There are 10 travel tips every person needs to know before visiting Marrakech, Morocco. To avoid being disappointed, getting sick, or being taking advantage of follow these top recommendations and tips.  Although I went to Marrakech without knowing all of this; our trip would have gone a bit smoother if we had done the research. So from one traveler to another, here are my top 10 travel tips for visiting Marrakech!

10 Marrakech Travel Tips

1.) Don’t Drink the Water

Don’t drink the tap water in Marrakech.  Our bodies (if you’re a foreigner) are not accustomed to the bacteria in the water in Morocco.  Thus, we have a high risk of getting sick or reacting poorly to the water.  I took it to a whole new level and didn’t even brush my teeth with the tap water. I used bottled water for everything except taking a shower.

Water is very cheap in Marrakech and around the souks you can easily find it for about 50 cents.  Make sure you have Moroccan Durham on you in exact change.  Many times the owners won’t take large bills or Euros when it comes to small priced items.

Read more: Best food in Morocco

2.) Ask Before You Take a Photo

For the most part, it’s extremely rude to take a photograph of someone without asking. Okay, that’s probably true in most cultures, but I noticed it more in Marrakech. If you plan to take a photo of someone ask them kindly and offer to pay them $1 or 10 Durham.

We asked an older man and at first he was not happy with us.  I believe partly he didn’t understand we were willing to pay him.  However, once his friend explained that we’d pay, he happily posed for the photo.  In the souks my husband tried taking a photo of the hanging meats and the owner of the shop flipped out and whaled his arms back and forth.  My husband wasn’t trying to take a photo of the person, just the meat, but still he was unhappy.

Walking around the souks and Marrakech you will see a lot of people with their cameras out.  So, definitely don’t be shy about capturing some great moments and shots.  Simply be aware of the people around you and try not to make them uncomfortable.

3.) Don’t Take Help from Strangers on the Street

This might seem like a no brainer, but it’s harder than it sounds.  You’re going to get lost in Marrakech. I promise. And in the moment you’re lost, someone is going to approach you and ask to show you the way.  Seems totally harmless, right? Nope.

If you accept someones help, then they expect you to pay them for that help. In some cases, you might harass you if you don’t pay them enough.  While I was on my flight back to Germany from Marrakech I sat next to another couple that just visited. They told me that one man helped them back to their hotel. And when they didn’t offer to pay him enough he threatened them and held the door closed to the hotel. In that moment they felt they had no choice but to give him more money.

Granted, I like to believe that’s a rare situation. Nonetheless, it happened. Luckily for us, our hotel warned us of this.  When we desperately needed help we walked into a restaurant or asked someone sitting behind a counter for directions.

4.) Dress Appropriately

With Marrakech being mostly Muslim, they have strict guidelines on how both men and women dress.  Granted, the city has a very rich tourist economy and they are used to foreigners dressing differently. However, I still believe it’s extremely important to be respectful of their culture and dress modestly.

Even if for your own unwanted attention, I wouldn’t recommend wearing a mini skirt and swim top. Yes, the temperatures are hot in the summer, but wearing loose clothing will be just fine. Most days I wore dresses that fit loosely and hit my knees. Although I didn’t go as far as making sure my shoulders and ankles were fully covered.  During my time I didn’t get any rude comments or anything about my looks.  I do believe if you’re blonde hair & blue eyed, that might be a different story…

Read: How to dress in Morocco

5.) Take Cash Out at the Airport & Exchange Currencies

To be honest, I was a little annoyed because some guy at the airport told us we wouldn’t need Moroccan Dirham, only Euros.  So we took his advice and barely took out any Moroccan Dirham. Which left us unable to buy snacks in the souks, pay taxi drivers, and tip our hotel staff properly.

Yes, you can get by on Euros, Pounds, and US Dollars, but it’ll limit you. There are ATMS in the city, but they aren’t found so easily and often. I recommend that you exchange your currency for Dirhams. It’ll make paying for things easier and you’ll get the best exchange rate this way.

Having exact change on you will make things a lot easier, too. Especially when it comes to negotiating in the souks. If you tell someone you can only pay “x” amount for something, but then you pull out triple from your wallet, they’ll haggle you more.

Read more: 5 days in Marrakech itinerary

6.) Book a Day Trip from Marrakech

Getting out of the hustle and bustle of Marrakech is well worth it.  We were only in Marrakech for 4 days, but took one of the days to see something different. After reading reviews on TripAdvisor, we booked an amazing day trip with Arib Voyages.

There are lots of trips to choose from, but do your research and book in advance. This way you’ll get the best price and availability.

Our trip was a day driving through the Agafay Desert, a camel ride, and eating lunch in the Atlas Mountains with a Berber family. It was the highlight of our whole trip to Marrakech.  You can read more about our day trip on here.

7.) Be Prepared to be Harassed

This was such a hate/love part of the trip. The souks are beautiful and so interesting to see, but when you’re being haggled 24/7 it ruins it.  I knew to expect people trying to sell us things. But I didn’t know it would be at this level.

On our first day, we politely said, “no, thank you”, and smiled to everyone bothering us.  Then we learned that showed them a sign of weakness and they would just haggle us more. By the second day, we straight up ignored people. Made zero eye contact and just kept walking the other way. This was the best tactic and helped making walking through the souks more enjoyable.

The post Top 10 Travel Tips for Visiting Marrakech appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

I had “pinned” this all blue town on Pinterest several times over the years. I didn’t even know the name. When I looked up places to visit in Morocco, I saw on the Free People blog that visiting the all blue town was a must: Chefchaouen. I realized it was the same place I always wanted to see and made it a priority on my trip to Morocco.

I wrote my tips for Chefchaouen here and wrote about it on BravoTV.

I have so many photos to share that I decided to do a little photo gallery post here. I have a Pinterest plugin added so if you hover over any image you like you’ll see a “pin it” button pop up and you can pin the image to your travel board.

The all blue town on Pinterest is really THAT beautiful.

These stairs are Mohammad’s house, the owner of our guesthouse, Aurberge Dardara and they are definitely the coolest stairs ever. Wouldn’t you want to live here?

silk trench coat

Baskets are the “thing” to buy here in Morocco! I came home with 5! One if for my mom. They make great gifts if you have the space in your luggage.

You will see so many cute cats like this little monkey while in Chefchaouen.

It’s definitely a place to get some photos taken!

And drink mint tea while shopping for rugs. They will always make you tea!

black silk maxi dress

These white rugs are used as marriage capes but these days people buy them as rugs, even Moroccans. They are beautiful with their fringe and sequins. The very best deal we got on a super large one was 60 dollars. Later, people called us liars when we tried to get that price and we never got an offer below 100. The deal we got was in Fes, 4 hours from here.

They are famous for Argan oil and make soaps and other bath products.

Like India, colorful dye is everywhere.

white cotton coverup

silk jacket

Try to eat lunch at a rooftop restaurant so you can see the views below!

Artwork always makes the best souvenir.

This alley with the plants is very famous and is seen ALL over Pinterest and Instagram. there were 5 other girls wanting to take photos here. Wonder if they were bloggers too!?

All this blue inspired me to paint my furniture at home and redecorate my house!

Antique shopping is popular here but beware not all is antique and some is from China and even India.

orange silk coat

I spy a little kitten up above… do you?

Read more:

• 2 Week Morocco Itinerary – follow my exact itinerary!
• Tips on Chefchaouen – where to stay, what to do, and more!
• How to dress in Morocco – exact outfits and links to buy them (most are on sale by now)
• Shopping in Morocco – best things to buy and where to find them

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The post My Pinterest Dreams Came True in Chefchaouen appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

I won’t lie, the thing I was most excited to do on my last trip? Shopping in Morocco. If you can’t tell, I enjoy shopping and have gone on some of the most amazing shopping tours in India.

Before I went I hadn’t researched what to buy in Morocco and how much to pay. It would have also been helpful to know which city I could find things at better prices, SO I’m going to share what information I gathered over my little under 2 weeks in Morocco.

SHOP THIS LOOK

Know Before You Go Shopping in Morocco

Morocco is a really easy trip if you’re visiting Europe, especially if you’re in Spain! Check flights on Kiwi and see if you can snag a cheap one and hop over.

You can always take a tour to make traveling easier (and to free up some mental energy for haggling). GAdventures has some longer tours and Viator has some smaller tours.

Definitely get travel insurance just in case! I always recommend World Nomads.

To be on the safe side, and, of course, to save some money, take out cash beforehand. Morocco uses the Dirham, but euros and US dollars are accepted.

Morocco Travel Guide

• How to Dress in Morocco (for general tips on how I dress boho chic, check here)
• 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Morocco
• What Food to Try in Morocco
• 2 Week Guide to Morocco
  • Marrakech
    • 5 Day Girly Guide to Marrakech
    • 10 Tips for Visiting Marrakech
    • Luxury Guide to Marrakech
  • Chefchaouen
    • Morocco’s Blue City of Chefchaouen
    • Chefchaouen Travel Tips
• Where to Stay
  • Riad Star
  • Karawan Riad
  • Scarabeo Camp
  • El Fenn Hotel
  • Les Cinq Djellabas

Just know, shopping in Morocco is NOT like India

I have shared about the hassling we had in Fes and how aggressive some shop owners were. It’s not quite like India. In India, if I am lied to (saying something in copper when I’m not dumb and can see it is brass…) I say, “No, you’ve told me a lie this is brass.” They cop to it. In Morocco, they flip out on you and actually go nuts yelling at you and will deny to the death. Don’t bother or waste energy. Just walk away from people who are outright lying too much. Here are some tips on haggling in markets

SHOP THIS LOOK

Cool Things to By in Morocco

Leather Poufs

There are many varieties of leather and some are terrible. You can get camel, goat, or sheep. Some are very thin and poor quality. You’ll have to make sure you get the good one. You can do this by feeling for yourself. Don’t just take their word for it.

