Introduction to Family Vacations in Morocco

Many Western travelers are bitten by the Moroccan bug, seduced by the wild, unspoiled beauty of the country. Whether your dream is to traverse Tetouan’s narrow alleys or plod on the back of a stately camel across the delirious Sahara, getting there should be quite as important and splendid an experience as arriving. Arguably, no better vacation can be had than that in Morocco. It is a unique place for all age groups. With its long coastline, a multitude of places of interest and places to visit, usually the summer is the best time to visit. Traveling with your family can be both challenging and rewarding. Definitely, making your children more aware at an earlier age of the world around them can only be beneficial. There are numerous possibilities within Morocco: taking a diverse and culture-soaked destination that is Morocco. In recent times, Morocco has shown great concern about catering to those who wish to travel with children and has made great strides in a few of the major destinations both in and outside the city and at the more interesting Kasbahs and Riads.

Cultural Experiences

Cultural Attractions Discover fascinating camel trekking in the Sahara Desert. This special desert called Erg Chebbi is located in southeastern Morocco. It is known and well recognized for its captivating gigantic sand dunes. They are also called high dunes that come together to form an unforgettable landscape. In the guest house, belly dancers and local musicians will be performing for you. Clans of families who have originated and lived in the desert for as long as they have inhabited this magical place will be your service providers. The knowledge and service of these desert clans in serving guests from all over the world will leave you with an unforgettable memory. Sheikh bands will then take your crew from this fantastic desert with its beautiful Berber architecture villages. Touring Morocco is a very recommended option for enthusiasts of Moroccan tourism; this is an affordable way of glimpsing the old lifestyle and experience of the state.

Top Destinations for Families

Rolling hills, fantastic views of the Rif mountain range, beautiful beaches, authentic culture, and unique shopping opportunities make Asilah a fun pit stop for the whole family. Sleep easy as you’ll also find very nice amenities and excellent accommodations to support all of that beach play and town exploring. Want extreme activities like quad biking? No problem here either. Home to friendly people, a charming, relaxed atmosphere, fantastic Mediterranean weather, and the typical beauty of a Moroccan town, Asilah is a must-see stop on any Moroccan adventure. One of the most family-friendly cities in the country, Essaouira is an excellent choice for a family vacation. It’s truly a destination where children, parents, and even the grandparents can let loose and enjoy some much-needed sea and sun. Want to surf, kite, or windsurf? No problem! Horses, camels, and ATVs are easy to arrange for a thrilling kind of afternoon. Running around in the sand, taking idyllic walks, climbing fortress stairs? You bet. With very moderate temperatures year-round and a wide range of activities to choose from, Essaouira is a no-brainer for stress-free fun.

Marrakech

Marrakech has a tale that goes back over a thousand years. It has one of the busiest squares in Africa, and the city sets itself apart from all others with its relentless energy and a continued flood of intoxicating scents, sounds, and sights. The city is also a major economic center and home to various major attractions, which include the Jemaa El-Fnaa, Majorelle Garden, Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, Marrakech Museum, and the Medina of Marrakech. The imperial city also boasts a number of traditional riads, which are beautiful private establishments that offer a traditional feel of Morocco.

The Jemaa El-Fnaa is a large marketplace and the busiest square in Africa. The spot, which is well noted for its large audience, attracts storytellers, dancers, snake charmers, magicians, and musicians. The square is located in the city’s main square and market area, known as the Medina. The mosque is a great sample of Islamic architecture and a must-visit for tourists. It is also considered to be a major attraction of the old town. The Koutoubia Mosque is another great must-visit place. The mosque, with its towering minaret, also known as the Koutoubia Tower, is located in the southwest Medina quarter of Marrakech.

Fes

Fes, located in the north, is not as vibrant as Marrakech, but perhaps it is going to teach you more about Moroccan culture. You will get a real active experience of the Moroccan lifestyle in this old capital, with its fascinating old medina, narrow streets, ancient fortresses, authentic houses, wooden balconies, and colorful shops. Fes is very rich in terms of landmarks; the Fes al-Bali and Fes el-Jdid are very interesting. Although there are no gardens in the city of Fes, the terrace is magnificent. It offers a magnificent panoramic view of the city of Fes. There are many mosques and old bazaars in the city, and there are plenty of shopping opportunities, where you can buy wonderful Moroccan carpets and lace in Fes. Clean clothes and bakeries sell dough and fresh cheese, and you can drink juices from the most beautiful date palms. There are plenty of cafés where people can sit and watch wandering shoppers or relax. You should certainly eat at one of the many traditional restaurants and try the famous Moroccan tajine or couscous.

