Discover the versatile and distinctly Moroccan product of Argan Oil in this episode of Destination Morocco podcast, recorded live at the Zin Cooperative, just outside of Essaouira.

Argan oil can be pressed into both edible or cosmetic use, and our guest Chiadma explains the different methods of production, and how they know which is which.

But we also talk about how to find authentic argan oil, because there are a lot of fake rip offs. Chiadma shares a story of how, before she started working at the co-op, even she succumbed to a too-good-to-be-true sale. Suffice to say, the oil didn't last very long. Good, quality Argan products need a high percentage of oil, and Chiadma explains what to look for.

Discarded shells of the nuts are given to the famous tree-climbing goats, whom you might otherwise see along the highway from Marrakech to Essaouira, climbing trees in search of their own supply!

Argan trees particularly thrive in the dry, Mediterranean-style climate of Essaouira, Agadir and Taroudant (which we described in Episode 86). Which means sourcing your product from that region is a good start, but you still can't assume that it's the real deal. 

The Zin Cooperative, like the rug cooperative we featured in Episode 79, provides much needed employment and community for local women, in a positive and supportive environment. Discover not only quality products, but an enterprise that had a meaningful impact on this rural area.

You can also watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here:
 
"How to Find Authentic Argan Oil in Morocco"

Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!

https://trips.destinationsmorocco.com/Morocco-2026
Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.
November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per Person
Book Your Spot Today!

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

You can also watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here:
 
"Get the Best of Independent and Group Travel"

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Come to Morocco this year, with our small group tour in November, and experience the best of Morocco in safety, comfort and convenience, while sharing a wonderful experience with new friends!

November 8-15, 2026: we want to bring you to Morocco!

This is no 50-person coach tour that is hustled along from stop to stop, with constant waiting and delays, forced to stay at big hotels instead of intimate riads, and only getting a surface-level experience.

We want to make it as easy as possible for you to experience Morocco for the first time, combining the best of independent and group travel.

For the independent traveller who typically steers clear of group tours, yet is wary of navigating Morocco for the first time, our tour is capped at just 12 people. It won't feel like herding cattle! And you'll have flexibility to still add some activities or free time, as you normally would.

For the traveller who takes group tours and cruises, because of the convenience and price, but wants a more intimate, authentic experience in Morocco, this is a tour that lets you feel like an independent traveller without a corresponding exorbitant cost. 

If you want the pace and flexibility of independent travel, with the safety and companionship of fellow travelers, this tour is your sweet spot.

The maximum size is limited to 12 participants, and the cost is $1995 USD per person, at double occupancy.

No other tour of this size will approach the level of value, comfort and personal attention, for such a low price. 

Build friendships and memories that last a lifetime, have quality time in Morocco while seeing all the famous sights, and even help craft the schedule and activities. Azdean himself, along with a national guide, will be with you throughout the tour to share stories and context for what you're seeing.

Be part of this select group: book a free discovery call with Azdean today, bring your questions, and join us in November for this fantastic tour!

Visit:

https://destinationsmorocco.com/

https://trips.destinationsmorocco.com/Morocco-2026

to learn more!

---

Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!

https://trips.destinationsmorocco.com/Morocco-2026
Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.
November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per Person
Book Your Spot Today!

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

You can also watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here:

"Booking Travel to Morocco? What You Need to Know"

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Whether you're a travel agent fielding questions from your clients, or an independent traveller fielding concerns from family and friends, Morocco's a destination that is still overcoming stereotypes and misconceptions, some of which have been around for decades.

The recent exposure to the country, in particular thanks to big soccer results and events, not to mention hit movies and filming locations, means more people than ever are paying attention. In fact, Morocco for the 2nd year in a row is Africa's most-visited destination: 18 million travellers, or nearly a quarter of all tourists to Africa as a whole, visited Morocco. It took a while, but we finally pulled ahead of Egypt!

So you might think that stereotypes have all but faded away. But ask any travel agent and they'll tell you, they're still getting inquiries like, "Is Morocco still a hippie paradise?" "Do people speak English there?" "Is it legal to drink alcohol?" and, "Are there direct flights, or is it a really hard place to get to?"

Today we go over these and more questions, to help you get prepared and confident in booking your trip. As busy as we've become, it's going to get even busier, with the World Cup itself coming in 4 years, and even more flights and infrastructure on the way. So come and explore the fantastic sights, welcoming culture and distinct cuisine, make Morocco your priority in 2026!

Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!

https://trips.destinationsmorocco.com/Morocco-2026
Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.
November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per Person
Book Your Spot Today!

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Azdean visits Kristy Burns' Small Town Travels podcast to talk about how travellers can have a unique, and authentic, local experience in Morocco, on private and small group tours, like the ones offered by Destinations Morocco. 

Travel Small Towns takes the hook of travelling to small towns and integrates it with themes of things to see and do off the beaten path, away from big touristy sites, while exploring the lifestyle of small towns, and more accessible living. The notion of having more time, having more space, outdoor activities, and the feeling of walking down the street, bumping into people you know.

