Remember your best defense is a good offense. And is certainly nothing compared to trying to cross a busy street in China! But it's way more apt to happen in a place where they disrespect and harass women, which sets the stage. Avoid remote and mountainous areas which remain dangerous, especially for women traveling alone. Thats why I love it and recommend it to all my fellow travel lovers! I travelled there as a teenager with my mum and sister. Even walking across the street does need quite some experience, as especially scooters, but sometimes even cars, wont stop when the traffic lights are red (here is a video that will give you a good impression). Dont bring big valuables, keep your money somewhere reliably safe (and dont bring too much either). Even for me as someone who is more than willing to overpay to avoid as much haggling as possible. Moroccois a safe country for women travelers, however, those traveling alone should exercise caution as they could be vulnerable to unwanted attention or harassment by men. By telling us your country of residence we are able to provide you with the most relevant travel insurance information. We would be happy you share your experience in Morocco as a women here below and feel free to share your tips in case we forget something that can help other women to travel in all safety! Eventually a girl came to our aid and brought us to the police. In addition, in the large cities, basically no one will ever do anything just to be helpful or nice (your hotel proprietor or tour operator do not count). There are always things going around, and you can get a bit overwhelmed at first. If you really need to talk with one, always be sure there are other people nearby and that youre not flirty at all. Travelling in Morocco as a woman can be a wonderful experience, if you know how to look after yourself. There are two kinds of tanneries: private and cooperatives. The criminality is Morocco and specially easy town as Marrakech&Essaouira are more or less 2/3 %of our western country.. They wrote the report on a type writer and sent us around to different people all demanding tips. The biggest risk here is having someone put a monkey on your shoulder and demand money for a photo. Is Marrakech Safe for Solo Female Travellers? - Nina Out and About I opted for lots of light, flowing fabrics. But the second you take a picture of them, they will ask a couple of Dirham from you. I wasted my precious time telling you the water was there." While you totally can drink in public legally, I recommend solo female travellers either refrain totally from drinking or only drink in private at their hotel. The first mistake most tourists make is assuming those olives, the yummy starters, or the bread arriving at your table is for free. I tried to take the same trip after dark and that was a mistake. Some merchant might scam you for a dirham or two when you dont know enough about haggling or the general product quality, but this should be about your worst concern (Ill write a bit more about common scams in Marrakech further down). Fes was much safer also the desert is lovely as are many of the small towns. No matter where you travel, you rely on public wifi networks. As I said , we were not the first attack that day and I know a lot of peoe with these traumatizing experiences don't post or share because it's difficult to do Sonething we'd rather forget We, mother and daughter, had no problems, but we used a guide, was really cheap and worth every penny. Even though Morocco is a poor country, its pretty safe, but this factor can play an important role when we talk about solo female travelers. I always recommend people to visit a city at least once at night. Marrakech is a colorful city full of Arabic culture, Berber history, French language, and lively marketplaces!. That being said, the last terror attack in Marrakech dates back to 2011 where 17 people were killed and another 25 injured. Note that in the photo below, my shirt had ridden up after Id taken the camera from around my neck to pass to the photographer friend (@mary.osk). They organised your departure so must carry some responsibility for your being abandoned to your fate by their driver. Note that marriage proposals are very frequent in Morocco, but they are almost always a throwaway line, kind of the equivalent of you look nice in that outfit in the west. 5 TOP TIPS FOR FEMALE TRAVELLERS IN MOROCCO - We Are Travel Girls You can mimic how they cross the street and ensure you get to the other side safely. I traveled two years alone before meeting Eddy and I never had a similar experience. If you think the traffic in Rome or Athens is a sea of calm, then Marrakech will be no problem with you. The only way you can make sure youre being safe when using a public wifi network is by installing a VPN on your devices. As a solo female traveler, it is natural to have concerns about putting this place on your to-go list, but this city is totally worth a visit. To me, this is really not a scam. I didnt walk around with my midriff on show! We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Thank you so much for your support! Yes!!! We did get hasselled but we were prepared, so it did not ruin our trip. it is not in their nature (culture? I wouldnt walk around alone at night, and Id practice saying no thank you and ignoring the more audacious advances. Ready to join us? But, most local women remain in the family home, and it can bedifficult to make contact. I am female and was 26 or so at the time. For further reference, do check out this site. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. So, to answer your question is Marrakech safe for solo female travellers, my answers is yes! See you there, fearless friend! Subscribe to the email list to get new posts directly to your inbox. I recently returned from a week in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Keep your credit card in a safe place, dont carry it around when you wont need it (again cash is king) and monitor your spendings regularly. No matter where you go, it is important to be aware of the local scams in the area. But coming to a comparison, in Morocco factors that can put your safety in danger are basically the ones linked to culture. Coronavirus (COVID-19) and travel: The situation around the world is changing dramatically. Fully agree that it shouldnt stop you though! By the end of this article, youll know how to safely navigate Marrakech and have an amazing solo trip to Morocco! A couple of weeks before I was due to depart for Marrakech, my excitement turned into anxiety. Morocco is a country with a very different culture from the one in Europe or the US, so things that can appear normal back home are not the same in Morocco, where religion is also a predominant factor. 2. Here are my answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about safety in Marrakech. Never ask them how much and just give them 5 Dirham (50cent). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-24645944', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Marrakech is a very safe place. Glad you had a better experience than I did! I had overheard from someone that Morocco wasn't a safe place for a woman traveller, and, being a natural worrier, really freaked out. Right! I spent some time in Essaouira and then took a bus back to Marrakech and stayed in the same hotel in Marrakech as I had previously. Morocco (and especially Marrakech) is built on a tipping culture. If you got a plan, you stay strong and ignore the distraction, youll be fine. The people in Marrakech are more used to foreigners than people might be in other parts of Morocco, so theyll be more tolerant to upper arm flesh, but try to be respectful anyway. When things like this are in play, I measure a country by whether the sights you see or spirituality you experience are worth the trade-off. Every major international luxury hotel chain (check out my review of the Amanjena to know what I am talking about) has a hotel in the city. I was a little bit nervous about travelling to Marrakech as a solo female, I have to admit that. I stayed in a riad in a well-hidden area down some very dark and windy alleys and felt perfectly safe, the locals only stopped me to ask if I was ok or if I knew where I was going. A good thing you can do to socialize is choosing a good tour (many hotels are proposing them) and enjoy your trip in all safety. But as things are not always as easy as they appear, I really tried to focus on all the different safety aspects you might worry about. That doesnt mean you shouldnt go though! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. I dont want to taint your opinion of Marrakech in any way because it is a fabulous city. Well you see, they really arent, and neither is the water, and it will add up. This gives you the chance to move slowly and go back to your hotel if you start feeling overwhelmed. So, if you want to be able to experience Marrakech and have time to get over the culture shock, take the first day or two slow. Don't cause offense through your actions or dress, especially during the holy month of Ramadan orwhen visiting religious areas. Sunbathing topless on the beach or by the pool is never appropriate in Morocco. I know this technically isnt a Marrakech safety tip, but I still think it is important to know before you arrive in Morocco. Its actually a lot safer to visit Morocco than staying in the USA. Around 7 guys watched while this happened without helping. The important thing is that you behave in a way that makes your visit to Marrakech safe. Marrakech is safe but use common sense and take same precautions you'll take at home__ leave valuables and passport at your hotel/ riad, avoid walks late eveningsans stick to the crowds in the medina. The important thing is that you behave in a way that makes your visit to Marrakech safe. I knew the way and didnt show any doubt in where I was going, but two men walked with me to show me the way and then wouldnt leave until I tipped them for their help when we got to the hotel. It may even be in your best interest to go on a guided walking tour the first day, so you can get your bearings and feel more confident walking around alone the rest of your trip. Research and check reviews from other women travelers onsafe places to stay, especiallywhere you can lock the door to your room securely. (i didn't noticed anything..)and may be.. we should think about some copyrighting??? Providing you stay aware and practice all the usual precautions that as women, we have to use everywhere, you should be no less safe in Morocco than you are anywhere else in the world. It will be cheaper, faster and he will guard you as their customer (minus these restaurants and shops he is affiliated with). You'll get mostly young men trying to chat you up. If someone sees you looking lost or unsure, they will come up and help you even if you dont ask or need it. As I said, there are a few things you need to keep in mind in order to be as safe in Marrakech as possible. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-24659813', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Marrakech on my own (female) and never felt unsafe for a moment. Everything looks so different when the lights come out and you see people sitting in the restaurants having a party or just a private dinner. Report inappropriate content. Visiting the Jemaa el-Fnna in Marrakesh at dusk is fascinating, and many locals are out and aboutenjoying the cool evening. The Solo Female Traveler's Guide to Marrakech We didn't even go to clubs or any sketchy area, we did our research and protected ourselves as best we couldas a side note we learned that the club area is now well known among locals that ghb is a party favorite to give to tourists who are then often assaulted or robbedso that also sounds pleasant! I suggest you plan an extra day or two in Marrakech to help you get used to Morocco if youve never visited a country like it before. VPNs are known to slow down your internet, and it can be extremely painful using a VPN when youre trying to quickly Google or stream something. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-24645303', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Marrakech with my sister in March. 10 Useful Tips for Women Visiting Morocco - MarocMama Almost everybody wants to show you the way. But lets compare some further number (rates per 100,000 citizens). My philosophy when travelling alone is to blend in as much as possible and act as much like a local as I can. Early bird tickets at 1297 pesos are already selling out (only 15 tickets available). This was a habit I learned while in Dubai, where you could actually get in trouble for sitting in the front. Hi there and specialy to my excellent Spmm! There was less hassle and haggling but its not as atmospheric! Weve been traveling in Morocco for 3 months and, even though I was not traveling alone, I had some experiences about being a female tourist in Morocco and Marrakech. Go, see and be seen! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-29130081', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Marrakech is safe for two women to travel to. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. It was VERY hot while I was there and I made the mistake of not packing a hat. The picture some people are painting couldnt be farther from reality. We loved it so much so we have booked to go back in july! Don't let anyone put you off going. The fifth stop is the Jemaa el Fna, so easy to know you're in the right place. I have been travelling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ), I may earn a small commission that helps me keep the blog running. As I dont want you to miss the many amazing touristattractions in Marrakech (definitelyread my list), I compiled this travel guide about possible risks and dangers. Especially if youre new to solo travelling! Marrakech is home to some of the most delicious food Ive ever eaten. Read my four day Marrakech itinerary if youre planning a trip, Watch my full Marrakech travel vlog on Youtube, Use my Travel Resources page to book your Marrakech trip. I may have over-prepared myself to deal with hassle and sexism before my trip after listening to scare stories, but I didnt have many problems in Morocco. For the most part, I was pleasantly surprised with the standard of female safety in Marrakech and nearby Essaouira. Travel with a simple door stop which is handy toprevent access from an intruder and takes up very little roomin your luggage. Is Munich Safe for Solo Female Travellers?! Cue lots of salesmen screaming, Dannielle at me when they caught a glimpse of it. It would be helpful for people to know where you were treated. I dont want the thought of Marrakech not being safe to prevent you from exploring the beautiful city. Bottom line no, I would not go there as a young female by myself, especially if you're not able to blend in. PEACE AND A LOT OF LOVE sO bEAUTIFUL WORDS AND DETAILS ON YOUR POST. That all changed when I discovered NordVPN. This is not to say there wont be another attack. There Are Many Safe Places In Medina, Marrakech. As heresmyreply advises use the search box (type "female traveller", "safety" etc) for lots of other visitor reports and comments from other women. I am sorry to read of your bad experience leeleecantravels. Is Kuala Lumpur Safe for Solo Female Travellers?! I loved Marrakech but I understand a lot of girls would feel nervous or concerned before they visit, so I wanted to address this topic and show that actually, a lot of places are much safer for women than you may otherwise hear. But, just like anything, there are a few exceptions. We come from two different world, so