Get creative
Organize your art supplies and get to crafting. Consider creating a paper lantern (like those found in Marrakech’s souks), decorating mosaic tiles, or designing your own jewelry like that of the Berber people.
Need more inspiration? Check out this virtual tour of Jardin Majorelle, the former home-turned-museum of Yves Saint Laurent in Marrakech! Home to traditional Moroccan artwork and costumes, the house is known for its unique shade of blue.
Pick a film
Watch a movie that relates to your destination. Some ideas for Morocco include:
- Casablanca (1943)
- The Man Who Knew Too Much (1954)
- Queen of the Desert (2017)
Study some history
Dive deep into the history of specific sites you’ll visit on tour. Learn more about Morocco’s native Berber culture and the establishment of its French protectorate in 1912, as well as how the nation regained independence in 1956. Then, explore Marrakech further with a virtual city tour.
Choose a book
Read and discuss a book that takes place in your destination or describes the local culture. Pick from titles like:
- A House in Fez: Building a Life in the Ancient Heart of Morocco by Suzanna Clarke
- The Caliph’s House: A Year in Casablanca by Tahir Shah
- The Last Storytellers: Tales from the Heart of Morocco by Richard Hamilton
Fill up your plate
Arrange a potluck and encourage your friends to bring a traditional dish from your destination. Know a chef? Hold a virtual cooking class with your travel group or support a local restaurant that offers delivery/take-out of your destination’s cuisine. Try one of the many tagines native to the land, enjoy the meat pie known as pastilla, or try a delicious meat kebab.
Learn the language
Morocco has two official languages: Arabic and Tamazight. However, a local Arabic dialect known as Darija is quite popular, and many Moroccans speak French as a second language. Call up a friend or set up a group video chat and practice your language skills. It helps to make flashcards with common Darija phrases to use on the phone or throughout your travels.
Did you know?
The English word “genie” is derived from the Arabic djinn. In Morocco, djinns are believed to stay in public places with water; they can even be found in pots and pans! If you’re lucky, you’ll find a djinn to grant your wishes while visiting Morocco.
Meet Your Partner in Travel
Caroline visited Morocco while studying art history in college. Her goal was to get a better look at the mosaics and Berber artistic culture, and she certainly did that! During her time, she was able to visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, ride camels, and even haggle over a handwoven rug in the famous Marrakech souks. Caroline’s favorite part of her time in Morocco was a traditional meal with a Berber family that lived in the mountains outside Marrakech. She was able to bring amazing memories back to the U.S., as well as a particular tagine recipe she learned that her friends and family often request.