Morocco Media Trip

To view the most up to date entry requirements for this tour, please visit this page.

Complete Your Checklist Before heading to the airport, complete the tasks below and check them off in your Online Account Checklist. If you have any questions, give us a call at 617-619-1411. We’re available 24/7 to make sure you have the Best. Trip. Ever.

Travel Documents

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for 6 months after the tour return date.
• Visa: U.S. citizens do not need a visa for a tourist or business stay of 90 days or less.
• Travel Insurance: While travel insurance is not required, we strongly encourage all travelers to obtain coverage before departure. Check out cost-effective Travel Protection, designed to meet the needs of EF travelers, here.

Tour Preparation

• Talk with your doctor: It is highly recommended that you talk with your doctor about your travel plans. If you are taking any medications, be certain to bring enough to last throughout your trip.
• Traveling with allergies? Let your Trip Consultant and Tour Director know of any dietary restrictions/allergies and we will do what we can to accommodate for any included meals.
• Request a roommate: Double-check with us and your Tour Director that they have your rooming status on file. We will assign a roommate for you if you do not submit a specific request.
• Get an international data plan: We recommend getting an international data plan for your mobile device so you can stay connected while on the road. Free Please talk with your phone provider for your best options.
  • Wi-Fi will be in some hotels, restaurants, and bars, though charges may apply and it may be slower than in the U.S.
  • Wi-Fi is not available on the bus.
• Get the EF Ultimate Break app: Your trip's group will be able to connect on the app before you meet IRL. Don't miss out! Meet other travelers, get updates from your Tour Director, see flights and accommodations, and more. If you're having trouble, give us a call at 617-619-1411.

Flight Preparation Check your online account 30 days prior to departure for your flight itinerary and confirmation number. Using your 6-digit reservation code, you can reserve your seat (this is typically available 30 days to 24 hours before departure) and check in to your flight 24 hours prior to departure. If you prefer to check in at the airport, that’s okay, too. Regardless, plan to arrive 2.5 – 3 hours before departure.

All flight information is online (e-ticket) via your account and the airline’s website. You will not receive a physical paper ticket from us.

• If your flight is cancelled or delayed: Don’t worry! We design the first day of tour as an arrival day in case of flight delays or cancellations. Work with the airline to get rebooked on the next available flight, then let your Tour Director know your new arrival time.
• If you sleep in and miss your flight: You should still talk to the airline and see if they can get you on the next available option. Tears may help in this case.

Arriving in Marrakesh If you booked flights with EF Ultimate Break, your transfer to and from the hotel when you arrive in and depart from Morocco is included. Note that you’re responsible for going through customs, gathering your luggage, and leaving the arrivals hall on your own. Your Tour Director will tell you where to meet them or another EF representative in the airport.

Meet Your Tour Director and Fellow Travelers Your Tour Director will communicate through the EF Ultimate Break app, WhatsApp, or email about where to meet them at the airport. This is an important reason to make sure you have the EF Ultimate Break app!

If you have booked your own flight arrangements or have extended your travels before the tour dates, you will need to make your own way to the first hotel. Accommodation details will be available in your online account 30 days prior to departure.

Getting from A to B Transfers between cities are via private motorcoach, and they can take anywhere between 2-8 hours with stops in-between. You’ll also receive a public transportation pass in most major cities where necessary. Transportation in cities that offer no pass may require more walking. Prepare to walk between 4-8 miles per day, especially when sightseeing.

Note: Bring a great book with you to pass the time on transfer days. Try bringing a novel that’s based in somewhere you’re visiting! We recommend The Sacred Night, The Last Storytellers, or A House in Fez

General Recommendations Fact: Travel is exhilarating. And FOMO is real. So, we understand why you don’t want to miss a second of the action. But there’s a difference between maximizing your time and spreading yourself too thin. Here are some tips to stay healthy and happy on tour:

