What To Look Out For When You Re Buying Travel Books

Surely everyone loves a good travel book but sometimes they can be disappointing, more often, say, than a recipe or handcraft book. There are ways to avoid missing the bus.

Before forking out dollars for a travel book, ask yourself the following: am I in love with the idea of this book or the book itself? Take for example a book entitled “Gorgeous Morocco”. Are you in love with the idea of glorious Morocco or the book you are holding in your hand? To establish this you need to ask: what is the purpose of buying this book?

If you are planning a trip to Morocco and it’s nuts-and-bolts information you are seeking, then it is no good buying the incoherent ramblings of a traveling school teacher in the 1950's. It’s also no good being attracted by the photographs, because photos do lie and hardly constitute hard information. If you are simply keen on reading and learning about Morocco in general, then a book written from any angle will do, unless it is something completely off-beam, like a book written in the 1920's by a missionary, called “How I Converted Four Heathens In Morocco”.

If it’s useful travel information you are after, ask yourself: is this book up to date and properly researched? If you are holding a book called “Mainland Greece”, for instance, do a quick test. Think of a town in mainland Greece you know, such as Thrace, and see how quickly it takes to locate the section on Thrace and how useful the information is concerning accommodation, transport, restaurants, attractions, etc.

Easy-to-navigate handbooks with great indexes are just the ticket. They should be compact, so you can fit them in your hand luggage and cheap enough that if you lose them you don’t mind. The rule of thumb is that a few illustrative photographs are good – they show serious intent on the part of author and publisher to inform you – but too many photographs diminish the quality and quantity of the usable information. There should be concise historical nuggets and handy insider travel tips. There should also be complementary online resources listed for up-to-the-minute information.

If it’s not practical information you are after, but you want to feed your travel dreams and inform yourselves about countries through the ages then ask: who wrote this book? There has been a “colonization” of countries through travel writing. I mean that certain writers in English writing have become inextricably linked with writings about certain countries. They are quite simply the last word on the subject.

Lawrence Durrell and Henry Miller colonized Greece. Lawrence of Arabia colonized Arabia, Robert Lacey colonized Saudi Arabia. William Dalrymple colonized Byzantium and Delhi. The Durrells colonized Corfu. Bill Bryson colonized Australia and rural America. Lisa St. Aubin de Ter

Marokko vakanties en reisinformatie

Before you venture on your Moroccan holiday it is important to make sure all of your accommodation requirements are taken care off. One of the advantages to holidaying in Morocco is the fact that regardless of your budget, you can find a reasonable rest house for the duration of you stay. Even the most basic room can be found at a reasonable cost with adequate amenities and a clean comfortable atmosphere.

Depending on the destination of choice while staying in Morocco, the money you will pay for accommodation will vary. The capital city of Rabat offers reasonable accommodation for almost any budget, but with the more luxurious to be found in the city centre. The Mercure Hotel in Rabat is situated in the heart of the city and is only five minutes away from the main historic monuments.

Another reasonably priced hotel to be found in Rabat is the Sheherazade Hotel. This hotel is set in a quiet residential area and is a stones through from the tour hassan and the Mohammed V Mausoleum. Offering a gracious and comfortable stay, the Sheherazade Hotel is perfect for any traveler. Located just 15 minutes from the Rabat-sale international airport, this hotel is ideal for your every need.

Or for a more luxurious stay then the La Tour Hassan Meridian 5 star hotel offers a perfectly situated hotel with all amenities at the highest standard.

The hotels to be found in Marrakesh range from the ridiculously expensive to the affordable comfortable abode. For those looking for special treatment while staying in Marrakech, then a stopover at the La Maison Arabe is called for. Known as the culinary place to be, the La Maison Arabe hotel offers not just a congenial place to rest your head, but a gastronomic feast. Even our very own Winston Churchill made a point of dining here!

The Ksar Char-Bagh Palace is stylish and handsome. Situated in the heart of the snow topped peaks of the Atlas mountains and nested between stunning palm groves, the Ksar Char-Bagh Palace is a treasure to Marrakesh.

