Videos

This simple trick will help you avoid getting charged unfairly for your meal, especially at cafes and food stalls in the souk and medina.

What is a situation that seems innocent but could lead to more trouble in Morocco?How do you avoid getting into dangerous situations?How do you know if someone is trustworthy or if they will take advantage of you? Are these problems unique to Morocco? No, but they can happen, and all you need is to be prepared. Listen to Sam's story in this video about how the scam unfolds.You're in the square, and someone gently bumps into you, 'by accident.' "Oh, I'm very sorry, excuse me."- "That's okay, no problem.""Do you need help, are you looking for something?"- "Oh we're just looking for the tanneries.""I'm not going that way but I can find someone to show you, follow me..."

Not so long ago, like scarcely more than two or three years, if you needed a taxi into the city upon exiting the airport in Casablanca, Marrakech, Fès etc., you were in for a frustrating, tedious and uncomfortable experience of simply finding a cab. Getting someone you could trust to take you where you needed to go, in a direct line, at a fair price, without any other shenanigans was surprisingly difficult. It put your bartering and negotiation skills to the test, right away upon your first step into Morocco. With luggage, kids, fatigue or any other factors included.Fortunately, the authorities have finally taken a major step in rectifying this problem. Finally you have peace of mind and security to simply get where you need to go!

You're newly arrived in the square, looking around, trying to get your bearings, figuring out where to go. A friendly local passes by and asks casually if you need any help. You say you're just thinking of going to the tanneries today. Turns out they're closed, good thing he was here to tell you! He can show you what's open today instead. And the scam begins...

03:40 "Secure your luggage at the airport to prevent theft."07:59 Tourists targeted by scams in foreign countries.15:33 Positive experience at airport customs with kids.22:11 Taxi service improved in Morocco with kiosks.26:48 Taxi scams in new town, avoid them.29:47 Official government rates for taxi fares in Morocco.37:03 Market feels like a battleground, still fun.40:09 Scammers are smart and work together well.50:05 Restaurant scams: beware of menu price changes.52:29 Pay Moroccan price, negotiate, beware of scams.57:10 Bartering culture and firmness in dealing with sellers.01:01:12 Local guide essential, beware taxi scams. Call police.In this month's session, Azdean, Sam and podcast producer Ted, navigate the labyrinth of traveller scams in the bustling streets and markets of Morocco. With a focus that is as practical as it is necessary, they will equip you with the knowledge to sidestep common pitfalls that many an unwary traveller might stumble into.What are the l…

Walking through the medina of Marrakech, hearing the call to prayer. Souks and fresh bread. The essence of Morocco.

You've bought expensive rugs, blankets, pottery and more on your trip to Morocco. You need to get it shipped home, but can you trust the shipping agents, especially when it's an "all-inclusive" service, where the store where you purchased your goods will also take care of the shipping?Learn what to watch out for, and how to avoid it. Don't be caught out by this tricky yet technically legal scam.Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/xmT7KcjeYSc?si=xIYiGPbbxc0q8Je3

Azdean and the Destination Morocco team personally stay at riads around Morocco from time to time, to see for themselves the quality of service and offers.Naturally, the first question that comes to mind is, if the riad owners know that Destination Morocco is coming, surely they'll give them a different level of service and attention than they normally would? They're going to go to extra lengths to make a good impression, right?So how does Azdean avoid this and come across as just a regular, generic traveller?

A city like Marrakech or Fez has hundreds, if not thousands of riads (family homes that have been turned into guest houses). Riads typically feature stunning courtyards, beautiful architecture, open or glass-roofed ceilings, and comfortable, luxurious rooms.Meals are almost always provided as well, cooked by your hosts, with local ingredients.Riads are undoubtedly the best way to experience Morocco and find a home away from home. And since they typically accommodate no more than about a dozen guests at a time, they are a very intimate experience, where you can chat with your hosts and fellow travellers, while sitting on couches around an artisan fountain, sipping mint tea.How does a tour company like Destination Morocco choose which riads to recommend to their guests?

