Solo Trip to Morocco

We had to hear all about Caroline’s solo trip to Morocco—a journey 20 years in the making. Just weeks before her 40th birthday, she finally took the leap, booking a stay at Riad Le Farnatchi in the heart of Marrakesh.

Q: Tell us about your travels in Morocco. Where did you go? Where did you stay?

A: For over 20 years I have wanted to explore Morocco! I am not sure where the calling originated from, but it never seemed to go away. I finally pulled the trigger 4 weeks before my 40th birthday and booked a quick trip to Marrakesh. With the help of High Country customer Michelle Wise, I booked the riad Le Farnatchi, in the heart of the Medina (old city).

Q: What were a few trip highlights/favorite spots/shopping recs?

A: The food in Marrakesh is unlike anything I have ever experienced. Prepare to eat a lot of bread and tagine (a traditional Moroccan dish that can be made with meat or vegetarian). Luckily, there are no added sugars or preservatives to their locally made breads so I felt great despite eating it at every meal! Mint tea is served all day which was one of my favorite parts of the entire trip.

Favorite Experiences:
- Hammam hammam hammam (weekly spa)!
- Hearing the 5 prayers everyday throughout the city
- Learning and journaling much about the Muslim culture
- Learning about the Berber culture & history
- The Souk (chaotic shopping, photography heaven)
- Day trip to Atlas Mountains to Berber village
- Sunrise hot air balloon ride
- My riad, where I stayed, was incredible. I stayed busy but loved my homebase

Q: What would you do differently next time? Where did you wish you could have gone if anywhere?

A: Easy answer here! I would have stayed a little longer to experience more of the country. I'd like to go back to see Agadir, Fes, and spend the night in the desert. I also would have brought a nasal saline. Sure, this sounds silly but it would have saved my nose! I also would have brought a nice camera to avoid pulling out my phone for pictures.