Destination Morocco Podcast

A visit to a women-run carpet cooperative south of Aït Benhaddou where weavers control pricing and keep most of the sale. A relaxed, pressure-free shopping approach with tea, education, and options to order later. Conversations about regional rug styles, symbolism, knot quality, and efforts to preserve weaving traditions while empowering local women.

This episode is the audio replay of our Destination Morocco live Q&A session, on Wednesday, Nov. 15.You can find the video version here.We get a lot of questions about safety and security in Morocco, once you are there and making your way through the souks, squares and even the restaurants.Your Destination Morocco tour director is always there for guidance and advice, as well as your local guide, for when you're first exploring a new city.But we always want to encourage people to then explore on their own, follow your nose and see what else you can discover. If that's something you're interested in doing!Imagine, you're in Marrakech, Fès, wandering the souks and shops, the markets and squares, and have lots of people pulling you in many different directions.There will be people beckoning you into their shop, there will be "guides" offering to take you here or there (even if you've already been), with no guarantee that they are trustworthy.It's an exciting, adrenaline-filled environment, and it can be a little overwhelming. Especially if you are on your own, how do you keep your wits about you, and enjoy the experience?These things are a part of travel, and common to any country in the world. Knowing what to expect though is crucial to having an enjoyable experience.Shopping and browsing is perfectly safe in Morocco, but to help you navigate Morocco and be prepared, we answered your questions on safety, local customs and what to do in certain situations.And take a moment to listen to our most recent episode on "Navigating Tipping and Shopping in Morocco," which covers many similar issues:https://destinationsmorocco.com/latest-episode Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per PersonBook Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

The culture of tipping in Morocco is something we get a lot of questions about, and indeed many people aren't sure if they should tip at all, or when, and how much. It can quickly get overwhelming and a little awkward, if you don't know what to expect.Azdean is here today to set out a comprehensive guide to tipping when you're travelling in Morocco. The short answer is yes, tipping applies in many cases across the country, in many different situations. The culture has evolved to something similar to the United States and other countries. You can expect to tip in a lot of familiar circumstances, but the question still remains, how much? And where do you get the small bills and change that you'll need?Tipping might not be mandatory in Morocco, but it's a key part of the culture deeply appreciated by locals. From cab rides to restaurant meals, the tipping norms vary, and Azdean will  help you navigate them like a pro. This episode is a mix of listener questions and Azdean's own experience as a traveller in Morocco himself.We'll equip you with the know-how to identify different Dirham notes and why the humble 20 dirham note is your ultimate travel buddy. Plus be prepared for moments where you aren't used to tipping, and try not to be caught out.As we journey deeper into the episode, we switch gears to tackle Moroccan shopping realities.  There are shopping pitfalls where unsuspecting tourists can be exploited. Destination Morocco is there to help you out, but awareness and precaution are crucially important. Azdean explains what can happen and how the company tries to circumvent it.Tipping is one of those things that can be an afterthought in your tour preparations, but when you're there, in the moment, you'll appreciate having learned how to navigate as a confident traveller.  Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per PersonBook Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

A personal origin story of moving from Marrakech to Houston and the surprising steps taken to learn English under pressure. The journey from hospitality jobs to founding a premium, family-run Morocco travel company is explored. They explain building custom, small-group itineraries, tackling scams and shopping pitfalls, and why trustworthy local guidance matters for first-time visitors.

Take yourself on a tour and gain new understanding for the beautiful country of Morocco on the Destination Morocco Podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more. Our goal is to introduce you to the real Morocco, showing you how to prepare, what to see, what to expect and how to make the most of your time.Join host Azdean Elmoustaquim as we meet locals and guides, learn about costs and prices, safety, the kinds of scams to look out for in the bazaars, what languages to expect, types of accommodation and so much more. Destination Morocco Travel Agency offers private and small group tours, creating custom-designed itineraries that cater to your interests and priorities, taking you on a wonderful adventure with memories that will last a lifetime.With great stories, anecdotes and conversations, Destination Morocco podcast will leave you ready to discover this amazing land, its distinct culture and vibrant history.Visit www.destinationsmorocco.com to learn more, and for special discounts on upcoming tours.Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per PersonBook Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