 Agadir

Agadir is modern, clean, and safe. It is a well-developed seaside resort. Agadir started as a fishing town, and although it is no longer just a fishing town, you can find a great fish market in front of the port. Agadir has a stunning beach with extensive stretches of broiling white sand that fill up with families from all over Morocco during the summer. The beach is backed by a large promenade that is lined with cafes, restaurants, and bars. The seafront is also where you’ll find many of Agadir’s best hotels and family-friendly resorts. From this promenade, if you walk right, you will reach the port and then the village of Jardin de Olhao, a small and spartan village with spectacular views.

Agadir is home to two adventurous sides. As a fishing town, it has built a rich tradition of great seafood that’s not to be missed. Atlantic waves give adrenaline seekers a thrill. As well as beach holidays, Agadir offers a variety of water sports – from every variety of surfing imaginable to more sedate pedalos and kayaking. At its heart, Agadir’s wide crescent of sand is perfect for safe bathing, and the beach is patrolled by lifeguards and attractions for the kids. Boogie boarders can also make use of the waves farther along the bay’s 10 km where the surf breaks on the sandy shore. Water sport instruction and equipment hire are available from several stands near the main area.

3.4. Chefchaouen

Located in the Rif mountains of northwest Morocco, Chefchaouen is uniquely breathtaking. The medina, which is the old part of town, is painted a wonderful sky blue, which makes you feel as though you’re underwater or at least struck by the strong blue of the sea. The old walled section is a delight to the senses, a jumble of cobblestone streets, steep stairways leading up and down the hillsides, bright blue and whitewashed houses, and red tile shingle roofs. In addition to the visual appeal of the city, there are a good number of boutique hotels and local Moroccan riads where you can stay immersed in the local culture. The medina has some remarkable restaurants. There are also an amazing number of craft shops. These carry all the old local crafts: hand-woven wool textiles, embroidered blankets, hats, and slippers, pottery, woodwork, and painted furniture. It is a low-key and inexpensive destination that has a unique aspect of both the stark, soaring mountains and the colorful architecture highlighting a timeless old village possessed of so many characteristics unique to Morocco. In addition to its physical beauty, it is a welcoming and peaceful place. The friendly people of Chefchaouen make this an ideal place to relax with the family for a few days. This is a far cry from the cosmopolitan pace and make-and-do of a city like Marrakech or Fes. You have the luxurious time to just wander, to soak it in. Don’t miss the waterfall in the mountains, which is driven by snowmelt from the ski resort. In May, the fields and hillsides are decked out in wildflowers of all shapes and colors that make the sight phenomenal. In summer, one can cool off in this more ‘local’ destination than the other common tourist hotspots.

3.5. Essaouira

Essaouira is another magnificent coastal city just a short trip from Marrakech. The ancient sandstone buildings form a charming and picturesque backdrop to the exotic and colorful wares and craftsmen’s wares available for purchase in the market squares. Don’t miss a stroll around the coastline to watch those wild waves in action. For hundreds of years, Essaouira has been a popular location for fishing, and this is very apparent from the delicious seafood on offer. Grilled fish come with traditional sides, served at the numerous harbor-side cafes. Heritage is all around in Essaouira. Dating back to the mid-1700s, the medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Essaouira has been described as a calm and chilled-out place. This may be down to not just the atmosphere of the town but the real annual influx of hippies who gather every June to share their love of music and arts at the Gnaoua Festival, a town event involving world-famous artists. And then, for the sporty members of the family, there’s windsurfing at beach level and kite surfing for the more adventurous. Horse riding can also be enjoyed and guarantees fun for all levels of rider.

 Outdoor Activities

Those who find swimming in the cold waves of the Atlantic suspicious and do not want to go to the sunny beaches in the Sahara can enjoy fishing, walking, and camel rides. But it’s not all about entertainment. In Morocco, it is difficult to relax here by chance because of the many outdoor activities. For example, hiking through the tourist center is a great way to experience the magnificent landscapes of the Moroccan part of the Sahara Desert, the beautiful peaks, and gorges of the Atlas Mountains. There are also more specific types of adventure that cannot be confused with any other activities. For example, it is difficult to forget experimenting with hot air balloons and skiing in the mountains, but at the same time, it is a constant test of the strength and ingenuity of the learner, requiring reorganization over time. In case of any rest during the tours, it can be more lightweight. For example, sleeping in the fresh air, picnicking, or even very comfortable accommodation in special hotels.