There are usually two different sizes. I paid $14 for a small size and $20 for a large. When you buy together you can get even better deals.

Rugs

This is the biggie! It’s what people come to Morocco for. The big white rugs are from wedding ceremonies, but not often antique as you might be told. They make them look aged. For a very large beautiful white fringe sequin rug the best deal we got was $60 on one in Fes.

We had people actually yelling at us and calling us liars when we tried that price in Marrakesh.

Often when I was interested in a patterned rug but not enough to buy, they would take the price down to $40 when they had said 4,000 Euro to start with.

shoes are sol sana, see a similar pair here

silk dress from here

orange silk jacket from here

Pillow covers

The rugs are made into pillow covers, both the white sequin and the patterned ones. I spent about $12 on two patterned ones. You can get them for $10 if you buy more.

The sequin fringe ones, I got for $10 each. They are a decent size. Here’s one below with my cat.

Baskets

Baskets are AMAZING here. I bought 3 large ones with sequins and 2 medium size ones. For the medium, I paid $6 and for the large sequin, I paid $14. I didn’t buy all these together, so got these rates even with buying just one. Like everything on this list, it takes some time to negotiate and get the going rate.

jacket from here

Pom Pom Clutches

They had these little burlap looking clutches big enough to fit a Kindle inside. They come in some amazing colors (mint green, peachy pink, mango orange) on them with pom-poms, tassels, and trimmings. I got them for $3 a piece. Why the eff I didn’t buy more it’s BEYOND me… maybe because there are so many things to buy in Morocco!

Etched Copper

These were pretty expensive, as copper usually is. They engrave and hammer brass, copper, bronze, and aluminum plates and cups. Anything really! They will sometimes lie about what the metal is. It’s pricey, heavy, and I didn’t personally want anything except small copper cups. Turns out, I can get them much cheaper in India and so I have.

Antiques

Not much of an antique shopper. Have been warned a lot of it is fake. It seemed every other shop was an antique shop. I didn’t really go inside many.

SHOP THIS LOOK

Leather Slippers

You can get the leather slippers you see all around at least for $6 or less, as I got mine for that price. They are super soft and have sequins on them. You’ll find a lot of different colors, and they’re all quite comfortable.

Argan Oil

This comes from roasted seeds which are grown in southern Morocco. You can get argan oil anywhere. I’m sure you’ve heard of Moroccan Oil and similar hair brands, so you can get this straight from the source. It is very cheap per bottle but beware a lot is fake and just veggie oil. Buy it at the pharmacy!

Perfume

Like here in India, they can make copies of famous perfumes at a cheaper rate. I didn’t enquire the price on this but imagine it would be very inexpensive.

Lanterns / Lights

Couldn’t find a photo of the famous lights, but did find one of the cloth ones. Oh, man did I want a brass lantern! I wanted a sitting one, hanging one, wall mounted ones… but they are heavy and the prices just weren’t good. Small ones for the wall were getting down to a low price of $20 when I know in India they are less. I skipped this.

Tea sets

You’ll drink a lot of mint tea here. It’s often served in a tiny glass with some detail etched in. You can buy the sets. I didn’t ask price but again, it’s just glass so shouldn’t be much.

Curated shops

So, you’ll see some of these curated shops that are selling the best bits of everything. The prices are a lot higher. I avoid these. I would rather look myself. The shops are organized and so inviting, but definitely do some shopping first before buying in these.

Moroccan Spices

Are you surprised to hear the spices can be fake? Saffron especially. I’m not into spices, but of course, this is a huge souvenir for some.

Ceramic Pots

Tagines are the famous food here, and they are served in a pot you’ll come to recognize. You can buy it of course! It’s only terracotta I think? At least it looks like it.

If you buy them glazed, but beware it could be with lead paint and if you heat it and eat out of it / drink out of it… well you know- NOT GOOD!

The small ones that are painted are great for sugar or even a butter dish.

So, there we have it! These are the things I wound up buying while shopping in Morocco! Have fun on your trip! If you want a guide for the market here is the top-ranked shopping tour for Marrakesh:

• Private tour of Marrakech market can be booked here.
• The next best site for tours, Get Your Guide, didn’t have anything worth booking for this one.

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The post Shopping in Morocco | What to Buy in Morocco and How Much to Pay appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

The Scarabeo (Stone) Camp in Marakesh was a stunning and unforgettable experience that I highly recommend. While most people, even solo female travelers, can do tours to the Moroccan Desert, we didn’t have time if we wanted to relax.

Here’s a look at what Scarabeo Camp Marrakesh can offer and why it’s proximity is so important with getting the Moroccan desert experience closer to Marrakesh, when other camps are 10 hours away.

black kimono

How to Get the Moroccan Desert Experience Closer to Marrakesh

When my friend Tia and I recently went to Morocco for 10 days, I planned it out and limited us to just Chefchaouen, Fes, and Marrakesh. I wanted to go to the coast and the Atlas mountains but there wasn’t time if I really wanted to relax.

By the way: the reason these photos look like they are set up for fashion shoot, is because they were! My friend needed photos of her new fashion line for her lookbook so we shot them here.

green dress

I hadn’t considered the desert to be honest. I had been on a camel safari in Jaisalmer, India and in Wadi Rum, Jordan. They were similar experiences although the desert in Wadi Rum was much more red.

I’d just been in the dust of Israel’s Golan Heights and basically, live in red dust in Goa. While I love being in the sand at the beach, I’m not usually stoked to be covered in dust with no water around. Burning Man wouldn’t be for me.

Tia said to me she hadn’t been on a camel or even been to a desert. I was like WHAT!? I would have planned something!

So, last-minute while we were already in Morocco I got us booked in at Scarabeo Camp but just for the day since I already had the hotels booked.

The camp offers transport to and from the city of Marrakesh and it took us just 30 minutes to get there in Douar el Mouilah.

Considering it’s so close to the city it was surprising how middle-of-nowhere it seemed at the camp.

orange silk dress

black kimono & green dress

I think one of the biggest benefits of this camp is the proximity to the city. We didn’t want to take time from our schedule to go to the desert and most camps I found online were about 10 hours outside the city in the Sahara. That’s why I had originally written them off.

The difference between this camp and a Sahara camp

It was such a blessing to get to come to this camp last-minute and just have to give up one of our 5 days in Marrakesh. According to people who’ve been to both, this is nothing compared to the Sahara. This is the desert but not the “true Sahara experience”. If you don’t have two days to use on travel to and from the desert, this is the place for you.

silk trench coat

tiger print pantsuit

This camp is at the base of the Atlas Mountains which makes it a really unique desert to see. It was nothing like India or Jordan. I loved seeing the mountains in the background. Because it wasn’t so far in the desert, there were clouds and it was just stunning.

Scarabeo Camp Marrakesh

There are a handful of things to do at the camp including eating delicious Moroccan food, doing 4 wheel trips, riding camels, and of course taking photos! Like the other posts I’ve shared on this Moroccan trip, Tia had brought clothes from her new line for us to wear and get some cool photos in for her Instagram (which I conveniently used for mine, too!)

orange silk dress

They have dune buggies you can ride. They also have Fantasia shows which are Moroccan horse shows. You can do yoga here and get a massage. You do need to book activities ahead of time.

This is a true glamping in Morocco experience and a chic boutique desert camp. I found this place on Instagram and saw so many fashion bloggers and lifestyle bloggers choosing to stay here. It has that “look” to it that just makes you want to visit!

Information on Scarabeo Camp

There are 7 tents and 3 suites on the camp property.

In the tents and suites are “berber” style showers which means they give you a bucket of hot and one of cold water. There are two common showers you can use.

The food here is incredible. Let them know ahead of time dietary needs as there is no kitchen here. They get the food from local families.

You can expect to pay around $200 per night to stay here.

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We decided on our trip to Morocco a little last minute. I had to squeeze it in, which means I had just under 2 weeks to enjoy the country! With this Morocco itinerary, you’ll see what I thought would be the best of what to do and see. Of course, you can’t “do” a country in two weeks but you’ll definitely see a lot from mountains to desert, cities, beaches, and tiny blue villages.

Things to Do Before You Spend 2 Weeks in Morocco

Flying In & Out

I suggest flying into one airport and out another. Flights here from Europe on budget airlines are so affordable that it’s not worth wasting days traveling via train to get back to your arrival airport.

For this itinerary, you’ll fly into Fes and out of Marrakesh. I used Kiwi.com because with the change in airports and wanting to search budget airlines, this was the only site that made it possible.

• When flying budget with check-in luggage always book ahead. You sometimes can do it on the airline site and other times you need to do it on the booking site. You will get a better price paying ahead than at the counter.

Insurance

Make sure you have travel insurance ahead of time. I book with World Nomads; here’s an article about how they work and why I use them.

