Essential Packing List For Morocco Trip

Quite excited for your upcoming Morocco trip and plunge all your gladness to its breath-taking sand dunes? First, get ready for your pack-ups. Before boarding your plane, maybe you will find yourself browsing around of what to pack and what you should wear and putting an effort to figure out the activities and exact activities to be prepared for.

If you successfully determine the essential things to bring on your trip, you get no worry wherever part of Morocco you will be hanging around. So, before your complete excitement starts, make sure that you already have your packing list for a more stress-free travel experience.

Thus, see to it that before feet kiss the sand dunes, you already have the best ideas about how to make yourself comfortable during your explorations. Here’s what your packing list should consist of:

Clothing

For women, make sure to wear culturally appropriate clothing while spending your time in traveling Morocco. Even if you will find this destination to be predominantly Muslim country, it is considered to be more relaxing and its major tourist spots have already gotten used to foreign tourists and their style. You still have to be culturally respectful by covering your shoulders and knees where full-lengths will be better and bring scarfs when visiting mosques.

For men, you do not have to put so much consideration to figure out what to wear when traveling in Morocco. Jeans and t-shirts will be fine for you and long shorts and t-shirts will be ideal for hotter regions, but sometimes shorts can be viewed as underwear.

Suggested Packing List for Clothing

Even if you are on a short visit to Morocco, chances are you can’t escape from sweating around through your t-shirt from exploring Marrakech to shivering on a cold night while enjoying the Atlas Mountains. You can wear loose fitting pants and tunics which are perfect during hotter months as well as wearing a t-shirt, baggy pair of jeans, light sweater, flip-flops, and slippers.

But it is still important for you to have at least a few ideas of what you wanted to do and where you are going to have a better idea of what and how to pack. Below is the packing list ideally for travelers who wanted to spend most of their time doing a variety of activities and visiting places in Morocco at the same time:

• 1 pair of loose and breathable pants and 1 pair of jeans
• 1 long skirt – for women
• 1 long sleeve shirt
• 1 light sweater/sweatshirt
• 1 jacket – for cold places
• Underwear
• 1 pair of sneakers – for hikes and other outdoor activities
• 1 pair of sandals/flip flops/shower flip flops – when visiting hammam or staying hostels
• Socks
• Bathing suit/bikinis – for women
• Scarf
• Hat – either the floppy top or wool cap depending on the season

Packing List by Season

In Morocco, from December to February are considered to be the coldest months of the year where it goes chilly. So, it will be an opportunity for you to see snow on the tops of the mountains.

Thus, you can experience very cold temperature during night time where this can be a perfect time for you if you are planning for an overnight camel trek.

If wondering the best time to go, choose spring or fall when things have already warmed up a bit, but haven’t yet hit the summer highs. Remember, Morocco offers an arid climate, there is a big tendency for the temperature to go down after sunset all year round.

• Winter

When traveling to Morocco during winter, you have to bring closed-toe shoes, jacket, socks, and a wool cap.  Make sure if you are heading to the coast to bring a jacket that is windbreaker while if you are planning to camp or stay in a rustic accommodation, considering your own sleeping bag is ideal.

• Spring/Fall

You still have the freedom to bring windbreaker or jacket even in spring or fall, but see to it that you will pack clothes that can keep you cool during that day. You may choose to wear a long skirt or loose fitting pants and breathable t-shirts.

• Summer

The same way of what you will wear during fall or springtime, you still have to bring clothes that will effectively keep you cool and a light jacket for after dark. Thus, it is quite important for you to bring sunscreen.

Never planning a bottle of sunscreen for you will find it expensive in Morocco, better for you to just buy at home. Also, it will be ideal for you to pack a floppy hat to keep you comfortable and bottled water to keep you hydrated.

So before getting excited about the day you will be traveling to Morocco, make sure you already have the idea of the things to pack, most especially if you are a first-time traveler to that place. This way, it will be easier for you to enjoy your Morocco trip the best way.

Culture and Custom Guide for Successful Morocco Trip

If you hear about Morocco, you can jump into an idea of one of the best travel destinations in the world. This place can truly introduce you to a variety of different mesmerizing tourist spots, scenic views and landscapes, savory cuisines, perfect subjects and so much more.

So, there is no room for you not to love this place and include on your travel list. On the other hand, as you go to a different place, especially if out of your homeland, you should expect that you can experience different custom, beliefs, and culture.

In order for you to completely enjoy and avoid any conflicts, you have to be aware of it first and respect it. Like any other countries, Morocco has its own special culture where it can be considered as a place for acceptance towards differences.