thats normal. Annes de Plerinage is a travel blog that focuses on luxury hotels and unforgettable cultural experiences. For those few pennies made life a whole lot more comortable:). Marrakech is a vibrant city, and I dont want you to miss out on experiencing it just because someone in your life is telling you it isnt safe. Girls or womens they should not be worry to plan for a holiday in Morocco, what i have advice with is to have a plan where you want to go, avoid those bis cities like Casabanca, Rabat Marrakesh is really enough for a half day because most of the locals are more to sell and money but if you ignore them, they will give you your peace and they may follow you to try to sell you something but is not at all dangerous. There is a myth that Marrakech and Morocco in general aren't safe for women. In fact I love the city so much I now own property there. I also made the mistake of wearing my Arabic name necklace to walk around. Even if Morocco is the most open and modern Country in North Africa, it is still very conservative and often women travellers are seen in a different way than in Western countries. Thisguys are with out uniform and i can tell even if you don't seem them,they see you!and take care which is a really good thing! ;) Drinking in Morocco is legal, but tourists are the only people allowed to drink in public. My parents had the same concerns and were trying to convince me not to visit Morocco, but Im glad I did! You do not want to have to deal with trying to cancel debit and credit cards because your information was stolen because you were being careless online. As heresmyreply advises use the search box (type "female traveller", "safety" etc) for lots of other visitor reports and comments from other women. Ive been using NordVPN for years and dont plan on ever changing providers, which is saying a lot! The only thing that really makes you question whether Marrakech is safe or not is trying to navigate crossing the busy roads. Marrakech - safe place for women on their own? - Tripadvisor I have no direct personal experience with them (other than saying no thank you or ignoring the person). Thats been said, we think that organize a bit your travel before leaving can be good as well. Another not so good thing while traveling in Marrakech or Casablanca can be wondering alone at night in the city. The short answer is probably no, as no country is entirely safe. Complaints can lead to prosecution. Well, visiting non-touristy places far away from the center can undermine your safety. The father was warm and welcoming. It is a small price to pay to sleep easy knowing nobody can steal your private information and data. I think its too easy to blame religion because Ive lived in Bosnia & Herzegovina, a country with an Islamic majority, for almost a year and nothing ever happened to me. Even if Morocco is the most open and modern Country in North Africa, it is still very conservative and often women travellers are seen in a different way than in Western countries. This event is a game-changer! We had done everything as we were suppose to (dress conservatively, respected customs, etc) Alsowe are tough girls, who both compete in martial arts. ("no!) Plan your perfect itinerary. Enjoy every second of this beautiful country. As a solo female traveller, you need to be prepared for the tight, winding lanes of the souks and for more direct and forward advances. You can install your NordVPN on up to 6 devices, so you can protect your online data everywhere for one low price. And in Marrakech that includes not drinking in public even though it can be freaking hot and a cold beer would taste incredible. Still, before my last trip to Marrakech, one of my co-workers (who happened to visit the city 3 months prior) complained about constantly being harassed by the Moroccan men. Get your ticket now! If you want to check out which are the things that mine the safety of Tulum, heres our guide on Tulum safety. However, if you want to be perfectly safe in Marrakech, it's important to follow a few precautions and be very aware of your environment at all times. There is a lot of mystery and misconceptions about Morocco and Marrakech. Listen to the people who have been there, take their tips to heart, and decide for yourself whether youre confident enough in your solo travel skills to explore a new culture and region. There you have it! So, you will often have two or three locals pressing you menus straight into your face while literally trying to drag you into their food stall. ), People leading you to the medina but take you the wrong way, Offering something for free and then insisting you pay for it, The rug scam (they offer you free tea to enter their store and then get mad if you dont purchase a rug that costs thousands of dollars). Ever since things have been incredibly quiet, though authoritiesoften report the disruption of certain cells with a terrorist background. Traveling alone brings many benefits, and one of them is meeting local women who will providea glimpse into their daily lives. As long as you follow these tips, youll be safe and having the time of your life in Marrakech. If, on the other hand, the rush hour traffic in Washington DC already stresses you, then maybe rather