About Your Journey
Your Health
Recommended inoculations for travel may change and you should consult your practitioner for current recommendations before your upcoming journey. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet all health entry requirements, obtain the recommended inoculations, take all recommended medication, and follow all medical advice in relation to your trip. Inoculation requirements can be found on the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website at https://www.cdc.gov/. Also check the World Health Organization (WHO) website http://www.who.int/ith/en/ before you travel internationally.
Medical supplies, such as CPAP machines for sleep apnea can be brought as an additional carry-on with most airlines. If you are traveling with a CPAP machine, please let us know in advance and consider bringing a backup battery in case of inconsistent electricity supply. Distilled water may be easily obtained in most destinations but all machines will work with filtered or bottled water in a pinch. Make sure you have all appropriate adaptors although newer machines have universal power supplies that can adapt to various voltage. Bring extra supplies (especially cushions) and pertinent replacement parts as repairing the machine while travelling may not be possible.
Physical Activity
Ancient sites worldwide were constructed well before building codes or the existence of safety and accessibility standards. And in order to maintain the architectural and historical integrity that attracts visitors in the first place, many of the sites have been intentionally left in their natural state. As such, you will encounter uneven terrain, irregular steps, and a lack of handrails, barriers, ramps and cautionary warning signs where you might expect them back home. Therefore, it is extremely important for you to take great care and caution when exploring these sites. Pay attention to all instructions and do not wander away from your guide, especially off designated paths into unmarked terrain. When exploring on your own, heed all regulations, be extra mindful of your surroundings and note any conditions that could increase the risks (poor visibility, wet slippery surfaces, etc).
For travelers with mobility issues or physical challenges, be prepared for less accessibility than we enjoy in the United States. Hotels may be limited in the provisions made for such travelers and some do not have elevators. Airports are not always fully equipped with modern jetways, and ramps for wheelchairs are often absent.
We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance for guests who need mobility assistance. Nor can we ensure that local vehicles will be wheelchair-equipped. For these reasons, a qualified companion must accompany guests who need such assistance.
Physical limitations requiring special attention and/or equipment must be reported when making reservations. We will make reasonable attempts to accommodate special needs but cannot provide individual assistance. Should issues become apparent on tour that impact other guests, we may require individual assistance be obtained or require the guest to return home early at the guest’s expense.
Your International Flights
If you have not already made your international flight arrangements, you should consider taking advantage of our excellent relationships with outstanding international carriers including Lufthansa, British Airways, United Airlines and Emirates. We can book your air in Economy, Premium Economy or Business Class with advice on seat availability - and even advance seat assignments on many carriers and routes. Booking your international air with A+R will allow us to directly assist you with any flight disruptions, delays or cancellations while on-tour.
A Word about Hotels
As in other parts of the world, check-in time for most hotels is around 3:00PM and check-out time is typically 11AM. Should you arrive early to find that your room is not yet ready, the hotel will likely be more than happy to store your luggage securely for a few hours. That leaves you unencumbered to explore a bit at your own pace - or to relax with a cup of tea or coffee either in the lobby or at a nearby cafe.
Similarly, if you have a late departure flight, hotels will store your luggage after you’ve checked-out, leaving you unencumbered to explore and relax until it’s time to go to the airport. Depending upon how busy they are, hotels may allow you to occupy your room for another hour or two without charge; check with the front desk to determine if this is possible for your day of departure.
If early check-in or late check-out is required, advance arrangements can usually be confirmed for the cost of an additional night. Please notify us or your travel agent if you wish to confirm either.
Climate
Morocco boasts a comfortable climate year-round. However, it does rain more frequently in winter (December through March) than at other times of the year. In the summer, the weather is hot and dry. Temperatures throughout the country can reach 100°F; in the Sahara they can be over 115°F.
Morocco Average High Temperature Chart (in °F)
City
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Agadir
70
71
73
75
76
78
85
86
80
78
76
70
Casablanca
63
63
66
68
72
75
81
81
80
77
68
64
Essaouira
64
64
64
66
68
68
72
70
70
70
68
66
Fez
61
63
66
72
79
88
97
97
90
81
66
61
Marrakech
70
71
73
79
84
86
92
97
88
82
75
70
Meknes
59
61
64
70
74
84
93
93
86
79
66
61
Ouarzazate
63
67
73
80
86
96
98
99
93
80
70
62
Rabat
63
64
66
70
73
77
82
82
81
77
68
64
Safi
64
66
68
72
77
81
86
86
82
79
70
66
Low temperatures are about 15-20 degrees cooler than in the chart above.
