I just returned from Morocco and felt extremely comfortable there. The people were friendly and polite - men often moved out of the way when passing (unlike many folks in NYC) or actively steered clear when I was taking photographs. I wore long sleeves for most the time because it was cold in some places, but when I moved to short sleeves (not straps) in Marrakesh, I saw maybe only a slight difference in response and then it was just that I would be looked at more often. I found the younger men to be charming and clearly unable to judge age, but they were very polite and as soon as I wanted to be off from a souk or conversation, I had no problem moving on. It is a lovely beautiful country and worth anyone's visit. Just use common sense as you would anywhere.
going to Morocco for the first time in May. I have done a lot of research online and found I'm am even more nervous about being harrassed than I was before I knew anything. We are quite adventurous and if any other women have some tips for us that would be amazing. tuneinturner@gmail.com
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holiday in Marrakesh
I have been to Morocco recently and experienced a hassle free holiday. There was no such issue about clothing and unwanted attention. It is not a typical muslim country with strict regulation etc. I saw many local women in western clothes like jeans and tee shirts but not in short skirts. However there were many tourists and many white women wearing short skirts in the souks and bikinis at the water fall. So as I even read a lot about moroccan men before going there I found a very warm and welcoming atmosphere. People are very helpful but ask for money if they take you to a place or negotiate on your behalf in souks etc. which I think is acceptable. Yes there was a bit of hassle in the souks, especially in the evenings but simply smiling and walking away worked the best for me in all situations.
I went to Morocco in April 2009, what a wonderful country, the safest I have every visited nothing like what I have to deal with here in North America. Like all countries of course there are areas that are not safe, but as a young woman traveling alone never did I feel unsafe. Sure there were many men who asked for my number to none I gave, a polite no was all it took. I did find the worst dressed were tourist, they seem to have no respect that Morocco is a Muslim country. For women dress respectfully and stop showing so much flesh, who needs to see your ass cheeks hanging out your shorts and your cleavage showing for all to see? Dress appropriately. Morocco is a wonderful place, too bad the government does not do more for the poor.
I have just come back from a holiday in Marrakesh and unfortunately while we were there we had our bag stolen, got separated and my friend was raped. There is little or no victim support/ rape centres and you will not receive the same treatment as you would in the west. However the police were efficient and one man was caught within days.
Marrakesh is a wonderful place, just make sure that you don't walk around the medina late at night and don't trust anyone, despite how helpful they may be. We dressed appropriately and even wore headscarves, we were just in the wrong place at the wrong time
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visited Marrakech
The ONE AND ONLY place I realized that I had better cover my white face up with a woolen scarf and keep my down parka hood as tight as possible around my face was in a remote train station of Mongolia, heading for the Siberian border. The Mongolian men were huge, and mainly drunk on vodka. The female Mongolian teachers I traveled with were careful and extremely cautious of having me be seen . . . and I watched and listened to their cues. In the middle of the night, in the middle of "nowhere" and totally freezing cold, the name of the game is take your cue from the locals.
I am visited Marrakech last year. I did find the hassling by children, beggars and vendors annoying, and it reminded me how much more relaxed a time I have visiting countries like Spain and Greece where this happens so much less. So as a woman you'd have this on top of unwanted male attention, and it all depends how thick your skin is but I agree it is more of an irritation than a danger. Regarding dress, most of the girls in the French school near I was staying wore short skirts and I saw plenty with sleeveless tops, so I think the dress thing is less critacal than in other muslim countries.
morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco
I am visited Marrakech last year. I did find the hassling by children, beggars and vendors annoying, and it reminded me how much more relaxed a time I have visiting countries like Spain and Greece where this happens so much less. So as a woman you'd have this on top of unwanted male attention, and it all depends how thick your skin is but I agree it is more of an irritation than a danger. Regarding dress, most of the girls in the French school near I was staying wore short skirts and I saw plenty with sleeveless tops, so I think the dress thing is less critacal than in other muslim countries.
morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco
visited Marrakech
The ONE AND ONLY place I realized that I had better cover my white face up with a woolen scarf and keep my down parka hood as tight as possible around my face was in a remote train station of Mongolia, heading for the Siberian border. The Mongolian men were huge, and mainly drunk on vodka. The female Mongolian teachers I traveled with were careful and extremely cautious of having me be seen . . . and I watched and listened to their cues. In the middle of the night, in the middle of "nowhere" and totally freezing cold, the name of the game is take your cue from the locals.
