Solo-ish Morocco - 10 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What does "Solo-ish" mean for this tour?

  This tour is designed for solo travelers to forge new friendships and explore Morocco. You'll travel solo but never alone, with accommodation provided on a twin-share basis with someone of the same sex.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 14 travelers, with an average of 10.

• What kind of accommodation is provided on the tour?

  You will stay in hotels for 7 nights, a traditional riad for 1 night, and a desert camp for 1 night, all on a twin-share basis.

• Can I request my own room on this tour?

  Yes, if you book the "My Own Room" option, you will receive a single room for all night stops. Otherwise, accommodation is twin-share with someone of the same sex.

• Are there elevators in all accommodations?

  Please be aware that properties with only two stories may not have elevators installed, so you might need to carry your luggage up stairs.

• How many meals are included in the tour?

  The tour includes 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.

• What kind of food can I expect in Morocco, and what are typical meal costs for non-included meals?

  Moroccan cuisine is world-famous, featuring staples like couscous, tagine, and brochette. Meals typically cost between 10-15 USD. Moroccan breakfasts are usually simple, consisting of a croissant or sweet roll with jam and instant coffee. Fresh orange juice is highly recommended.

• What modes of transportation are used during the tour?

  We primarily use a private air-conditioned 16-seater minivan, along with walking and a camel ride in the desert.

• What should I know about the minivan transportation?

  There will be long travel days, and legroom in the minivan might be smaller than you're used to. Air conditioning may not fully cool the bus in extreme summer temperatures (up to 50°C). Seatbelts are not legally required in buses in Morocco and your vehicle may not be equipped with them.

• Is the camel ride compulsory in the desert?

  No, it is not possible to reach the middle of the dunes by vehicle. For those who cannot or prefer not to ride a camel, there is an option to walk to the viewing point.

• What is the physical rating for this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 3, which indicates a moderate activity level.

• Who will be leading the group during the tour?

  A Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you throughout the trip, along with a driver and certified local guides for specific city explorations. The CEO offers broad general knowledge, suggestions, and introduces you to local contacts.

• Are there any health considerations I should be aware of?

  It is advisable to drink bottled water in Morocco. We recommend consulting your travel doctor for up-to-date medical information and potential inoculations (typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis, polio). The adventure also travels to high altitude (over 8,000ft), and everyone reacts differently to altitude.

• What are the general safety and security guidelines for the trip?

  We recommend using common sense, being aware of your surroundings, and safeguarding personal belongings with a neck wallet or money belt. Leave valuable jewelry at home. Hotels often have safety deposit boxes. Your CEO can amend the itinerary for safety and accompanies included activities. Optional activities are at your own judgment. Taxis are recommended for night excursions in cities.

• How should I dress to respect local customs in Morocco?

  While visiting mosques and other religious monuments, you should dress modestly, covering your shoulders and avoiding short shorts or skirts. Generally, outside of major tourist centers, loose-fitting clothes with shoulders covered are recommended out of respect.

• What is the local currency, and how should I handle money during the trip?

  The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). ATMs are common, but it's best to check with your bank before departure and carry multiple cards. Euros are commonly accepted for exchange. A combination of cash (Euro/GBP/USD) and cards is recommended. Daily exchange rates can be found at www.xe.com.

• How much emergency money should I bring?

  You should have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances outside our control, such as a natural disaster requiring a route change.

• What is the tipping custom in Morocco?

  Tipping is customary and expected in Morocco. The tour operator uses a "tipping kitty" system where your CEO collects contributions at the start of the tour to tip service providers for the group. Tipping your CEO at the end is also appreciated, with $8-11 USD per person per day as a general guideline.

• What optional activities are available on this tour?

  In Marrakech, optional activities include visiting El Badi Palace, Musée de Marrakech, Jardins Majorelle, Djemaa el Fna Market Square, and a Hot Air Balloon excursion. Sandboarding is also an option in Merzouga.

• How might traveling during Ramadan or Aid Al-Adha affect my trip?

  During Ramadan (a month of fasting), there may be some limitations to services and disruptions, but tours generally operate effectively. During Aid Al-Adha, most shops and restaurants may be closed, and some historical sites might also be affected. Increased cultural sensitivity is very important during these times.

• Are laundry facilities available on the tour?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. It's advisable to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap if you plan to do hand laundry.

• What is the overall pace of the itinerary?

  This is a very fast-paced itinerary which covers a lot of ground, meaning some early starts, long drives in the minivan, and less free time than many other tours.

• What is the Planeterra Foundation?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. It connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses.

• What are the rules regarding illegal drugs and paid sex workers on this trip?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated and are against the law, putting the group at risk. Utilizing the services of paid sex workers is also contrary to our travel philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any group member found violating these rules.

• What is the climate like in Morocco, and how should I prepare?

  The climate is Mediterranean along the coast, becoming more extreme inland. Summers (April to September) are very hot, reaching up to 50°C from mid-June. Winters (November to March) can be cool to cold, especially in the Atlas Mountains, with high probability of snowfall and temperatures down to -6°C. Most Moroccan buildings are not equipped with heating, so packing appropriate layers for insulation is essential, along with a waterproof layer for winter travel.

• What is the travel style of this tour?

  This tour is categorized as 'Solo-ish Adventures', designed for solo travelers to forge new friendships while exploring.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 14 travelers, with an average group size of 10.

• What types of accommodation are used on this tour?

  Accommodation includes 7 nights in hotels, 1 night in a traditional riad, and 1 night in a desert camp, all on a twin-share basis.

• Is there an option for a private room for solo travelers?

  Yes, if you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.

• What are some of the main highlights and experiences included in this tour?

  Highlights include a narrative-focused cooking class in Casablanca, exploring Roman ruins and natural gorges, a magical night at a desert camp in Merzouga with a camel ride, immersing yourself in the Fès medina with a local guide, a wine tasting in Meknes, and a guided walk through Marrakech's medina.

• What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

  Transportation primarily includes a private air-conditioned minivan, walking, and camels for the desert experience.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 3.

• Are there any specific health considerations for travel in Morocco?

  It is advisable to drink bottled water. Inoculations for typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis, and polio are recommended. The adventure also travels to high altitude (over 8,000ft/2,440m), and it's important to consult your physician about altitude preparedness.

• What is the local currency in Morocco and what should I know about money exchange?

  The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). ATMs are common, and Visa cards are widely accepted for larger purchases. Euros, GBP, and USD can be exchanged in major cities. It's best to have a combination of cash and cards.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory and must cover medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000.

• What is the tipping custom in Morocco?

  Tipping is customary in Morocco. A tipping kitty system is used where your CEO collects a contribution at the start of the tour for group services. Tipping for the CEO is also appreciated, with a guideline of $8-11 USD per person per day.

• Are there any important notes regarding the itinerary pace or specific travel conditions?

  This is a fast-paced itinerary with some long travel days in a minivan. Legroom in the minivan may be limited, and air conditioning may not cool to desired temperatures in summer (up to 50°C). Winter travel (November to March) can be cold, especially in the Atlas Mountains, with a high probability of snowfall.

• How should I dress to respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites?

  While visiting mosques and religious monuments, you should dress modestly, covering your shoulders and avoiding short shorts or skirts. Outside major cities, local dress is often more conservative, so loose-fitting clothes with covered shoulders are recommended.

• What is the minimum and maximum age for participants on this tour?

  The minimum age for participants is 18 years, and the maximum age is 100 years.

• Will there be a group leader (CEO) throughout the trip?

  Yes, a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany the group throughout the trip, along with a driver and local guides.