Taroudant is a popular day trip location for the Moroccan traveler. This location has a certain charm and grace to be found no where else in Morocco and is set in the midst of groves of oranges and pomegranates. The high walls which surround this majestic land are tinted with pink and orange and is a sight to be seen, For those who wish to extend there stay then the La Gazelle D’or hotel offers an exceptional five star service. This hotel not only provides all the luxury you could wish for but is also situated in a 250 acre park which takes your breath away.

The hotels in each area are an example of the quality and class to be found. Obviously depending on your own budget, these hotels may be suited to your needs or you may want to consider unadorned or more reasonably priced accommodation. Although even the more basic establishments can provide adequate accommodation at a sound price. This is one of the attractions to Morocco, there is something to suit everyone.

Top Three Things You Should Consider In Looking For A Marrakech Hotel

Before taking a trip to the wonderful country of Morocco, travelers should first look for a Marrakech hotel where they can stay. This task may sound fairly easy but believe me, finding a nice hotel that can cater to all your needs can also be frustrating. If a traveler can’t find a Marrakech hotel where he can comfortably rest during his vacation, chances are, he may not enjoy his trip after all.

Morocco is among the top countries in Africa that continue to attract more travelers. And if there is one thing they shouldn’t dare miss, it is the medieval charm of Marrakech as one of the country’s imperial cities. However, for you to make the most out of your travel adventures, it is highly recommended that you book your hotel as early as possible, that is, to guarantee a gratifying Marrakech vacation. If you happen to be one of the many tourists who wish to visit Morocco this year, here are the top three things you must consider in searching for a Marrakech hotel:

Check the Accommodation Costs

Traveling can be expensive– a reason why you need to know how much your Marrakech hotel accommodation may cost. Hopefully, this can help you manage your traveling finances more and expect the best in your African tour. If you are in a tight budget, you’ll be advised to stay in more affordable hotels in Marrakech. Fortunately, there are a number of discount hotels and inns in the city that can meet your expectations at the lowest possible price. All you need to do is look for cheap accommodations to save more money.

You can also search through the Net for online Marrakech hotel booking agencies that offer low-cost accommodations. Or, find special packages or programs that you can afford to help you cut on some of your travel costs.

Know the Location of Your Marrakech Hotel

If you want to book a hotel in Marrakech, another thing that you should think about is the location. Most business travelers usually stay in hotels near the airports, so they can conveniently travel. This way, transportation won’t be a problem with accessible taxis and public utility vehicles that can take you anywhere you want to go.

However, if you are interested in staying longer in the city, it will be better for you to book a Marrakech hotel near the famous attractions of Morocco. As such, more establishments are now situated around the medina, so travelers can easily go to the souks or stroll around the historical sites in Marrakech.

Do Not Forget About the Services

Since your Marrakech hotel will be your home during your trip, it is important that you check out the services that most establishments usually offer their customers. Always keep in mind that the staff of the hotel where you will stay must provide you with efficient and high-quality services. Make sure that your hotel of choice can immediately meet your needs.

In addition to these, learn about the facilities of your Marrakech hotel. Inquire about the amenities of the hotel, so you can always have a relaxing and comfortable stay. Five-star hotels usually have swimming pools, fitness gyms, and in-house restaurants. A discount hotel in Marrakech, on the other hand, has the necessary facilities and amenities that you can use.

Morocco The Most Fascinating Country

At a crossroads between two continents and two cultures, Morocco reveals itself to artists as an artistic or personal experience conducive to introspection. During one of his travels Jacques Majorelle wrote, “There are scenes of such realism that one forgets one’s time and let’s oneself go at living in the Middle Ages”.

Morocco deserves better than a simple trip to discover its variety and splendour. The following are must sees for those who have little time available or who wish to visit the main attractions.