She approached Azdean with the question of whether this exists in Morocco too, and they had an interesting discussion on local travel and travelling with strangers who become friends, and tour operators with local connections that the other big guys don't have.

It's the notion of feeling like a local while you're there, which is exactly what Destination Morocco has promoted since they first started organizing tours with customized itineraries to Morocco.

From riads to cultural experiences, supporting local artisans to having a smaller footprint when you travel, today's episode is catered to those looking for authenticity and genuine connection.

You can find Travel Small Towns podcast on their website:

• https://travelsmalltownspodcast.com/

on Instagram:

• https://www.instagram.com/travelsmalltowns/?hl=en

and listen on Spotify, Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts:

• https://open.spotify.com/show/6fPSa7p2f32VnQwAY67Ekp
• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/travel-small-towns/id1641806563

Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!

https://trips.destinationsmorocco.com/Morocco-2026
Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.
November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per Person
Book Your Spot Today!

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

You can also watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here:
 
"Staying Warm, Staying Comfortable in Morocco"

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A destination like Morocco is instantly one that inspires adventure, excitement and discovery. Pushing your comfort zone and experiencing something new and different.

But it's one thing to try some new food or sleep in a luxury tent in the desert, it's another to have not known to bring warm enough clothes, or to be stuck climbing multiple flights of stairs in your riad, because you didn't know they don't have elevators...

Our conversation today addresses lots of practical tips for travellers, with questions like clothing and accessibility in mind. 

A lot of it comes down to the type of trip you are on: a solo or independent adventure, a private or small group tour, or a large group tour. Large being more than about 25 people. You don't want to go on a large tour. 

Azdean is joined by producer Ted to look at the unique challenges of winter travel, including accommodation heating issues, cultural differences, and mobility considerations.

We always recommend staying in riads if at all possible, but the reality is, 99% are not designed with accessibility in mind. Most are at least 4 or 5 floors, with stairs the only access. You can research and request a room on the ground floor, if one exists, but you might ultimately need to consider a hotel or a more modern accommodation, depending on your needs.

However, riads are still open for visits and meals, so make every effort to check out at least a couple. And in turn, don't forget that your hotel needs to be in a suitable location as well, easy to access, and in a quiet neighborhood, not next to the clubs!

We encourage you to try new things and be open to new experiences while you're in Morocco, there's nothing else like it. Today's episode just helps you become a little more familiar, and thus a little more comfortable, with the adventure that awaits.

Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!

https://trips.destinationsmorocco.com/Morocco-2026
Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.
November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per Person
Book Your Spot Today!

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

You can also watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here:
 
"April, 2026: Is Morocco Safe for Travel?"

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With the conflict happening between Iran and the US/Israel, and travel routes and logistics facing all kind of upheaval, we recognized here at Destinations Morocco that it's important to address what's happening and how it could impact Morocco.

Is it still safe to travel to Morocco? How close is the country to the conflict? Has anything changed on the ground? Should people travel during times of conflict?

Bearing in mind that we recorded this episode at the beginning of April, 2026, reflecting on the state of affairs at that time. Things could change any day, week or month. If events transpire that do put Morocco more under threat, we will do further episodes to share with you what we know, and our best advice.

But for now, the short answer is that Morocco is in North Africa and about 3,000 miles from the Middle East conflict, with no direct threat. Basically, “business as usual,” although travelers may notice more routine checkpoints and security presence. 

We look at Morocco’s long-standing alliance with the US, and its Sunni identity versus Iran’s Shia sect, but why spillover is unlikely. 

Practical guidance includes buying dedicated travel insurance (including “cancel for any reason” and evacuation coverage), registering with the US STEP program, sharing passport/itinerary copies, staying connected via WhatsApp, transport options like the Green Taxi (Taxi Vert) service and the latest Uber availability, and alternative exit routes to Europe by ferry if flights are disrupted.

We can't know for sure what the coming weeks and months will bring, but what we can give you is as much information and peace of mind as possible, so that you can make an educated decision on whether to carry on with your trip, and feel comfortable and confident in doing so.

And remember that on our tours, you will always have a dedicated team around you, from your driver and guide to the various riad hosts and local guides, and ultimately Azdean himself and his team, who keep 24h monitoring on all of their tours.

If you have more questions about the state of travel to Morocco, the status of your tour, or what to expect in 2026, you can always reach out to Azdean at [email protected].

Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!

https://trips.destinationsmorocco.com/Morocco-2026
Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.
November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per Person
Book Your Spot Today!

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

You can also watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here:
 
"A Great Way to Experience Morocco for the First Time"

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Kyle Elizabeth Freeman travelled to Morocco on a solo trip over the Christmas holidays 2025, a potentially tricky time to go! As Azdean always says, things over Christmas/New Year's can be booked up months in advance, and not just accommodation, but tours, guides and attractions as well.

And on top of that, this was right in the middle of Morocco hosting the African Cup of Nations soccer tournament, so it was even busier than usual!

But Kyle knew that she needed a break, to go somewhere completely different and original, and Morocco had been calling to her for ages.