As you travel across the country, you will be able to discover its amazing art and rich culture where it hosted Phoenicians, Arabs, Berbers, Sub-Saharan African, Romans, Vandals, and Spanish-Andalusians. On the other hand, the majority of the population in Morocco is Arab and Berber by identity having with at least a third of Moroccan Population is speaking the Amazigh language.

• People

Moroccans are the citizens and inhabitants of Morocco. Thus, most of the Moroccan people have an Arab and Berber origin. It was estimated that there are a total of 38 million Moroccan in the world and about 33 million are living in Morocco and at least 2.5 million are living in Spain and France.

• Traditional Clothing

The traditional dress in Morocco is called Djellaba, but nowadays the younger generation is not wearing them anymore. Also, there is a dress called Caftan which the Moroccan people can wear during weddings. Typically, these can be worn with flat slippers made of leather called Balgha, but during weddings, women are wearing Takchitas or Caftans with heels.

• Values and Attitudes

The people of Morocco are following the principles of Islam. The Moroccan families have a strong foundation with regards to unity whether it is a nuclear or extended family. Usually, children are expected to take care of their parents as they grow old. Meaning, you can find quite a few elderly homes as compared to western countries.

• Weddings

During a Moroccan wedding, the groom is required to provide his bride with special gifts before the wedding day such as henna or sugar and other gifts are chosen by the groom. 2 days before their wedding, the bride is required to go to a traditional Moroccan hammam with her relatives.

This is a part of the purification act while singing their traditional songs together. The next ceremony will be using Moroccan henna where symbols will be drawn on the hands and feet of the bride. Typically, the Moroccan wedding will last at least 4 to 8 hours.

• Architecture

The architecture in Morocco was greatly influenced by a number of architectural styles such as geometric design, Arabic architecture for fountains, Islamic calligraphy, Al-Andaluz architecture for gardens and arches and Persian techniques for tiling concept. Thus, recent buildings are being influenced by French architecture because France occupied Morocco in 1912.

• Music

Moroccan music is considered to be a Moroccan culture’s fundamental aspects. There are a variety of different musical styles you can find in this country having its own unique story to tell. You can find Andalusian music from Rabat, Ahidous from Souss and Gnawa, Chaabi from Atlas and Amazigh from the Rif.

• Hospitality

Moroccan people are known for their hospitality. They will definitely welcome you into their homes where they will provide you food and interesting stories as well as they will guide you through your entire trip.

Now, you already have an idea about the Moroccan customs and culture. It will be more comfortable and easier for you to explore different places. Get ready to discover more thing about this beautiful country!

Other Essential Things to Pack for Morocco Travel – Tips for Clothing and Supplies

In 1912, Morocco forcedly became a French protectorate and the Moroccans have resented their loss of independence. The entire country wasn’t subdued until 1934. And in 1942, the allies landed in Morocco and Roosevelt developed sympathy to Moroccans during World War II.

A Manifesto of Independence was successfully published in 1944 and in 1947, the Sultan favored independence. In 1956, Morocco became independent and by 1999, Mohammed VI became the king. Today, Morocco is considered to be one of the fast developing countries in the world and tourism is one of its main industries.

As you plan to travel to Morocco, you get no surprise that this is a warm country. But, you still have to be aware of its cultural considerations about when packing that you may find unusual for tourists used to the Western culture. Now, as you plan or getting ready to explore Morocco, here are some tips for your packing list.

Clothes

Morocco is definitely hot and humid, so pack light clothes. While in the city, it will be safe for you to wear a nice shirt and long shorts or long trousers.  But, in the countryside, shirts are seen as inappropriate and t-shirts are perceived as underwear.

In some towns or villages, women have to dress conservatively. Thus, you have to remember that women need to cover their heads when entering a Mosque, so see to it that you will pack some wrap or cover up if you want to take a visit to some beautiful Mosques in Morocco.

Cameras

In Morocco, there are lots of beautiful places and amazing things to take pictures, so it is ideal for you to bring a camera. Meanwhile, you have to keep in mind that some locals know how to determine tourists taking pictures of them, so they may charge you a fee.

Toiletries

You will find shampoos and soaps from nice hotels, but if you will travel outside of the city, better for you to bring your own. Thus, it will be perfect to bring other toiletries or medical supplies which you think you will need. These supplies include a toothbrush, toothpaste, spare glasses, makeup, feminine hygiene products, a razor blade for shaving and any medicine.

Through these other essential things to pack for your much awaited Morocco, trip you will have a stress-free experience. Also, this will help you to have a more enjoying and comfortable trip to your desired destinations.

