Azdean sits down on location with local guide Hamid to learn about the history of Chefchaouen, the famous blue city of northern Morocco.

This small town roughly 4 hours north of Fes, or 2 hours south of Tangier, has been attracting tourists for decades and, in the age of Instagram, gets more popular every year.

As Hamid and Azdean emphasize, Chefchaouen is not just about the stunning colours, but the beautiful architecture, historic Medina and kasbah, and its natural setting in the Rif mountains. 

Gentle creeks of water wind their way through the town, artisans and craftsmakers line the paths and lane ways, and fresh orange juice vendors squeeze delicious nectar to help you on the climb up to the Spanish mosque, where you get stunning views of the mountains, valleys and the rolling hills of blue. 

Hamid explains the historic founding of Chefchaouen as a refuge for both Muslim and Jewish refugees during the time of the Spanish Inquisition. The town is a perfect snapshot of Morocco's welcoming and tolerant nature, as well as having its share of rebellion and defence against invaders. The ancient kasbah is a reminder of the not-so-peaceful aspects of the region's history as well.

We learn the meaning of the name "Chefchaouen" in the Berber dialect, and finally get a definitive answer as to why the city is blue. Although you may expect that this is something dating back centuries, the reality may surprise you!

Chefchaouen is a calm and quiet jewel of Morocco, with many wonderful features to attract travellers looking for the exotic and colorful, as well as peaceful retreats, fresh mountain air, tremendous hiking and a laid-back spirit and hospitality. 

We know that it won't take much to convince you to add it to your Morocco itinerary!

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!

This episode also has a video version on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: Just how easy is it to travel to, and around, Morocco?
or stay here for the audio version - your choice!

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In today's episode of Destination Morocco podcast, Azdean and Sam respond to a common question they receive: Just how easy is it to travel to Morocco? 

This is then a starting point for a detailed discussion on some useful, practical logistics when it comes to travel to, and around, their beautiful country.

Starting with visa requirements, particularly for U.S. and Canadian travelers, they then talk about passport validity and various direct flight options, more of which are starting all the time.

They go over the diverse range of accommodations in Morocco, highlighting both luxury international and local brands. Many, if not most, of the familiar hotel brands are well-established in Morocco, from Holiday Inn to Four Seasons. Plus some particular Moroccan-owned specialty hotels, some of whom have had a role in history.

But if you're a regular listener, you'll know that Sam and Azdean will always tout the virtues of Morocco's wonderful riads. If you're looking for an authentic accommodation experience, with comfort, quality and genuine hospitality, prioritize staying in riads wherever you go in Morocco. Sam highlights a few today, and don't forget we have other dedicated episodes too on riads, with even more detail. (Episode 29: The Allure of Moroccan Riads)

We then talk about transportation options within Morocco, including flights, trains, and buses. Modern Morocco has high-speed trains, luxury AC buses, and increasingly frequent and widespread domestic flights. 

Whether you're a solo traveler or planning a group trip, this episode will guide you through those basic fundamentals, and get you started on a wonderful Moroccan adventure.

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!

This episode also has a video version on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: How Discount Tours in Morocco End Up Costing You 3X More (Or Worse),
or stay here for the audio version - your choice!

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Our good friend Siham (Ep. 24) returns to continue the discussion with Azdean and Sam from Ep. 62 (May 15, 2024) about dangerous scams and unseemly tourism practices in Morocco.

This time, the topic is discount "tour operators," the type you see in the Jemma el-Fnaa square in Marrakech (or seemingly on every street corner and cubbyhole), offering "$80 tours to Merzouga Desert" or "$20 to visit Aït Benhaddou." Impossibly cheap prices, yet tantalizing as a result.

As has been said, "We hear a story too go to be true - it ain't."

You might be wondering therefore what exactly comes with one of these tours, do they even go to the destination at all? How could they possibly advertise transport, breakfast and accommodation for that price? What actually happens when you sign up?

Well, Siham did us a solid and went on one of these tours to Merzouga, posing as a regular "tourist," to find out.

She tells us about:

• Having to pay extra for AC in a hot van,
• Being pressured to buy "mandatory Sahara scarves" for the desert,
• Hearing "Guide included," but it's not the guide who ends up meeting you, for whom you then have to pay,
• Sharing a room with other travellers, because the tour wasn't advertised as "private rooms,"
• Visiting a Berber "house" that turns out to be a rug shop,

and much more.

Imagine, you're stuck in the middle of the desert, without any other options: no grocery store, no alternate accommodation, no other transport out. They've got you trapped, and that $80 price is suddenly a faint memory.

Even for more substantial, multi-day tours, Azdean has a story of what starts as an $800 fee then turns into $2800 in expenses once all is said and done.

Tune in to this episode for not just valuable information and some head-shaking examples, but how you can be sure to avoid any of this happening to you!

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!

This is a replay of the Live Q&A recording of Friday, July 5, "Movies Filmed in Morocco (And How to Visit the Locations)."

Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel for even more details and tourist ideas, and particularly for the visuals that accompany our conversation. Maps, photos and more await you there!

