As the saying goes, there’s no better teacher than experience. But at Morocco Travel and Tour, the leading travel agency in Herndon, Virginia for tours to Morocco, we say that the best teacher is an educational experience—in short, a study tour. While we’re at it, allow us to say that Morocco ticks every box for a study tour that is as fun as it is educational. With an astonishing blend of history, tradition, and culture, it’s more accurate to look at the country as a whole world of its own.

We’ve given thousands of students the experience of a lifetime through our travel and tour in Virginia. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Here are the top reasons why you shouldn’t miss the opportunity:

• Morocco is a melting pot of cultures

  Morocco boasts the truest meeting of cultures if there ever was one. With a diverse history and traditions shaped by the cultures of Arabs, Berbers, French, Spanish, and even Romans, expect that you will only have scratched the surface when you start studying about the country.

• Morocco is the perfect haven for language immersion

  Does your foreign language skills from high school need some brushing up? In Morocco, you’ll be sure to do just that. In fact, you can practice with native speakers and fully immerse yourself into Arabic and the other languages used in the country.

  You don’t have to worry about initializing conversations, too. Don’t know how to speak Arabic? You’re in luck! Most Moroccans can speak fluent French. Not enough French? Spanish works just as fine, too. Not enough Spanish as well? English can get you by a little.

• Morocco is a fusion of old and modern progressive influences

  Morocco is pretty much still a conservative country, being able to keep most of its old traditions. However, like any other country in the world, modernity and the progressive ideals that the 21st century brings is slowly catching up. Thus, it’s only expected that Morocco today has been a vessel for old and modern influences, which always makes for an exciting learning experience.

• Morocco has gorgeous landscapes

  You don’t have to travel far to meet the landscape wonders of Morocco. From the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, the Atlas mountains, or even the sunsets at the riad you’re staying at, you can be sure to find the perfect backdrop for your educational experience.

• Morocco has one of the best cuisines in the world

  No trip to Morocco is complete without tasting its world-famous cuisine. Enjoying authentic Moroccan fare at the Djemaa el-Fna square, joining food tours, and eating at souks or marketplaces is enough to make a complete cultural experience in itself. You may also take part in our Moroccan cooking class and bring home a bit of Moroccan culinary magic to your family and friends.

So you’ve done your fair share of research on the culture of Morocco, packed your bags, and booked your ticket, accommodations, and other arrangements through our travel agency in Herndon, Virginia, and now all that’s left is boarding the plane.

We’ve been offering travel and tour in Virginia at our Morocco Travel and Tour agency for years, but we think nothing can really prepare you for this destination marvel. And while we love some spontaneous excursions ourselves, we say it’s always a good thing to have an idea of what to expect, especially since we’re talking about Morocco—the truest melting pot of cultures, if there ever was.

• Cumin is everywhere

  If there’s ever such a thing as a national spice, cumin would be it in Morocco. Cumin or ‘kamoun’ in the local language is a staple in just about every dish in the Moroccan cuisine. From tagines, stews, roasted meats, grilled foods, couscous, curries, salads, and even in seasoning eggs—it’s more uncommon to find any dish without it. Aside from being a culinary wonder, it’s also hailed for its therapeutic and medicinal properties. In fact, a teaspoon of cumin is all you need to settle an upset stomach.

• You need flip flops

  You’d think that for a country famous for its sand dunes and rocky mountain slopes, sneakers and closed-toe shoes will probably be all you need for your trip to Morocco, right? While having these will most likely be enough, bringing flip flops can make your hammam (public steam bath) visits complete. It’ll also come in handy for running around the riads and the campgrounds.

• You will be eating a lot of tagine and couscous

  Couscous is Morocco’s national dish, so expect it to be present in all places that serve food. As a national dish, it occupies a big part of the cultural and religious tradition. In fact, the hours-long, labor-intensive process is the highlight following Friday midday prayers at the mosque, much like the Western tradition of eating together after hearing the Sunday mass.

  Sharing the name with the earthenware it’s cooked in for hours, tagine is considered the one dish that signifies the heart of Moroccan cuisine. It’s not an exaggeration to say that when you’ve cooked a good tagine, you’re set off for life.

• You may get lost
  Talk to any tourist who has visited Morocco, and they’ll probably say they’ve been lost while walking around the beautiful medinas of the country. And who can blame them? The narrow, winding streets and the colorful alleys selling everything from Arabic lamps, Berber rugs, and fragrant spices can be almost magical, especially in the sundown.

