For American visitors, a valid US passport that is NOT due to expire within 6 months of travel IS REQUIRED. There is no visa required for travel from the US.

We recommend purchase of travel insurance with health coverage. You may obtain insurance quotes from your preferred company or try Travel Insurance - Compare and Buy Trip Insurance Online. https://www.travelinsurance.com/

There are many convenient options to fly from Europe. https://www.flightconnections.com/flights-to-marrakech-rak

If traveling from the USA, consider the new DIRECT flights to Marrakech by United from Newark, NJ and Delta from Atlanta, GA.

If booking with Royal Air Maroc with direct flights from New York JFK, Washington IAD, and Miami MIA, the Eco FLEX fare provides the option to purchase your seat, which is the best price option. If the booking is for multiple cities, select that option to get the most favorable prices.

We highly recommend booking airfare directly with the airline and not with an intermediary, for ease in case you need to make changes.

During most of our visit, Morocco is 5 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET), or UTC -5. On Nov. 1, Day Light Saving time in the US ends and clocks will be set back one hour, making the time difference 6 hours.

Yes. We thoughtfully pair women based on compatibility questionnaires to ensure aligned energy.

Yes. Morocco is very popular with women travelers. You'll have vetted accommodations, experienced guides, and 24/7 support.

Yes. Flexible payment plans are available to make your Morocco retreat experience more accessible.

All balances must be paid in full by September 15th. Limited payment plan spots available.

Moderate fitness. The mountain trek involves walking on uneven terrain. Notify us of any health concerns.

International flights, 1 lunch, 1 dinner, gratuities, and personal expenses are not included.

Overall, expect a considerable fluctuation between daytime and evening weather, typical of semi-desert climates. In October, Marrakech is usually dry and pleasant with temperatures fluctuating between 60 – 75 °F. Temperature is lower in the Atlas Mountains at an average of 50 – 70 °F.

Other than your beauty potions and customary toiletries, we recommend LIGHT packing of casual comfortable layers of clothing to manage temperature fluctuation.

Leave space in your bag to do some kaftan shopping! Comfortable walking shoes for Marrakech and a pair of walking/hiking shoes/boots for the Desert and the Atlas are in order.

Do not forget long pants/jeans for camel riding and any prescription medications.

Moroccans speak a mix of Arabic Darija, Tamazigh, French, and many also speak English and Spanish, particularly in the larger cities like Marrakech and the tourism areas. It is always a good idea to learn a few key phrases in Darija to show appreciation for their culture. Greet them with a warm Salam! and thank them with Shookran!

The Moroccan Dirham conversion is approximately 9-10 Dirhams per 1 Dollar or Euro. In Morocco, EUR Euros are accepted for any purchases. ATM withdrawal and exchange desks in the medina will provide the best exchange rate for Dirhams. You may want to be a step ahead by bringing a starting amount of Euros with you, which can be obtained at most banks by ordering a few days in advance. 

Please note that smaller markets, street vendors, and taxis transact in cash - cash is still king in Morocco! Most restaurants we recommend accept credit cards, as do the established shops. Visa and Mastercard are preferred. American Express oftentimes is not accepted. When paying with a credit card, it is best to use one that does not charge for international transactions. For credit card and ATM use, it is important to consult your bank first as many have security locks that prevent them from working overseas, so make sure you get the lock removed before you travel.

Absolutely. If the price is not displayed in the items, bargaining is expected and part of the art of shopping in Morocco. If you are a skilled negotiator, in most situations, you may pay at least 50% less than the asking price. If after negotiating you do not feel you are getting a fair price, walk away and you will likely hear the shop owner calling you back with a better offer. If you are not willing to spend 1,000+ USD/EUR on a Moroccan carpet, do not enter any carpet shop, even if the luring salesmen insist and offer you tea…. Just say vigorously LA LA LA! Nope.

People working in Morocco’s tourism industry (lodging, restaurants, tours, transportation) depend on visitors' tips to make a living. When dining on your own, we recommend leaving a 10% tip.

There are taxi stands in several spots in the Marrakech Medina, and it is a safe and efficient mode of transportation. You must agree to a price before you ride away, otherwise you may be overcharged. For rides within the Marrakech Medina and Gueliz nouvelle ville areas, the average taxi ride during the day should be 50-70 dirhams and in the evening 100-120 dirhams.

Morocco uses 220 volts, as in Europe. Travelers from the USA will need an electric converter.

To ensure continued communication and GPS access, we highly recommend you make arrangements for connectivity with your mobile carrier. Using an eSim card, or purchasing a sim card onsite at $25-30, are the most affordable options; however for mobile calls you will likely be assigned a local number.

Free People Riad & Spa provides filtered water in our 24-hour Refresh bar, and we also use filtered water to make tea, coffee and juices. While Moroccans mostly drink faucet of natural spring water, we always recommend for visitors to drink filtered or bottled water.

While it is forbidden for Muslims, it is acceptable for tourists to consume alcohol. You will find that alcohol is served only in select restaurants and hotels. You may purchase alcohol in shops outside the Medina (Carrefour or Victoria) for your consumption in our Riad in Marrakech.

Yes, Morocco is safe for all visitors. As it is the case with travel to any country, one must practice caution and common sense. This includes not wearing expensive looking jewelry, not flashing large sums of cash in public, keeping a good hold on cell phone and cameras, and staying aware to avoid pickpocketing in crowded city areas. We recommend using a zipper crossbody bag for comfort and worry-free exploration.

Always walk close to the road and alleys right or left, as you will share the way with bicycles, motorcycles, donkeys and sometimes cars. If you need help with directions, ask a shop attendant. Do not accept tours or help from anyone who may want to divert you from your route. If they indicate any place or road is closed and offer to take you through another way, politely decline. They do not intend to hurt you, but they are looking for a steep tip.

If you have never visited the country, Marrakech’s market alleys filled with people, and other quiet alleys in the residential pockets, may be intimidating. After taking a couple of strolls and getting your bearings, you will likely feel up to exploring. However, do not be concerned if you get a bit disoriented in the maze of Marrakech; if you do not get lost in the Medina, then you have not been there at all.

Before you leave home, share a color copy of your passport along with information about where you will be lodging with a loved one.