Catch the warmth of the sun’s rays and the gentle waves of the sea on the beach – is this the rest for you to understand? No, go to Morocco, and with simple relaxation against the backdrop of such stunning natural beauty, agree with all the necessary colors. After all, sunbathing on the beaches of Morocco, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the coastal area. And enjoy swimming, fishing, walks, and camel rides. In Morocco, there is nothing here that fans will remain without entertainment. Travelers staying in Morocco for a vacation can legally attend the specific types of natural entertainment in the country. These include balloon flights and mountain skiing. In Morocco, there are centers, and you can walk from the neighboring town. Whenever there is such a rest, the building allows for tours and a more comfortable hotel stay.

Hiking in the Atlas Mountains

High Atlas in Morocco offers great opportunities for hiking and climbing expeditions. Numerous peaks in the Toubkal Massif, from 3000m to 4176m of Toubkal and 4089m of M’Goun, are suitable for the average hiker. Climbers will seek the challenge of the north face of Toubkal and the knife-edge crescent of the Ouanoums, the walls of Taksedit, or the deep gullies of Afella. The best period for hiking in the high valleys, around 2000m, is between April and October. Tours in the more remote valleys at higher altitudes are organized from mid-June to the end of September. The western High Atlas offers the most spectacular and accessible winter conditions for hikers; the high massifs of Mgoun and Toubkal provide numerous ski ascents. The heart of the High Atlas is less visited, still relatively wild, and an exciting hiking area. There are many Berber villages scattered throughout the mountains, and mountain refuges are available to offer hikers shelter for the nights. The Sierra has since been divided into six sections, and all the information is on the individual pages.

 Camel Trekking in the Sahara

The desert in Morocco represents some of the best opportunities for visitors to escape the daily grind and the virtual communication of the internet and spend some real time together. And what a difference the environment makes! The wide open wastelands with absolutely no distractions give you the opportunity to really be together, to converse and share experiences. What better place to spend time with your kids than discussing the many moods of the sun setting over the immense desert? Have you ever been awe-struck at the sight of the enormity of the starlit heavens? The Moroccan desert, with the help of its magic and with simply great people, can send you and your special family back home with a new sense of each other.

Camel riding or camel trekking essentially means a ride at the back of a camel. Here, the riders are able to enjoy the magnificent view of many tourist destinations at a height that puts most other animal rides to shame. Riding a camel is a must-try activity if you visit Morocco or if you ever come across a tourist destination where camel riding can be done. Camels are known as the “ship of the desert” due to the fact that their hump is likened to ships that sail the sea. The Sahara in Morocco, the ever-popular Moroccan desert, is filled with camels and undulating sand dunes. Many tourists visit Morocco due to the camel trek that they can do in the desert. The best way to tour Morocco is through a desert camel trip with reputable desert trip companies.

Beach Activities in Agadir

The most popular family-friendly activity in Agadir is to head for the beach. Agadir has world-famous beaches that stretch for kilometers up and down the coast. These beautiful golden beaches are perfect for children to play on. There are beach sports and activities including volleyball, bungee jumping, and jet skis. You can also take a horse ride or a camel trek and enjoy the exhilarating feeling of riding an animal into the sea. There are also plenty of beach restaurants serving fresh seafood and light Moroccan dishes, so it is easy to have a fun day lounging on the beach before indulging in a quality meal looking out to the ocean. Sun City has even more beach attractions like the crazy wave pool and the knee-knocking water slides. Agadir is the only beach resort in Morocco with this type of establishment, and it is close to the city center, so it is easily accessed. The restaurant offers plenty of facilities like beach umbrellas that can be rented, play areas for children, massages, shopping, paddle boats, and pedalos for rent, so there is plenty to do to entertain you. This is a great place for children to have fun and for parents to relax close to the beach.

 Family-Friendly Accommodations

Trekking and camel tours stay in comfortable bivouac tents. Bivouac VIP Luxury Campsite is a special tent camp south of Erfoud in the prime meridian. The Saharan Hotel offers private desert alcoves with air conditioning. The Hotel offers excellent food and evening entertainment. Different lodges in Tinehir and Ouarzazate make for excellent family vacations. In the Sahara, do not miss the chance to stay in a comfortable tent camp. Staying in a tent camp is one of the best things to do with families in Morocco. Tent camps for families offer the luxury of a proper bed, en-suite facilities, a restaurant tent, and the option to sleep under the stars. However, families with young kids and elderly members should make sure that the evening campfire sites are stable and safe.