Packing for Morocco

Make sure you read up my other articles about how to dress in Morocco and what to buy while you’re here.

silk jacket

The Perfect Morocco Itinerary for 2 Weeks

2 Days in Chefchaouen for the Blue City

This is the blue town you’ve seen all over Pinterest. It’s magical and beautiful. It’s completely unforgettable, AND it’s my favorite place in Morocco. People are chilled here. Might be to do with the huge hash industry.

silk jacket

When you fly into Fes you can choose to stay there and then go to Chefchaouen, but I suggest going straight up to Chefchaouen from the airport. From here on out, you’ll then just be working your way down to the ending point in Marrakesh to fly out.

You’ll be tired from the flight, so it’s good to just get it over with! Just grab a taxi for about 70 bucks each way.

orange silk coat

Where to Stay in Chefchaouen

I stayed in Auberge Dardara because I wanted to be a bit out of town, and they’re known for their good food. If you want to stay more centrally, try Casa Perleta or Lina Riad and Spa.

silk trench coat

More on Chefchaouen:

• My Pinterest Dreams Came True in Chefchaouen
• Chefchaouen Travel Tips: EVERYTHING You Need to Know
• The OC Travel Report of Chefchaouen

3 Days in Fes for Shopping

Fes is next. It’s known as the laid-back version of Marrakesh. I did not find that to be true. We did get better prices here on rugs and leather poufs than in Marrakesh though. If you’re coming to shop, this is the spot.

You’ll want to visit the tanneries which is where leather gets made. It’s not for the faint of heart. It really smells as well.

Where to Stay in Fes

The best thing about Fes was our hotel, Karawan Riad. It’s commonly listed as one of the best design hotels in the WORLD. You can read my review of Karawan Riad here and see more photos on my site, Omni Curated.

Shopping in Fes

The medina in Fes is the largest and oldest in the world, dating to the 800s. You WILL get lost. People here are more aggressive than what we found elsewhere. Do not let someone “show you the way” unless you want to pay them. If you don’t pay, it could get very bad. We told someone no, we would find our way as we are from India and knew this style of hustling. He followed us anyway and once we reached our destination they had to threaten to call police and eventually when we left (he was waiting) escort us to a taxi while PHYSICALLY holding this man back.

The NE of the medina is the coolest tannery called Chouara Tannery. Your hotel can show you on a map. Again, we encountered people trying to scam us here. You can see the tannery from above for free. If you go down the steps where they invite you as if it’s the entrance, they want money. From here there is a famous rug shop here, Chez Hamidou. You can get good deals but I found the bargaining here aggressive and almost left with nothing. It’s not like India at all where negotiating happens with a smile.

It is recommended by every hotel to have a guide. We were there for serious shopping so didn’t want a guide (it makes you look richer than you might be) but man would one have been helpful on many occasions.

Getting Around Fes

Taxis are VERY cheap. It was only 2 euros to get almost anywhere, though they don’t go in the medina. It is VERY worthwhile to exit via a medina gate and get a taxi to your hotel or next spot to visit in the medina rather than getting lost inside.

Where to Eat in Fes

Keep in mind *NO* top restaurants in Morocco are cheap. Finding affordable, good, food is a struggle.

I recommend going to Cafe Clock for lunch and shopping in this area. It’s on the West side of the Medina. If you’re thinking that this doesn’t look great keep in mind good food is hard to find (we tried so hard) and this kind of the best you’ll get unless someone invites you into their home.

Other places to try:

• Dar Roumana for dinner but you have to make a reservation. The fill up fast!
• Ruined Garden for lunch It’s near Cafe Clock which I mentioned above.

Where Else to Go in Fes

Visit the Kairaouine Mosque. For sightseeing this is probably the #1 thing to do but non-Muslims cannot enter. You can just peek inside.

“Fez is still the most intact, least modernized medina in the Arab world and one of the largest car-free urban spaces on the planet, but it’s changing. Sixty years ago, the writer Paul Bowles met people here who had never seen a car. That’s not to say there were no cars in Fez, but they were in the Ville Nouvelle, the new town that sits above the ancient city, and those people had made it a point of honour not to walk out of the gates to see the newfangled contraptions. Such determination has shaped Fez, making it one of the last bastions of the medieval world.” CN Traveler

5 Days in Marrakesh for Sightseeing

Getting to Marrakesh

Take the train from Fes. It’s 7 hours and cheap. It’s VERY comfortable and totally safe in my opinion. Trains here were built by the French and are notoriously on time and clean. We went second class. It was not bad at all. A taxi will cost you a fortune.

Compared to Fes the medina here is mall, but the city as a whole is very big. There is more “tourist” stuff to do here than Fes.

I wrote a FULL guide to 5 days in Marrakesh. For people having only 5 days, I recommended they go to the desert just for a day trip. With two weeks in Morocco I recommend that you do the desert overnight.

Where to Stay in Marrakesh

Marrakesh is fantastic and there are SO many great hotels. I stayed at 3 and wrote reviews on all of them:

• El Fenn – located in the medina, FANTASTIC hotel with dipping pools. Book here & check my review here
• Riad Star Hotel – located in the medina, a little more affordable. Book here & check my review here
• Les Cinq de Djellabas – favorite hotel here, just outside of town! Ten huts with amazing design and a HUGE pool. Book here & check my review here

For More on Marrakesh

• My Girly Guide for 5 Days in Marrakesh
• Top 10 Travel Tips for Visiting Marrakech

2 Days in the Desert for a Little Luxury Adventure

Getting to the Dessert

So you could possible get out to the Sahara, but it’s 10 hours each way so it’s a lot of driving just to stay one night. Whatever you book, arrange that the transport is in the price- it should be anyway.

Because of that, I recommend going somewhere closer to Marrkesh, not the Sahara, but still desert so that you can have the experience without getting worn out.

If you have more time or want to chop off Essaouria from the list, then go for the Sahara! If camels and deserts are what you are looking forward to, you could definitely consider going to the Sahara and not Essaouria.

I went to Scarabeo Desert Camp which was a boutique property and definitely a “glamping” experience. You can read my review here. They picked us up from our hotel and dropped us back.

2 Days in Essaouira

Getting to Essaouira

Personally, I didn’t make it here as I had just under two weeks (12 days) but if you have the extra time you can do 1 or 2 days here as they even offer day trips from Marrakesh. It’s a 2.5 hour drive with a taxi which I’d guess would cost about 35 dollars based on our other long distance journeys (Fes to Chefchaouen).

You can take the train for just 10 dollars. This is my favorite app to see what options you have: Rome2Rio. The prices listed for taxi are high though here. I checked routes I took and I got much better rates than what is listed.

Here’s a shopping guide to Essaouira.

Where to Go in Morocco if You Have More Time

Casablanca

It’s called the Miami of Morocco because of its Art Deco. It’s a more modern city.

Tangier

Coastal town. Friends say it’s one of their favorites. It’s a melting pot here and ancient.

South coastal town

 My boyfriend used to live in the South which is were all the surfing happens. It’s a big drive and if you go down here you’ll want to stay awhile. For me, it’ll be a separate trip.

Sahara

Like I said above, with 10 days you might not go all the way to the Sahara but you can still have desert experiences.

For More on Morocco

• Crazy and Delicious Foods to Try in Morocco
• 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Morocco

What would you put in your Morocco itinerary?

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The post The Perfect Morocco Itinerary for 2 Weeks: All the Best Things to Do appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

I seriously hope you’ve been inspired by my Moroccan coverage and are considering a visit. I am now going to share how you can spend 5 days in Marrakech with the cutest boutique hotels, best food, entertainment, tour companies, and of course shopping hotspots.

General Morocco Travel Tips

• How to Spend 2 Weeks in Morocco
• Shopping in Morocco
• How to Dress in Morocco in a Way That is Stylish AND Appropriate
• Crazy and Delicious Foods to Try in Morocco

Things to Do in Marrakech with Only 5 Days

Day 1: Arrival to Marrakech

Check-In

Check into the beautiful boutique hotel in the medina, El Fenn. Ask them to collect you at the airport to save the hassle. Today you’re going to get acquainted with the center of the medina. The location of this Riad (Moroccan style hotel) is idyllic. You can’t beat it. Check out my review of El Fenn here.

Getting Settled

Do some light shopping but don’t buy yet. Just check on prices and get used to how the haggling here is.

Dinner

Go to dinner at La Mamounia and explore the hotel a little bit. It’s one of the most famous in the world. If you want something less fancy and a little bit traditional, get a proper Moroccan feast at Dar Yacout.

Day 2: Major Shopping & Sightseeing in Marrakech

Breakfast

El Fenn’s breakfast is phenomenal so don’t sleep in too late!

Today is the REAL shopping day and sightseeing day. It’s best to do it while you have all your energy.

Shopping

I went with Boutique Souk, who is a bespoke tour company. I gave them a list of things I was interested in seeing and shopping for and they set up the perfect day.

Sightseeing

Check out the YSL garden, Majorelle Garden. If you’re into gardens this will be awesome. It’s also a memorial for YSL himself. Not going to lie, I found it a little boring but then I’m not into gardening.

Lunch

Have lunch at Nomad. This is a very famous restaurant in the medina. The food is very tasty although service was slow. The view is fantastic, though!

Dinner

Enjoy dinner and belly dancing shows at Comptoir Darna. The food and booze here are wonderful! You have to get the mezze which was so over the top. The desserts are the best!

Evening

If you’re up for more drinks and some interesting shows, go across the street to Lotus where they have shows every 20 minutes. The dancers were foreigners, and the songs were Western. It’s not Moroccan but is very sassy.