• Sleep: Flying across the globe, changing time zones, and being constantly on the move can take a toll on your body. Make sure you get the rest your body needs. If that means missing a night out for some well-earned rest, or having a little afternoon nap, so be it. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Be Prepared: We recommend bringing a small first aid kit including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness medication, and any prescription medications in your carry-on bag.
• Take time for yourself: Group travel is an amazing experience, and there’s nothing quite like exploring a foreign country with a group of like-minded people. That said, it’s okay to take time for yourself to relax and reflect on your experience. Here are a few mindfulness apps you can take with you on the road:
  • Insight Timer: Meditation apps are very in right now. This one is especially amazing because there are 80,000 free daily meditations to help with sleep, anxiety, and stress.
  • What’s Up: If you’re feeling anxious, depressed, or stressed, What’s Up can help you manage these feelings with interactive games, forums, and a thought tracking diary.
  • Talkspace: No need to make appointments or commute to a therapist’s office. Talkspace gives you 24/7 access to real, licensed therapists. You can talk, text, or video chat with them right from your phone.

Destination-Specific Information There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Morocco. However, we recommend you consult your physician or local travel clinic at lease 60 days prior to departure for the latest updates and entry requirements. See more tips for staying healthy below:

• Drink only bottled water. Avoid tap water even when brushing your teeth or showering.
• Temperatures in many of the places you're visiting can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit – hydrate and use sunscreen!
• Certain medications (both over-the-counter and prescription) are banned in foreign countries. Consult your physician at least four weeks prior to departure to make sure any drugs you want to bring with you are legal.
• Public restrooms in Morocco can be quite bare. We suggest carrying bathroom tissue and hand sanitizer with you. And be sure to keep some coins on hand, as you may have to pay to use public restrooms.

With a global presence of more than 46,000 people in over 115 countries and regions, we’re fully committed to your safety. But, it’s equally important for you to maintain your health and safety while abroad. From your first flight all the way through to your farewell dinner, drink plenty of water, get sleep when you can, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your Tour Director or your Trip Consultant if you need a helping hand. Keep these extra tips in mind so you can #travelsmart:

• Keep your bag/purse in front of you and your phone zipped inside when you’re not using it. Leave your laptop at home, store valuables at the hotel in locked luggage or the safe deposit box. Refrain from carrying large sums of money or wearing valuable jewelry.
• Use the buddy system. Stay in groups and watch out for each other, especially at night—no one gets left behind!
• Before you go out, grab a business card at your hotel so that you always have the address handy for getting back later.
• At the end of a night out, use trusted transportation like a licensed taxi, and always have cash on hand.
• Be smart about alcohol consumption. Watch your drinks and don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know. Don’t leave the bar alone with someone you just met.
• Pick-pocketing is fairly common in bigger cities. Always watch your belongings and keep an eye out for one another.
• There are some scams prevalent in Morocco, that though not usually physically harmful, are good to research ahead of time and remain conscious of.
• Save our 24/7 number in your phone: +1–617–619–1411

Female travelers in Morocco may face treatment different from what they are used to back home:

• Though local women tend to dress conservatively, this is not expected of foreigners and many travelers dress as they normally would back home. That being said, there are travelers who say dressing more conservatively helps draw less attention and made them feel more comfortable, so it's not a bad idea to pack some conservative clothing items to have on hand just in case.
• It’s common to be catcalled in Morocco. Years of feedback and advice tell us that it’s best to ignore the calls and keep walking forward.
• If you do find yourself receiving unwanted attention, staying in a group is one of the best deterrents.

For weight and size restrictions please refer to your airline’s website. Flight information will be available 30 days prior to departure in your online account. Below you'll find some critical packing information and suggestions.