 Resorts

In resorts in Morocco, families are carefully considered, and the well-being of children and the tranquility of their parents are at the heart of the resort’s concerns. The hotel has prepared a special multisensory sports course for children and young mothers: the Balanced Baby Break. With the benefit of a baby gym, baby massage, yoga, fitness room, hiking, and Pilates, this program has been developed in partnership with a health club specializing in the field. For young children who cannot yet take advantage of these activities, the resort has created a sports academy for budding athletes. For 4 to 10-year-olds, children’s clubs offer skiing, snowboarding, and swimming lessons, as well as snowshoeing and games on the theme of the mountains. Teenagers, meanwhile, will be able to play in the simulator room and try snowmobiling and other mountain activities with the guidance of a mountain guide.

The hotel restaurants provide children’s menus for those between 4 and 10. Children from 11 to 17 can join their parents at the restaurant, and a baby area equipped with a microwave and blender is also available. For parents who want to be certain of their child’s safety, a babysitting service is available, and a special room service table has been designed so the parents can dine with their baby. A microwave, bottle warmer, complete menu, and baby bottle service are available 24/7.

 Riads

A riad is a traditional townhouse built around an interior courtyard or garden. Moroccans are renowned for their hospitality, and this is most evident in a riad. While there are plenty of luxurious hotels in Morocco, it is worth staying in a traditional riad to appreciate the style, handcrafted furniture, and decoration. Riads are often a calm oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city outside. You can enjoy a fish tagine, made with fresh fish bought locally, while listening to traditional music and enjoying the ambiance and peace of the courtyard lit by the stars. There is often a roof terrace, where you can enjoy the sunset with mint tea or eat breakfast in the morning. Riads are often decorated with stunning bedrooms named after precious stones. If you are staying with a large family, book the sapphire suite for your loved ones, as it is the largest room and big enough for the whole family. Sometimes there is an outdoor pool in the main courtyard of the riad, where you can take a refreshing swim in warm weather. We often end our holiday with a few nights in Marrakech, going to the souk and visiting the numerous palaces, such as the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs, which have been carefully restored. The traditional Moroccan simple style welcomes our kids. There is a serenity found in the simple style, and we don’t need to worry about them breaking anything. Most riads have step-free access or ramps, so if you are taking babies, it will be easy for you to bring your pram. Ground-floor rooms often open onto the courtyard, so monitor your child as you open the door in case they run out. Some riads will serve food that is unsuitable for children and not have a children’s menu. We like to eat here when the children are asleep and put them to bed. The menus, while basic, are available, and sometimes our older children come with us when we are sure they can behave. Casablanca and Marrakech have the largest number of riads. In other cities and in rural areas, accommodations are not typically riads.

Hotels

In Morocco, hotels can be found in every city and more often than not in every village. Whether it is a modern or an “authentic” hotel you are after, you will not be hard put to make your choice. You should still know, however, that your taste is liable to fluctuate regularly. You will thus one day seek the tourist atmosphere in a friendly establishment and the next peace and quiet in a beautiful old building, far from the crowd. You may also prefer a very comfortable place after a tiring trip, or equally prefer the life of a humble dwelling. If you are not part of an organized group, you will have to book in well-known hotels. In general, you will always find in them a French-speaking person at the reception and you will have no trouble in attending to the smallest details concerning your children. On the other hand, these hotels may be boring when no children’s activities are organized. By arriving early in the day, during daylight, you can easily see the hotel furniture and the service and reject them if necessary. Those planning to travel all over the country should bring their sleeping bags with them. Indeed, it is advisable to sleep in clean and tidy establishments, but the conditions of hygiene of Moroccan hotels remain deficient. You must take your own precautions, especially if you are traveling with young children. We will say just as much about the restaurants within the country. It is equally wise to avoid the more solid fruits except in good establishments. Lastly, three or four stars is enough for Morocco: beyond that, the dream may occasionally be troubled and no longer have the color of reality.

Cuisine and Dining Options

Dining and meal preparation options are pivotal features of the best family resorts, and it is important to look for the ones that offer a flexible and varied array of choices that suit everyone in the family, regardless of dietary preferences and appetites. Furthermore, flexible dining options should be backed by the ability to cater to alternative dietary requirements, such as food allergies and intolerances. Look out for family resorts that have high chairs for young kids, plastic utensils and cups, and easy, kid-friendly meal options on both children’s and regular menus. Lastly, a range of dining options is essential when you are on holiday with kids. No one can tolerate endless trips to the buffet – kids have different taste buds and short attention spans. So it is important to choose a hotel that has more dining options than just the main dining room.

