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Videos

What Makes Morocco Appealing?
Dec. 1, 2023

What Makes Morocco Appealing?

Today's episode of Destination Morocco ponders the question of "What makes Morocco appealing?" What attracts people to Morocco, and what are their perceptions of the country before going there?Naturally there are always stereotypes and assumptions that build up over time, and as Azdean points out in this episode, Europeans are inevitably more familiar with Morocco than North Americans due to their proximity, and the ease of getting there, perhaps even for a quick long weekend.But for many travellers, Morocco is a bucket list destination that they may only reach once in their lifetime. Their view of the country is likely formed by movies, media and events, from the positive: soccer success and hit movies, to the negative: a powerful earthquake and rumors of scams and rip-offs. Our podcast is here to tell you about the real Morocco and break down those stereotypes, and indeed many listeners have taken that information and made clear, confident requests for particular sights and ac…
The Story Behind Destination Morocco
Nov. 29, 2023

The Story Behind Destination Morocco

You've heard his baritone podcast voice for the past year and a half, and picked up bits and pieces of his story. But as we approach our 50th episode of Destination Morocco podcast, have you wondered, "How did Azdean come to live in Houston, and how did Destination Morocco get its beginnings?”Azdean did in fact grow up in Marrakech, never imagining that he would wind up in the United States, raise a family, start businesses and build connections around the world. It's an inspiring story of perseverance, opportunity and getting much help and support along the way, a big reason why Azdean is happy to pay it forward now that he's in position to do so.Until he was in his early 20's, Azdean barely spoke more than basic English, and yet to immigrate to the US he needed to pass the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam. He had just a few months to go from beginner to functional level and get a passing grade, and the steps he took were astounding, from music to movies to cra…
Live Q&A, Nov. 15: Staying Safe While Traveling in Morocco
Nov. 16, 2023

Live Q&A, Nov. 15: Staying Safe While Traveling in Morocco

We get a lot of questions about safety and security in Morocco, once you are there and making your way through the souks, squares and even the restaurants.Your Destination Morocco tour director is always there for guidance and advice, as well as your local guide, for when you're first exploring a new city.But we always want to encourage people to then explore on their own, follow your nose and see what else you can discover. If that's something you're interested in doing!Imagine, you're in Marrakech, Fès, wandering the souks and shops, the markets and squares, and have lots of people pulling you in many different directions.There will be people beckoning you into their shop, there will be "guides" offering to take you here or there (even if you've already been), with no guarantee that they are trustworthy.It's an exciting, adrenaline-filled environment, and it can be a little overwhelming. Especially if you are on your own, how do you keep your wits about you, and enjoy the …
Live Q&A Nov. 15: Safety and Security while Travelling in Morocco
Nov. 14, 2023

Live Q&A Nov. 15: Safety and Security while Travelling in Morocco

We get a lot of questions about safety and security in Morocco, once you are there and making your way through the souks, squares and even the restaurants.Your Destination Morocco tour director is always there for guidance and advice, as well as your local guide, for when you're first exploring a new city.But we always want to encourage people to then explore on their own, follow your nose and see what else you can discover. If that's something you're interested in doing!However, there will be touts, there will be people beckoning you into their shop, there will be "guides" offering to take you here or there (even if you've already been), with no guarantee that they are trustworthy.These things are a part of travel, and common to any country in the world. Knowing what to expect though is crucial to having an enjoyable experience.To help you navigate Morocco and be prepared, we'll be answering your questions on safety, local customs and what to do in certain situati…
Live Q&A, Oct  11: Learning About Destination Morocco Tours
Oct. 12, 2023

Live Q&A, Oct 11: Learning About Destination Morocco Tours

This episode is the audio replay of our Destination Morocco live Q&A session, on Wednesday, Oct. 11.In today's conversation with Azdean, Sam and podcast producer Ted, we'll focus on what's included in a typical Destination Morocco tour, how we go about building itineraries, and how we build from your preferences and priorities to shape a tour that works for you, and is specific to you.This is a big part of what makes Destination Morocco an ideal travel partner: we don't force you to follow the tourist path, or insist on "must-see" sights that don't interest you. We'll give you advice, certainly, when you want ideas and recommendations. But you can always bring your list of sights and attractions, and we then use our connections and experience to craft a smooth, sensible itinerary that goes at your pace.Ready to discover the hidden gems and must-see attractions of Morocco? We've got you covered.If you're curious about when to book a tour, how long they last, how much flexibilit…
Listen to This Before You Go to Morocco
Oct. 11, 2023

Listen to This Before You Go to Morocco

Here at Destination Morocco, we receive questions all the time about how to prepare for a trip to Morocco and what to expect. We love being able to help out our fellow travellers and help you avoid the sense of shock, while preserving the sense of adventure, once you arrive in our homeland.This episode is the first of a series that will answer travel questions about Morocco, grouped together in various themes. Today, we are focusing on what to prepare before-hand, whether it's packing, medication, passports and documents, and so much more. As well as some of the initial steps to take once you arrive, particularly finding cash and bottled water.We talk about the best times to visit, what languages to expect, and the country's tipping etiquette. No more awkward moments wondering if you should tip your cab driver or your tour guide!Morocco is a tremendously photogenic country, and the temptation to bring your drone is very high. We break down Morocco's photography rules and drone r…
The major world conference still happening in Marrakech. #shorts #moroccotourism #moroccoearthquake
Sept. 25, 2023

