Destination Morocco Podcast

Today's episode of Destination Morocco ponders the question of "What makes Morocco appealing?" What attracts people to Morocco, and what are their perceptions of the country before going there? Naturally there are always stereotypes and assumptions that build up over time, and as Azdean points out in this episode, Europeans are inevitably more familiar with Morocco than North Americ...

Continuing our recent theme of shopping, tipping and travelling safely in Morocco, today's episode features the Akhnif Glaoui Carpet Co-Operative, located just south of Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate, about 150 miles south of Marrakech. Azdean visited this wonderful, genuine boutique back in June of this year, during the summer trip to Morocco, while on the Southern Morocco tour. It was here wh...

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...

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...

You've heard his baritone podcast voice for the past year and a half, and picked up bits and pieces of his story. But as we approach our 50th episode of Destination Morocco podcast , have you wondered, "How did Azdean come to live in Houston, and how did Destination Morocco get its beginnings?” Azdean did in fact grow up in Marrakech, never imagining that he would wind up in the United S...

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...

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...

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 tou...

Watch the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/8c83YIlxYqc Here 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 se...

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 g...

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...

This episode is the audio replay of our first Destination Morocco live Q&A session, on Wednesday, Sept. 13. You can find the video version here. Visit our Relief page to find out how you can donate to earthquake recovery efforts. As you may know, we had been planning this event for the past few weeks, with a focus on how to plan your bucket list of things to see and do in Morocco. The earthqua...

Friday night's earthquake in Morocco was sudden and unexpected, and hit home for us here at Destination Morocco. Our office is based in Marrakech and sustained damage, and many of our staff are now homeless. Azdean, based in Houston, felt stuck and helpless, trying to figure out what he could do from so far away. Many of our podcast listeners and former clients have reached out with their con...

Azdean spent the summer of 2023 researching attractions, riads, hotels, restaurants and activities in Morocco, gathering information to give Destination Morocco clients an even better, more authentic experience. He and his team also captured hours of audio and video footage, which is being rolled out on the Destination Morocco podcast and the new YouTube channel. All in all, it was a lot of logist...

In today's episode, we continue our wandering through the medina of Marrakech, as Azdean visits artisanal workshops, souks and a particularly delectable seafood restaurant. Picture yourself in a bustling wool and cotton workshop, the air thick with stories of craftsmanship as we learn how natural colors like indigo, orange, and even black breathe life into the fabric. You'll almost feel...

Our Marrakech walking tour continues in today's episode, as Azdean and local guide Youssef explore the historic Medina, visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa and conclude with a visit to the famous Majorelle Garden. In Part One , we made three stops, focusing around three sights on the south side of the Medina, or city centre: the Mellah (Jewish Quarter), the El Badi Palace, a stunning ruin that was...

Prepare to embark on a journey through the vibrant energy and rich history of Marrakech in today's episode. Azdean teams up with local guide Youssef to explore the fascinating Jewish Quarter known as the Mellah - a testament to integration and cooperation between diverse religions and cultures. As we wander through this neighborhood, the ruins of the 16th-century Badia (Badi) Palace and the s...

In today's episode of Destination Morocco podcast , we continue on our southern tour of Morocco, and arrive in what is often considered the highlight of a traveller's time in Morocco: the Merzouga Desert itself. Our host is Said, manager and co-owner of Sahara Sky Luxury Camp, located in the heart of the desert, yet just 38 km from the town of Erfoud, the local service centre.  Said and...

Imagine getting to Marrakech,  your own private van waiting, driving up and over the High Atlas Mountains, across deserts and rocky outcroppings, little villages lining the hills along the way, and arriving in the gorgeous Dadès Valley: a sliver of green amongst the dry landscape.  Your destination: an authentic Berber riad, recently renovated, overlooking the lush valley below. A cup of hot mint...

You've heard him share his passion for Morocco, tell stories of his childhood and Berber culture, interview riad owners and restauranteurs, and chat with his own clients who have been to Morocco over the past couple years, including even podcast producer Ted. In all that time, our host Azdean has been at home, in Houston, patiently waiting for his turn to go back. Countless times since 2019,...

Nancy Crann visited Morocco for the first time at the end of 2022, in a trip that was about more than just adventure and discovery. It was also about loss and hope, pain and recovery. A cathartic release to ponder the next phase of her life. Little did she know the effect that Morocco would have on this journey. Through the safety and ease of a guided tour, Nancy met fellow travellers from around...

One of Morocco's defining characteristics is its riads: homestays with a traditional twist. Riads give travellers everything from convenience and comfort to cultural immersion, all presented in a unique, distinctive package.  Many listeners have inquired about what is the exact nature of a riad, what to expect when staying in one, how did they evolve in Morocco, how do they compare to hotels...

In a first for Destination Morocco, we take you along on an authentic, immersive walking tour of the beautiful coastal city of Essaouira. Walk with us as we explore the Medina, the ramparts, fishing harbour and market, artisan craftworks, and learn how the pluralistic, welcoming spirit of Essaouira made it a haven for multiple religions and languages, all living side by side.  The audio is live, a...

Casablanca and Rabat, separated by scarcely an hour's drive along the beautiful Atlantic coast, are Morocco's twin cities of misconception. Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco, the wealthiest, the economic driver: the largest port in Morocco, immortalized by Hollywood and home to the country's principal international airport. Rabat is the country's capital, an imperial ci...

Marrakech is often the top destination in mind for travellers planning a trip to Morocco, and in today's episode Azdean is joined by Destination Morocco's Operations Manager, Sam, live from Marrakech, to chat about all kinds of activities and recommendations that make a visit there more complete. The central square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, the Bahia Palace, the medina and the Majorelle Gardens ar...