• The most important piece of advice we can give you: Pack light! Your international airline ticket does include a checked bag, but years of customer feedback tells us a carry-on is the way to go. You may need to carry your suitcase where buses and elevators cannot, so make sure you are comfortable carrying everything you bring yourself.
  • You've probably heard the hacks about rolling clothes and using packing cubes a million times, but there's a reason for that! It really does help.
  • If you choose to pack all of your toiletries, don't bring your regular-sized bottles from home. Offload some of that into travel-sized containers.
  • Choose your luggage wisely. We recommend a roller carry-on bag and a backpack as your personal item.
  • Choose shoes carefully as well. They're some of the bulkiest items you can pack, so we recommend a good pair of walking shoes and a pair of climate-appropriate shoes (boots or sandals depending on the destination and time of year). We also recommend a pair of closed-toe water shoes if your itinerary has any water activities.
  • Make a packing list of must-haves and stick to it. If you have a little extra space in your bags once all your must-haves are packed, then consider adding in a few nice extras.
• Unfortunately, luggage can get lost. It’s a painful situation no matter what, but here are tips to ease some of the hassle:
  • DO NOT put important medications in a checked bag. If your luggage is lost, this could become a dangerous issue.
  • Even if you put most of your clothes in a checked bag, put a couple outfits in your carry-on along with your toiletries.
  • If you are forced to check you carry-on at the gate, be sure to remove essentials and valuables before handing it over.
• Carefully review TSA restrictions when packing. There are a number of items not allowed in your carry-on and liquids have certain restrictions.
• Check out the local weather; we haven't figured out how to control the weather yet so best to be prepared and plan accordingly.
• Don't forget: Outlets overseas can differ from the US, so be sure to pack the right power adapters/converters!

We at EF will help facilitate any testing requirements while on tour, however it is the travelers responsibility to pay for these tests and it is our recommendation that you budget roughly 150 USD total. Please note that non-boosted travelers may be required to do additional testing to enter places such as restaurants, and/or major attractions.

Currencies used:

• Morocco: Dirham (MAD or dh)

Budgeting Budget around $80-$100 per day for meals, drinks, souvenirs, and tips or extra activities.

Remember that you know your spending habits best and not everyone’s spending habits are the same. These recommendations are based on a traveler who says yes to any and all activities while on tour.

Managing Money The Moroccan dirham (MAD or dh) is a closed currency. This means that you can only exchange your USD to the local currency once you arrive in Morocco.

You cannot exchange to this currency in the United States, so we recommend exchanging your dollars to dirhams at a Bureau de Change in the airport upon arrival or at a local Morocco bank. It is usually cheaper to withdraw money from an ATM. However, because Morocco is heavily cash-based economy, it's common for ATMs to run out of money, making them difficult to withdraw from.

Tipping

• For your Tour Director, we recommend tipping $66 at the end of the trip if you feel inclined.
• For your bus driver, we recommend tipping $3-$5 per day at the end of tour.
• For local guides, consider tipping $3-$5 at the end of the guided tour.
• During your time in the desert, consider tipping your desert guides and 4x4 drivers $4-$5 each.
• Tipping 10%, or more for exceptional service, is common in restaurants.
• If you take a taxi, simply round the fare up to the nearest 5 dirham.

Many Moroccans also speak French, Spanish, and English. However, Berber and Arabic tend to be their first and second languages. It’s fun and helpful to try your hand at the local language, but you don't have to try all of them! Here are some popular words and phrases in Arabic:

• Hello: Salam
• My name is (your name): Ismi (your name)
• How much is this?: Bekam Hada?
• Yes: Na’am
• No:La’a
• Thank you: Shukran
• Where is the bathroom?: Ayn el-merhad?

Note: Download Duolingo or some language-learning podcasts to practice your skills, and use Google Translate to help you while on the road!

Morocco is well-known as the “gateway to Africa”, and it lives up to its name. As you prepare to spend time in a new continent, country, and culture, prepare yourself for ancient cities, mouth-watering cuisine, and other-worldly architecture. Read on to learn more about Moroccan and Muslim culture and see specific tips to help you make the most of your trip.

• Morocco is a Muslim country; 99% of its population identifies as Sunni Muslim, but religious minorities are widely respected.
• Cities like Marrakesh and Fez are more relaxed with clothing, but Morocco is a conservative and religious country so you should be mindful of covering more “private” body parts on this trip.
• Any gesture you make in Morocco should be done with your right hand. The left hand is considered impure and is saved for bathroom duties and cleaning chores.
• If you are not Muslim, you are not allowed to enter most mosques in Morocco. You should also be wary of taking photos or peering through windows of mosques
• Moroccans are extremely friendly and hospitable. It’s common to converse with locals and be offered a cup of hot mint tea or couscous.
• Be considerate when taking photos of locals, and know that some people, especially women, might not want their photo taken at all, or will ask for a payment in return for the photo. Also note that taking photos of royal palaces, guards, and police is off-limits. When in doubt, just ask the person if you can take a photo of them.
• Haggling is part of the culture, especially in the souks markets in Marrakesh. Be prepared for a lot of back-and-forth when purchasing an item, especially if you don’t want to pay 4x too much! A rule of thumb is to start bargaining at 1/3 of the price you’re initially quoted. Give it a try and read up on the section about haggling before to become an expert.

