anyone found any cheap hols to morocco?

ManAtHome

I thought Marrakesh was a bit of a tip - yes, you get the market square but also the traffic haze and the hassle (try taking a photo in the square without the "thousands of extras" turning up...).

Agadir was ok - great walks up and down the beach and guys trying to flog you stuff are quite funny if you give them a ciggie and stop for a chat, really just a beach holiday spot though.

Essouira definitely my favourite, although I was only there for a couple of days (based in Agadir, did the Essouira, Marrakesh and back by coach, look for a room when I arrived kinda thing). It's a smaller and less-touristy version of Agadir really.

Really enjoyed the hols, but dunno if I'd fancy living there.. hope you get something - learn a bit of French and enjoy.

A couple of previous threads here:
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=104361
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=63098

Donnie

I did a similar trip. Flew to Malaga for £49 return. Cycled from there to Algeciras and then took the ferry over to Tangiers. Found a sunny room in the medina for 70 Dirhams(£5). Food was good and cheap. Didn't meet too many trustworthy people. Good trip though. Cycled back to Malaga a week later.

aliyah

thanks everyone for all the info . hearing your experiences has really helped.

think i may look into the malaga/ferry/train route. sounds fun and cheap! but all depends on whether we take th kids ... not sure if this many changes in transport would be too much for them.

my arabic is pretty ok, so that should help! but expecting quite a few people speak at least some english.

property is so cheap at the moment, although prices are rising fast. 30K can buy a 3/4 bed riad in essaouira, rental potential plus summer vacations for us :j

once again thanks everyone...glad you all liked maghrib!!

tonys_3

Moroccan Arabic is quite dissimilar to classical Arabic, and the Moroccans have the
disconcerting habit of interposing French words into their sentences [sometimes they also include English words if the listeners speak English]. And heaven forbid if you have a Spaniard since they will add in something from their language as well.
English is not spoken that much,whilst French is spoken by most of the older population as until 1956 it was a French Protectorate and only French was taught in schools.

If trying to get a cab, ask for the price in Arabic first and if your children are with you,
tell them not to speak English in front of the driver until a price has been agreed-they
bump the price up for tourists.

I think you are probably right to choose somewhere like Essaouira on the coast for
a holiday home as Fez and Marrakesh become unbearably hot in the summer.My two
youngest [19 and 21]who are never happier than when the sun is shining, found Marrakesh just a bit much last summer during the day [40+] .Whereas in Casablanca, my son can play football there for hours without a problem.

That being said,I saw a wonderful riad for sale in Marrakesh on "A Place in the Sun"
tv program and was sorely tempted-despite the temperature. Mind you I also saw a
holiday home in Essaouira on the same program that included three or four Bedouin
tents-very lavishly furnished which also appealed. You may come across it when you go there.

Good luck with your hunt.

aliyah

thanks tonys!

really good advice. will definately look out for that property!

am a bit worried about the high temps so yes, hopeful its better by the coast.

it is moroccan arabic that i speak, so should help!

will pm you when i get back - hopefully with news of my new home.......... :beer:

thanks again,

ps. thanks for the luton flight tip...sounds good

tonys_3

I'm a bit late responding Aliyah-lost the thread.
Afraid most of my advice would already be known to you.
However please do let me know how you get on .Have some corne de gazelle for me when you are there.

tonys_3

Good news Aliyah.
I just read in the London evening Standard that Easyjet will commence
flights from Gatwick to Marrakesh from July the fourth. Initial cost will be £30.99 so you should be able to take the kids as well.
May well make investing in property in Marrakesh a better bet than Essaouira
if the route is successful.

carlwoodcock

easy jet start daliy flights from gatwick to marrakech from 04/07/06 from £30.99 inc.