Etiquette in Morocco – Make Your Travel Successful

Morocco is having well-developed tourism having a strong tourist industry with a focus on coast, culture, and history. Then by 1985, the Moroccan government established a Ministry of Tourism.

Way back the second half of the 1980s and early 1990s, about 1 to 1.5 million Europeans have visited Morocco and most of them were Spanish and French. Most of the tourist visited the country’s large beach resorts. And by 2016, more than 10.3 million international tourists have attracted by Morocco and as a result, it is the most visited African country.

Morocco offers you unique travel experience. From diversity to culture and beliefs to etiquette, you successfully find the perfect place to be a traveler, adventurer, and photographer or even you just wanted to escape wearies of your office, to enjoy music and to find time to unwind.

If you are quite serious about taking a trip to Morocco, take effort and time to research for the culture and etiquette of Morocco so that you will be more acquainted before you arrive. This will successfully benefit your travel experiences where each of you will be more enjoyable and meaningful.

Greetings

As you enter Morocco, you have to be aware of the proper greetings in order for you to avoid an offense. Moroccans are known to be formal to all social situations.

You have to always greet using your right hand since the left hand is considered to be traditionally unclean.

• Greetings need to always include queries pertaining to health as well as to family’s well-being.
• Kissing on the cheeks is only practiced between the members of the same sex, especially if they are friends not unless each is well-known to the other.
• It is considered to be polite to remove shoes when entering someone’s home, especially before entering the living and dining area.

Gestures

Other than greetings, you also have to be aware of your gestures.

• It is considered to be impolite to use your index finger to motion a person in approaching you.
• Moroccans beckon someone by means of placing palm downward and then sweeping the hand close themselves.

Appropriate Attire

Moroccans are known to be conservative by nature and wholeheartedly Muslim, but they are also been exposed and understanding about the Western culture. Still, Moroccans will definitely treat travelers with higher respect if they are going to dress conservatively.

• It will be worthy for men to figure out which type of dress that Moroccan men generally wear. T-shirt or collared shirt that covers the shoulders, jeans or long pants and shoes and sandals are the best options. When at the beach or even playing sports, it is allowed to wear beachwear, sleeveless shirts, and running shoes. If you will wear this at some other time, you will be perceived by wearing underwear.
• For women, you have to dress conservatively through wearing short-sleeve shirts covering the shoulders, loose and long pants, and sandals or shoes into the full-length Moroccan robe, locally known as jellabah.

In respecting the culture and etiquettes in Morocco, you are not recommended to be revealing, but you can be classy with regards to the appropriate attire. The proper attire covers both day and night.

Punctuality

When you visit Morocco, you may find that punctuality is not part of Moroccan trademarks. Most often, their tasks are being achieved in the so-called “Moroccan Time”. This means that tasks can be completed anything from half-hour late because of personal appointments or even arriving the other day. On the other hand, there is an exception to the rule, specifically to the faux guides and hustlers which are known to wait for a long time before the agreed schedule or time.

Eating and Drinking

In Islamic cultures, the left hand is considered to be untidy since people use this hand for sanitary tasks.

• Moroccans infrequently eat with their left hand, instead, they will use it to drink from or to pass the bread. So, if you are going to eat from a communal tagine, make sure to eat only with your right hand.
• A respectful procedure when being offered with food is for you to politely decline it. If it is offered again to you, you may accept a small portion. It is also considered to be polite when reciprocating the offer and can afford respect. For you to properly decline the offer of food, you can simply pat your stomach and then shake your head, followed by “La, Shukrran” which means “No, thank you.”

Hammams

In traditional Moroccan culture, Moroccan women used to nude when bathing. But nowadays where there are lots of younger women and most of them are travelers, it appeals to go topless yet wearing underwear or even bikini bottoms.

This practice will not cause any offense and those women who choose to wear bikini top or bra may do so. But, this will cause the local women to wonder why tourists do like to bare all. Both Moroccan and Western men bathe in shorts. Thus, it is not required to shower beforehand.

Avoiding Offense

Even though non-Muslims are not expected to participate or to fast during the Ramadan, it will be polite if they are going to eat, drink or smoke indoors or away from the public eye. It will be better to show respect to the dress code and demeanor when you are near the Mosque. This is applicable at any time of the year and most especially during Ramadan.

It is also acceptable to take photos of the Mosque as long as you are not too close or as if you are photographing its interior. Thus, you have to keep in mind that it is strictly forbidden to take photos of military, police, border checkpoints and airport installations.

Now, it is now easier for you to effectively determine what you have to do and not to. This way, you are not only respecting their culture and customs, but you are also creating a successful trip and relationship between the locals.