The Lay of the Land
Situated on the far northwest coast of Africa just a short distance from Spain, Morocco is washed by the waters of the Atlantic as well as the Mediterranean. The coastline, dotted with historic towns established by merchants and colonists ranging from the Phoenicians 25 centuries ago to Europeans 5 centuries ago, soon gives way to sweeping interior plains and grasslands. As one approaches the magnificent Atlas Mountains in the center of the country, the topography shifts once again to stony deserts punctuated by ancient fortified towns and impressive Kasbahs. Traversing the Atlas range with its timeless valleys and mountain villages, you come finally to the vast expanse of desert that is the Sahara!
Transferring Between Cities
Drives between destinations within Morocco tend to be quite long due to the road infrastructure of this developing country. The speed limits tend do be slow and there are often unannounced construction closures. We make every attempt to arrive at your next destination efficiently and plan appropriate bathroom breaks but please be prepared for long journeys, especially when travelling to the Sahara.
On Faith and Religion
Islam is the predominant religion of Morocco, but fundamentalism is rare and Moroccans are very tolerant of other cultures, faiths and beliefs. In fact, you’ll probably notice that the country is quite secular in its dress and religious attitudes. Judaism prospered in the country for many centuries, and Morocco boasts many beautiful synagogues, some of which are remarkable for their architecture, age and preservation. Many cities including Fez have old Jewish Quarters that are fascinating places to explore. On a historic note, many Moroccan Jews immigrated to Israel in 1948 in response to newspaper ads that appeared throughout Moroccan cities offering land to settlers as Israel embarked on its nation-building campaign following independence. Vibrant Christian communities and churches can also be found in all of Morocco’s major cities.
Money Matters
The Moroccan currency is the Dirham (MAD). The exchange rate is government-controlled and currency can not be taken out of the country; nor is the Dirham available abroad. Exchange rates can vary widely but one US dollar roughly equals about 10 Dirhams.
You can exchange money upon arrival at the airport as well as at most hotels and banks. Please note that these establishments will charge a fee to exchange cash and US bills must be in pristine condition and minted newer than 2013. Bills that are torn, worn or marked will be rejected. Your driver and guide will know where to get the best exchange rate.
You will also find ATMs at banks in the larger cities. We recommend you change money only as you need it. Although you can change your Dirhams back into US dollars before you depart, it is limited to 50% of the entire amount you have exchanged during your stay. You may be required to show your exchange receipts in order to change your Dirhams back into US dollars, so be sure to save them every time you change money.
Mastercard and Visa credit cards are accepted in hotels, in most larger shops, in restaurants, at carpet stores and other locations frequented by international visitors. If you do not see your credit card’s logo on the establishment’s door, then be sure to ask if credit cards are accepted! (AMEX is not as widely accepted in Morocco) At many smaller shops and at the souks, you will need local currency to make your purchase.
We recommend that before you travel you inform both your bank and your credit card company which countries you will be visiting. It is also a good idea to inquire about fees for transactions abroad.
Tipping
Many of our guests find it helpful to have guidelines on whom and how much to tip, so we are pleased to provide this information:
For all of our Small Group and Private Journeys, we have included the gratuities for your drivers (sightseeing + transfers), baggage porters and the restaurant staff for all included meals. If you feel that their services are exceptional and go above-and-beyond, then feel free to tip additionally as you wish.
• For our Small Group Trip Leader, we recommend that you tip $10 to $15 per person, per day.
• For our Private Journeys we recommend $10 to $15 per person, per day for your Private Guide.
Although gratuities for these staff members are not included in your tour fare, please remember that such tips are always at your discretion. They are appreciated as recognition for excellent service, but whom and how much you tip is always up to you.
For meals and activities not included as part of your A+R itinerary, here are tipping guidelines in accordance with local practices:
• Upscale restaurants: A service charge (5%-15%) is typically already included on the bill
• Bell hops: 10-50Dirham ($2-$5 USD)
• Taxi's: Tips are not expected by taxi drivers
• Private Drivers: 20-50Dirham ($2-5$ USD) per trip
• Spa services: add 10%-15%
We do recommend carrying some coins for small tipping of restroom attendants at public bathrooms.