The major world conference still happening in Marrakech. #shorts #moroccotourism #moroccoearthquake

@destinationmorocco had a live Q&A event after the Morocco earthquake to talk about ongoing travel to Morocco, the state of affairs on the ground, and what you can do to help.Watch the full video here:https://youtu.be/maqrQJk0nP0?si=Nvd82iNa8TS3p3q1
We know what's open, but what's closed? #shorts #marrakech #moroccotourism #moroccoearthquake
Sept. 22, 2023

We know what's open, but what's closed? #shorts #marrakech #moroccotourism #moroccoearthquake

@destinationmorocco had a live Q&A event after the Morocco earthquake to talk about ongoing travel to Morocco, the state of affairs on the ground, and what you can do to help.Watch the full video here:https://youtu.be/maqrQJk0nP0?si=Nvd82iNa8TS3p3q1
Famous Tourist Attractions in Morocco, and their Entrance Fees
Sept. 21, 2023

Famous Tourist Attractions in Morocco, and their Entrance Fees

Unearth the mesmerizing allure of Morocco, as Sam, our Destination Morocco insider, guides us through the highlights of a typical Northern and Southern Tour.In this episode of Destination Morocco, we put particular emphasis on the entrance fees to these famous sights and attractions, including which ones are free. Sam is careful to convert from Moroccan Dirhams into US Dollars which, as it turns out, is a pretty straightforward process.Our route takes us from Marrakech to Essaouira, then Casablanca, Rabat, Fès, Meknes, Ouarzazate and the Atlas Studios, Merzouga Desert, the Canyons of the south, hiking villages of the High Atlas Mountains, particularly Midelt, then back to Tangier, Chefchaouen and neighboring Akchour.We deliver insider tips and insights into these must-see sights that are sure to make your Moroccan adventure truly unforgettable.And beyond just the regular tourist highlights, we tap into activities and options, their costs and how much time they take, for when y…
Post-earthquake, what do people need right now?#shorts #marrakech #moroccotourism #moroccoearthquake
Sept. 20, 2023

Post-earthquake, what do people need right now?#shorts #marrakech #moroccotourism #moroccoearthquake

@destinationmorocco had a live Q&A event after the Morocco earthquake to talk about ongoing travel to Morocco, the state of affairs on the ground, and what you can do to help.Watch the full video here:https://youtu.be/maqrQJk0nP0?si=Nvd82iNa8TS3p3q1
Are tourists still visiting Marrakech? #shorts #marrakech #moroccotourism #moroccoearthquake
Sept. 19, 2023

Are tourists still visiting Marrakech? #shorts #marrakech #moroccotourism #moroccoearthquake

@destinationmorocco had a live Q&A event after the Morocco earthquake to talk about ongoing travel to Morocco, the state of affairs on the ground, and what you can do to help.Watch the full video here:https://youtu.be/maqrQJk0nP0?si=Nvd82iNa8TS3p3q1
Live Q&A, Sept  13: Earthquake Response and the State of Travel to Morocco
Sept. 14, 2023

Live Q&A, Sept 13: Earthquake Response and the State of Travel to Morocco

This is the first of our monthly Destination Morocco live Q&A sessions, from Wednesday, Sept. 13. As you may know, we had been planning this event for the past few weeks, with a focus on how to plan your bucket list of things to see and do in Morocco.https://destinationsmorocco.com/relief The earthquake near Marrakech on Sept. 8 immediately turned our focus to sharing as much information as possible on the state of recovery, on whether people can still travel to Morocco and what they can expect there.The short answer is: yes! People are still travelling in and to Morocco, and most of the country has been unaffected. Even in Marrakech, 5 days after the disaster, streets are already being cleared and businesses are reopening, if they closed at all. Most of the new city was only minimally damaged. The older, brick and mortar buildings of the Medina were much more susceptible to damage, but most of the riads remain open. Destination Morocco's office manager in Marrakech, Sam, jo…
Earthquake in Morocco: Impact on Travel, Tourism, and Human Relief Efforts
Sept. 11, 2023

Earthquake in Morocco: Impact on Travel, Tourism, and Human Relief Efforts

Friday night's earthquake in Morocco was sudden and unexpected, and hit home for us here at Destination Morocco. Our office is based in Marrakech and sustained damage, and many of our staff are now homeless. Azdean, based in Houston, felt stuck and helpless, trying to figure out what he could do from so far away.Many of our podcast listeners and former clients have reached out with their condolences and offers of help, for which we are very thankful and appreciative.As we come to terms with this disaster, we know that the Moroccan people are very strong and resilient, will help each other to recover, and will rebuild. We know that tourism will continue, and we encourage people to keep planning their trips and bucket lists. Although Marrakech sustained a lot of damage, being closer to the epicentre, most of the country was untouched. The spirit and energy of travellers will help us enormously with the recovery in the weeks and months ahead.Azdean is joined in today's quick episod…
Touring Morocco: Learning From Azdean's Experience
Sept. 1, 2023