One year ago exactly, Pablo Juarez and his partner Harmony were touring Morocco with Destination Morocco, experiencing incredible variety from Fès, Merzouga Desert, over the Atlas Mountains, through Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou, and ending up in Marrakech. After they got back home to Ottawa, Canada, we had Pablo on the podcast to talk about their trip, the amazing sights, and some surprising and unexpected discoveries along the way. It was such a great episode that we felt we should do it justice by sharing it with you again. This is a great episode not just for those dreaming of going to Morocco, but for those who have been. It will rekindle fond memories and nostalgia, and will probably get you thinking about your next trip!---It was the first trip to Morocco for Pablo and his partner Harmony, and it was full of pleasant surprises. From the food, the generosity, the riads, the landscape and most of all, the people, Morocco was at once modern and wonderfully traditional.Even experienced travellers turn to tour companies from time to time, to help them get the best out of their vacation, and have access to places and experiences they otherwise would have never known about. The great thing is you can combine a guided tour with some of your own independent sightseeing, it doesn't have to be all one or the other. Having some prior knowledge of Morocco, thanks to the podcast, helped complement the guided tour once they were actually there. The show provided a solid foundation for what to expect and how to prepare.Pablo describes their riads in great detail: hot tubs, pools, rooftop patios, and lounges where you can meet the other guests, who rarely number more than 7 or 8 in total. "It feels like you're visiting with a family member or friend. We ate so much amazing food in Morocco," he says.Thank you to Pablo for sharing his journey with us, and encouraging more people to discover this amazing land.Experiences you're about to share:Visiting the Hassan II Mosque: what it's like inside, the way the light comes into the spaces.A touching story from Aït Benhaddou, and an experience that you don't find in other large group tours.The fascinating experience of learning about hand-woven rugs at the Ouaouzguite Rugs Cooperative, getting to try it himself and how long the entire process can take.What might be an "Omelette with drippy meat" ?!Devouring stone-baked bread, off the beaten path.Discovering hidden underwater aquifers, in caves that have existed for centuries.Resources Mentioned in this episode:Pablo Juarez on InstagramEp. 7 Xavier, Essaouira Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per PersonBook Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

