Morocco cultural tips from our experts

“Go with an open mind, a sense of humour and a relaxed attitude. You will be thrilled by what you do and see…It would be impossible to run a rigid itinerary or to maintain a star rating for comfort and amenity. These things varied enormously but that's just 'off the beaten track' Morocco. We were well fed, we slept comfortably - sometimes in luxury - sometimes not, we experienced the real Morocco, we were warmly welcomed wherever we went and most importantly – we had loads of fun.” - Marilyn Wane “Don't bother booking a single supplement room. I have shared rooms with unknown females often and have yet to really not get on with my room/cabin mates. Save the money for souvenirs etc ! I have made a couple of good friends too.” – Elizabeth Wingate “It’s freezing in the Sahara at night, so take the blankets they offer and any clothes that you have. You'll need the vocab sheet they send you beforehand as you'll need to communicate! They are really very friendly, join in with things they do to get the most from it. However, they don't do much in the day, it’s just their way of life - chill out and enjoy the scenery.” – Emma Langridge on our ‘Staying with a Berber family’ vacation “You need a basic level of fitness to cope with the heat and pace of the vacation. Travel light as there are opportunities to wash clothes and buy anything you find you need. Be open to every opportunity and be willing to adapt when there are changes - it is all part of the cultural experience. When changing money on arrival, ask for lots of small notes (20/50 MAD notes) - you will need them for tips and buying bottles of water.” – Graham Jackson on our Morocco cultural tour “Morocco can be cold [in winter] and there is little indoor heating, so remember to bring your long johns and woolly underwear! A pack of cards for something to do at night might also be a good idea.” – Ragnhild Waage

“Make sure (if you go in the Winter) that you take something to cover your eyes from the dust (Ski goggles might be useful and also a nice warm sleeping bag).” – Christopher Duxbury on a vacation in The Sahara “If you plan to go for a local hamman, do buy your own set of "gloves" and olive oil soap and bring them along. Be sensitive to local customs and wear long sleeve tops especially when you're in the mountains and when visiting local homes. Be prepared to bargain when you are in the Medina. Make sure that you check (and agree with) the prices before you go into a taxi or cafe/restaurant. In general, meals are prepared only when you have placed the order, so be prepared to wait a while.” – Ligek Kwekk “The rooms in the Kasbah and the Lodge have a fridge - so if you like to have a cool beer - bring some with you.” – Joan Regan on a Kasbah vacation in the Atlas Mountains “Take lots of cash because you will want to shop, but many places don't take cards. Also don't buy at the first shop, you will see the same things along the way, and it's really worth getting prices from a few places before you start the inevitable haggling process!” – Charles Redfern “Do not underestimate how cold it will be if you go during November/December! Forget any "glam" clothes and concentrate on the thermals! Take lots of antiseptic hand gel and use it all the time.” – Stephanie Edwards “Do as much research as possible on the places visited because it is very intense and too much to absorb during the trip.” – Angela Petardi