Day 3: Spa Day

Check-in to a New Hotel

Check out of El Fenn and go to your next hotel: Les Cinq Djellabas. This is 20 minutes outside the city. I LOVE this hotel. It’s famous for being so well-designed. I wrote a review here.

Relax

Spend a day relaxing having a pool and spa day at Royal Palm Marrakesh. You can have lunch here at one of their restaurants. Go early for a 10 am massage and try not to stay past 4 that way you can get back and into the medina and shop before the evening activities.

Food Tour

Take an evening Marrakesh food tour. The company I used was perfect and I wrote about what the tour entails here.

Day 4: Mini Desert Day

Breakfast

Wake up for a huge breakfast outside your hut at Les Cinq Djellabas.

Go Glamping

Have the folks from Scarabeo Desert Camp Marrakesh pick you up and take you the 30 minutes to their luxury desert camp. Spend the day there – riding 4-wheelers, riding camels, and even riding a donkey if you feel so inclined.

green dress

This luxury “glamping” spot is perfect if you have more time to spend a night and see the desert stars. With 5 days it’s cool to make a day trip.

Dinner

Have into town for dinner at Le Foundouk in the medina. It’s on the other side of town which is a nice area to look around in so you can ask to be dropped off early. The restaurant is owned by the hotel and they can arrange the transport. It’s not easy finding things in the medina, so they will take you to the door or especially at night, you’ll get lost. Food here is worth the car ride!

Day 5: Relaxing Last Day

Spend your last day actually enjoying the pool and grounds at Les Cinq Djellabas. It’s an incredible property. For me, the medinas get tiring and being outside relaxing in a Moroccan style property with that architecture was one of the best parts of the trip.

There we have it, this is how I spent 5 days in Marrakech! I was in Fes and Chefchaouen before, where a lot of shopping happened. I actually ended up staying an extra night in Marrakech at Riad Star, which I wrote a review here for, and did some more shopping, nothing crazy! Enjoy your trip!

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The post My Girly Guide to 5 Days in Marrakech appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

El Fenn in Marrakesh is one of the top rated hotels in the city. My friend Tia and I were lucky to stay for two nights so I could share it on the blog!

El Fenn Hotel Review

In the mornings, tea and coffee was left outside the door so you can have some in the room before you came to the rooftop for breakfast.

Turns out I actually like taking baths! I loved relaxing in the tub here after long days of shopping and haggling in the the markets. The room was very spacious and the design was perfect like almost everywhere we stayed at in Morocco. I especially loved the painted ceilings. The only negative of the rooms here are that you cannot lock them. I don’t know the reason behind it except we were assured our things were safe without a door lock. There was a safe in the room for my laptop, tech gear, passports, etc but in general, when you spend your days shopping and negotiating over the perfect rug you spent days looking for, you don’t really feel great about leaving your room open when you leave for the day.

There is a pool on the rooftop which I spend my morning laying out at, one day when I was feeling ill. Only guests can use this pool. There is a hamman on site and spa services. They use Argan oil and OPI products for mani/pedis. Not many riads have a pool as space is limited in the medina, so this is a huge bonus to staying here.

Rooms are priced on size and range from $200 up to $500 for the huge rooms. You can also go for a room that has a plunge pool in it for $600. They also offer private houses annexed with up to 5 rooms. A 5 room one would go for 1000 a night. When you think about 8-10 people splitting that though it’s actually a great deal.

This was the best breakfast we had in Morocco by far. I loved it and it was worth waking up on time for, which I don’t usually say. I could eat goats cheese and peppers for breakfast every day! The homemade museli and honey were great too.

There is also lunch and dinner served on the rooftop or downstairs in their bar. The shop inside the bar part of the hotel is really cute if you’re looking for a curated shop so you don’t have to shop in the medina (but shopping in the medina is so much fun!).

I want to make note of how amazing the staff was here. The main woman in charge (wish I caught her name) was so kind when our tour company didn’t show up on time. She was knowledgeable about all the companies in town, including ours, and said they usually are always on time and called them up herself. She also walked with us out to the main road to make sure the driver was not waiting out there.

The location here is great, just 5 minutes from the main square that leads to all the best shops. Many great restaurants and well-known shops are in this area. You can also walk from here to the “New” parts of town outside the medina.

To read reviews and book a room, click here.

For more of my Morocco Coverage:

• 2 Week Morocco Itinerary
• Shopping in Morocco
• Crazy and Delicious Foods to Try in Morocco
• Morocco Packing List

The post El Fenn Hotel Review, Marrakesh appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Chefchaouen was by far my favorite place to visit in my 2 weeks in Morocco! This all blue town is a photographer’s dream. You can wander here for hours and just be in awe the whole time. It’s a little out-of-the-way making it less touristy than other spots in Morocco, but it’s worth a visit. Maybe you don’t know that half the worlds’ hash comes from here as well as some of the coolest rugs. You’re about to! Here are my very best Chefchaouen travel tips.

Outfit via TIA

Why is Chefchaouen Blue?

This place has a really interesting back story which I go into detail on in this article I wrote for BravoTV.

It was a safe haven for Jewish people fleeing Spain in the 1400s and again in the 1940s. The Jewish people came from Spain to Morocco and set up in the Rif mountains in Chefchaouen. At first, they were hiding from the Portuguese but later as you can guess it was Hitler.

It was painted blue by the Jews. Some say it was because it was a reminder of their faith of the heavens and skies. Theories also suggest it keeps away mosquitos. I visited another all blue city here in India (Jodhpur) and it was said there the blue brings the desert temperature down a few notches.

Morocco wasn’t always “free” so to speak. The French had occupied Marrakech and other areas at times and the Spanish tried to take where North Chefchaouen is located. To this day most people here speak Spanish. As you go South though no one will know any and will speak Arabic and French. It was fun to try out my Spanish skills! Even when fighting with a taxi driver, I was like wow I know a lot of words!

Jewish people have since left to Israel. I was always interested in history and chose to take history as my electives in school. Since I was just in Israel, it’s fun to learn as you travel and see how things come together. You definitely remember things more this way.

My Best Chefchaouen Travel Tips

How Many Days in Chefchaouen?

We stayed for two nights and spent just one day inside the town.

It was enough. While the place is stunning, there isn’t much to do except take photos. We did that the first day and went for lunch. We also did some shopping (the whole point of being in a medina). The shopping wasn’t as good as other places.

How to Get to Chefchaouen

Flying to Morocco — Use Fes

Flights to and from Morocco from Europe are VERY cheap. If you’re coming from the USA I suggest flying to London, and then booking these flights separately. Use Ryanair or easyJet. To search for all of them you can use Kayak.

I don’t usually book through Kayak, but for their filters and finding deals on these carriers, they were the only one that worked. I found flights for $30 going there and $100 back. With luggage each way it was $250 all together.

Outfit via TIA

Luggage is the killer! But you’re going to want to shop. Make sure to book the luggage online ahead of time to save money. You can add a second bag coming back for 15 kg or 20 kg for $50 or less.

From Fes, it’s a 4 hour taxi ride to the blue city!

You can hire a taxi just outside the airport. Don’t rent a car. You’ll get lost, scammed, and pay way more money that just hiring a taxi. While we paid 70 bucks going there and about 90 bucks going back, it ideally should be about 50 each way.

Airport prices are always higher. You can take a bus to the city center of Fes to negotiate a better deal for a taxi out-of-town, but consider if that extra 20 bucks is worth your time. It wasn’t for us.

Coming back to Fes, the price was higher (90) because less taxis are leaving there (apparently) and we just couldn’t get anyone to budge, whereas taxis at the airport negotiated as they were fighting for work.

As always make sure you tell them the hotel name and make it clear they need to take you there, not just to town. Show them on Google maps.

SIM Cards

You can get a SIM card at the airport in a little snack shop for about 20 bucks and it will start working right away. The guy doesn’t speak English. There is also free WiFi at the airport.

Outfit via TIA

What to Wear in Chefchaouen

Besides the obvious of dressing in something colorful that complements the pretty blue hues of Chefchaouen, remember that people here are Muslim for the most part. This means a few things to a tourist:

1. You should dress appropriately is the first.
2. Be respectful even when you don’t want to be. Don’t curse and swear at someone, especially a man. You can get arrested for this where they have strict rules. I don’t know how strict there are here, so better safe than sorry.

The clothing I have on here is from my friend Tia’s collection, who was traveling with me. I’ve mentioned her dozens of times on the blog. For advice on what to pack, you can check out my guide on how to dress in Morocco. I promise that even though it’s more conservative, it’s still stylish!

The lanes and alleys here are like a maze, as are all the medinas (markets) in Morocco. You can and most likely will get lost. Because there are many places where you’ll be alone, if you wanted to take a couple of photos in a cute dress or whatever without covering your shoulders you can snap a few.

Inside restaurants that are mostly tourists you’ll see many people take their scarves off and try to cool down. You don’t need to cover your head. I did see some tourists (Spanish I think) wearing shorts and tank tops. No one seemed bothered. As always, do what you want I’m not here to judge, just to advise.

Where to Stay in Chefchaouen

We stayed outside of town, and I am so happy that we did. Our hotel name is Auberge Dardara, which is known for having great food. So much so that people in town come outside of town via taxi just to eat here. It was only 10 minutes away. While it cost us $5 by taxi each way, we learned in Marrakech that it was too much.

