The post Top Markets to Explore in the Middle East appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Khan el-Khalili, Cairo, Egypt
This sprawling bazaar dates back to the 14th century and is a must-visit for anyone traveling in Egypt. The market is filled with vendors selling traditional goods such as clothing and jewelry as well as spices and other souvenirs. Shop for unique local crafts like handmade lamps, then stop by Naguib Mahfouz coffee shop for an authentic Egyptian coffee experience.
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey
The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops spread across 61 covered streets. Visitors can get lost in the maze of colorful stalls selling everything from Turkish delight and spices to handmade ceramics and carpets. It’s a great place to haggle with vendors and practice your bargaining skills.
Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, Marrakech, Morocco
This market is the beating heart of Marrakech. It’s located in the city’s Medina quarter and is filled with sights, sounds, and smells that are sure to delight your senses. Wander around and check out all of the local handicrafts, or stop at a tea shop for some traditionally-served Moroccan mint tea.
The post Top Markets to Explore in the Middle East appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post A Cultural Tour of Morocco’s Medinas and Souks appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Souk Semmarine, Marrakech
One of the most famous souks in Morocco is the Souk Semmarine in Marrakech. This souk is known for its colorful stalls and its variety of goods. It’s easy to get lost in the maze-like alleys of the Souk Semmarine, but that’s part of the adventure. You never know what you might stumble upon around the next corner.
Souk El Bahja, Marrakech
Another popular souk in Marrakech is the Souk El Bahja. This souk is known for its traditional Moroccan pottery. You can watch the artisans at work and even try your hand at creating your own pottery. The Souk El Bahja is also a great place to pick up a unique souvenir to take home.
Souk Haddadine, Fez
If you’re looking for textiles, head to the Souk Haddadine in Fez. This souk is known for its beautiful woven fabrics and carpets. You can even see the weavers at work, using traditional techniques that have been passed down for generations.
Souk Nejarine, Meknes
In Meknes, the Place el-Hedim is home to the sprawling Souk Nejarine. This souk is known for its woodwork and furniture. You’ll find beautifully carved doors, tables, and chairs, as well as smaller items like boxes and chess sets.
The post A Cultural Tour of Morocco’s Medinas and Souks appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Dreamy Yet Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Bali, Indonesia
This tropical paradise is known for its stunning beaches, lush rice paddies, and vibrant culture. With affordable accommodations, cheap eats, and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s a perfect destination for budget travelers.
Lisbon, Portugal
With its colorful streets, charming neighborhoods, and historic landmarks, Lisbon is a budget-friendly destination that’s full of surprises. Enjoy the local cuisine, soak up the vibrant nightlife, and explore the city’s rich history.
Portugal (@explorar_lisboa)Marrakesh, Morocco
With its bustling markets, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, Marrakech is a real feast for the senses. Stay in a traditional riad, indulge in local cuisine, and explore the winding streets and hidden courtyards of the old city.
Other budget-friendly destinations include Vietnam, Mexico, and Peru, each offering unique experiences and cultural immersion. With careful planning and a willingness to explore off the beaten path, you can travel to dreamy destinations without breaking the bank.
The post Dreamy Yet Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Forget Coffee, These are the Best Destinations for Tea Lovers appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>All of that said, if coffee isn’t your thing, there are just as many places where tea is considered to be the essential beverage. Some countries take pride in their traditional ways of preparing and serving tea, while others specialize in creating flavorful blends. If you love tea as much as we do, consider planning a trip to one of these tea-rrific locations.
Japan
Japanese tea culture goes back hundreds of years and ceremonial tea rituals are still practiced by many. The most common type of tea consumed in Japan is matcha, a form of green tea made with whole finely ground tea leaves. Both the growing and preparation of tea are considered to be of great importance.
Morocco
Tea is a symbol of hospitality in Morocco and is consumed throughout the day by most who live there. Should you visit Morocco, you can expect green tea poured from several feet above your cup by the person serving it. Tea is typically prepared with sugar and plenty of fresh mint.
India
Did you know that “chai” is actually just the Hindi word for tea? What most of us in the west know as chai is known in India as masala chai, black tea prepared with milk, sugar, ginger, and cardamom. Masala chai is available almost everywhere and is usually served in a traditional clay cup.
The post Forget Coffee, These are the Best Destinations for Tea Lovers appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Go Glamping in Morocco at this New Luxury Campsite appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The campsite is located in the middle of the Atlas Mountains about 45 minutes outside of Marrakech. Guests can take in almost other-worldly views of the mountains and the desert as they enjoy all that the property has to offer.
Aside from 20 tents, each of which includes a king-sized bed, private bathroom, and complimentary Wi-Fi, amenities include two swimming pools, an outdoor movie theater, and even a horse and camel stable. Throughout the day, activities such as yoga classes, camel trek excursions, and even desert survival workshops are held for guests to enjoy.
Caravan Agafay officially opens on October 1, but room reservations are filling up fast! Book now to start planning your trip to this little desert paradise.
The post Go Glamping in Morocco at this New Luxury Campsite appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post 3 Things to Keep in Mind Before Visiting Morocco as a Solo Female Traveler appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Unwanted Attention
One of the most uncomfortable parts of visiting Morocco as a female traveler is unwanted attention from the male population. You may find yourself trying to avoid stares, catcalls, and unwanted inquiries, but they’re easier to ignore if you avoid eye contact and act confident and determined while moving around the city.