You’ve spent a lot of money to get to Morocco, especially to see it thoroughly and comprehensively. And even more importantly, your trip is the culmination of months or years of dreaming, planning, research and preparation. We all know that unexpected things can happen, from getting sick to breakdowns or even just surprisingly poor customer service. But to sort out these problems, you’ll want to be in the hands of experienced professionals who see you as more than a number or a confirmation code. Today’s episode is our first of 2024, and Azdean and Sam are joined by podcast producer Ted to reflect on the past year and their own travels around Morocco, and how to get out of sticky situations or adjust to sudden changes. Destination Morocco focuses intentionally on small group and private tours, so that each client gets personal care and attention, and the greatest value for their money. This means not just choosing the “best” riads, based on reviews or reputation, but Sam and the…

Is tap water safe to drink in Morocco? If not, is bottled water included when you go to a restaurant?The answer is sometimes yes, sometimes no. But you'll need to stay vigilant to both avoid drinking tap water, yet also not paying extra for bottled water that you didn't ask for!

There can be some discrepancies about whether you can order and drink alochol, beer wine and spirits, in restaurants in Morocco, and how common that is. Is it frowned upon? Is it something only tourists do? And what if you want to bring a bottle of wine or beer back to your hotel or riad, is that possible, and where can you buy it?

In Kingdom of Colors, Azdean Elmoustaquim, tour operator and host of Destination Morocco podcast, returns home to Morocco from the United States, after 4 long years away. Full of curiosity, yet uncertain of what he would find, Azdean undertakes a tour of the country, with his family, to reconnect with his homeland. How much has changed, how many traditions are still in place, how has a pandemic and ever-changing realities impacted his country of birth?Experience the beauty and mystery of Morocco in this vivid documentary that explores a journey home. A beautiful land full of wonder and mystery. Stunning architecture and mosaics. Vibrant colors and culture. Craftsmanship and creativity. Incredible, varied landscape. A modern, global nation with deep roots and traditions.In this interconnected world, how much lives in our memory, and how much do we rediscover when we visit in person? Kingdom of Colors, coming soon in 2024.

At every meal in Morocco: breakfast, lunch, dinner - a basket of fresh bread will be brought to your table, or even waiting for you when you sit down. The most common is a round bread called "kohbz" which can be hollowed out and stuffed, or eaten plain or with butter.But there are many different types of bread too. Azdean and Sam point out a couple in this clip.

What is the price of something like a tagine in Morocco, when you order at a restaurant? What is the difference in price between affordable and more expensive? How many people does one tagine feed? When you're in Morocco, this info will help you with your budget planning and food planning as well!

Pastilla is another well-known Moroccan delicacy, and one of the specialties of Fès (although you can find it throughout the country). But those in the know will say that Fès does it best! Traditionally it was served on special occasions and for large gatherings, although today you can often order it in smaller servings. Be warned though, pastilla is very hearty and very filling!

Do you know how to identify a real tagine from a fake one? Often people will sell you a tagine with the impression you can cook with it. But if it's for decoration only, it won't last long in your oven!

01:57 - Couscous varieties and cultural importance05:43 - Understanding tagines and tangia06:49 - What is pastilla?12:02 - Does "tangia"/"tagine" refer equally to the meal and the pot?18:20 - How to know what to order and how much21:43 - Allergies and vegetarian options29:16 - Is rice common in Morocco?32:06 - Is khobz (bread) served at every meal in Morocco?37:19 - Harira (Moroccan soup)39:18 - Zaalouk (eggplant dish)41:43 - The culinary experience in Fez46:04 - What is the average cost of a tagine at a restaurant?58:31 - Destination Morocco's small group tours1:00:27 - Medfouna (Berber pizza), cooked in the ground at Merzouga Desert.1:02:14 - Next Live Q&A session, Jan. 10: Latest Scams in Morocco!In this month's session, Azdean and Sam answer your questions about Morocco's fabulous food and cuisine. You've likely heard at least a bit about tagines, pastillas, mint tea and of course, couscous. But this episode will really fill in the blanks and help you place your or…