The food WAS that good. Tia and I actually didn’t have many good meals in our 10 days in Morocco, and the food here was our favorite of the whole trip. They use the veggies and fruit from their garden to cook with and you smell it cooking all day long.

Try the rabbit and fig tagine.

They have a pool here which is a huge bonus!

Other Places to Stay Closer to the Medina

If you want to stay in the medina there are two highly ranked boutique hotels to consider: Casa Perleta and Lina Riad and Spa. I looked in on both, and they are amazing. You can also always check Airbnb for affordable options as well.

Personally, I just wanted to stay outside of town and somewhere quieter.

Shopping in the Chefchaouen Medina

The vibe here was much more relaxed than elsewhere and people were not aggressive at all. In Fes we encountered issues with aggression which I will share about later.

I recommend coming here first to dip your toes into the Moroccan culture.

Check this post for a complete shopping in Morocco guide

Outfit via TIA

Prices & Haggling

Of the places we visited, including Fes and Marrakech, Chefchaouen was the worst place for prices.

There were very few shops compared to elsewhere. Most things are made in Fes and Marrakech, so they are delivered here making the prices higher and people are not willing to go down on price.

Rugs are meant to be made in the Rif Mountains around here and prices should be good, but we actually got our best rug deals in Fes. Baskets here were twice the price. I would hold of on shopping.

Outfit via TIA

What to Do in Chefchaouen

Shop, wander, shop some more! There isn’t a lot “to do” in this town. It’s really a place to chill out and just enjoy BEING there. There is a waterfall you can visit just on the outside of the medina (easily walkable) called Ras el Maa. We didn’t venture out as we were tired from all the shopping and wandering!

You could get a hamman or go trekking. I wrote about my hamman experience in Istanbul. Very cool thing to try once, but not something I needed again.

You could take a day trip outside of town into the mountains, or to where they make hash… which is my next point.

Hash in Chefchaouen

I couldn’t give you ALL my Chefchaouen travel tips without mentioning anything about weed and hash here.

More than 800,000 people in Morocco work in the hashish and marijuana industry which isn’t legal (yet). It’s been researched that more than HALF of the world’s cannabis comes from Morocco. They also say Moroccan stuff is the best.

Well, in Morocco it’s made in the Rif Mountains, all around Chefchaouen. I guess you could say it’s the motherload of marijuana, and perhaps the best in the world. You’re going to be offered some. It’s going to be cheap and you’re going to be seeing LOTS of people smoking it.

Just FYI. As I said not here to judge, do as you please! It’s totally safe traveling here and it’s not some sketchy drug town. It is a kind of pilgrimage of stoners. While people like me are there to see the blue town, others could care less and want to go see the hash making farms.

More Photos of Chefchaouen

Outfit via TIA

If you want some more photos to inspire your visit, check out my other post on Chefchaouen which is loaded up with them!

More from my Morocco Itinerary

• My Girly Guide to 5 Days in Marrakech
• Karawan Riad Review, Fes Morocco
• Get the Moroccan Desert Experience

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Riad Star is located inside the medina in Marrakesh. It actually used to be the home of Josephine Baker. She was a hero of the French resistance and a civil rights fighter. She was also a singer and actress. The riad doubles as a little museum with some pieces from that time period in the lobby.

Riad Star Review, Marrakesh

There are just 7 rooms here at Riad Star. This is one of a handful of riads the company owns. They are doing renovations which were not done when we arrived but I peeked inside and the new lobby room is going to be amazing once it’s done.

There is a dipping pool in the lobby and sun loungers on the rooftop, but no large swimming pool. Small is definitely something to think about when you stay inside the medina as hotels physically cannot expand.

After check-in and tea, we were escorted to our room where our bags were already taken. The room was actually bigger than the last place we stayed inside the medina which was nice. The architectural design of the room was amazing but we couldn’t help but notice it wasn’t quite ready, with things like lightbulbs out, soap dispenser empty, and the bathroom having not been clean. Once we alerted staff that the bathroom needed to be cleaned they did so right away and we went off to explore.

As a personal note, there are so many amazing colors and housewares in Morocco that you see in every shop and restaurant, so I was surprised by the baby blue felt blankets on the bed. Obviously just a minor note! The website shows that the rooms have luxurious pure silk duvets so it might be part of the renovations or they were forgotten.

The bathroom was nice and open with a very powerful rain shower. There was a safe, water kettle, robes, slippers, TV, and A/C in the room.

At nighttime, the rooftop is really something else and looks completely magical. We sat up there for dinner. You do need to order ahead as they make things fresh like many small riads do. We had the couscous and the lamb tagine. Both were fantastic, and as I told the chef it was the best lamb I’d had while in Morocco!

Location-wise it is the perfect spot, just 5 minutes walking to the center of the souks. You can put “nomad” into your GPS which is a popular restaurant in the shopping area, to get yourself walking the right direction. We did get lost coming back as there isn’t signage for the Riad out of the main walkway. There are many small alleys in Marrakesh medina and they all look the same, so keep their phone number handy in case you get lost.

There was an app to download that helped with directions, but I had not space on my phone and also didn’t get good 3G inside the medina. In fact, GPS has a hard time knowing where you are once you get on the small alleys.

There is a spa and hamman in the Riad and prices were very affordable at about 30 Euro for a 30-minute massage.

I definitely recommend this Riad. It was the most affordable place we stayed on our trip and is a great value for money. Rooms vary in cost throughout the year but you can expect to pay about $138 a night here as a starting rate. It might seem high, but keep in mind Marrakesh is actually pretty expensive and this is a good deal considering what you get and that breakfast is included.

Click here to see reviews and make a booking.

For more Morocco travel tips:

• The Perfect Morocco Itinerary for 2 Weeks
• What to Buy in Morocco
• Crazy and Delicious Foods to Try in Morocco
• How to Dress in Morocco in a Way That is Stylish AND Appropriate

The post Riad Star Review, Marrakesh, Morocco appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

This was my favorite hotel in Morocco and I stayed in a few while I was in Morocco for 2 weeks! I adored my stay at this hotel from the design to the friendly staff and the huge inviting pool. If you’re coming to Morocco, you’ve got to check out this Les Cinq Djellabas review before making your bookings.

Les Cinq Djellabas Review

This hotel has just 10 “lodges” which are all suites or luxury suites, meaning they have a living room and bathroom. It’s a mix of Moroccan and contemporary design with a lot of African accents like the animal skins (zebra!) and fur in the rooms.

There is a restaurant, game room, and pool on the huge garden that is over one hectare. The pool is massive and was nice to relax at since most other hotels had dipping pools. It takes 20 minutes to get here from the city center which isn’t much in a taxi here. With the distance you get more bang for your buck in terms of space.

Our room was so cute and had little touches that I love. It was nice to be somewhere so “eco” and natural after being in the cities in Morocco for so long. It’s a great place to relax.

My room had a big rainwater shower. Others have bathtubs so you’ll have to check with them what room to book for a tub. They all have showers, though. Rooms have WiFi, TV, A/C, robes and slippers, safes, and big fluffy duvets on King size beds.

swimsuit is Maaji brand, on sale from Kayokoko

Breakfast was big and Moroccan. The French have a huge influence in Morocco so you’ll notice that most places offer pastries. They are great, but if you want something healthy, breakfasts here aren’t really that. The Moroccan style pancakes remind me a lot of Indian roti. Orange juice in Morocco is known to be amazing and it really is, I could drink 3 glasses a day! They have a proper coffee machine and the coffee is great.

I love that the pool has a shallow bit you can lay out on and stay cool while you tan. Doesn’t get much better than that, except when they serve lunch by the pool.

We had a salad and gazpacho for a starter and for a main had the lamb (OMG so good, not Moroccan style to me but just French.. loved it), a burger because I was tired of Moroccan food which was so tasty. We shared a dessert too, yes at lunch ha! This was our let loose and relax day. The almond tart with caramel was so tasty.

Swim suit is Vitamin A, from Kayokoko

There were some cute cats in the property that I gave some scraps too. I think they don’t want you to feed them (not sure) but I can’t help myself when a little kitty meows I have to feed it! They were so cute.

Overall, the place was perfect and Tia and I both thought it was our favorite place. Just nearby is a 4wd place you can rent quads which are like $60 for 3 hours or something along those lines. Very affordable. They can set up trips for you outside of their property as well, like to the desert.

To book a room and read reviews click here.

The post Les Cinq Djellabas Review, Marrakesh appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

If you’re like me then trying local food when you travel is at the top of the list of “things to do in___”. There are a lot of unique foods to try in Morocco and I’m going to share with you the ones I tried while on a walking food tour with a company called Marrakech Food Tours.

I am so happy to have taken this food tour because prior to it, I was SO disappointed with the food we tried in Morocco. My friend and I found that it was either touristy-Moroccan (not what you would get at home or even at a Moroccan restaurant abroad) or it was International (French mostly, but not the best international and very touristy). We thought wow what’s going on here… It was bizarre since both of us had Moroccan food outside Morocco and liked it.

The guide of the tour explained to us that you don’t find a lot of good Moroccan food in Marrakesh and other cities. Reason being, Moroccan people don’t eat out much and when they do they want International food since they eat Moroccan at home. They wouldn’t pay for a Moroccan meal because they will have a better one at home. It’s a bummer for us foreigners visiting but thankfully on this tour, the local guide (who has an American blogger wife, Amanda) took us to the secret spots. I highly recommend it!