A resort’s location can also affect what options there are for meals and snacks, and whether or not they are in walking distance. Finally, if you like dining in a relaxed atmosphere and prefer to eat in your pajamas, make sure your family hotel provides room service. You can also use your family car rental to deliver food to the hotel. When dining at restaurants with children, be sure to bring items such as toys or coloring books to keep young minds busy while waiting for food to arrive. Eating in a nice restaurant is not always easy with children, but it is possible to have a great meal from any of the following dining venues with children.

 Traditional Moroccan Dishes

If you can’t make it here or find a Moroccan restaurant near you, at least consider inviting a Moroccan family for a day or evening of traditional dishes. You will be amazed. Couscous is a very ancient wheat pasta and is often cooked beneath a meat stew or seasoned chunks of meat, such as beef, lamb, or chicken. The dish can be rather elaborate when garnished with various kinds of cooked vegetables, such as pumpkins, carrots, turnips, and chickpeas, but the regular presentation consists of raisins, chickpeas, and onions cooked into the meat. Normally, every Friday, young children take the large meat stew to the closest bakery where owners bake the couscous components and garnish with broth from the meat. Residents generally benefit from neighboring family visits. A very wide variety of delicious tagines is also prepared with meat or poultry seasoned with prunes, apricots, lemon concentrate, orange concentrate, and so on. A recipe based on partridge is unusual and delicious. Tagines are usually served with pieces of Moroccan bread. Traditional Moroccan pastries and sweets are really well worth selecting at tea time; the almond-based sweet pies, dusted with icing sugar, are difficult to resist and can be enjoyed with strong black tea prepared by steeping fresh mint leaves. Sour, brine-cured green olives are served as a complement during the meals and are of superior quality in Morocco. Yogurt is also a foreign dish in Morocco. Amlou is a very similar and famous almond and honey dip, produced from roasted, crushed almonds and honey.

 Family-Friendly Restaurants

Kids can be very particular eaters, and when you’re traveling, you want to find a place to eat where both you and the kids in tow will enjoy the food. There are many family-friendly restaurants in Morocco that serve dishes where kids won’t have an issue finding something they like. Pizza and pasta are popular among the young crowd. If your family enjoyed a Moroccan cooking class, seek out a family-friendly restaurant that serves traditional fare. With all the tagines and couscous available, it shouldn’t be difficult to find a great spot for a family meal. Slaoui is located just south of the Jardin Jnane El Harti in Gueliz. It not only has traditional Moroccan food that the adults will enjoy, but a handful of international choices including pasta and pizza for the kids. Don’t forget to visit the chocolate shop next door. There you can purchase edible chocolate shot glasses to take home with you! The two-story café in Gueliz has a full kids’ corner. They have kids’ chairs, activity boxes with stickers, activities, and mini coloring books provided with crayons. It’s a great place to relax for a few minutes and grab a pastry.

 Cooking Classes for Families

Another rewarding activity to enjoy together as a family is a Moroccan cooking course where children and adults learn together. This is particularly educational as well as enjoyable, and it is also a great opportunity to teach children about the properties of certain foods and the healthy Mediterranean diet in general, while the participation and the pride in the outcome make it more appealing to them. The workshops are generally lively, informal, and interactive, with a fun and friendly setting where the traditional way of life and eating in Morocco can be discovered.

The courses are suitable for guests of all culinary levels and interests, and those with high expectations for cuisine tours will not be disappointed. The Moroccan cooking workshops offer visitors and established guests both the opportunity to enhance their culinary knowledge and techniques and to create some wonderful Moroccan dishes in a relaxed and friendly environment. Whether it’s a special journey of family bonding or a brief cooking class, the workshops offer a sensational culinary experience in a traditional Moroccan house.

 Transportation Options

When you vacation in Morocco, there are a few key transportation options you’ll be faced with. The most common ones are train, personal vehicle, public bus, and plane. Major sites in Morocco are well connected by train and bus, and the roads throughout the country are well maintained and safe for driving. When traveling, bear in mind the fact that there’s only one train line in the south of the country, and it takes a long time to complete the journey. Also, there is no train line in the Middle Atlas or the Anti-Atlas, so consider this depending on your travel needs.

When choosing transportation, be aware of your budget and your desired travel time, and be sure to compare competing airlines and train or bus schedules. To get between cities, consider the buses. These bus companies pick up at the bus stations just outside of the main cities, and also at train stations. Their first-class buses are very comfortable, including air conditioning and charging points, and all offer a clean bathroom. Prices vary, so be sure to compare rates. When planning a family trip, consider using the safest, most comfortable, and fastest modes of travel.

 Public Transport

Public transport in Morocco is generally cheap, reliable, and frequent. The main cities are linked by buses operated by either the state-owned bus company or one of the various smaller companies. The latter are often cheaper, but their buses are often older, with less chance of air conditioning. Large cities and towns have a bus station or depot which survives as organized chaos despite competition from private taxi firms. A state company runs the efficient train service, but its routes are much narrower than the bus network.

