Morocco... Is it worth it? - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

shineonyou · 05-02-2007, 09:13 AM

I'm going to be traveling to southern Spain, and I thought I would taken a ferry to Tangier and stay there for two nights or so before heading back up to northern Spain again. But I'm not sure if it's worth it.

First, I've found it really difficult to find hostels/ budget hostels that I can book online, even for other cities besides Tangier. I'm traveling alone, and I don't want to have to deal with finding someplace to stay when I get there.

Because I've been warned not to go to Morocco anyway because the men are really insistent. Doing a little research, I seemed to me that men there are indeed persistent, but not threatening. But I'm just worried about being a foreigner, alone, in Morocco because it seems that there are plenty of locals who bother foreigner tourist, especially at the port.

Between concerns about being alone and not even being able to find a hostel, I don't think I can handle this! But I seems like a shame to skip Morocco completely when I'll be so close. Anyone have any advice?

**Brookers13** · 05-02-2007, 09:36 AM

I love Morocco but to be honest, if you're only going to Tangier, I'd say don't do it....Tangier is dirty and not really the "real" Morocco...if you had more time I'd definitely recommend checking out other cities, but if all you have is 2 nights in Tangier, I'd say hit up another city in Spain instead

**ajb3000** · 05-02-2007, 11:57 AM

The port at Tangier was relatively hassle free when I arrived there a few weeks ago, just a couple of guys asking if I wanted a taxi and a guy asking if I need a hotel, that was it. It's apparently improved dramatically recently due to the government cracking down on husslers.

In regards to accomodation, I'm not sure about Tangier specifically as I didn't stay there but in Marrakesh and Fes there were LOADS of budget hotels and most of them had room available. The thing with budget hotels though is that you can't book them online, but I doubt you'd have much problem finding a room when you arrive.

Also, if you do go and find yourself lost or needing some help, the majority of locals are really friendly and will help you no questions asked, it's only the people who approach you that you need to be wary of.

shineonyou · 05-02-2007, 01:09 PM

Thank you for replying!

I'd consider skipping Tangier and instead visiting Rabat, Fes...? But I would still like to spend only a day traveling from Spain and arrive during the day because I only have three, maybe four nights I could really spend in Morocco. According to Lonely Planet, it would take 4.5 hours to Rabat, 5 hours to Fes and 5.5 to Casablanca. Combined with a ferry trip, that'd be quite a bit of travel for one day, but I'm sure I'd be fine. I'd consider going to anyone of these cities instead if I felt confident that I would have accomadation when I get there. Would you recommend one of those cities over the others?

It's reassuring to hear that Moroccons are generally very helpful. Another concern I have is that I speak no Arabic or French. Would English and basic Spanish be enough to get me around?

**ajb3000** · 05-02-2007, 01:28 PM

A lot of people do speak English very well, so no problems there.

The only place I would REALLY recommend would be the Cascades d'Ouzoud, which were absolutely incredible, a great location and very friendly locals, but it's very difficult to get to and I don't think it'll be possible for your trip as it's a fair way south. I keep meaning to write up my trip report so I'll try and do it soon.

You have to decide what type of city you want to see, an Arab medina city (which have new french style outskirts) such as Fes or Tangier, or a new city such as Casablanca or Rabat.

**Brookers13** · 05-02-2007, 05:11 PM

For the full experience of the medina, I'd say go to Fes...its amazing...but do get a guide because you will get lost!

**worldwidemike** · 05-02-2007, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajb3000

The port at Tangier was relatively hassle free when I arrived there a few weeks ago.

Are you done with your hitchhiking trip, then...? Give us the scoop!

worldwidemike

O-Face · 05-02-2007, 09:08 PM

I second the suggestion for Fes, it's definately the nearest place to get some of the real Morocco.

But if you are pressed for time you could always do just a daytrip to Tangiers, and spend the night somewhere easier like Tarifa back in Spain. I didn't like Tangiers at all but a lot of people enjoy it. I imagine the city would be less hassle without a backpack/looking for accomodations/transport as you can do with a daytrip.

**omisan** · 05-04-2007, 09:28 AM

Unfortunately I only got to do a daytrip to Tangier, but it was still worth it, just for a little tiny taste of Morocco. If you have the time and the budget (not that it's that expensive) I say go for it. Here's my bit on the place:

http://omidabroad.blogspot.com/2006/...n-afrique.html

**tumblezweedz** · 05-08-2007, 10:44 AM

I loved Morocco, spent a week in Casa, stayed with a family there, it was utterly amazing - but, I agree with Omi, if you're really uncomfortable with the traveling alone aspect (even traveling with a guy, we had some rather unpleasant moments, but that was before the crackdown on hustlers), it's easy enough to catch a boat over in the morning and back to Spain at night. Tangiers is pretty scuzzy, but it would give you a bit of a taste of the country, especially once you get past the hustlers and meet the ordinary people.