On your tour make sure to talk with them via email before if you want more “freaky” foods or if you want to avoid that completely. You can customize to some extent. You can follow them on Facebook.

Morocco Travel Guide

• Cool Things to Buy in Morocco 
• How to Dress in Morocco (for general tips on how I dress boho chic, check here)
• 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Morocco
• 2 Week Morocco Itinerary
  • Marrakech
    • 5 Day Girly Guide to Marrakech
    • 10 Tips for Visiting Marrakech
    • Luxury Guide to Marrakech
  • Chefchaouen
    • Morocco’s Blue City of Chefchaouen
    • Chefchaouen Travel Tips
• Where to Stay
  • Riad Star
  • Karawan Riad
  • Scarabeo Camp
  • El Fenn Hotel
  • Les Cinq Djellabas

Foods to Try in Morocco

Sheep Head

Yes, that’s a head… a sheep’s head to be exact! We saw this outside stop #1 on our food tour. How is it cooked? In the hole below while it’s all still connected. They actually put the entire body down in there.

I tried it and did NOT like it. It tasted very gamey to me and I just couldn’t deal! In our group just one person liked it. We gave the eyeball to the tour guide.

Tangia

The other parts of the sheep that came out of that hole were very tasty, though. One dish was called tangia (not tagine the common dish). Tangia is just in Marrakesh and is a specialty.

Slow cooked lamb

Below was the slow cooked lamb which was just insane. I loved it but what’s not to love? It didn’t have a Moroccan flavor to it that I noticed unless you did it in the spices provided, which I think was a cumin salt mixture.

Olives

I’m not a fan of olives except maybe a green one hidden in my tagine that I don’t notice much… but they just are too flavorful for me. They are meant to be awesome here though and the group went crazy trying all the different styles of olives. I did try the local jalapeno and damn is it way more spicy than the ones in the U.S.

Sardine Sandwich

How bizarre is that? Okay, to me it is. They make “meatballs” out of the sardines and most of the group said “are you sure this isn’t beef?” because it just didn’t taste like fish. For me, I knew what it was and mentally couldn’t get over it because I don’t like sardines or any little fishies. It had tomato, spicy sauce, onions, and olive. Actually, if it was beef without the olive I would have liked it… but then that’s just a meatball marinara sandwich lol I’m too American for my own good! Maybe add some cheese ;)

Moroccan Donuts

Like all donuts, I do not discriminate and I love this donut. It tasted just like the homemade ones my mom used to make from the Pillsbury cans of biscuit dough. They put honey on it which was delicious. The only thing I wished for was some powdered sugar but that’s because I’m a fatty at heart.

The donut was great but then he went and did this yummy mess of a dish where he put the egg into the dough while it cooked and pushed more dough on top.

What comes out is “eggy bread” as the Brit’s call it or similar to “French toast” for the Americans (without the powdered sugar). Funnily the French influenced Moroccan life and maybe the food, so I asked if this was brought by the French or if the Moroccans taught the French (I mean why IS it called French toast?) but the guide wasn’t sure.

Cookies and Bread

In Morocco, they have bread guys who do the baking and the locals used to bring their fresh dough to him. He was the pro. As time has gone on, people have gotten their own ovens. But in the heat of the summer when they don’t want their house too hot they still take the dough to the local community oven.

One story I liked was how these local bakers knew everyone in town so they were the marriage arrangers. They would hear from families dropping off bread about their son or daughter who needed to be married and he could arrange.

Before those times, women used to go the hammam and see the young girls naked to see who would make a good wife for their son! How weird is that lol … but times have changed and it’s no longer happening.

Spleen

Nope didn’t try it, sorry guys! I mean it looked rubbery and it’s an organ. I’d already risked it with the sheep’s head and just couldn’t.

Escargot

AKA snails. Do you think I tried it? Nope, not even for the sake of research! It was a packed bar though with so many locals eating bowls of snails. I guess this is another French connection.

Couscous

We later went to the most famous (secret) little couscous which is made with love for hours. The process they used was really insane and puts instant couscous to shame. This was so tasty but we were pretty stuffed so couldn’t eat enough. We felt terrible leaving so much behind! The mint tea that is always served in Morocco was served with this. So tasty.

Dessert & Smoothies

The desserts here are very buttery and sugary, which is obviously a good thing! They each have a similar base of butter, but their own flavors added. I loved the pecan one! The smoothies are unique here like avocado, milk, and dates. Not really my thing so didn’t have a smoothie. I know it seems like I didn’t try much, but I’m more of a meat eater!

When I travel alone or with a friend, I love to sign up for group things every so often. I am not one to get SO excited over new things and I really enjoy seeing other people’s reactions to what they are seeing and trying. I like to hear what questions they have. That actually helps me to learn about places because I might not think to ask the questions myself. The tour was great and the group was very fun to get to know.

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When it comes to design, I don’t think I’ve stayed in a hotel that tops this one. When I started writing this Karawan Riad review, I had a hard time limiting down the photos I wanted to share. Part of that reason is because my friend Tia who I was traveling with had her new clothing line with her, and I got to play dress up for a photos shoot she needed to do. I’m no model, that’s for sure, but it’s a good deal for me because in exchange for modeling for her I get a couple of pieces of clothing. That’s worth posing for a little while lol!

We checked into Karawan in Fes after a couple of days in Chefchaouen which has a very small medina and is easy to get around. It was on second city in my Morocco itinerary.

Little did we know Fes wasn’t going to be so simple! It’s written about like it’s the “easier” of the cities compared to Marrakesh and more laid back. If you go to the popular shopping streets here it is, but get off track up in the NE parts and be prepared to be hassled, a lot. I’ll talk about it more later! Back to the hotel.

Karawan Riad Review, Fes

As I said it was designed to perfection and the French owners took a lot of time and care to make sure things were literally PERFECT in each and every room. We explored a few that were without guests so we could take photos and I’m going to share them now as a little hotel tour.

“Karawan Riad was the grandest harem in town. It was here that the pashas of the time entertained, while their ladies peeked at proceedings from square balconies tucked into each corner of the first floor of the palace. These women were known for their refined culture and beauty, for music, poetry and an elegant cuisine, and above all their best ability to advise their men-folk based on what they saw from their secret observatories. Although, there was little written record of the time, 300-years on our dream was to recreate that atmosphere.”

This was our room, how amazing is that? I love the decor in here and it made me want to go shop and buy everything, especially the brass light hanging over the middle of the room. The leather poufs are a staple in Morocco and I love seeing them used in a fancy design like this. I bought 3!

TIA

Our room have a loft up top which is why I chose it. I loved it and knew I could get a better photo angle of the room to show you guys!

Bathrooms were unique in each room, some with tubs some without, but they all had rain showers and a lot of space.

The rooftop was amazing here and offered views all across Fes. You can’t really beat that! The hotel is open to non-guests for dinner so if you can’t stay here, you can make a dinner reservation and come early to see the view.

Dinner was super tasty, as was breakfast which was pastries and fruit with coffee/tea and juice. For dinner we had lamb dishes that I devoured in about 3 minutes and forgot to take a photos of! It was really tasty though. We tried out a few of her new outfits up on the roof for her new collection (Studio Tia is the brand).

TIA

TIA

TIA

TIA

Each room had a different them, and the one below was a little more “African” theme and not just Moroccan in style. I loved this room second best to our room!

TIA

There was a lot of space at the hotel to enjoy outside of the bedrooms. They have an amazing terrace and a huge library that is just stunning. Since we were doing the photo shoot, I thought I’d share these photos instead of the photos of just the empty library to make it a little more fun, although it seems a little self-obsessive lol sorry!

They also have a spa onsite with a hamman. A hamman is a very cool experience where you get a bath from some ladies (or men if you’re a dude). They take off all the dead skin which is great, except that it takes off your tan so I avoid it for the most part.

As you can see the place has great decor all around and is just perfect! If you want to book you can book here. Take some time to check out the unique rooms they have as each one is totally different and then you can choose your favorite.

Things to keep in mind at Karawan Riad:

Dinner is served from items they buy that day, fresh. You have to put your dinner order in that afternoon. Because they don’t have a full kitchen at all times there is no room service and you cannot eat breakfast in your room. Breakfast is included in the price.

The spa is affordable here and again it’s something you need to book ahead. There is WiFi here. They also offer airport transfer and if you come on your own will send someone to meet you in by the road so you can find it in the medina (and to help with your luggage).

This place has great reviews and is one of the top 3 hotels in Fes overall. There were no negatives about the place. Even the location was great! If you’re looking for luxury in Fes, this is the best place for it. You can find rooms for around $250 per night.

The post Karawan Riad Review, Fes Morocco appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Whenever I travel somewhere that’s a little more conservative, girls leave messages or send emails asking what I’ve packed and how I dressed in a certain country. Morocco was no different so I promised I’d share how to dress in Morocco along with some of my favorite styles now for travel. What to wear in Morocco shouldn’t stress you out – it’s the fun part (or maybe I just love packing and planning).

I have written in the past a couple posts that are similar and you can use as more resources:

• How to dress in Jordan & look cute
• Do’s and don’ts for how to dress in India

Those are both conservative countries in their own different ways. Make sure to check them out. I wrote last month about what I packed for this multi-cultural trip abroad which included Europe, Middle East, and Africa all in a month.

