and pastry carts.
When Leslie took her kids, they ate at local restaurants rather than the tourist ones. Although they saved money, they did end up getting upset stomachs from the food.
If you stick to restaurants that a guide recommends, then you should be safe with whatever you eat.
But in the end, you decide what food is worth the risk!
Is the country safe?
Because of their morals and Muslim belief systems, the people and places are safe.
Leslie explained that she and her family felt very safe on their trips there.
There is still pick-pocketing, especially in Marrakesh.
Make sure that you have very secure bags or purses to carry your things.
Watch out for very fast scooters that ride in the streets. Hold hands with your kids!
What money do I use?
Morocco has their own currency that can only be used there.
Only use ATMs that are hooked up to an actual bank! That way if your card gets stuck, you have someone to go to for help.
Most places in Morocco will not accept credit cards and only take cash.
Some very touristy restaurants will take cards, but don’t count on it.
Booking hotels online allows you to use your card, but in person they prefer cash.
When should I visit?
Spring and fall are the best times of the year to visit.
June-September is extremely hot, so you probably won’t want to go then.
Where should I go?
Fez
Fez is the oldest city in Morocco.
The highlight here is visiting the tanneries, where they treat the skin from animals to create leather goods.
Marrakesh
The day time here is filled with giant markets, while the night is a big party.
There are tons of restaurants and places to get henna tattoos.
Casablanca
Casablanca has an incredible mosque near the ocean with a ceiling that opens to the sky.
This is the largest and most modern city in the country.
Chefchaouen
This is known as the blue city because they have literally painted most of the city blue!
It is a stunningly beautiful city. Leslie’s family stayed in a rian during their stay here.
Sahara Desert
The Sarara is worth the effort to get there! It is a minimum of 8 hours of driving each way to see the desert.
Feel free to break this drive up by staying in cities mid-drive.
When you stay at a Sahara camp, you get to ride camels, play in the sand dunes, eat dinner, watch a musical program, and stay in luxurious tents (complete with showers and toilets).
They also feed you breakfast the next day before you head back to the cities.
Essaouira
This city is right by the ocean and it is very beautiful.
Visit here to feel the calm of the beach and relax.
How do I get between cities?
You will need to drive if you want to visit multiple cities.
Most major cities are about 2-4 hours apart.
Leslie’s family spent about 35 hours in the car total during a week-long vacation.
Leslie’s young kids really enjoyed audiobooks, which helped them cope with long drives.
What is the bathroom situation?
About half of the toilets are squatty potties (you squat over a hole)
The other half are “western toilets”, or what we are used to in the States.
If you have a guide, they know where to find the western toilets that you might be wanting.
You will need to pay every time you use the bathroom. Make sure to have some coins on hand!
Have toilet paper on hand! It’s not always provided.
Morocco holds so much diversity and is a unique country. It is unlike any other country, and although it may seem intimidating to plan a trip here, it is well worth the effort. You will walk away with unforgettable memories from Morocco!
If you want to see more of Leslie’s travels or ask her questions, check her out on Instagram @7wayfinders, Facebook, her blog, or YouTube.