For any gratuities, we suggest you tip in the local currency. But if you only have US Dollars, they will be graciously accepted.
Electricity
Electric current is 127V or 220V AC at 50 Hz and most outlets support two round-pin plugs. An adapter plug and a converter may be necessary to charge your electronic devices, and are usually available from the front desk. For more information on plugs and sockets, review the information at:
www.iec.ch/worldplugs/map.htm.
Internet and Phone Calls
If you plan to bring your cell phone when you travel, please check with your carrier to ensure that your plan covers international calls and/or mobile data from the countries you will visit on your trip and whether there may be money saving plans available from your carrier that can be arranged in advance. Alternatively, local prepaid SIM cards for your phone are usually available at the airport where you arrive and can be used to tap into local service providers. Wi-fi is available at all hotels either complimentary or for a fee; you can find Wi-Fi information on your itinerary and hotel list, or check with the front desk upon check in regarding access details.
If making an international call from your hotel room, please check the rates first. Hotels often contract with outside companies to provide direct-dial telephone services for guests calling overseas from their rooms, and the rates can be unexpectedly high.
The dialing code for Morocco is +212; you’ll need to prefix the local number with this dialing code when calling from outside of Morocco.
Is the Water Safe to Drink?
We recommend that you do not drink the tap water in Morocco and avoid ice cubes. Bottled water is readily available.
Meal Time!
The opportunity to sample and explore local cuisine in-depth will certainly be among the highlights of your journey. Moroccan dishes are rich with flavors, aromas and colors. The food is inexpensive by world standards and the quality is overall outstanding. Morocco is an agricultural country that produces excellent produce and fruit, including oranges that are exported throughout Europe and which you can sample fresh-squeezed from juice vendors in the street cafes.
Couscous is a traditional Berber dish of semolina that is most often served with a delicious stew of meat and vegetables. Tagine, another Moroccan favorite, is most often made from chicken or lamb. This richly flavored, casserole-type dish is prepared in an earthenware pot with olives and savory herbs including ginger, turmeric, cinnamon and saffron. Nuts and dried fruits are also often used in many tagine recipes. For dessert, you can enjoy cakes and flaky pastries flavored with honey, sesame seeds, almonds and raisins. Mint tea is the traditional after-meal accompaniment.
Morocco’s Famous Souks + Markets
The souks of Morocco, especially in Fez and Marrakech, are world-renowned for one simple reason: the shopping opportunities they present are probably the most exciting you will encounter anywhere in the world! These vast, colorful, timeless and bustling open-air markets offer a dizzying array of goods, from the pedestrian to the exotic, and the souks are roughly divided into areas based upon the products sold. Pottery, textiles, leather goods, wooden ware, rugs and spices are among the items which are locally made and most sought after by international visitors.
Many of these items are crafted on-site in the souks, providing visitors with the chance to observe skilled artisans at work. The dyers markets, where local wool is dyed and prepared for weaving, are especially intriguing and fun to observe; brilliantly colored and suspended to dry, the wool offers amazing photo opportunities.
Keep in mind that bargaining is a time-honored tradition and vendors will expect you to participate. Keep your sense of humor and persevere, and it won’t be unusual if you end up paying one quarter to half of the initial asking price. A wide variety of rugs in all sizes and styles from plush to flat-woven kilims will certainly catch your eye and provide a great opportunity to sharpen your bartering skills.
Enjoy your shopping, but keep a few precautions in mind… We recommend that you avoid items that are presented as antiques or even as ancient artifacts. Often, they’re anything but old! In addition, the export of genuine antiques is strictly controlled so that cultural treasures do not leave the country. Animal skins and items made from bird feathers, bone and horn could come from endangered species and should also be avoided. Buy only from reputable shops and if you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to ask your hotel concierge or our guide for advice. Should you purchase a larger item which the seller agrees to ship, we recommend that you take a picture of the item and make sure you have all the bills as well as the seller’s address and phone number – should the need arise for you to contact the shop upon your return home.