Movies Filmed in Morocco (And How to Visit the Locations) (YouTube)

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Morocco is one of the most popular locations in the world for filming movies, and Hollywood is a regular visitor. Many of your favorite movies and TV series have been filmed there:

Game of Thrones, Mission: Impossible, James Bond, John Wick, The Witcher and Indiana Jones are just some of the big names at least partly filmed in Morocco.

Why is Morocco such a popular location? Filming movies in Morocco goes back many decades, but it was a couple of hits around 1999/2000 that really brought it more attention: The Mummy and Gladiator. The setting and environment was as much a star as the actors and story, and triggered a new era of big-budget, blockbuster productions.

The country can easily double for anywhere from Egypt to Greece to ancient Rome, fantasy lands to anywhere that needs a desert. The architecture of the cities and medinas have filled in for India, Italy and medieval Europe.

And, as the industry has grown in Morocco, so has the Atlas Studios, where massive sets can be built and desert and mountains are right on the doorstep. The success of Atlas has made it even easier for major productions to choose the country, especially for weeks-long shoots.

So, would you like to visit these locations yourself?!

We've done the research and will show you the locations of famous scenes in film and TV, how they appear in real-life, and then, how you can visit them too!

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!

In today's episode of Destination Morocco podcast, Azdean and Sam discuss common misconceptions about traveling to Morocco. 

They debunk myths related to the dress code, safety, LGBTQ+ community, and whether there's more to see in Morocco than just Marrakech (!). 

They also address the availability of Western amenities, the use of credit cards, and the fact that Morocco offers far more than just deserts. If you're a surfing fan, discover some amazing beaches you probably haven't heard of yet!

Our podcast aims to offer honest insights to prospective travelers, from native Moroccans like ourselves, and highlights the rich cultural heritage and hospitality of Morocco. Tune in to learn why Morocco should be on your travel list and how Destination Morocco can help craft your perfect itinerary.

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!

This is an excerpt of the Live Q&A recording of Friday, June 7, "Shopping in Morocco: What to Buy and How to Buy It."

Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel for even more details and tourist ideas, and particularly for the visuals that accompany our conversation. Maps, photos and more await you there!

Shopping in Morocco: What to Buy and How to Buy It (YouTube)

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This replay collects many of your questions over the past few weeks, asking about how to shop in Morocco, which is a much different experience from what you may be used to!

Learn about the most popular items to bring home, what to look for, how to barter and find a good price, and what are the specialties of certain cities and regions.

Hear insider tips on how to approach bartering, negotiation, how to say no, when to say yes, and how to confidently find the authentic item you're looking for.

From rugs to tagine pots, argan oil to beauty products, major items to tiny carry-ons: this was a very useful live Q&A session!

Make sure that what you get is authentic, genuine, fairly priced and, most of all, what you wanted to buy. Not what someone pressured you to buy, or something you have no idea what it is, or what it does.

Remember to visit our Live Q&A page to send in more questions on this and other topics, whatever you need help with. We put them together into a topic for our monthly live sessions; join us on YouTube, the first Friday of each month!

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!

Dan & Cierra McPherson travelled to Morocco with Destination Morocco and discovered far more than a generic tour experience. From secret stops to amazing cubbyhole restaurants, they received an authentic, unique exposure to Morocco’s people and culture.

Cierra & Dan had a tall order for Destination Morocco when they got in touch with Azdean, looking to travel to Morocco just a short time later. They wanted to see as much of the country as possible, but over just 11 days. Could it be done?

This episode recounts their journey. Thanks to Azdean and his team, these world travellers had an experience that ranked with the best of their many destinations.

Hear their stories about enjoying Tangia stew, Moroccan bread, and yes, a dish that consists of cooking (then eating) an entire sheep: head, eyes and all, that has been slow-cooked in a hole in the ground (Shoua).

They met Khalil, the blind tour guide of Hassan II Mosque, whom you've heard numerous guests rave about on the podcast. Their guide used his connections to allow them early access to the mosque, before the regular crowds arrived.

In Chefchaouen they sampled fresh peanuts, boiled in honey, and freshly-squeezed orange juice on the walk up to the Spanish mosque overlooking the city. 

Thanks to their flexible schedule and efficient transport, they were able to visit both Volubilis and the camel hump town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun on the same day, when most tour groups have to choose one or the other. 

And learn about more local delicacies from their personal experience: Having tried a camel burger, which would you now choose, camel or beef? 

Dan & Cierra were lodged along the way in Morocco's beautiful riads, which can accommodate no large groups, just a few guests at a time. A great opportunity to mingle and chat with the hosts and other travellers.

Meanwhile, it wasn't planned as a romantic trip, but in such a romantic country, they were swept up in the spirit. Dan & Cierra were treated to their own Moroccan wedding, with henna designs and Berber attire, and enjoyed memorable meal after memorable meal: breakfasts, lunch and dinner. 

