How long does it take to fly to Morocco from the US?

Depending on your number of stops and length of layovers, expect 18 to 24 hours total. When booking, look for shorter or fewer layovers to stay within that window, and avoid layovers under 90 minutes.

Do I need to be a hiker or an athlete to participate in this trip?

You don't need to be a hiker or an athlete, but you do need an honest sense of your own fitness level.

Many of our trips include walking and hiking over steep, uneven, rocky, sandy, or slippery terrain. Some of it can feel moderate to strenuous if you're not used to regular exercise or an active lifestyle. We move with care, take breaks, and never treat the journey like a race ~ but Morocco itself isn't always gentle underfoot.

You should be comfortable with stairs, hills, and extended walking. Elevators are uncommon, and many of the most beautiful places we visit ask a little effort of you to reach them. Each itinerary includes more specific guidance on its physical demands, so you can choose the trip that's right for you.

I'm an over-packer. How many suitcases can I bring?

Good news: your trip with Take A Better Trip includes our guide to packing light for adventure travel like this. We strongly recommend carry-on only ~ one small roller bag and one personal-size backpack or tote.

Two reasons why: lost luggage can derail a trip in more ways than one, and we're on the move almost every day, so dragging large suitcases in and out of new hotels each night gets old fast. We'll show you exactly how to pack just what you need.

If I have to pack light, can I still do laundry?

Yes. Laundry service is available anywhere we spend two consecutive nights, and it's typically affordable with a one-day turnaround.

Can I share a room with my partner or travel companion?

Yes ~ for the duration of the entire journey, we offer a discounted shared room option for couples and friends traveling together. Complete the booking process with both guests in the same booking to receive the reduced rate.

What is a "shared room"?

Occasionally our trips will take us to special places that are not normal hotels ~ Sahara Desert tents, mountain gites, family owned guest houses, etc. Often we must share rooms with other guests due to limited space in these accommodations. This is usually only one or two nights per trip, and it tends to become one of the most fun experiences of the entire journey. Only guests of the same sex will ever be roomed together, and everyone always has their own bed.

Can I drink the water in Morocco?

Travelers are generally advised against drinking tap water in Morocco, including ice, unless we've confirmed it's safe.

Bottled water is plentiful and provided throughout your trip. Bring your own refillable bottle, since we won't distribute individual-size bottles. Brushing your teeth with tap water is usually fine as long as you don't swallow it, though it's ultimately at your own discretion.

What languages are spoken in Morocco?

Darija (a Moroccan dialect of Arabic), French, several dialects of Tamazight (the original native north African language) Spanish, and some English (mostly within tourism). Depending on the region, you may hear more.

How will I get a taxi at the airport?

Before departure, you'll receive emails preparing you for landing in Morocco, including where to book a taxi, where to exchange cash, and anything else you'll want to know before we meet up. If you would prefer a private pickup from the airport, please select that option during checkout for an additional fee.

Can I arrive early and spend time on my own before the tour begins?

Yes, and we encourage it. We're happy to help arrange extra nights at your hotel ahead of the official start date. Just know that we won't be there in person until the trip begins, though we're reachable by phone.

How will I communicate using my phone?

In Morocco, you'll rely mostly on internet-based communication ~ apps like WhatsApp, social media, and email ~ rather than traditional calls or texts. Anyone hoping to reach you at home will need to use these instead.

Before departure, we'll send you a link to optionally purchase and install an eSIM, giving you mobile internet through local cell towers so you're not dependent solely on hotel or restaurant Wi-Fi. A physical SIM card is available after arrival, but it's less convenient and carries the risk of misplacing your original SIM while it's out of your phone.

All guests are asked to download WhatsApp and set up an account before the trip. We use it for group communication, and its photo-sharing makes it especially useful while traveling together.

How much cash should I bring?

You'll use cash for nearly every purchase in Morocco. We'll send trip-specific guidance before departure, but as a general rule: bring fresh, clean $100 and $20 bills, since exchange clerks often decline $5s and $1s. Exchange offices are easy to find. ATMs are plentiful too, though they can carry steep international fees if your bank isn't set up for travel first.

What is the dress code in Morocco?

Simpler than it sounds. As in most Muslim cultures, women are asked to dress a bit more modestly than is typical in the US ~ covering shoulders and thighs, and avoiding anything especially tight or revealing, particularly in rural areas. You'll see tourists in the cities wearing far less, but that doesn't mean it's appreciated. Covering your head or hair is not required.

For men, basic respect goes a long way ~ sleeved shirts, longer shorts, and nothing profane or explicit.

Should I bring my professional camera?

If you have a good system for traveling with it, bring it ~ just pack your cleaning supplies, since we'll move through areas that are dusty, sandy, windy, and sometimes salty.

Photographing local people directly is a real invasion of privacy and should only be done with permission. Identifiable photos of children are not permitted. General scene shots that happen to include people are fine.