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…
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 whe…
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! H…
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 f…
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 …
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 di…
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 w…
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 break…
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 p…
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 w…
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 differen…
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 orde…
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 importance 05:43 - Understanding tagines and tangia 06:49 - 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 much 21:43 - Allergies and vegetarian options 29:16 - Is rice common …
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…
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?” Azd…
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…