Whether on a private tour such as theirs, or on a small group tour that combines nimble flexibility with an affordable price, you can craft your own indelible Moroccan experience with Destination Morocco, and this episode gives you some tremendous ideas to add to your list.

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!

We've talked about scams in Morocco a few times on the podcast, from one of our early episodes (Scams! How to Understand and Avoid Them) to one of our recent Live Q&A sessions, (Latest Scams: Staying Safe While Traveling in Morocco).

It's a topic we often circle back to, because we want to make sure that all tourists, whether they travel with Destination Morocco or on their own, are staying safe and confident while visiting Morocco.

Some scams though are far more involved and intricate than overpaying for a taxi or a rug. They are the product of years of nurturing, patience and trust, trust which turns out to be a dangerous façade.

These scams prey on vulnerable tourists, people in moments of change and desperation in their lives, who can't, or refuse, to recognize the signs. They meet someone and form an emotional bond, and if that bond is made under false pretenses, it's not just money but so much more that comes under threat.

Today's episode is designed to help you know what to look out for, how to recognize the signs, think about your situation and listen to those close to you, who are giving you warnings from a different perspective.

And if you're listening and know of someone who might fit one of the scenarios we talk about, we want to give you the tools to help them be safe, and extricate them from that relationship.

Siham Essahiri, whom you'll remember from the impactful conversation last year, "Henna and the Strength of Moroccan Women," joins Azdean and Sam on this episode to share some of her first-hand experience in recognizing these dangerous scams. These moving stories will help you recognize just how deep these scams and false pretenses can go. 

We recognize that this may sound like a very doom and gloom episode, that might put you off travel to Morocco. But as Siham points out, the vast majority of Moroccans, 99+%, are genuinely friendly, courteous and kind. Love stories and friendships do exist that are absolutely real and sincere. But we have seen enough of the opposite to want to make sure that all visitors to Morocco are simply aware that yes, it can happen, and we don't want it to happen to you.

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!

This is an excerpt of the Live Q&A recording of Friday, May 8, "Finding a Morocco Tour at an Affordable Price."

Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel for even more details and tourist ideas, and particularly for the visuals that accompany our conversation. Maps, photos and more await you there!

Finding Morocco Private-Style Tours at an Affordable Price (YouTube)

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If you enjoy the convenience and security of group tours, but find large coach tours of 50 people a little less appealing, this live session replay is for you.

Or, if you enjoy the freedom and control of travelling solo, yet are looking for the safety and service that comes with a private tour, but at an affordable price, then this live session replay is also for you.

Destination Morocco has put together the best of both worlds to give you some amazing tour options in 2024: convenience, comfort, flexibility and personal attention, all at an affordable price.

Quick Sprinter vans enable you to skip the crowds and make the most of every minute. You'll come home with a greater understanding of Morocco, its culture, its people and its stunning landscape.

Each itinerary includes all accommodation stays, certain meals, local tours, a certified private driver, an award-winning nationally-certified tour leader, airport transfers, 24/7 in-destination support from our local office in Morocco, as well as further features.

We want you to see Morocco in 2024, before the crowds really increase. The World Cup is on the horizon, major airlines are adding new flights from North America and Europe, and Morocco is becoming more popular than ever.

Now is the time to experience the best Morocco has to offer, and we can take you there.

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!

Hop down after the episode description for an update on our podcast schedule and our new donor link!
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You've heard that Morocco is a modern, plural, largely Westernized country and, well, that is largely true. Dress or behave, within reason, as you would in most of Europe or North America and you won't feel out of place at all.

But as always, there are exceptions, and this episode of our "travel fails" series draws attention to the places where modesty and propriety are expected. Tourists who pay attention to and respect these customs will in turn discover a wealth of hospitality and welcome.

Topics covered in today's conversation include:

• cultural awareness, 
• appropriate clothing, 
• respecting religious sites, 
• photography etiquette, 
• local customs, 
• communication barriers, 
• visa issues, 
• avoiding currency exchange scams, 
• shopping for souvenirs (and budget planning!), 
• managing travel documents, 
• and the importance of travel insurance. 

When you're on a Destination Morocco tour, your knowledgeable guide is not just there to explain history or keep things on schedule, but also to make sure you're prepared and informed to avoid any potential faux-pas and sticky situations. 

Even our Small Group Tours are small enough that you get that personal attention and assistance, while sharing the experience with new friends.

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As we head into a busy summer, our programming is adjusting to follow suit.

For starters, you can now join our monthly Live Q&A sessions on the first Friday of every month, at 1 pm Pacific/4 pm Eastern/10 pm Central Europe.

This means the next one is coming up this week, on Friday May 3rd! We'll be sharing more about how you can get a private tour experience without the expense, the best of both worlds, so bring your questions on logistics, practicalities, pricing and more.

Meanwhile, we'll be publishing two regular episodes per month, on the 1st and 15th, in addition to the replay of each Live Q&A.

If you enjoy our podcast and would like to support us, you can now easily do so on our new donation page. Thank you for your generosity! We'll continue to inspire your dreams and plans to see Morocco yourself and enjoy the country has to offer.
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Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!