I am visited Marrakech last year. I did find the hassling by children, beggars and vendors annoying, and it reminded me how much more relaxed a time I have visiting countries like Spain and Greece where this happens so much less. So as a woman you'd have this on top of unwanted male attention, and it all depends how thick your skin is but I agree it is more of an irritation than a danger. Regarding dress, most of the girls in the French school near I was staying wore short skirts and I saw plenty with sleeveless tops, so I think the dress thing is less critacal than in other muslim countries.
morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco
I am visited Marrakech last year. I did find the hassling by children, beggars and vendors annoying, and it reminded me how much more relaxed a time I have visiting countries like Spain and Greece where this happens so much less. So as a woman you'd have this on top of unwanted male attention, and it all depends how thick your skin is but I agree it is more of an irritation than a danger. Regarding dress, most of the girls in the French school near I was staying wore short skirts and I saw plenty with sleeveless tops, so I think the dress thing is less critacal than in other muslim countries.
morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco
She should go and enjoy marvellous Morocco!!
Morocco in general is not necessarely about how you dress but how you behave. Some Moroccan girls make European girls look like Nuns! Young men in Morocco tend to try it on (hit on) every female that comes across them regardless of origin or dress. There are those who are after money and those after what's called papers - a visa or just a bit of "fun". These can be dealt with in more or less the same manner. If approched by anyone be firm (with a small smile) and say no, thank you and keep walking. "Laa, Shokran".
If visiting Casablanca avoid the local beach (Ain Diab). Basically if you see no women at the beach do not go in! Ain Diab is female unfriendly unless accompanied by a male gang! It used to be a family friendly in the 70s and early 80s but somehow it became a magnet for all the desperados in Casablanca. Still the seaside offers great views (bars,cafes, swimming pools etc) If you want to go to the beach you need to travel a bit further for some good beaches. Also Casablanca has some 6 or 8 good swimming pools. They all seem good and very safe. Use common sense and enjoy it. Todaysdish@yahoo.com
I agree with BerberMan - it can be unsafe for a lone female in the USA!!! Always respect the culture of the country you are in, dress modestly or as you see the local women and always be aware of your surroundings. This is general advice. I am an Australian girl who has travelled extensively in North Africa and the Middle East, I am now married to a Tunisian man and living in Tunisia. I have been hassled but hey, I've been hassled in the US, Australia and lots of other places.
She should go and enjoy marvellous Morocco!!
morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco
If visiting Casablanca avoid the local beach (Ain Diab). Basically if you see no women at the beach do not go in! Ain Diab is female unfriendly unless accompanied by a male gang! It used to be a family friendly in the 70s and early 80s but somehow it became a magnet for all the desperados in Casablanca. Still the seaside offers great views (bars,cafes, swimming pools etc) If you want to go to the beach you need to travel a bit further for some good beaches. Also Casablanca has some 6 or 8 good swimming pools. They all seem good and very safe. Use common sense and enjoy it. Todaysdish@yahoo.com
I agree with BerberMan - it can be unsafe for a lone female in the USA!!! Always respect the culture of the country you are in, dress modestly or as you see the local women and always be aware of your surroundings. This is general advice. I am an Australian girl who has travelled extensively in North Africa and the Middle East, I am now married to a Tunisian man and living in Tunisia. I have been hassled but hey, I've been hassled in the US, Australia and lots of other places.
She should go and enjoy marvellous Morocco!!
morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco
Women travelling in Morocco
My daughter is planning to go to Morocco with a friend for a two week holiday. I have heard Morocco is amazing but have also heard that young women are hassled and made to feel very uncomfortable and unsafe by Moroccan men. It would be usful to read feedback from women who have travelled to Morocco recently. Many thanks, J.
I am a woman and have travelled to Morocco alone and had a fantastic time with no harassment or hassles whatsoever. People were very welcoming and friendly and as long as you reciprocate in the same way you won't have any problems. If approached by people selling things etc and you don't want anything just politely say no, smile and walk on - I had no problems using this strategy.
I travelled to Morocco alone twice in 2008. Men in the souks (market shops) hassle everyone, as Babs said, smile and walk on. There were always a lot of people in the streets beyond the souks and while I did have men follow me and want to talk with me and give me their phone numbers I never felt unsafe. Uncomfortable yes, unsafe no. Take the usual precautions about being out alone after dark, and dress respectfully for a Muslim country - my guide book said a woman should cover her knees and shoulders, though I saw plenty of women who didn't and they didn't seem to get harrassed in Marrakech, Rabat or Casablanca where I travelled - I've heard less touristic places may be a lot more traditional and a lot less tolerant of inappropriate dress. In general I found Moroccans very helpful and eager to please.