Morocco Travel Guide

• What to Buy in Morocco
• How to Dress in Morocco (for general tips on how I dress boho chic, check here)
• 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Morocco
• What Food to Try in Morocco
• Morocco Itinerary: A Guide for 2 Weeks
  • Marrakech
    • 5 Day Girly Guide to Marrakech
    • 10 Tips for Visiting Marrakech
    • Luxury Guide to Marrakech
  • Chefchaouen
    • Morocco’s Blue City of Chefchaouen
    • Chefchaouen Travel Tips
• Where to Stay
  • Riad Star
  • Karawan Riad
  • Scarabeo Camp
  • El Fenn Hotel
  • Les Cinq Djellabas

How to Dress in Morocco – Ideas of What to Wear in Morocco

Morocco is a Muslim country and although they speak French in some areas, Spanish in others, and are used to tourists, it’s still a conservative place. Compared to Turkey for example this was much more conservative. I would say it’s a little more relaxed than Jordan.

I suggest taking the following styles of clothing:

Long silk maxi dress to wear under button up tops

Leather jacket – it does get cold at night

Long sleeve breezy button up shirts

Long sleeve jackets – I prefer thin silk because breezy

Ali baba trousers – I love the ones from FARA

Jumpsuits/ Pantsuits – I have a green culotte one I wear a lot

Jeans – totally fine in Morocco

Leggings / short dress combination – feel free to take spaghetti strap dresses and just layer a button up over it

Thin sweater for layering

Jacket by TIA, similar here

cover up by TIA, similar here

Orange silk coat by TIA, similar here

Black maxi dress by TIA, similar here

Silk jacket by TIA, similar style (different color) here

Trench coat by TIA, similar style (different color) here

Silk dress by TIA, similar style here

Silk jacket by TIA, similar style (different color) here

It’s all about layering. Don’t be afraid to take your favorite pieces and just wear something over them to make them appropriate.

I always find that a trip is much better when I dress in an outfit I enjoy rather than just making due with what I have on hand. Because of that, I shop thinking about travel. I buy pieces that I know will be good for travel. Here are a few pieces that I own and love below.

Favorite travel pieces I own for layering

TIA silk dresses and jackets – almost all of what is pictured above is from my friend Tia’s Goa brand. You can shop her clothes on Etsy and I have links to each item underneath the photos above. These are all her new designs. I love her cotton stuff as well, it’s thin Indian khaddi and perfect for traveling- plus most of that is on sale!

Ali Baba silk trousers – I take these everywhere

Baggy raw silk tops – perfect to wear with jeans and cover my bum

UO Wrap Tops love this top and have it in two colors

UO Culotte Pants – a dream for travelers

UO Maxi Dresses – I am wearing a black maxi all the time when I travel. I love wearing a silk one under laid-back cotton tops.

UO Jumpsuits – it’s very baggy but I like that

Top Shop Jamie jeans – I have these in ripped black, indigo, and green. They are the best fitting high-rise jeans I’ve ever found.

Those are some of my favorite travel pieces of clothing but I know my style might not be like yours. I wear these even in countries that aren’t conservative but they are great for when I want to be a little under the radar and not worry at all about being offensive to anyone.

A few more tips on what to wear in Morocco

• You can take off shawls at most restaurants
• You can wear bikinis at hotel pools, they can be skimpy but even the French are not sunbathing nude!
• At night, we did see all types of girls (Moroccan and foreign) in short dresses to go party. It’s up to you but I didn’t feel comfortable doing so.
• The medinas are fairly clean but there is some water and donkey poo, so don’t wear dresses or jeans that drag the floor. This is a good reason for mid-calf maxi dresses and culottes! Even a nice cropped pantsuit!

Pin how to dress in Morocco for later (hover over and click the Pinterest icon)

The post How to Dress in Morocco in a Way That is Stylish AND Appropriate appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Morocco was such a beautiful and photogenic country. I spent 10 days here with my friend Tia and went into tourist mode, shopping, exploring and taking each day as it came. I have many articles coming up to share tips about how you can do the same. It’s all really quite affordable too!

We started in the tiny blue town of Chefchaouen which is “Pinterest famous”, we went to the ancient medinas of Fes, the luxury of Marrakesh, got lost in the souks, and rode camels in the desert.

For More Morocco Travel

• The Perfect Morocco Itinerary for 2 Weeks
• Shopping in Morocco | What to Buy in Morocco and How Much to Pay
• Crazy and Delicious Foods to Try in Morocco

20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Morocco

Chefchaouen Outfit from TIA

Fes Outfit from TIA

Marrakesh

Desert Camping Outfit from TIA

Karawan Riad, Fes

Chefchaouen

Breakfast, see here for all the foods to eat in Morocco

Desert Camp

Les Cinq Djellabas, Marrakesh

Read my full guide on shopping in Morocco here

Hammam at Karawan Riad Outfit from TIA

Shopping in the medina Outfit from TIA

Desert Camp Outfit from TIA

Chefchaouen Outfit from TIA

Royal Palm, Marrakesh

Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl

Karawan Riad, Fes

Moroccan lunches

Fes

Chefchaouen

Want more information on these locations in Morocco? I have lots of blog posts coming soon that will have detailed information about these places!

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The post 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Morocco appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

In one month I was in Asia, Middle East, Europe, and Africa. That’s a lot to pack all in one rolling suitcase especially since I didn’t want to take a large one, and decided on a medium. Add in blogging gear, and I’m pretty limited on space/weight allowance. Here is my itemized list for packing for various regions of long-term travel in one suitcase which is what I did on my most recent trip.

Packing for Various Regions of Long-term Travel in One Suitcase

I started packing thinking of where I’d be first: Israel. Israel is pretty laid back so I didn’t think of it as “Middle East” like I did when I packed for Jordan. It was going to be hot though, while my next destination would be cold: England. From there I’d head to Latvia early October which would be even colder I imaged. BUT then I would head to Morocco, which is Muslim and more conservative, while also hot.

It sounds like a challenge but it’s actually not that hard if you think about layers. That is key!

So, I start with pants/trousers. I packed:

• 1 pair of jean shorts / 1 pair of suede lace up shorts
• 2 leather skirts
• 3 pairs of Topshop Jamie jeans (blue/black ripped/green)

Once I had it laid out, I decided I didn’t need the pink skirt and took it out. Normally I wouldn’t travel with more than 1 pair of jeans, but thought with England and Latvia being cold I might need them so I don’t have to keep wearing the same pair. I always thought the green ones would layer well under kaftans in Morocco.

Next I go to the tops.

I packed for tops:

• 3 black tanks, 1 white tank, 1 grey, 1 red
• 1 dressy crop top
• 2 cute tees
• 2 casual tees for travel days
• 3 long sleeve layering tops that I always travel with

So the next step is to put pants in one packing cube and tops in another! I can then look and see what I’ve got and then work out how many dresses/rompers I should take. Normally, I actually think about my outfits but on a trip this big you can’t really think that way. It’s more about mixing and matching and layering to make new outfits.

I was going to pack two jackets but in the end went just for my leather jacket and am glad I did! I could have used the other just for some change, but it wasn’t necessary.

• [easyazon_link identifier=”B00RET3VUG” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]UGG high top tennies[/easyazon_link] (obsessed with these)
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B00IUM7YK4″ locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Black Lucky Brand boots[/easyazon_link] I always travel with
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B015ZU9EUQ” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Black Sol Sana sandals[/easyazon_link] I always take
• Brown sandals

In the end this was fine although I could have fit regular flip-flops in and they would have come in handy at pools and beaches. I just went barefoot so it wasn’t an issue but I guess not everyone likes going barefoot! ;)

Swimsuits were next! I am swimwear crazy and actually wanted to take more than these 3. I brought a 1 piece because it’s good for the Dead Sea (more conservative) and it’s black which is good because the mud there stains.

• [easyazon_link identifier=”B00N8PGEKE” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Vitamin A bikini[/easyazon_link] This is the perfect fitting bikini!
• [easyazon_link keywords=”Maaji bikini” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Maaji colorful bikini[/easyazon_link] These are all the coolest prints and colors.
• 1 piece from L*Space I love the way this swimsuit fits.

Toiletries are the easiest bit since you know what you need! Just go through your nighttime and shower routine in your head and make sure you pack all the things you use. When I’m going long-term I just do the smaller bottles of shampoo and conditioner and buy more as I go to save weight.

Here are some things I really love though and never go without:

• [easyazon_link identifier=”B00OAYFGRY” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Clinique Moisture Surge face lotion[/easyazon_link] (it’s my favorite!)
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B004PBU4EC” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]It’s a 10 miracle conditioner[/easyazon_link]
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B000BIXP5I” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Surf Spray[/easyazon_link] (I use Bumble & Bumble or Sun Bum)
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B00161DDJM” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Smashbox under eye highlighter[/easyazon_link]

I packed:

• 1 suede black dress for parties
• long green silk romper (on sale!)
• short cargo style romper
• 2 Free People dresses
• 2 wedding dress options because I couldn’t decide.

As I was fitting it in I remembered undies, bras, and a swimsuit coverup! It was never-ending haha! I added in

• 3 Urban bras (these kind are so tiny and comfy) & 1 of this style
• Melissa Odabash swim coverup

Lastly, time to get the purse and carry-on sorted. I used a backpack as a carry-on as I didn’t want to have to roll 2 things on public transport in Europe. It’s a pain at rush hour.