Morocco has an excellent range of public transportation. It is easy to travel by bus. There are exciting grand taxis traveling throughout most of the country, and the train system covers most of the north. The grand taxis operate on a shared ride basis, traveling until they fill their six passenger seats. Grand taxis cover specific routes between cities, towns, and villages. They can usually be found at a grand taxi stand in the larger cities. If you don’t want to wait for the grand taxi to be full, it is possible to buy the empty seats. The grand taxi is not particularly democratic. They do not operate until the car has been filled with the correct passengers.

 Car Rentals

When qualifying for car rentals, there are some things that you should be aware of. One is the issue of fuel utilization and payment. If you have a car, it is best that you still rent a fuel station. If the car is rented, make sure to ask for cars that are fuel efficient. It is best that you choose cars that are best suited for fuel-efficient travels in the atmosphere, noise, and the world in order to get the most out of your travel experience. Make sure you rent a GPS system if the car does not contain any satellite wireless location. The reason for this is that you can easily find directions for the traveling activities in order to ensure that your travel itinerary is not spoiled. Ensure that you possess your car with your credit card. Do not depend on individuals to make you lose because they are big family vacations.

To come to this, make sure that you possess your credit card, ID details, and driving license. If the rental company has a policy that avoids individuals from driving dangerous cars, however, in these situations, you need to pay its cost. At last, remember to check the car’s exterior and interior for damage and report these things to the operator to avoid trouble and charge for the reimbursement of these parts.

Guided Tours

When touring Morocco, book at least one guided tour to have an overview of this country’s rich culture and history. You will see most of the sights that will take you time to explore on your own, like the following day you visit Marrakech’s souks with those narrow winding alleys for the first time by yourself. Your guide will bring you in and out of these alleys and back without you worrying about how to find landmarks. All our driver has to do is pick you up and take you to the new stops. We may know something about Moroccan history, but I would not be able to gather as much information if we walked on my own. Good guides with local knowledge at major sights are worth their fees, and a knowledgeable guide can bring historic figures and events alive with storytelling. Furthermore, they can offer access to sights and people that we might not experience on our own. We may consult our guidebook or spend endless hours researching our destination and chatting with others to gather sightseeing information, but a fluent English-speaking local guide can give you specifics on history, religion, and culture that would be difficult to discover as a lone traveler.

 Safety Tips for Families

Family-friendly Morocco is safe for travelers young and old, and following some basic advice can make your vacation even safer. Guideline 1. Travel smart, not scared: Remind kids (and nervous grown-ups) that they are less afraid of strangers and new things at home, and less likely to get lost then. Ignoring disturbing street sights or conversations, and discreetly carrying your valuables, will also help your kids feel safer and act that way. Guideline 2. Avoid unnecessary attention: Morocco’s strong family culture may create tensions but no real dangers if you or your children do anything to drive a wedge into unwanted, even if well-intended, company. Halting the inevitable stream of compliments for your family’s beauty is a good risk minimizer. To blend in better, make sure your kids play with Moroccan children as soon as possible. Guidebooks have gone overboard in their horror stories about travelers being harassed by mobs, chain vendors, or child beggars. Nonetheless, a stranger recognizing a child’s name or your marital status because your child has been chattering about you in the medina can be quite unsettling.

Guideline 3. Take your time: Families are allowed extra time to serve a lively mint tea, ponder, or just relax over a friendly engagement of conversation. Conversely, locals are less likely to take offense if you remove yourself from a pressured situation politely to keep a tantrum in check. Your kids sense when you are tense or uptight and can react similarly. Try out some mental calming routines using images or scents from your family’s life. Guideline 4. Remember, most locals are parents: Moroccans are fond of children, and the vast majority of locals understand and forgive young travelers’ usual behavior. With their large families and prolific ways, most Moroccans have accumulated a body of hard-earned knowledge about how to handle obstreperous or precocious behavior. Encourage good-natured kids to praise Moroccan children for handling their work. Guideline 5. Dress appropriately: It’s okay to wear sleeveless tops, shorts, no-frill pants, skorts, or yoga wear; only locals have to worry about breaking the law. Atmospheric cues in some Moroccan neighborhoods boost your dignity and self-assurance. Using a scarf as a wrap eliminates the need for a wardrobe change when leaving the beach and is, in any case, a good example of versatility. You will only be required to cover your body with a garment from head to toe if you enter a mosque. Every woman receives a scarf as a gift. Guide or dress your children so as not to put themselves or their families in an embarrassing position.

