Morocco has the appeal of exoticism, but negotiating a successful holiday experience in the country can be tricky if you haven’t visited before. Here’s what you need to know in order to have a great time and stay out of trouble.

Travel

Nowadays, Morocco is more accessible than it has ever been before. And, with a number of low-cost carriers flying to cities like Marrakech and Casablanca from UK airports, it’s cheap to get to as well. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could consider crossing to France by car or train and then taking a ferry the rest of the way.

Travelling within the country is slightly less straightforward. There are several domestic flights which connect through the city of Casablanca; but train travel, which is both fast and safe, may be a more efficient option. Moroccan driving tends to be hair-raising to say the least, so people that hire a car tend to also invest in a chauffeur who knows the roads. 

Weather

Morocco has a reputation for being warm year-round, but actually the weather across the country is extremely diverse. The Atlas Mountain and desert regions are best visited in spring and autumn, when visitors can hope to avoid temperatures that are either searing hot or freezing cold, while the Mediterranean and Atlantic beach resorts are at their best during the summer.

Health and safety

While you may find yourself the focus of interest as a visitor in some areas of Morocco, crime is actually relatively low in the country. It’s still worth protecting yourself against theft and illness, however, by taking out comprehensive travel insurance with a company like Go Travel. You can also reduce your vulnerability by hiding money and keeping valuables in a hotel safe.

Illness can be a problem among British visitors to Morocco, particularly sickness and diarrhoea brought on by food and drink. Stay healthy by avoiding tap water and unpasteurized milk, and eating only cooked and peeled fruit and vegetables. There is a small risk of rabies, but this can be reduced by keeping away from stray animals.

Finally, it’s worth checking the FCO website before you leave on your Moroccan holiday for updated travel advice and warnings.