Touring Morocco: Learning From Azdean's Experience

Azdean spent the summer of 2023 researching attractions, riads, hotels, restaurants and activities in Morocco, gathering information to give Destination Morocco clients an even better, more authentic experience.He and his team also captured hours of audio and video footage, which is being rolled out on the Destination Morocco podcast and the new YouTube channel. All in all, it was a lot of logistical planning that put him in the shoes of his clients: figuring out where to go, what to see and for how long. Today Azdean and Ted Cragg, the podcast producer, chat about the tour experience and how listeners can relate when it comes to making the choices for their own tours. From food stops, temperature, driving times, everyday costs, to famous sights and more obscure ones, there is lots in this episode to help you gather ideas and suggestions for your own itinerary.Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for …
Sky view for Marrakech, Ouzoud, Safi and Essaouira
March 21, 2023

Sky view for Marrakech, Ouzoud, Safi and Essaouira

Welcome to this amazing video tour of Sky View, a series of spectacular tourist destinations located throughout Morocco. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to some of the most stunning Sky View locations, including Marrakech, Ouzoud, Safi, and Essaouira.First, we'll start in Marrakech, where you'll experience the magic of this vibrant city from above. From the top of the Sky View tower, you'll get an unparalleled view of the bustling markets, historic landmarks, and colorful streets that make Marrakech one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.Next, we'll take you to the breathtaking Ouzoud waterfalls, where you can witness the majesty of this natural wonder from a unique perspective. With Sky View, you can soar above the cascading waters and lush vegetation, taking in the beauty of the falls from every angle.From there, we'll journey to Safi, a coastal city known for its rich history and stunning landscapes. At the Sky View Safi location, you can experie…
Sky View Laâyoune, Dakhla, Sothern part of Morocco
March 21, 2023

Sky View Laâyoune, Dakhla, Sothern part of Morocco

Welcome to this breathtaking video tour of Sky View Laâyoune, located in the southern part of Morocco near the city of Dakhla. This unique tourist destination offers visitors a one-of-a-kind experience with its stunning panoramic views of the Sahara Desert, the Atlantic Ocean, and the nearby mountain ranges.In this video, you'll be taken on a virtual journey through the Sky View Laâyoune facility, showcasing its various amenities and activities. You'll get a chance to see the comfortable and stylish accommodations available, as well as the delicious cuisine served at the on-site restaurant.But the true highlight of Sky View Laâyoune is, of course, the sky view itself. From the top of the hill, you'll get an unparalleled 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape, with its dramatic sand dunes, sparkling waters, and rugged terrain.In addition to the stunning views, Sky View Laâyoune offers a range of activities for adventurous visitors, such as camel riding, sandboarding, and qu…
Sky view for Ifrane, Fès, Meknès, Moulay Idriss, Volubilis
March 21, 2023

Sky view for Ifrane, Fès, Meknès, Moulay Idriss, Volubilis

Welcome to this mesmerizing video showcasing the stunning sights of Sky view for Ifrane, Fès, Meknès, Moulay Idriss, and Volubilis in Morocco.This region is home to some of the most fascinating and historically rich cities in the country. In this video, you'll get to witness the natural beauty of Ifrane, known for its alpine-style architecture and picturesque landscapes. You'll also get a glimpse of Fès, one of the oldest and most important cities in Morocco, with its bustling medina and grand monuments.As you continue to watch, you'll be taken on a journey through the historic city of Meknès, where you can explore the impressive Bab Mansour gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. You'll also get to see the charming hilltop town of Moulay Idriss, with its winding streets and stunning views.And last but not least, you'll get to witness the awe-inspiring ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved Roman cities in North Africa. Here, you can marv…
Sky view Tiznit, Guelmim, Amtoudi
March 21, 2023

Sky view Tiznit, Guelmim, Amtoudi

Located in the southern region of the country, these areas boast some of the most unique and picturesque vistas in Morocco. From the stunning mountain ranges to the vast desert dunes, this region has something for everyone.In this video, you will get a bird's eye view of the famous Sky view Tiznit, which is known for its panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. You'll also get to see the charming town of Guelmim, with its colorful buildings and bustling markets. And last but not least, you'll witness the awe-inspiring Amtoudi, where you can explore the historic ksar (fortified village) and witness the ancient architecture.Throughout the video, you'll be taken on a journey through the diverse landscapes of this region, from the rugged terrain of the Anti-Atlas Mountains to the golden sands of the Sahara Desert. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or simply seeking adventure, this video is sure to captivate and inspire you.So sit back, relax, and enjoy …