Cultural Etiquette and Customs

Travelers who are sensitive to Arab culture will have a much more positive experience. As a Muslim country, the Islamic infrastructure determines Moroccan society. One should always keep these guidelines in mind when interacting with Moroccans. 1. Women shouldn’t speak to or intentionally touch Moroccan men. 2. Do not offer or give money (especially to children). 3. If you enter a mosque, shoes and long sleeves and pants are an absolute must. 4. Pointing is considered very rude. 5. Always use the right hand. 6. Always ask before you take close-up pictures of a local woman, particularly in rural areas. 7. Muslims are encouraged to greet men by pressing their right palm over their heart. Standing for introductions is also another way to show respect for elders. 8. This is not a culture for public displays of affection. 9. If invited to someone’s home, remember to bring a small gift for your hostess (never alcohol). 10. It is discouraged to wear very revealing clothing even in the hot Western Sahara. Women are encouraged to cover their heads in rural areas. Men in general should respect the conservative dress code as well.

Packing Tips for Morocco Family Travel

Here’s how to master the art of family travel packing, with a few invaluable tips from well-traveled parents on how to zip up and leave a sense of adventure, and most importantly, nothing behind! Roll your clothes and pack multiple copies of multi-use items like hair ties in different bags. If you’ve got enthusiastic kids who are keen to help, ask them to help with counting out items so everyone knows they’ve packed the number of items they need. Invest in some small-scale, good quality luggage that your child can carry. Whether it’s a rucksack or a little wheelie case, this way it’s less likely to be over-packed with frivolous items and heavy to drag around. To avoid kids leaving their bag on the airplane, ensure it’s a different or unique color, and double-check they have their passport attached beneath their coat or toy prior to departure. Keep a stash of emergency snack bowls in the car for that moment at 7:30 AM when your little one sneezes and sees his nose is bleeding, and your other little one inadvertently steps in it. Top up a first aid bag and attach it to a bag that a grown-up will carry. Fill it with everything from painkillers and allergy relief tablets to plasters and fingerless gloves or tape bandage. Create a family travel ‘grab’ bag filled with essentials for each member of the family and leave it at the bottom of the staircase prior to departure. Opt for a soft but also easily cleaned base for your family travel outfit. Clean and casual layers in a spectrum of colors make your wardrobe travel-friendly while avoiding any fashion drama.

Best Times to Visit Morocco with Family

The best time to visit the Sahara is from October to April, but when the desert is green from January through April, it’s also the least comfortable time to visit as it can get cold. If your primary goal is to escape the winter blues, then the southern coastal regions of Morocco, mainly the Agadir, Taroudant, and Tiznit regions, are your best bet for a beach vacation. These are the warmest destinations in Morocco in winter. Marrakech and Essaouira also offer plenty of mild wintertime weather along with vivid cultural experiences. As a general rule, Morocco is too hot in summer anytime after May, depending on the year, to be visited by the heat-sensitive traveler. One of the things that you should keep in mind is that the weather can change radically from year to year. It may be raining in Morocco two years in a row in December; it may be dry the third year, etc. In recent years, the entrance of El Niño into the North Atlantic has confused the weather patterns, so it’s becoming very difficult to predict the weather from one season to the next in Morocco.

 Budgeting for Family Vacations

Does booking your family vacation require lots of effort? Here are the lists of best family vacations in Morocco. If you’re planning a family vacation to Morocco, these trips are packed full of everything to keep your kids entertained and then some! A few ideas include playing in the surf of Legzira Beach, family-owned guesthouses in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains, visiting Morocco’s most exotic cities, and unique nature reserves. You can try some camel trekking in the world-famous Erg Chebbi dunes. The guesthouses offer large family suites and free breakfast during your stay. Remember, all our trips are easily tailored to suit families.

The more you know about the cost of your trip ahead of time, the easier it is to stick to your budget. Unless currency rates are constantly fluctuating, allowing the U.S. dollar to weather privately contracted foreign charges might affect your costs. For a family vacation, saving in advance for expected and unexpected expenses is sensible and saves you money. Essentials are always necessary for every family vacation. To avoid potential financial pitfalls and ensure the security of your personal funds, cover your family vacation costs with a credit card for easy access to your funds and benefit from a more favorable exchange rate. The expenses of family vacations can easily mount. Keep costs within your budget and avoid financial stress by setting limits and monitoring your spending before and during your family vacation. Different travel to Morocco needs budget planning in different styles, times, and resource allocations that your family vacation may require. Making budget planning a higher priority will help you stay within your financial comfort zone.