Sahara Desert
If you have booked an itinerary that includes the Sahara, your itinerary includes a unique trek off-the-beaten-track through the “pre-Sahara,” a rarely visited region dotted with small Berber villages that still show vestiges of 18th century culture. You’ll enjoy the sand dunes of Merzouga, the canyons of Todgha, and finish your journey on the Route of 1,000 Casbahs. Surrounded by the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, La Belle Etoile is an inviting retreat in the heart of the desert. Cozy tented accommodations have a separate private shower and toilet, and are comfortably appointed with Moroccan textiles, simple furnishings, a welcoming bed and the warm glow of lamps. A delicious meal under a star-filled desert sky and entertainment around a campfire promise an unforgettable night in the Sahara. Due to the nature of this adventure itinerary, please be prepared for extensive travel each day, sometimes on unpaved roads.
Local Time
The local time in Morocco is 6 hours ahead of New York (GMT+1)
Conversing with the Locals
Arabic is the official language of Morocco; French is also widely spoken. Berber is spoken in the rural areas, particularly in the Atlas Mountains and in the South. As a traveler, you’ll find that at least some English is spoken in the souks of major cities, at many restaurants and shops and at all of the hotels where you will be staying.
Practicing your high school French before you travel or carrying a French phrase book may prove helpful during your journey. On the whole, however, you’ll find that the Moroccan people are very warm and friendly and will endeavor to help you with a smile in any way they can. Rarely will you ever feel intimidated by a language barrier.
A Note about Traveling with Minors
Many countries currently require documentary evidence of a relationship between minors traveling with an adult. Although Morocco is not one of them, we strongly recommend that parents traveling alone with a minor carry a notarized letter from the absent parent authorizing the trip, regardless of whether the parent is married or divorced. Never-married parents, parents whose spouse has died, and parents who have been granted sole legal custody of children are encouraged to carry notarized proof of their status, including death certificate where appropriate. Grandparents traveling with grandchildren and adults traveling with children who are not their own should carry letters of authorization from both parents of the children. It is wise to also carry the child’s birth certificate with the original seal. Please visit the state department’s website travel.state.gov if you plan to travel with a minor.
Packing Advice to Get You Started
Lightweight clothes that layer well and protect you from the sun are advisable. A sweater or jacket is good to have as the evenings are cool, especially in the desert. A raincoat or windbreaker with a hood is handy should the weather suddenly get wet.
Comfortable footwear is a must, especially in the souks (markets) and small villages. Dining is not dressy so a tie or evening clothes are not necessary. Morocco is conservative so out of respect for the local culture, we advise you not to wear shorts on visits to places of worship. It is customary for women to cover their shoulders (and sometimes, their heads) when visiting a mosque. Scarves are available at the major mosques for this purpose but it’s handy to keep one with you.
Consider an Easy-to-carry Traveling Bag
It’s good to have a small bag to carry your daytime needs with you while traveling; a backpack is used by many travelers for this purpose. A water bottle is always handy to have in your traveling pack.
The Essentials
Hotels are well-equipped with tissues and toilet paper; however, small packets of facial tissues and a small bottle of hand-sanitizer can be handy for use in public bathrooms. Your hotel will provide fine amenities, including soap and shampoo, but pack your own if you use particular brands. Please bring your own lotions, contact lens solutions, cosmetics and feminine hygiene products. Bring extra prescriptions (packed partially in your hand luggage) as well as cold medicine, aspirin and cures for intestinal troubles. You should also bring a good sunblock lotion with you since high temperatures can intensify the impact of the sun. We recommend 30+ SPF. Please also pack insect repellent, especially if you’re traveling to the Sahara.
Seeing + Capturing your Experiences
Make a complete check of your camera equipment before you leave and make sure you have replacement or rechargeable batteries and additional memory cards. It’s also a good idea to bring a pair of binoculars and a waterproof flashlight can also come in handy. Please note that drones are illegal in Morocco.
Camera drones are not allowed for use on our tours as they can detract from the experiences of your fellow travelers. If, however you plan to bring a drone for use in your free time, please pay close attention to the local aviation laws. Most historic sites and national parks explicitly prohibit the use of personal drones, so it is your own responsibility to acquire any necessary permission and adhere to local laws should you plan on traveling with a drone.