The Mountain Ranges and passes of Morocco are particularly attractive for their contrast in nature and diversity. The diversity of the land makes it possible to adopt an approach, according to the season, that corresponds to everyone’s capacity. Toubkal (4165m) is the highest summit in Northern Africa and its ascent remains by far the most appreciated. The ochre or bluish massifs of the Anti-Atlas offer the most unusual scenery and have been recently discovered by western trekkers. Possibilities for treks include: Mule-back, mountain bike, or camel expeditions with overnight stays in a mountain hut or bivouac depending on the route and the season.

The north-east trade winds that blow on the Atlantic coast offer highly appreciated spots for surfers. Essaouira is the most well known but there are also Mehdia, Taghazout, Minleft and Sidi Bouzid. Along the coast, you will appreciate the slow, friendly pace of coastal life combined with the excitement of water sports. Windsurfers will enjoy Essaouira and the Dar Bouzza Beach south of Casablanca. And recently, Kite Surfing has gained popularity in these sleepy yet charming towns. Skiing the Atlas of Oukaimden (75km from Marrakesh). For passionate skiers, what could be more thrilling than skiing in Africa! The Oukaimden winter ski resort is located at an altitude of 2,600m and is open from January to April. It offers ski runs for all levels in an area of 300 hectares. The Michliffen ski resort near Ifrane is of more modest proportions, but still offers a great experience in the Atlas Mountains. Outside the snow season, Oukaimden offers hand gliding, rock climbing or trekking.

Morocco is renowned for its beautiful golf courses where regular international tournaments are organised. For amateurs, it is an occasion to combine sport and discovery all year long. With the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains and surrounded by Palm Trees, the serenity of the landscape serve to calm the nerves after that occasional miss hit!

A stroll in the maze of the souks (shops and merchant stalls) can sometimes prove to be a challenge but getting lost in them is a pleasure. Try to barter if you want to do some shopping. It is a well-rooted tradition in the Arab countries but may turn into a nightmare if you are unaware of the usual prices. A preliminary visit to a cooperative or good advice of a local will prove useful to avoid being taken for a fool.

Music is folklore but also tradition and has undergone various influences (Andalousian, African or rural). Music is omnipresent at celebrations and ceremonies but also in the street. Let yourself get under the spell of poetry or jerking the rythm of music that can be enjoyed at festivals (see agenda), parties and in public squares.

The richness of the Moroccan cuisine, reputed to be one of the best in the world, is a sheer joy of the senses. The multiple ingredients of the tagines and the sweetness of the cakes are staples of the Moroccan cuisine that never lacks creativity.

One can enjoy small restaurants and famous tables with a wide range of prices. Places that attract too many tourists are to be avoided for they may leave you with an insipid souvenir of Moroccan cuisine.

Morocco is a land of mountains. It’s high-level grounds cover more than 100.000 km

Bezienswaardigheden In Marokko

A pleasant culture shock awaits you as you arrive in Morocco. It is as culturally rich as it is geographically diverse and cannot fail to impress. Visiting some of its towns and villages and experiencing the generosity of its people will leave you hooked, as I was, by the Arabic experience.

Fez

Fez is the bustling cultural and spiritual centre of Morocco.

The main attraction is the Medieval Medina in the colourful old city, which has been continuously inhabited since the 10th century. It is busy with traditionally dressed Moroccans, and rich with the noise of buying and selling, veiled women going about their work and bell-ringing water sellers.

A guided tour is the easiest way to tackle the buzzing hive that is traditional Fez, but if you are brave, you can negotiate the tiny alleyways, too narrow for cars whilst risking getting lost and then haggling with a local to be guided back out!

The Tanneries: A visit to the souks will lead to a visit to Fez’s famous tanneries, where one of the oldest arts in the world is practiced to produce the soft leather do characteristic of Morocco.

You’ll need a strong stomach for the smells given off during curing, while you look down on the fascinating tanners’ yard and its impressive vats of different coloured dyes and piles of skins. Open 9-6, admission free.

View Point: The best vantage point over the ancient walled city is from the ruined Merenid Tombs on a hilltop to the east of the city. From here you can see the skyline with its profusion of satellite dishes, and a general mass of palaces, green-roofed holy places, the tanneries, as well as the adjacent Karaouine Mosque.