︎ Let’s Explore! (@marinacomes)Dress Modestly
Another great way to avoid unwanted attention is to dress modestly during your visit. After all, Morocco is an Islamic country, so it’s highly recommended to cover your knees, elbows, and cleavage, and wear clothes that are loose and light.
Right Place
You’ll deal with less unwanted attention in bigger cities than in small, rural areas, so it’s better to stick here if you’re visiting Morocco on your own. Doing some research to avoid unsafe cities and neighborhoods is also highly recommended. If there are some places that you really want to visit but don’t feel safe going alone, try looking for tours where you’ll be grouped with other travelers.
The post 3 Things to Keep in Mind Before Visiting Morocco as a Solo Female Traveler appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Things You Should Know Before a Tourist Trip to Morocco appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Visa is Not Required
You won’t need a visa if you are coming to Morocco as a tourist. But keep in mind that you can only stay up to 90 days in the country this way.
Only a Few Mosques Allow Entry to Non-Muslim
Morocco’s mosques are renowned for their intricate architectural style and impressive interior decorations. But if you’re not a Muslim, you will have to be content with just viewing them from afar. There are only a few mosques in Morocco that allow entry to non-Muslims, including Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.
Travel by Train
If you can get to your next location by train while in Morocco, book a ticket immediately. Trains are considered the most reliable, safest, and cheapest way of traveling through the country. If your budget allows you, you should buy a first-class ticket as it comes with air conditioning and a seat reservation.
Haggling is Welcomed
Haggling is somewhat a custom in Morocco, and you should not shy away from giving it a try. That is particularly the case with bazaars (markets), where haggling is expected and even welcomed.
Speaking French is Quite Helpful
English will get you through most situations in bigger cities like Casablanca or Marrakesh. However, you’ll have it hard in the smaller towns and remote areas without knowing a few basic words of Arabic. It helps if you know French, which is widely spoken across the country, while Spanish will also help you in Tangier, for example.
The post Things You Should Know Before a Tourist Trip to Morocco appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post 3 Reasons to Visit Meknes, One of the Four Imperial Cities of Morocco appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Imperial Past
Meknes is best known for being one of the four historical Imperial cities of Morocco, along with Fez, Marrakesh, and Rabat. It was the capital under the sultan Ismail Ibn Sharif, the founder of the Alaouite dynasty, who was responsible for building its monumental walls and gates.
Amazing Architecture
Like most major cities in Morocco, Meknes is worth the visit for its architectural beauty alone. From mosques and palaces to fortifications and gates, it’s home to more beautiful buildings than we can count including the Kasbah of Moulay Ismail with the monumental gate Bab Mansur.
Roman Ruins
If you have enough time to embark on an exciting road trip while in Meknes, make sure to check out the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. Volubilis used to be one of the flourishing centers of late Hellenistic culture in North Africa, and you can still find many a basilica, temple, and triumphal arch on its grounds.
The post 3 Reasons to Visit Meknes, One of the Four Imperial Cities of Morocco appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post 3 Stunning National Parks You Shouldn’t Miss in Morocco appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Toubkal National Park
The High Atlas mountain range is located in the very heart of Morocco and the Toubkal National Park is its crowning jewel. It offers everything from rugged cliffs with hiking trails to wild rivers and gorges, but you can take your visit to a whole new level by hiking all the way up to Jbel Toubkal, the most popular peak in the Atlas Mountains.
(@katrennada_in_mountains)Ifrane National Park
Ifrane National Park is a part of the Middle Atlas mountains, but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. The Atlas cedar trees cover a significant part of its forested area, but this national park is also known for its rich wildlife—most notably endangered Barbary macaques.
Talassemtane National Park
Talassemtane is a relatively new national park and it was founded in 2004 to preserve the last of Morocco’s threatened fir forests. God’s Bridge rock formation is one of its main points of interest, but it’s also worth checking out for its breathtaking waterfalls.
The post 3 Stunning National Parks You Shouldn’t Miss in Morocco appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post 3 Beautiful Palaces That You Shouldn’t Miss While Exploring Morocco appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Bahia Palace | Marrakesh
A visit to Morocco is incomplete if you don’t check out Marrakesh, and it goes without saying that this opulent city has a beautiful palace in store. Bahia opened its doors in the late 19th century, and it’s now home to 160 rooms and eight acres of gardens with countless courtyards.
El Badi Palace | Marrakesh
If you want to explore some of the most significant palace ruins on the African continent while in Morocco, El Badi Palace is just the thing that you’re looking for. It doesn’t look as impressive as it did in the 16th century when it was built, but its fortified walls still stand tall.
Dar al-Makhzen | Rabat
Royal palaces are scattered all around Morocco, but the one located in Rabat serves as the primary and official residence of the king of Morocco because this city happens to be the country’s capital. In addition to serving as the seat of the government, this palace is home to extensive gardens, a ground floor library, and a royal college.
(@art.histori)The post 3 Beautiful Palaces That You Shouldn’t Miss While Exploring Morocco appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>