This episode is the audio replay of our Destination Morocco live Q&A session, on Wednesday, Oct. 11.You can find the video version here.In today's conversation with Azdean, Sam and podcast producer Ted, we'll focus on what's included in a typical Destination Morocco tour, how we go about building itineraries, and how we build from your preferences and priorities to shape a tour that works for you, and is specific to you.This is a big part of what makes Destination Morocco an ideal travel partner: we don't force you to follow the tourist path, or insist on "must-see" sights that don't interest you. We'll give you advice, certainly, when you want ideas and recommendations. But you can always bring your list of sights and attractions, and we then use our connections and experience to craft a smooth, sensible itinerary that goes at your pace.Ready to discover the hidden gems and must-see attractions of Morocco? We've got you covered.If you're curious about when to book a tour, how long they last, how much flexibility you have while on a tour, what are any additional costs, how much driving is there, what do we eat and where: Azdean will have you covered. Are the tours private, or with large groups? Do we offer day tours, and can you book a day trip or overnight if you are already in Morocco? How is the travel market in Morocco changing, especially post-covid?These questions and more will help you learn about our offers and make an informed decision on finding the best tour for you. Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per PersonBook Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Watch the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/8c83YIlxYqcHere at Destination Morocco, we receive questions all the time about how to prepare for a trip to Morocco and what to expect. We love being able to help out our fellow travellers and help you avoid the sense of shock, while preserving the sense of adventure, once you arrive in our homeland.This episode is the first of a series that will answer travel questions about Morocco, grouped together in various themes. Today, we are focusing on what to prepare before-hand, whether it's packing, medication, passports and documents, and so much more. As well as some of the initial steps to take once you arrive, particularly finding cash and bottled water.We talk about the best times to visit, what languages to expect, and the country's tipping etiquette. No more awkward moments wondering if you should tip your cab driver or your tour guide!Morocco is a tremendously photogenic country, and the temptation to bring your drone is very high. We break down Morocco's photography rules and drone regulations, ensuring you capture stunning views without breaking any laws. Plus, we'll tackle the topic of travel insurance—when to get it, why it's crucial, and what coverage to look for for your trip.When it comes to food, should you just dive right in? Or maybe pace yourself and allow your stomach to adjust? Azdean has a great recommendation for adapting to the cuisine, particularly when it comes to sampling meat dishes. And no adventure is complete without knowing where to rest your weary head. We guide you through the differences in accommodation,  from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious four-star riads and hotels. ---Don't forget our Live Q&A sessions with Azdean,  the 2nd Wednesday of each month, starting at 9 am PT/12 noon ET. Upcoming dates include October 11, November 8 and December 13. We're keen to get more interaction with our listeners and answer live more of your questions about tour planning to Morocco.Visit destinationsmorocco.com and click the button at the top to find the link to this live event. You can send questions in advance, observe as an "Audience" member, and even request to join us live on the show!If you are picturing your own Moroccan adventure and have important, urgent questions about anything from costs and safety to food and accommodation, get them answered with Azdean at our live Q&A's.https://destinationsmorocco.com/live-qa Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per PersonBook Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Ceasha Micallef had her dream tour to Morocco booked months in advance, with a departure date of Friday, September 8, 2023. As she was in-flight over the Atlantic, heading for a stopover in Paris before going on to Casablanca, the 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit southern Morocco. She arrived at the airport to text messages and missed calls from family and friends, wondering if she was still able to go. In truth, she wasn't sure herself. Back and forth texts with the Destination Morocco team in Marrakech, particularly with her driver, Mohammed, quickly confirmed that the country was safe, the trip was still on and they would make any adjustments necessary. Ceasha boarded the connecting flight and carried on to Casablanca, and it turned into one of the greatest, most meaningful trips this veteran of 20+ countries has ever experienced.Now, Ceasha is back home in Toronto and chatting with Azdean about her time in Morocco, the exhilarating adventure in Merzouga Desert, the beautiful drives through the High Atlas Mountains, incredible food and wonderful, warm hospitality.Ceasha's vivid description of her time there - the zenith of tranquility, spiritual connections symbolized by green orbs, the raw thrill of quad rides in the sand dunes, and immersing herself in the local culture through a cooking class - will leave you wanting to follow in her footsteps. Tourism is the best way for the country and its economy to get back on its feet.She and Azdean also break down the tipping etiquette in Morocco, offering practical advice on this often tricky subject.But it's not just about the sights and sounds of exotic locales. It's the people who make the journey unforgettable. Hear Ceasha recount the special bond formed with her driver Mohammed and the camaraderie they built over the span of her trip. They also visit Le Patron/Deux Ciels restaurant, featured in one of our recent walking tour episodes of Marrakech. After the blur of the past three weeks, Ceasha helps us make sense of the earthquake's impact on southern Morocco with her first-hand knowledge and insight, confirming that it is open and safe: a tremendous reassurance for everyone. Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per PersonBook Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Unearth the mesmerizing allure of Morocco, as Sam, our Destination Morocco insider, guides us through the highlights of a typical Northern and Southern Tour.In this episode of Destination Morocco, we put particular emphasis on the entrance fees to these famous sights and attractions, including which ones are free. Sam is careful to convert from Moroccan Dirhams into US Dollars which, as it turns out, is a pretty straightforward process.Our route takes us from Marrakech to Essaouira, then Casablanca, Rabat, Fès, Meknes, Ouarzazate and the Atlas Studios, Merzouga Desert, the Canyons of the south, hiking villages of the High Atlas Mountains, particularly Midelt, then back to Tangier, Chefchaouen and neighboring Akchour.We deliver insider tips and insights into these must-see sights that are sure to make your Moroccan adventure truly unforgettable. And beyond just the regular tourist highlights, we tap into activities and options, their costs and how much time they take, for when you have more than just a day or two at a particular stop. One can absolutely spend 3 or 4 days in Merzouga or Chefchaouen, Tangier or Rabat, and find lots to discover and explore. These are the cultural immersions and off-the-beaten-path secrets that most tourists don't get to.We conclude this episode on a poignant note, as Sam shares his deeply moving experience delivering aid to villages affected by the recent earthquake. His heartfelt retelling of the gratitude expressed by the locals is a powerful reminder of the spirit of community and resilience in Morocco. We'll continue to have more earthquake updates over the coming weeks, as Morocco gets back on its feet. But in the meantime, the most important message is: come! Come visit Morocco, bring your energy, enthusiasm and curiosity. Nothing will help recovery more than having your presence with us.You can donate to Destionation Morocco's earthquake relief here:https://destinationsmorocco.com/relief Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per PersonBook Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.