I packed a large purse for my new camera/lens as they take up a lot of space and a smaller (new) black Fossil purse which I love traveling with.

Electronics for me aren’t TOO over the top… I take my computer & charger, phone & charger, Kindle, camera, lens, extra battery, camera charging set, external hard-drive & cord, SkyRoam WiFi dongle & cord (first time using and loved it except it didn’t work in Morocco), portable charger and cord. I threw in my sunnies, a few pieces of jewelry, and headphones. I guess it does sound like a lot! But it’s not too heavy.

• [easyazon_link identifier=”B01JGMPM4G” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Panasonic camera[/easyazon_link] and
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B0028Y5GKK” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]extra wide-angle lens[/easyazon_link] (I used to do only phone pics but just got this from from my Israel posts onward you’ll see a better quality photos!) This is a top ranked camera and I chose it after a LOT of research, plus it’s damn cute with it’s tan leather hipster look hah!

Ta-da! That’s it. You can see I still have some space for shopping and lucky for me, after London I could give Ben my heels and a few dresses to take back to Goa for me.

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Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well.

For more on Morocco:

• Morocco Itinerary for 2 Weeks
• Shopping in Morocco
• Crazy and Delicious Foods to Try in Morocco
• How to Dress in Morocco in a Way That is Stylish AND Appropriate

A Luxury Guide to Marrakech

Tell us a little about  yourself and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel in Marrakech.

Wherever I travel I seek luxury, but not necessarily in the obvious meaning of the word. I am more about finding authentic experiences, places that have a soul. There is little more luxurious than stargazing in the desert or finding a guesthouse where you feel immediately at home. My blog The Midnight Blue Elephant is a bit of a treasure chest for those places and experiences.

I was still living in Cape Town when I first visited Morocco a few years ago. While I wasn’t initially enticed by Marrakech, I loved the rest of the country. So when I moved back home to Germany and Morocco was just a short plane ride away I decided to go back. You could say Marrakech and I were love at second sight, but now we are head over heels. Something about this crazy, beautiful city has me always coming back for more. Marrakech is full of luxurious places and rich experiences, but they are sort of hidden behind shabby doors and unassuming corners in the medina. You have to go look for them, a bit like a treasure hunt and that’s what I love to do whenever I go there. Seems I have a knack for it – if I was treasure hunting for gold, I’d be very rich!

What makes Marrakech a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?

While Marrakech may not be a glamorous city on first sight – think farting mules and raggedy streets everywhere – it is an imperial city after all. The city is full of history and beautiful architecture, but it isn’t showy, something I really like. Palaces and mosques are quite literally clad in marble, but nothing feels too overwhelming or decadent. It also has a very sensual side, a smell of orange blossoms and roses to everything. Think Arabian Nights mixed with French laissez-faire, a mix that already enticed Yves Saint Laurent who I think is the best company you can seek when it comes to the ultimate luxury.

What 5-star hotel is the best in Marrakech?

I think there are few other cities with more 5-star hotels and riads than Marrakech so you will have a hard time going wrong with your choice. However, THE 5-star hotel is without a doubt the Royal Mansour.

The hotel combines ultra luxury with the very best traditional Moroccan craftsmanship. They have basically created a palace for you to live in. Here you don’t have a room, you stay in one of 53 riads which are all connected by hidden, underground corridors for the staff so you get the utmost privacy. Exclusive airport pick-up with no wait at immigration and a midnight swim in their glass domed pool has me shivering in anticipation – I am hoping to go in April.

What about boutique hotels in Marrakech, of them all, which would you send your friends or family to stay at?

Depending on their price range I would either send them to Chambres d’Amis or El Fenn. Chambres d’Amis is one of the most charming, cool riads in town. Quirky, cute rooms, plenty of tortoises to play with and some of the best homemade food. All that for amazing rates and three minutes away from the Jemaa el Fna.

If you want to splurge a little more I recommend El Fenn. Vanessa Branson, sister of Richard Branson, has created an art and design lovers’ paradise with plenty of Moroccan charm. Make sure to check out the awesome hotel shop and the little pool. Whenever I stay there I usually don’t even venture into the city anymore, it is that fabulous.

Are there any fun activities in Marrakech for the adventurous traveler?

Getting lost in the medina and seeing the snake charmers on the Jemaa el Fna is probably all the adventure you will need. However, if you want to get a bit more of an adrenalin kick you will need to get out of the city. Head towards the Atlas Mountains and half an hour outside of town you can go quad biking in the desert. The landscape here is quite bizarre but also absolutely stunning. You won’t be going over sand dunes, but ride over gravel roads and hills. Think moon landscape and you are the pilot of your own lunar rover!

Where are the best hang outs during the day in Marrakech?

The heart of the city is the Jemaa el Fna, the great square in the medina, and while it only really comes to life in the evening, it is worth a stroll during the day too. Watch the snake charmers and visit the tooth seller, grab a freshly squeezed orange juice and soak up the atmosphere in one of the many surrounding cafes. From here head into the souks, the main markets, and just get lost. There is no better place for window shopping once you get the knack of telling off the very pushy vendors. If you need a little break, head towards the Maison de la Photographie, one of Marrakech’s best galleries in the heart of the souks, a perfect place to relax a little.

If you need some greenery, I recommend a stroll through Jardin Majorelle, also called the Yves Saint Laurent garden. Here you will find an impressive cacti collection and the most amazing Berber museum amongst splashes of blue and yellow. A paradise for Instagram, fashion and nature fans alike. From here head to Cafe de la Poste for a colonial style lunch with a glass of local wine.

If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants in Marrakech and what are their best dishes?

For a glamorous date in Marrakech, I would eat at the Le Marocain at the La Mamounia (another great option for a 5-star hotel in case the Royal Mansour is booked out). I ate there once during my stay and it was honestly the best meal I’ve had in Morocco. They offer traditional Moroccan cuisine with a contemporary twist. Think lamb meatballs filled with foie gras or pastilla with lobster. The restaurant is also located deep within the Mamounia gardens, which are insanely beautiful. Perfect for a romantic sunset stroll before dinner and moonlight lit digestive walk after.

Let’s talk desserts- what place makes the best in Marrakech?

Honestly, most Moroccan sweets and desserts are not that exciting to me. I usually prefer fresh fruit instead of their very sugary pastries. However, the restaurant Nomad offers not only amazing views over the souks and cool tunes but also amazing homemade vervain and argan oil ice cream.

Tell us all the hot shopping spots; who’s carrying the trendy local designers in Marrakech?

I prefer Marrakech more for interior shopping than for clothing. Best place for that are of course the souks. If you feel overwhelmed by the choices and the not so shy vendors, I recommend hiring a shopping guide. He will take you to places according to your interests, help you with negotiations, and keep the vendors at bay.

If you rather want set prices and some calm (though calm is relative in Marrakech) I recommend the stores at Terrace des Épices for labels like Lalla and La Maison Bahira as well as the boutiques Chabi Chic and 33 Majorelle, the ultimate concept store.

What are a couple of the best salons and spas in Marrakech?

I think Marrakech’s true spa culture is best experienced with a traditional hammam. Here you will be engulfed in warm steam and water, soak in black olive soap and then be scrubbed with a peeling glove until your skin glows. Hammams in Morocco are washing ritual and community hall in one where locals come to get clean and to chat.

Public hammams are everywhere and while far from luxurious, they are an experience not to be missed. Talk about an adventure! Just know that you will survive and that you will come out cleaner than you have ever been before.

I usually just ask the staff at my accommodation for a recommendation. Make sure to tell them you want a public hammam – insert incredulous look on their faces – yes, not the fancy tourist one. In case you are not brave enough (yet) to brave the real hammam experience go to Le Bains Bleu for a more luxurious tourist version.

Time for a great sunset view in Marrakech… where would you go?

Again, Jemaa el Fna! Head to the iconic Cafe de France or any other of the surrounding rooftop bars. I am using the term bar loosely as you won’t get alcoholic drinks at most of them. However, the views over the roofs of Marrakech and the square coming to life at dawn is spectacular. Go here for Maghrib, the sunset prayer, for a concert of prayer calls from all surrounding mosques and you are in for a treat. A truly haunting and beautiful experience while the city is drenched in gold.

Now that the sun’s gone down, fill us on the best places to go for some evening drinks or a great pre-gaming spot.

Many places in the medina will not offer alcohol. If you don’t mind, I recommend staying close to the square for its vibrant atmosphere in the evening or Cafe Clock that offers music and cultural events every day.

For a truly great cocktail, I’d go to La Mamounia’s Churchill bar that has an amazing cocktail menu. However, my favorite is to simply get a bottle of local wine or beer at a grocery store and drink it on top of the roof. Really any roof. With views like this, I don’t care much whether I’m drinking champagne or water – would you?

Annika is a Hamburg, New York, Cape Town hybrid, having called all three cities her home at some point. When she can sneak away from her daytime job as photo producer in Hamburg, she is on the road with her laptop. Her best is to travel throughout Africa and Asia to eat all the local food and play with street kittens. How she managed not to become an old cat lady yet she doesn’t know herself! The first thing she likes to check out at any new place is the underwater world, chances are you will find her cuddling with a shark (in lieu of kittens underwater) in no time. Her friend has declared her a funny Germany, so she writes funny stories about her adventures on The Midnight Blue Elephant, posts inspirational kitten travel pictures on Instagram and Twitter.

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