Moulay Idriss ll: In the depths of the old city sits the shrine that houses the remains of the founder of the city of Fez, Moulay Idriss II. It is one of the holiest buildings in the city. Non-Muslims may not enter, but you can glimpse inside to see the saint’s tomb, which is receives constant devotional visits from groups of women who burn candles and incense.

Marrakech

Walking through the alleyways and souks of Marrakech, particularly in the Medina of the old city, it is easy to believe you have been transported back in time to the “Arabian Nights”.

It is this enchanting mood that brings thousands of sightseers to the most visited of Moroccan cities.

The Medina is characterized by much noise, hustle and bustle with tradesmen and craftsmen going about their daily tasks of cloth dying, copper beating or leather working, as well as herbalists, perfumers and slipper makers.

Snow-covered peaks of the High Atlas Mountains form a beautiful backdrop for the city, although they are often hidden by the heat haze.

Djemaa el-Fna: In the heart of the Medina. It is an irregular ‘square’ and a hub of action where tourists flock to soak up the busy atmosphere. Tourism, though, has not spoilt, but rather added to the complete picture.

Marrakesh has a modern side with its luxury hotels, banks and streets bursting with motor scooters, while it blends effortlessly with the past of the old city.

Marrakech was founded in 1062 by Youssef bin Tachfine of the Almoravide dynasty, and his son perfected the city by bringing in architects and Andalucian craftsmen from C

Food And Drink In Morocco

Eating out is one of the big attractions of Morocco. Morocco’s traditional, elaborate haute cuisine dishes are excellent, healthy and good value for money.

It is easy to see why Robert Carrier, celebrated cook and food writer, once described Moroccan food as among the most exciting in the world.

The variety of ingredients and spices used is impressive. Morocco’s abundance of fresh, locally grown foodstuffs creates an abundance of a meat, fish, fruit, root vegetables, nuts and aromatic spices, so integral to typical Moroccan cuisine.

With Arab, Berber, Roman, African, French and Spanish influences, the Moroccan food positively reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Goedkope Afrikaanse vakanties

The words Cheap Africa Vacations don’t really make sense, so why did you search under these three words?

If you think about it logically, the word ‘cheap’ has come to mean poor quality, when really what you want is quality that is inexpensive!!

The question now is, do you know anything that is cheap, but is good quality, so don’t think you can get Cheap Africa vacations that are also high quality!!

The next point is Africa – you need to be more specific – after all Africa is a very large continent, with huge differences in scenery, climate, and cultures, so where in Africa do you rally want to take a cheap vacation?

Consider this – Africa takes in Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, all different in themselves, but vastly different to Botswana, Tanzania, Zambia, Kenya, which are themselves different to South Africa.

We must add to this list, the offshore islands of Zanzibar, and perhaps The Seychelles, and Mauritius, although it would be easy to argue they belong to The Indian Ocean, and wouldn’t qualify as somewhere to go for a Cheap Africa Vacation.

Finally from the three words Cheap Africa Vacations, we must take the word ‘Vacation’.

What does a vacation mean to you, because the success or failure of your hard earned break depends entirely on your family unit all being happy with the same kind of vacation.

You may think a safari would be amazing, but how do you feel about tents, creepy crawlies? Do you want to spend time looking at ancient treasures and tombs?

Are you basically a bone idle beach bum, at your happiest with a good book and a cool refreshing glass? How about the noise, and smell and adventure of the ‘souk’ with lots of hassle and excitement? Is sophistication necessary for enjoyment?

Be in no doubt the continent of Africa offers a great variety of vacation opportunities.

From Egypt on the northeastern coast to the game reserves of Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa, there is something for everybody. The most popular tourist areas are those bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the northeastern coast, such as Tunisia, and Morocco, then the islands of the Seychelles.

An area of increasing popularity in South Africa is a wine tour. At the opposite end of the continent several thousand miles away, Egypt is home to countless antiquities. A visit to Africa should be made with great care, as it is too large to tackle in one trip. You need to focus on a region and allow enough time to adequately see that area of the continent.