10 Tips for Budget Travel in Morocco

Morocco is a North African jewel renowned due to the colorful souks and beautiful desert sceneries as well as ancient cities which draw thousands of tourists to the country annually. In the vibrant streets of Marrakech to the blue alleys of Chefchaouen, the country provides a fascinating mix of cultures, traditions and food. The good thing is that Morocco is also one of the most affordable places to travel to- provided you know how to hack it. Being a solo backpacker or a couple who would like to travel on low budget, Morocco would satisfy everyone. 

Prior to your travel, ensure that you possess the required travel documents. Your Morocco Visa is now easily accessible online, not only is it very easy to acquire but also it saves both your time and money. That taken care of, we will proceed to the top tips that can guide you to explore Morocco without digging a hole in your pocket. 

Here are the 10 Tips for Budget Travel in Morocco

1. Travel Off-Season 

You could save a lot when you travel during the off-season periods (Nov to March except Christmas and New Year). Hotels become cheaper, air tickets become affordable, and there are fewer tourists at the tourist attraction sites. Most of Morocco is relatively pleasant with weather especially the cities such as Fez, Marrakech and Casablanca. In case you are willing to be flexible and you do not want to pay over-inflated prices, then this is the best time to make up your visit. Never miss to monitor flight and hotel comparison sites to find out the most competitive rates in these months. 

2. Local travel Transportation 

Instead of the costly taxis and personal transfers, you may want to take a bus or ride on a shared taxi (grand taxi). The bus services, CTM and Supratours are economical and reliable to travel between cities. Small local buses or petit taxis are cheap in the case of short distances especially when you know how to bargain on the fare. To travel even less expensively, the concept of shared rides via such apps as BlaBlaCar is becoming popular in Morocco and provides secure and affordable means of travelling. 

3. Lodge in Riads and Hostels 

Riads, or Moroccan family homes converted into guesthouses, may be shockingly cheap, particularly beyond high-travel seasons. Not only do they provide the real Moroccan architecture and hospitality, they are also cheaper as compared to the luxury hotels. The price of many hostels and cheap riads includes breakfast as well. You can get good riads as low as 15-25 dollars per night in the popular cities such as Marrakech and Fez. Make your reservations with reliable sites and read feedback on hygiene and security. 

4. Eating like a local 

Local restaurants and street food chefs will give you a taste of heavenly Moroccan cuisine at a half of the price you would spend in restaurants where tourists eat. Food stalls and small local restaurants offer tagine, couscous, harira soup and Moroccan mint tea. Snack bars or cafeterias are places that usually offer delicious and fresh food at a price of less than 2-5 dollars per meal. You should not skip the local markets as well they are very busy with buying fresh fruits, bread, and olives you may save more on your daily meals. 

5. Baraggo in the Souks 

The markets or souks in Morocco are well known to be very colorful with spices, textiles, and handicrafts on display. Nevertheless, prices are nearly never fixed. Bargaining is not merely expected but it is a cultural practice. Do not be afraid to negotiate prices, especially when you want to purchase multiple items. You can start with half of the price quoted and go upwards. Be friendly and be ready to walk out, most of the sellers will end up calling you back with an improved offer. 

6. Visit Free Attractions 

Quite a range of the best sights in Morocco is free. Explore the old medinas of Fez and Marrakech, go on a hike through the beautiful landscapes of the Atlas Mountains or enjoy a day at the beaches of Essaouira. The city of Chefchaouen is a blue city which is beautiful itself and it is an open-air museum that is good to explore and take photographs. The entrance of places such as Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakech public square is free and the visitors can spend hours there watching street performers and musicians. 

7. Sign-up with Free Walking Tours 

In most cities in Morocco and especially those that are tourist centers like Marrakech, Fez, and Casablanca, free walking tours can be found. The tours are normally conducted by local guides who operate on tips and offer an excellent insight into the history, culture and secrets of Morocco. Not only are these tours cost-effective but they also give you an orientation of a new city and thus it becomes easy to move around independently later. 

8. Do not Visit Tourist Traps 

Watch out of excessively friendly sellers or non-official guides who sometimes offer unsolicited assistance with the expectation that a significant tip is forthcoming. Use licensed guides when you require any help or history views. It is also not advisable to dine in restaurants in the heart of touristy areas because it is likely to pay twice the amount of food that can be found in other streets. 

9. Wise booking of Book Desert Tours 

No visit to Morocco will be complete without a visit to the Sahara Desert. Multi-day trips to the desert may be quite expensive, but there are low-cost options when you get them out of cities, such as Marrakech or Merzouga. Group tours are also much less expensive than the ones that are considered to be individual and also most of them include transport, food and lodging. Comparison online of prices and reviews, or requesting recommendations of local agencies by fellow travelers. Do not book a desert tour at the airport or hotel; the tours are sold with a huge margin. 

10. Bring Cash and Buy Local SIM 

Morocco remains a cash society. Unlike in bigger hotels and restaurants, cards are not accepted in most small shops and restaurants. Make sure to carry adequate cash in Moroccan Dirhams that will cover your day to day spending and make ATM withdrawals with less withdrawal charges. You are better off buying a local SIM card (Maroc Telecom or Orange) with data that will allow you to stay connected and use applications such as Google Maps, currency converters, or ride-hailing apps since you will save time and money by doing so. 

Conclusion 

With its cultural diversity, captivating sceneries and unforgettable experiences, Morocco is a land of plenty that does not have to be experienced on a large budget. You can visit this magical land and not bankrupt your wallet with the proper planning and clever travel ways. It can be as simple as eating local food, staying in cheaper riads, and traveling using the local transport, and the list is endless. 

Do not forget to obtain your Morocco Visa online before you start this journey so that you have a trouble-free entry into this country. You can save time when using online as well as plan your trip better. Therefore, get your baggage, take your camera and prepare to feel the magic of Morocco within a budget!