take a taxi ;-). Obviously this post is just about my experiences as a tourist but I wanted to share my tips for staying safe as a female travelling solo in Marrakech. Is Taipei Safe for Solo Female Travellers?! Morocco is a fascinatingly diverse country, with a range of landscapes, customs and attitudes. Obviously, standing in the crowds and watching one of the artists or fortune tellers bears the risk of falling victim to pickpockets. I wouldnt be a responsible travel blogger if I didnt show the dark and light in every destination I write about, right? As such, it is not uncommon for women to travel to Morocco alone, and the country is as safe a destination as many others for female travellers. There are always some other tourists nearby. Maybe you can think Ok, but how were you dressed? We were attacked viscously! There is literally a different scam going on around every corner, which means you really have to stay vigilant. You will quickly notice that most people living in Marrakech give a damn about cars. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. What hospital did you go to leeleecantravels and what area of the medina were you staying. Both countries can be dangerous for different reasons. )even when they are paid to do so. Yeah, the easiest thing to do in Morocco is to avoid miniskirts, high heels, shorts and all those clothes that can show too much of your body. The police were very corrupt and demanded money for everything! As you said: just prepare for it and be wise (respect the culture and dont walk around the medina after dark). So it could have been any riadI don't recall the hospital name, but it was quite close by! If youre into new experiences and you want to avoid mass tourists, then ask your hotel or make enough researches before you take such a journey. It is important for people to know when choosing a Riad here that they know that your trauma could not have happened at just any Riad. i go back to help my friend but was then jumped by at least 3 guys who beat me. But if you havent travelled to a country with a similar culture before, youll probably be more aware of the differences than I was. Did your hotel/Riad not offer airport transfer? Generally speaking, Marrakech only comes truly alive after nightfall as you will instantly notice by the sheer endless number of stalls & showmen popping out like mushrooms after a heavy rain. One of my aims with While Im Young is to give other world-curious young women the knowledge, encouragement and inspiration they need to travel the world safely, and thats why I felt this was an important thing to write about. I told her that there hasnt been an attack in years,showed her pictures of the many amazing luxury hotels, but all to no avail! Marrakech is generally safe for tourists. Hotels and transportation are also very important things to choose: check out the safe way to get around Morocco. Keep an eye on landmarks rather than shops which change in appearance markedly when they close the doors at night. I want to travel to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Even if there is a cleaning lady around holding up her open palms and being insistent. Alternatively, you may use, Movenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech, Where to find Marrakechs best food, hotels, and sights. But, you still need to know how to haggle and say no forcefully if the situation calls for it. Im not saying dont indulge in the street food. I took local taxis alone in Marrakech and felt fine but I never sit in the front with a male driver when Im travelling, especially in countries where local customs mean men and women dont mix as much as we do in the Western world. We can't wait to see you there! There has been a healthy uptrend in the past years (still was rank 91 in 2015), though things are far from the situation in Iceland, New Zealand or Austria (the 3 most peaceful countries in the world). Normal conversation: Marrakech was the first city I visited where things were really different from my own experiences, and it took a little while to get used to it. Follow our interviews, articles, posts and stories: youll be part of our journey and youll be able to have a more open-minded vision of the world. We never once felt intimidated, actually, had a lot of laughs with the locals in the souks. "Do you know where I can buy water?" My friend and I went in June. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-29144180', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Marrakech is a good place to travel to. In places like this, it's just pure chance whether you land in the 50% who don't have bad things happen or the 50% that do, so NO young or inexperienced lone female travelers, please. A VPN basically puts an invisible forcefield around your phone that makes it impossible for a hacker to access your private information and data. Knowing about local scams before you arrive in a city is essential. They cooperatives are the big ones you want to see, and they do NOT require an entrance fee whatsoever. Manywomen travelerssay wearing sunglasses can also help avoid eye contact. Rigged ATMs can be found in almost all non-western countries (and even there).

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