Haggling is an essential part of shopping in Morocco, and it can be a fun and rewarding experience if you approach it with the right mindset. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process:

1. Do Your Research: Before you start haggling, have a general idea of the prices for items you're interested in. This will give you a better sense of what a fair price is.

2. Start Low: When you make your initial offer, start significantly lower than the price the seller quotes. This gives you room to negotiate while still moving towards a price that works for both parties.

3. Be Polite and Friendly: Building rapport with the seller can go a long way. Smile, greet them in Arabic or French, and engage in light conversation. A friendly demeanor can make the process smoother.

4. Don’t Show Too Much Interest: If you show too much eagerness for an item, the seller may not budge on price. Keep a casual attitude to maintain your negotiating power.

5. Walk Away if Necessary: If the price doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to walk away. This can prompt the seller to lower their price. Often, they’ll call you back with a better offer.

6. Know When to Stop: If you reach a price that feels fair to you, don’t keep pushing. Negotiation should feel satisfactory for both parties.

7. Be Prepared to Bargain: Haggling can take time, and it's often a back-and-forth process. Be patient and flexible.

8. Understand Local Customs: Some items, like handmade goods, can have fixed prices, while others are more flexible. Knowing the context can help you negotiate better.

9. Use Currency Wisely: When negotiating, have cash ready. In many markets, cash is preferred, and you may have more room to negotiate with smaller denominations.

10. Enjoy the Experience: Haggling is part of the culture in Morocco. Embrace the process, and enjoy the interaction with local vendors!

    By keeping these tips in mind, you can enhance your shopping experience in Morocco and perhaps even walk away with some great deals!

You’ll sample a variety of local dishes on your trip, but read on for tips when dining in Morocco, and delicacies you must try in every city.

• A favorite local pastime is people-watching in a street café with a coffee or mint tea. This is also the perfect way to kick back, reflect on your travels so far, and get excited for what’s to come!
• Expect to be seated on a floor mat around a knee-high table, or on couches around a large round table when dining
• Expect more food to be offered to you once you stop eating. If you are completely full, simply pat your stomach and shake your head while saying La, shukrran (“No, thank you”).
• B’ssara: This is a cheap, local soup of dried broad beans with olive oil, cumin, and fresh bread
• Tagine: A tagine is the clay cooking pot that serves a variety of dishes. Try a chicken or kefta tagine; You’ll find it at roadside cafes, restaurants, and homes! And of course, served with bread Couscous: We know you’ve heard of this one. Couscous is a fine wheat pasta rolled by hand. Usually it’s steamed and served over a stew of meat and veggies, garnished with a raisin preserve or buttermilk
• Zaalouk: Zaalouk is one of many Moroccan vegetable salads. It’s is a smoked aubergine dip seasoned with garlic, paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Best served with… you guessed it… BREAD.
• Mint Tea: Mint tea is THE drink of Morocco. It’s usually sweetened with sugar from a sugar cone, and poured into a tea glass from a tall height in order create the famous froth
• Bread: If you’re on a no-carb diet, we have bad news. Moroccan khobz (bread) is typically served at every meal, and you may even see families baking their dough at communal wood-fired ovens around town
• Olives: Morocco is the 5th largest producer of olive oil in the world, and you may get a small bowl of spiced olives before every meal, or find olives in almost every dish!

If you did not purchase EF Ultimate Break Optional Excursions before the trip began, you can log into your Online Account and do so on tour. You can also talk to your Tour Director on tour and they can help you get enrolled. If you’d like to plan something else during your free time, connect with your Tour Director before doing so; they sometimes arrange extra activities for the group during free time. Prices for these optional excursions will increase on tour, so please check your online account for available add ons.