To make it happen, she discovered the Destination Morocco podcast, and then turned to Azdean for as much support as he could provide, given the time frame. Happy to oblige, Azdean pointed Kyle in the right direction for bookings and expectations, hired a car, driver and a fabulous tour guide for her for the week, and together they put together an intriguing approach to visiting Morocco for the first time.

Most travellers understandably want to see as much of Morocco as possible, and cover lots of ground. That was always going to be tricky at this time of year, at a fairly last minute, and with a major event taking place at the same time. 

So, they chose instead to focus on Marrakech itself, chose one accommodation for the week to avoid moving around, and used the city as a home base for activities and exploration.

The effect was remarkable, because it turned Kyle's trip into a mini-slow travel experience, and suggested a new way to enjoy the tour format, and your own private guide, without the disruption of constant change and moving around. By the end, Marrakech for Kyle was starting to feel like home, which is exactly the feeling we want you to have!

Our thanks to Kyle for joining us on this episode and sharing her story, her advice and her newfound passion for Morocco.

Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!

https://trips.destinationsmorocco.com/Morocco-2026
Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.
November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per Person
Book Your Spot Today!

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

You can also watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here:
 
"An Honest Take on Travel in Morocco"

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Jill Smith and her partner Gary traveled to Morocco just before Christmas, 2025, on a southern tour: Marrakech, Merzouga, Ouarzazate and the High Atlas Mountains, and Essaouira, too.

It was mostly amazing, with parts a little frustrating, and she's here today to share with us how it went. 

We wanted an honest assessment of their time in Morocco, because we all know: travel isn't perfect. It's exciting, spontaneous, rough, full of pleasant surprises and unexpected twists. 

And in a place like Morocco, which is growing in tourism and tourism infrastructure, part of the appeal is being witness to that change and growth. But it can mean that things don't go quite according to plan.

Jill talks about the excitement of interacting with local culture, the incredible variety of food, but also pushing back against suggestions and pressure to do activities. Often it's nice to just take a break and relax.

Destination Morocco not just helps but encourages you to do this: it's your trip, you can choose what you want to see and do. Azdean worked with Jill and Gary before their trip to craft an itinerary based around their interests, and cut through the overwhelm.

2026 is a great time to visit Morocco, before it's even busier, so reach out to us today!

Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!

https://trips.destinationsmorocco.com/Morocco-2026
Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.
November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per Person
Book Your Spot Today!

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

You can also watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here:
 
"This November, Join us on a Tour to Morocco!"

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This November is the moment to get yourself to Morocco, with our new small group tour!

For an intimate yet affordable travel experience, our tour this November 8-15, 2026 offers you a tremendous way to visit Morocco.

This is no 50-person coach tour that is hustled along from stop to stop, with constant waiting and delays.

Build friendships and memories that last a lifetime, have quality time in Morocco while seeing all the famous sights, and even help craft the schedule and activities. Azdean himself, along with a national guide, will be with you throughout the tour to share stories and context for what you're seeing.

No other tour of this size will approach the level of value, comfort and personal attention, for such a low price. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to experience Morocco in a safe, relaxed and affordable way.

In our episode today, Azdean and Ted go over the details of the tour: the stops included, logistics such as transport, accommodation and meals, what to expect, and most of all, who it's for.

If you want the pace and flexibility of independent travel, with the safety and companionship of fellow travelers, this tour is your sweet spot.

The maximum size is limited to 12 participants, and the cost is $1995 USD per person, at double occupancy. 

Be part of this select group: book a free discovery call with Azdean today, bring your questions, and join us in November for this fantastic tour!

Visit:

https://destinationsmorocco.com/

https://trips.destinationsmorocco.com/Morocco-2026

to learn more!

---

Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!

https://trips.destinationsmorocco.com/Morocco-2026
Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.
November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per Person
Book Your Spot Today!

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:
 
"Add Some Adrenaline to your Morocco Trip"

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On top of everything else in Morocco: the food, culture, scenery, history, art and design - did you know that it's also a rising destination for adventure travel?

Morocco has wonderful variety in its landscape and environment, which means whether you want to go surfing, mountain climbing, overnight trekking, camel riding or dune buggy exploring in the Sahara Desert, the options are all there!

And a tour company like Destination Morocco can help to facilitate your adventures, handling all the logistics and timing, while making sure that you don't miss out on the regular tourist sights too, like Fes and Marrakech. 

This episode is another one which is a bit easier to follow in video form, where we share the screen to show you maps, locations and fabulous images, so hop over to our YouTube channel if you can. But if you're busy driving or jogging, you can still listen along and get the backstories and descriptions!

In today's conversation, Azdean and producer Ted chat about some of the options for adventure travel and activities, from the beaches of Fes and Agadir to the sand dunes of Merzouga, or climbing Mt. Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. In this example, you'll have lodging, equipment, a guide and even your own chef for the trek, which is a legitimate hike but not quite Everest-scale, so probably more accessible than you might imagine.

We cover safety, costs and equipment too, including advice on what to bring and when to book. There are some corners of Morocco that are becoming less and less of a secret these days, so get in before the crowds, and maybe have a beach to yourself!

Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!

https://trips.destinationsmorocco.com/Morocco-2026
Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.
November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per Person
Book Your Spot Today!

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.