9 ways to stay safe (and sane) in Morocco

9 ways to stay safe (and sane) in Morocco -

Walking around the medina of Fez, I could feel the glances. "Where are you going? Do you want to go to the tanneries? I'll take you. No money. Do not worry!" Faux Guides Medina said as she chased me down the street.

"No, I'm okay," I would respond, try to avoid at every opportunity. admire folding side streets, look at the map to stop, or a prospect made them and overthrow all nearby providers and badger me, invite me me into the shops restaurants and attractions.

There were moments when I would turn down streets just my spidey sense tell me to have to turn back. A few guys trying to get me in the corner before I managed to slip in a shop. Heck, even a small child trying to get my bag. While other cities like Fez were not so intense, required my visit to Morocco a thick skin and a watchful eye.

Before my trip, I asked about their experiences a number of friends. I had heard horror stories of tugs, harassment, pickpockets and scams. While the common everywhere, Morocco seemed to take it to another level. "Keep an eye out," everyone warned

After two weeks, the country pass through (which is amazing - see this post where I all over it fawn). With Intrepid Travel at its best Morocco tour, I could see why people say Morocco requires extra care. Werber, fraudsters and harassers abound, and while it was not bad when I was with my group, when I was alone, it was intense. When I settled in the famous and lonely Café Clock in Fez relax, I ask fellow writers online messaged if I was overreacting or if they feel the same way.

"No, it's not just you," was the universal response

You are unlikely ever to be in a real physical threat in Morocco, but petty crime and harassment you need on the hat to stay -. more than in other countries. However, if you follow a few rules, you may, without prejudice to leave:

1. not alone at night walking - While well-lit foot may be in and high traffic areas in order be careful walking at night. You never know what lurks around the corner in the Medina never. Petty crime is prevalent here, especially against tourists
2. not go alone, if you are a woman -. A woman alone will attract a lot of unwarranted attention from men, is an increased chance of followed, and the likelihood of groping. Even though I was with the girls on my trip, they got a lot of attention. I could only imagine how much worse it was when they were alone. And as a woman, especially not to walk alone at night
3. dress conservatively - Morocco is a conservative Muslim country, and it is not to wear appropriate clothing scarce. Keep your arms, shoulders and legs covered (especially if you are female) in order to avoid unwanted attention and local standards as
4. Avoid flashy jewelry -. A good general rule, this takes in a country on more urgency where theft is common and people are the jewelry as a sign of wealth and therefore try harder to scam you. In stores or rob you on the streets
5. not see carry valuables - Since muggings and pickpockets are common, take the minimum you need, when you leave your hotel or hostel. Do not take your passport with you - leave it at the hotel! A few people on my tour led them to take with them, and when my guide found out he looked like he was going to have a heart attack
6. Avoid alleys! - The tiny streets of the medina are nice to explore, but they make them easy prey for fraudsters and thieves sometimes. Be not to venture far away from the crowds
7. scam Watch -. When someone asks in her shop for tea, they're going to use that, you will probably give in as an excuse to buy something, and thanks to the rooted psychological idea of ​​reciprocity. can ask anyone to write a letter or postcard that their "cousin" sent to them. in English / French / whatever you read your first language is also It's a trick that you get in their business and enter below. to let the same with someone put henna on hand. Once this provider you have, they will relentlessly try over on the clothes, to buy something, or to give them money. Say "no thank you" and walk away
8. Sit rep -. People say, "no money" definitely want your money. They will try to get you in their shops or to ask cities and money for the service. Be firm and do not tell them. It does not matter their age or how useful they are when they start with you walking, they will ask for money
9. always negotiate taxi prices front up - always negotiate the price for taxis before you get in, because prices are inflated substantially when you arrive at your destination.

While this is a good advice any country, Morocco intense than your average goal by the sheer number of people who will give you unwanted attention. It takes a lot of energy to always be in a place on the alert, where the simple act of often ask for directions leads to asking people for money.

I was isolated, because I was on a tour, but when I alone or with just a few people, people came out of the woodwork, catcalled my friends, grabbed the girls and blocked entrances to the restaurants to us to address. Even after a decade of travel, I found myself wishing I had to share the psychological burden and a screaming companions want, "Leave me alone so I can enjoy only your country!"

Many people have asked me if they should alone to Morocco. My honest answer is: I'm not sure. It was my first time in North Africa and it was an adjustment. I was glad to be on a tour and a guide. If you do not have much travel experience or a woman traveling alone, it may simply be too much. I might suggest, on a tour to go first instead of the country solo to explore. It is mentally exhausting and there are a lot of groping hands. Moreover, it is difficult to obtain in the remote desert and mountains on public transport. I would also not like any race for mountain curves go

This is not to say you could never traveling solo here -., If you are tough, you can - but all in all I would say, it is more suitable country for a tour. You will find it easier to get and are isolated from the harassment

Morocco was a battery on my senses -. The food, the colors, the spices, the smells and the scenery were memorable. (The Doors -. You so ornate and colorful doors in Morocco I have dozens of pictures of doors). I would recommend 100% each to visit the country, but make sure that you keep an extra eye (especially in Fez), and have a thick skin.

Editor's note : I went with Intrepid Travel on their Best of Morocco tour to Morocco. It was part of my ongoing partnership with Intrepid Travel. They covered the cost of the tour, flight and meals

PS -. This week our solo female travel writer, Kristin Addis published a guide for girls to travel to the world called Conquering mountains . In addition to giving you practical travel information, it offers the security, packaging and other tips that respond specifically to the needs of female travelers and includes more than 20 interviews with other travelers and authors! Find out more about the book here!

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