My Daughter is an American at school in Paris and also wants to go to Morroco for her spring break. I am very reticent to let her go as she is 21, going with a bunch of co-students, and without the guidance of her overseas program. I don't know where they would be staying, where they would be going and if they even know what proper Muslim womens culture observes. Also if she does inadvertantly get into trouble there is very little I can do to help her. Not worth the risk? or am I being overly paranoid.
thanks for the advice....
morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco
I am a woman and have travelled to Morocco alone and had a fantastic time with no harassment or hassles whatsoever. People were very welcoming and friendly and as long as you reciprocate in the same way you won't have any problems. If approached by people selling things etc and you don't want anything just politely say no, smile and walk on - I had no problems using this strategy.
I travelled to Morocco alone twice in 2008. Men in the souks (market shops) hassle everyone, as Babs said, smile and walk on. There were always a lot of people in the streets beyond the souks and while I did have men follow me and want to talk with me and give me their phone numbers I never felt unsafe. Uncomfortable yes, unsafe no. Take the usual precautions about being out alone after dark, and dress respectfully for a Muslim country - my guide book said a woman should cover her knees and shoulders, though I saw plenty of women who didn't and they didn't seem to get harrassed in Marrakech, Rabat or Casablanca where I travelled - I've heard less touristic places may be a lot more traditional and a lot less tolerant of inappropriate dress. In general I found Moroccans very helpful and eager to please.
My Daughter is an American at school in Paris and also wants to go to Morroco for her spring break. I am very reticent to let her go as she is 21, going with a bunch of co-students, and without the guidance of her overseas program. I don't know where they would be staying, where they would be going and if they even know what proper Muslim womens culture observes. Also if she does inadvertantly get into trouble there is very little I can do to help her. Not worth the risk? or am I being overly paranoid.
thanks for the advice....
morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco
fight to morocco
After reading the comments of sometimes heated each other, I feel the need to clarify certain points, to cut short any interpretation.
1 / do not get the wrong fight. I remember that I have nothing against Mr Benhima as a person, I address him as President of the RAM and as able to take the necessary action for proper care of disabled reduced.
2 / I'm not calling for a boycott of RAM. Quite the contrary in these times of crisis, I think we need more than ever to support the national company and preserve the jobs of those who work there. By cons as clients (disabled or not) we are entitled to demand a better quality of service.
3 / Prior to commencing a lawsuit, there are other avenues to explore. AMH I represent and I are rather in a perspective of openness and co-construction: as I wrote in my last letter, we are quite willing to partner with an approach favoring quality of service by bringing our expertise on this subject. I remember a few years ago we implemented a training program for support staff, which was interrupted for I do not know why. I also suggest to develop a quality charter involving the airport users and associations representing people with disabilities.
4 / A few words about the support staff. They work as you would expect in difficult conditions. But they keep smiling even when disgruntled passengers pour their anger on them. They deserve to receive adequate training and be well regarded and respected. I send all my gratitude.
4 / Finally I want to thank you for your support. Sometimes it is necessary in some situations to maintain the pressure. I regret it because a good discussion around a table to allow my sense of getting things done much faster.
morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco
1 / do not get the wrong fight. I remember that I have nothing against Mr Benhima as a person, I address him as President of the RAM and as able to take the necessary action for proper care of disabled reduced.
2 / I'm not calling for a boycott of RAM. Quite the contrary in these times of crisis, I think we need more than ever to support the national company and preserve the jobs of those who work there. By cons as clients (disabled or not) we are entitled to demand a better quality of service.
3 / Prior to commencing a lawsuit, there are other avenues to explore. AMH I represent and I are rather in a perspective of openness and co-construction: as I wrote in my last letter, we are quite willing to partner with an approach favoring quality of service by bringing our expertise on this subject. I remember a few years ago we implemented a training program for support staff, which was interrupted for I do not know why. I also suggest to develop a quality charter involving the airport users and associations representing people with disabilities.
4 / A few words about the support staff. They work as you would expect in difficult conditions. But they keep smiling even when disgruntled passengers pour their anger on them. They deserve to receive adequate training and be well regarded and respected. I send all my gratitude.
4 / Finally I want to thank you for your support. Sometimes it is necessary in some situations to maintain the pressure. I regret it because a good discussion around a table to allow my sense of getting things done much faster.
morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco
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