Health and Travel Insurance

Health: Morocco is the land of great food and is especially known for its tagines. Make sure your children drink water from a good and reliable source and avoid many of the street foods while on vacation in Morocco. Make sure you pack any medical essentials that you require on your visit to Morocco. Pack bug spray to help repel unwanted bugs. Insect repellents containing DEET are generally both safe and effective for adults and children over 2 months of age. When using sunscreen, make sure it is high protection as the Moroccan sun can be quite strong for very sensitive skin. Remember to apply high-factor sunscreen regularly. First aid kits are essential wherever you are in the world. Add children’s essential medications, band-aids, unpreserved eye drops, and antihistamines for allergic reactions.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is always a good idea, even for vacations. It could cost as little as 4% of the total vacation, but it will also ensure you are properly protected should an unfortunate event happen. At a 4% cost on a trip, the potential health and legal troubles that have occurred to travelers on vacation won’t seem like such a burden should they occur to you. The medical coverage for most travel insurances is not as extensive as health insurance. Basic travel insurance generally covers an emergency room visit or a doctor’s office visit. While most health insurance carriers, or the public health service, will pay for the expenses you’ve incurred, you have to pay out of pocket first and then get reimbursed later. It’s a minor inconvenience, especially if your child gets ahold of a poisonous plant or animal. Find a travel insurance that is suitable and consider any health problems and unexpected travel decision cancellations.

Activities for Children

In the major cities of Morocco, children can play soccer or tennis, go swimming, ride bicycles, and play basketball. Your younger ones will enjoy the opportunity of playing with Moroccan children in the parks and gardens of towns and in the playgrounds of major hotels. If you are traveling out into the country, you may want to provide some new forms of amusement yourself. Consider taking along toys, games, a paperback dictionary, an easy-to-carry light kite, and a portable volleyball net to set up in a suitable location. Beaches, camp-like sites at oases, and areas near camps are particularly good places to set up badminton, volleyball, and croquet. With digital cameras and instant photos, your children can immediately capture what they are looking at, as well as build a photographic ‘essay’ of attention-grabbing subjects. Interactive activities such as cooking classes, where kids and adults can bond by making and then sharing exotic dishes they may not have tried before, can be a highlight of a family trip. This may include some market shopping or just a trip to buy fresher fruit and vegetables for the family. This activity gives children the opportunity to see and participate in a different kind of environment, and kids might be intrigued to visit the sections where the meats are displayed, the milk is obtained, and the bread is piled.

Exploring Moroccan Markets

Moroccan markets, or ‘souks’, are some of the most vibrant and lively places to visit in Morocco. In cities such as Marrakech, Fes, and Rabat, the streets and squares come alive as vendors set up shop and sell leather goods, jewelry, shoes, ceramics, and a variety of handcrafted items. Food and spices are also popular to purchase at the market, where you can take home a bag full of delicious, sugared, and spiced nuts, barbecued meats, and a variety of other tastes and smells, or pack a small rug to put in your living room. Younger children may not have the patience for a trip through the crowded streets, but older ones will certainly find the experience of bargaining in markets for goods, like they would at a souk.

Moroccan markets are set up almost every day and sell a variety of items, and as they are some of the best places to shop, you can have a fulfilling day shopping and seeing life in Morocco. However, parents, do your best to get a fair price as the vendors expect haggling. And don’t spend too much time at the market at once. You can take a break in one of the many cafes, restaurants, or chais located around the market to rest and recuperate for the rest of the day or whichever adventure may be next. After all, you will probably need it—many people find that a visit to the market is an all-day excursion!

Family-Friendly Festivals and Events

There’s almost always something fun for kids to do in Morocco, with a wealth of family-friendly festivals and events filling the calendar throughout the year. Look out for camel racing in Rissani and the Imilchil Festival, a three-day event that celebrates friendship. The highlight of the Caleche Festival of Marrakech is the street parade of professional acrobats, horse riders, and whirling dervishes, and the Rose Festival of El-Kelaa Mgouna is dedicated to the humble rose. You can celebrate World Music Day at events across Morocco, and kids can dance to over 100 bands for 24 hours at Mawazine.

Visiting Morocco with the family? This text gives you the lowdown on the many family-friendly festivals and events in Morocco throughout the year. Certain Moroccan festivals offer insight into the history of the country, some showcase its varied regional cultures, and some, let’s face it, just offer kids some downtime to let off steam between sightseeing. Keep an eye on the dates of these events in Morocco and, if at all possible, plan your trip around one or two of them to ensure your family gets to experience Moroccan fun, family-style!