Finished booking your trip with Morocco Travel and Tour? While we did make sure our full-service tour packages can accommodate all your needs as you go on a trip of a lifetime, you also need to make sure that you’re well-prepared. We don’t mean learning Arabic or French or going with an extra dose of open-mindedness—although these would help, too. We’re referring to the essentials you will need to face the challenges of the unpredictable Moroccan weather, and ensure your comfort while also being respectful of the Moroccan culture.

As the leading provider of travel and tour in Virginia, we know all too well how being underprepared can affect your enjoyment of your trip. Make sure you have everything covered by preparing three-way:

1. Preparing by season

   Depending on which areas you visit and the season you choose to travel, going on a trip to Morocco can mean sweating through your tunic the whole day and then bundling on warm clothing when the night comes.

   If you plan to visit the Atlantic and the Mediterranean coast, you can still bet on a mild climate even if you go in winter, so instead of bringing winter clothing as you would, bring autumn clothes instead. If you decide to go to mountain areas, bring warm clothes (slightly thicker if you’re sensitive to the cold). And, if you plan to tour the desert, bring loose, light clothing, and don’t forget a scarf to protect yourself from the harsh winds, sand, and dust.

   Include these other essentials for traveling on warm weather—sunblock, insect repellent, hats, water, and even electrolyte, chargers, outdoor gear, etc.

2. Preparing according to culture and religion

   Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country. And although it’s one of the more liberal Muslim countries, it’s important to dress according to tradition, that is, modestly. For men, this means covering your upper arms and your upper legs. For women, this means never exposing your midriff, shoulders, and having a plunging neckline. Women may sometimes need to cover their heads with a scarf when visiting certain places and rural areas.

   Make sure to also stay updated on the Muslim calendar, so you’re prepared when your visit falls on an Islamic holiday. However, seeing as you’re covered by our travel agency in Herndon, Virginia, rest assured your trip will be arranged around these holidays.

3. Preparing by comfort

   This part of the preparation focuses on your personal needs. Particularly sensitive to certain foods? Bring loperamide tablets. Allergies? Take antihistamines with you. Do you use contact lenses? Make sure to bring your contacts solution. Prescription sunglasses are also a good idea so you can be protected from the sun while not sacrificing your eyesight.

In a lot of ways, traveling can be what you make of it. So, while using the above list to prepare, don’t forget to also bring with you a positive attitude and an open mind.

First time in Morocco? We know how excited you must be! Yes, working for travel and tour in Virginia hasn’t blunted our enthusiasm for this beautiful country.

When visiting the country, you will also have to be mindful of the differences among the Moroccan culture from yours. As Morocco is a Muslim country, determining which actions are acceptable in cultural, social, and legal settings will be based on their religion.

Thus, make sure to follow norms, whether they are expressed explicitly or not. Abiding by them will not only make your trip more convenient, but it may also help you better integrate into the culture, making your visit infinitely enjoyable.

Let us at Morocco Travel and Tour, the leading travel agency in Herndon, Virginia for Morocco tours, help you make the most out of your stay through our list of some of the most important do’s and don’ts you have to remember.

Do’s

• Do try the quintessential Moroccan experience.
  Don’t be afraid of being called ‘too touristy,’ go ahead and experience hammam or a steam bath, book a Sahara Desert Tour, visit souks or marketplaces, or sip coffee or mint tea on one of the many cafes littering the streets of any major city in the country, and buy rugs, trinkets, and other souvenirs.
• Do carry enough cash or traveler’s cheques.
  For tips, tolls, and for places that don’t accept cards, having cash or traveler’s cheques is more convenient and safer.
• Do be wary of merchants selling ‘magical’ carpets and other exotic items.
  Just as how Morocco’s beauty invites tourists, it also attracts merchants looking to provide ‘services’ and magical items which you may be suddenly buying without meaning to.
• Be patient
  The way things are done in Morocco favors the easy-going lifestyle and a fairly relaxed schedule, so make sure to bring patience and an open mind with you.
• Do learn a little Arabic or French.
  ‘Merci’ (thank you), ‘bonjour’ (hello), and ‘la shukran’ (no, thank you) can make your trip easier.

Don’ts

• Don’t enter a mosque if you’re not a Muslim
  Mosques are sacred places for Muslims, and going into one when you’re not a Muslim is highly offensive.
• Don’t take a photo without asking for permission
  Devout Muslims and women will not appreciate you taking photos of them, so be sure to ask first for their consent.
• Don’t wear revealing clothing
  This applies to both men and women. If you’re not on the beach or poolside, there is no reason to reveal your arms, legs, and shoulders.

Ready to make your trip to Morocco a journey of a lifetime? Proactively make it one by booking a tour with us today!