On-Tour Hunger Pangs
High-protein snacks are good for both the air trip as well as for your activities while traveling: nuts, raisins, granola bars and peanut butter are popular with many of our travelers. If you drink decaffeinated coffee, this is a good item to bring along as it may not always be available. Powdered milk or coffee creamer is also recommended for those who like them, and sugar substitutes are not always available.
A Few Final Tips
Some handy items we recommend include: an extra pair of glasses, a bottle opener and an English/French dictionary.
Reminders about your Baggage
Baggage restrictions vary by airline, and we ask you to review the airlines on your itinerary and review baggage restrictions on their website to determine the maximum number of bags and weights that are allowed. In Economy, passengers are limited to one bag. Keep in mind that the flights that are included on your tour are in Economy and are limited to one checked bag with weight limits. So when packing for your trip, consider the bag and weight restrictions on all of your flights, not just your international arrangements.
Most airlines charge travelers for additional bags and excess weight so we advise you to pack as lightly as possible. Most of our hotels offer laundry services.
TSA Packing Tips
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) publishes a comprehensive list of items that are Permitted and Prohibited in carry-on and checked baggage. You can find the complete list online at https://www.tsa.gov/travel.
For vacation travelers, the important thing to remember is that only one small bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes can be in your carry-on bag when you pass through security. Each item is limited to 3.4 ounces (100ml) - and all containers must fit inside a clear, 1-quart sized, zip-top bag. If you have containers that are larger than 3.4 ounces, they must go inside your checked baggage.
Medications, baby formula/food and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding the 3.4-ounce limit, and they do not have to be in a zip-lock bag. You should declare these items at the checkpoint, and keep in mind that TSA Officers may need to inspect them.
Other Recommendations:
• Jewelry, cash, tablet devices and laptops should be in your carry-on baggage. Tape your business card to the bottom of your laptop for easy identification if it gets separated for inspection.
• Avoid accessories and jewelry that contain metal as they may set off the metal detector at the check point. This saves having to take them off and put them back on as you pass through security.
• Wear slip-on shoes that can be easily removed and placed on the conveyor built to be x-rayed at the security check-point.
• If you wish to place a lock on your checked luggage, it must be of a make and model approved by the TSA.
• Do not pack wrapped gifts and do not bring wrap gifts to the security check point.
A Few Words about Safety + Security
Traveling abroad is no different than visiting a new city in the United States: use common sense precautions to safeguard your person and your possessions at all times. Remember to wash your hands frequently and use hand-sanitizer. Moroccan streets are very safe to walk any time of day or night as the vigilance of the police and the severity of Islamic prosecutions represent an effective deterrent. Be aware of your environment, especially in very crowded areas such as the souks and very touristy places like Marrakech’s Djemaa el Fna Square.
• Do not go out and about with your passport unless specifically instructed to do so by your local guides.
• Keep your extra cash and passport in the in-room safe of your hotel. In the few instances where they are not available, then store these items in the safety deposit box at the front desk.
• Always make a copy of your passport, credit cards and e-tickets and keep them separate from the originals so that they can be more readily replaced if lost or stolen. Leave extra copies with someone at home who you can reach while traveling. Or consider scanning these documents and emailing them to an address that you can access while abroad.
• If you don’t already own one, consider investing in a money belt that can be concealed under your clothing. This is a good place to keep the cash and credit cards that you need for personal expenses while sightseeing, shopping and touring.
• Do not display large amounts of cash in public. Carry your purse with the strap across your chest, not dangling from your shoulder or arm.
These measures will save you countless time and trouble should your credit cards, airline tickets or passport be lost or stolen.
Some Helpful Web Links
U.S. Department of State
www.travel.state.gov
Travel documents and tips; State Department Travel announcements; Consular Information for countries you will visit
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
General health information for travelers and health information on specific destinations
Transportation Security Administration
www.tsa.gov (select Traveler Information)
Tips for travelers going through security at the airport
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
www.cbp.gov (select Travel)
Helpful information for returning U.S. citizens travelling abroad
Calling the U.S. from Abroad
www.att.com/traveler
AT&T’s USADirect service offers convenient telephone access to the U.S. from around the world
Currency Converter
www.oanda.com/currency/converter
Alexander+Roberts
www.alexanderroberts.com
For information about your tour: itinerary, customer reviews, visas, Travel Protection Plan, payment and cancellation details