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Now that a significant percentage of the world has reopened to tourism without restrictions, you may want to get out there, make up for lost time, and explore different cultures. If overpriced Europe and the crowded Riviera Maya no longer make your heart beat faster, then we might have just the thing for you.
What about Africa? More specifically: nice North African country after all, many Americans visit places where the culture is truly foreign, Western etiquette (or whatever that means) is not enforced, and whose natural beauty and unexpected diversity will take your breath away.
These are just a few reasons why the Kingdom Morocco should be on your list in 2023
Where even? It is Morocco?
Morocco is the northwesternmost country in Africa, and it forms part of a wider region called the Maghreb, a term historically used to describe the Arab microcosm of the continent. Of the five Maghreb countries, however, Morocco is undoubtedly the country that boasts the most diverse topography:
Its extensive coastline borders not only the wild Atlantic but also the Mediterranean Sea, while its rugged interior is crossed by the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, a natural divide between the Mediterranean region and the Sahara desert, which occupies approximately 40% of the national territory. area.
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Whether it’s luxurious beach villas with sweeping ocean views, alpine retreats or gorgeous desert scenery you’re after, Morocco has you covered. North African partner with Tunisia and Egypt.
Despite the inevitable increase in popularity. no hidden gem stays “hidden” for long, earth not yet filled with tourists, although it shares the same warm climate and relaxed, comfortable atmosphere of Europe’s southern Mediterranean. About 11 million foreigners arrived in the Kingdom last year.
In other words, Morocco has recovered 84% of its pre-crisis tourism, surpassing the global recovery of 20%, but mass tourism has yet to break even. Most visitors are either Moroccans living abroad or vacationers from France, thanks to the European nation’s close historical ties to North Africa.
Agreed Statistics:, only 1.8% are from the USThis proves that Morocco is still not on America’s radar like other competing gems north and south of the Sahara, but it won’t remain anonymous in the American demographic for long.
Bloom Consulting has confirmed that Morocco is already the third most attractive country in Africa and for foreigners in Africa 43rd most powerful tourist destination worldwide.
Why is Morocco so trendy all of a sudden?
Morocco’s reputation in the field of tourism is not only related to its natural wealth; with an enviable list of world-class cities to its name, UNESCO-protected villages and archaeological sites, and a colorful cuisine with Mediterranean, Arab and Berber influences. has for years courted Westerners daring to venture off the beaten path, though its recent reopening has certainly helped the publicity campaign.
Ancient cities and Instagram-ready small towns
In Fez, one of the country’s four ancient imperial cities, you’ll find the world’s largest walled medina (or Old City) and a car-free zone and a narrow gated ecosystem filled with tens of thousands of street vendors, locals. go about their daily lives and curious onlookers.
Marrakesh, on the other hand, is best known for its bustling commerce and a a flaming terracotta colored medina. Another imperial city, it is often used as a starting point for newcomers landing in Morocco and avid explorers trekking into the Moroccan Sahara.
Morocco’s financial and administrative centers, Casablanca and Rabat, bordering the Atlantic coast, are Morocco’s gateway to the Western world. The former is a chaotic metropolis with a more liberal approach to life, while the latter is an often-overlooked but History-filled capital city.
Other highly sought-after Atlantic ports are Agadir and Essaouira, Morocco’s most developed resort zones, and Tangier on the north coast to Spain, at one of the closest points between Africa and Europe and a sort of cultural melting pot. with transitional architecture combining Iberian colonial and common Moorish.
Outside the hustle and bustle of the big cities, Ait Benhadou is our top pick. a fortified Berber village built almost entirely of mudand an airplane filming location for movie and TV buffs; Lawrence of Arabia, Mummy, prince of persia and some scenes Game of Thrones all filmed here, and the dreamy mountain town that is Chefchaouen.
Chefchaoeun is easily recognized for itself stunning blue cityscape shot against the dramatic backdrop of the Rif Mountains. Here, every dark blue-splashed cobblestone street is Instagram-ready, and there seems to be an endless supply of photogenic corners.
Morocco fits your budget
And it’s relatively safe
It’s Morocco extremely affordableAlthough it has of course become more expensive in recent years due to the increase in tourism, this low- and middle-income country will hardly hurt your wallet if you are wise enough to avoid the scammers who will mercilessly try to rip you off. out, as you walk the medinas, and if staying reasonably priced two stars century as opposed to fancy riad is a sacrifice you are willing to make.
A three-course meal at an inexpensive restaurant in a tourist area, such as Marrakech’s always-busy Jemaa el Fna square, costs an average of $25, and most tourist attractions only cost between $5 and $10 for entry. few exceptions.
If safety is the only thing stopping you from booking those flights right away, you’ll be happy to know that Morocco One of the safest destinations for Western tourists in all of AfricaClassified as a Tier 2 destination by US authorities. It’s certainly not Iceland, but your main concern here is to avoid the non-touristy suburbs, especially at night, and fend off the scammers and pickpockets who will come in. all years.
How to get from America to Morocco?
Direct flights to: Mohammed V Internationall, the international hub serving Casablanca, is offered from the following US and Canadian departure points:
- Montreal-Trudeau (Air Canada)
- New York-JFK (Royal Air Maroc)
- Washington-Dulles (Royal Air Maroc)
Passengers arriving from Casablanca Airport can reach many other destinations in Morocco by rail, including Tangier, with frequent high-speed TGV trains. First class tickets can cost an average of $30 when booked in advance and infrastructure being equal, if not better than that of Europe.
There are no COVID entry requirements for US tourists
There are currently no COVID entry requirements for travelers wishing to enter Morocco.
- Vaccination requirements have been removed
- No pre-departure testing
- The health declaration form has been removed
In general, the entry a Breezeand upon arrival, Americans are usually granted a three-month stay.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com