Spain/Morocco
 

Hi all --

I'm contemplating traveling at slightly above the backpacking level to southern Spain (particularly Sevilla) and Morocco. Any and all hints are appreciated, particularly concerning places to stay in Morocco. I'm very flexible as to time of year and itinerary, but I'm slightly worried as I am a woman and will be traveling alone. I've soloed in Europe, Australia and Mexico, but I do have some reservations about Morocco -- please give me the honest scoop! Thanks in advance!

Hi Tia.

I was in Morocco solo last year and for most part loved it, however the part I loved was as part of a small tour in4x4's.
Went to Fes, Marrakech, High Atlas, Ouarzazate and Taroudannt it was all wonderful and the food was tremendous. At the end of the tour I decided to go to Agidir and spend 4 days by the sea reading a book. What a mistake!! Agidir is a built up, tourist package holiday resort with neither heart nor sole. Reminded me of a tourist sites in one of Spains' Costa's.

I found the Moroccans very friendly and was not concerned about my safety, however you will, along with everone else who visits there, get hassled to buy when in the Souks, but that is all part of the fun.

If in Fes, Marrakech or Taroudannt, stay in a Raid as they will often have single rooms available and are really very charming. Some even have small plunge pools to cool off in and they are all inside the Medina.

If you are interested I will look out some of the Riads I stayed in (highly recommended).

You can travel in a Grand Taxi which goes from town to town picking up passengers along the way. As I was on a Tour I did't use them but spoke to others who did and apart from being overcrowded and having no air con I did't hear any complaints. Sorry but don't know anything about bus or trains.

I am sure you would love Morroco and I do feel you should be quite safe.

As for Seville - well it is wonderful' you will have absolutly no problems there and transport is good.

Helen

ps When in Morroco dress modestly

Tia,

I would also post his on the Africa/Middle East board as you will get more replys. Also try the Solo Board but I don't find it as helpful as this one.

Good Luck

Thanks so much, Helen -- I'd definitely be interested in hearing about the riads you stayed in (that sounded like a wonderful option to me). I hadn't heard about the Grand Taxi, but it sounds like it might be a fun way to go! Also, could you give me information on your tour company? I haven't ruled anything out yet, and am in the so very exciting preliminary stages of planning, so would love ALL information! In terms of dressing modestly, I wasn't planning on wearing shorts or bikini/halter tops, or even sleeveless. Will I be okay in the jeans/capris/t-shirt "backpacker uniform"? If you'd like to e-mail me privately, my email is [email protected], and thanks again for your help!

Michele

I would approach this by arranging to spend my last day in Spain in Algeciras. You will find the town swarming with people able and willing to sell you every possible type of travel deal to Morocco, particularly in the Port Terminal and on the Avenida Virgen del Carmen (Seafront). Not speaking Spanish is not normally any problem. One good tip for anyone going to Morocco is to go well armed with sweets, Bic pens and cigarette lighters.
These are ideal for keeping the kids happy and when they're happy they don't hassle. Learn 2 words, shokran (thank you) and La (no) - these will take you a long way. Enjoy your trip.

for cambe, it's already on the solo board but with no responses (except mine suggesting posting on the europe board -LOL)! good suggestion about africa/middle east as well.

for tia, glad to see you're getting some answers!

Morocco is excellent, on of my more memorable excursions. I too did it from Spain, ferry over from Algiceras. Definitely go if you can, wonderful country. I agree to try to cross post this thread on Africa board however I think for Morocco actually you will get a better response under this, the Europe thread, as many of us go on an extension of our European travels. Best of luck to you and happy travels.

KE1TH has been posting a great trip report about Portugal, Spain, Morocco. It is fascinating and may interest you as you plan your travels.

Hi Michele,

Will have a search for the riads and e mail you (throughly recommend them). The one in Marrakech was fabulous. I had this small single room which was opulently furnished and there were several patios all beutifully finished with those lovely morrocan tiles -super.

I went with a UK tour which starts in London so I don't know if it would be much use to you www.kuoni.com, but have a look at their web site. Last year was their first year in Morocco.

When I said dress modestly I was really talking about strappy tops and short shorts (you will be OK in knee length shorts). I bought a large long scarf when there (very cheap) and carried it in my bag and covered my shoulders with it if I felt it appropriate. You do not need to wear long sleeves just make sure your shoulders are covered and head, when around Mosques (BTW you will not be allowed into any Mosques). Fes is more consevative than Marrakech or Taroudannt (known as mini Marrakech).

The Grand Taxis are for out of town and as far as I know they do not have meters so you have to agree a price before you set off. For travel inside the towns you use a Petit Taxi which as far as I remember are orange coloured and they have a sign on top saying petit taxi. They are metered but make sure it is switched on and they can be haled at the side of the road (there are hundreds of them and quite safe).

The souk in Fes is huge and very narrow and it would be easy to get lost. Marrakech is also big but if you get lost just ask the way to 'the big square' (Place Jemaa el-fna) and you will be back in the centre.

Do take a trip into the Atlas Mountains on some of the roads we were the only transport, everthing was carted up by mule!!

Do you speak French? It is the second language and an advantage.

I will do a search and email you anything else I can find.

Helen

Hi Tia: Two summers ago, I stayed at the Hotel Alcantara in Sevilla (Old Town) which I got from Maribel on this forum. The single room was about $65 USD and the a/c was outstanding. I used the hotel for my base and then traveled by bus to Gibraltor and then to Morocco via Spain by boat. I was also able to go to the coast of Portugal by train. The hotel stored my luggage until I returned. I also took day trips to various cities in Spain. I had no trouble traveling solo. Have fun.

You might want to check out the State Department's Consular Information Sheet about Morocco.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p...s/cis_975.html

Quotes from the State Department site:

"A series of terrorist bombings took place in Casablanca on May 16, 2003. However, additional attacks have since been thwarted by Moroccan law enforcement. Although U.S. Government facilities were not the target of the Casablanca attacks (and no Americans were killed or injured), the potential for violence against American interests and citizens remains high in Morocco. "
and:
"While in Morocco, it is important to be vigilant to one's surroundings, and to maintain a low profile. All U.S. citizens are urged to consider seriously their personal security and to take those measures they deem appropriate to ensure their well-being."

About women traveling solo:

"Unescorted women in any area of Morocco may experience verbal abuse. The best course of action is to ignore such abuse. Some women who have responded have come under physical attack."

Maybe the State Department's analyses for travelers are like package inserts for drugs, itemizing dire possible side effects -- something you'd better not read if you're going to take a drug prescribed by your doctor.