WHY I'M STILL TRAVELING TO MOROCCO THIS SPRING

DESPITE THE HEADLINES

With recent news regarding conflicts in the Middle East, specifically involving Iran, I've received several messages asking if our Spring tours to Morocco are still happening, and if it's safe.

The short answer is: YES, ABSOLUTELY!

The graphic below is from a Morocco forum that I follow on Facebook but I've received other inquiries about safety and have heard about travelers who have already cancelled their upcoming trips to Morocco...

Here are the three main reasons why I am confidently packing my bags for another season of deep cultural immersion, and why you should feel secure joining us.

1. GEOGRAPHY MATTERS

MOROCCO is in North Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It is roughly 3,000 miles away from IRAN. To put that into perspective, that's about the distance between New York and London.

IRAN is in the Middle East, bordering Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Persian Gulf.

The regional dynamics are entirely separate.

2. NOT ALL MUSLIM COUNTRIES ARE THE SAME

While both are majority-Muslim countries, they differ significantly in culture, politics and religious character.

• MOROCCO is a constitutional monarchy ruled by King Mohammed VI, with a relatively moderate and Western-friendly government. FUN FACT: Morocco was the first country to recognize the sovereignty of the United States in 1777!

• IRAN is a theocratic, Islamic republic governed by the newly selected Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamanei under a strict system of fundamentalist, clerical rule. Sadly, the new leader is expected to be more of a hardliner than his father.

• MOROCCO is primarily Sunni Muslim. IRAN is predominately Shia Muslim, a much more conservative sect of Islam.

• MOROCCO has a blend of Arab, Berber, and French/Spanish colonial influences, making it culturally open and a major tourist destination.

• IRAN has a deep Persian (not Arab) cultural identity, with a rich ancient civilization predating Islam.

• MOROCCO allows alcohol (although it's uncommon in public), has more a relaxed dress code, and is generally tolerant of tourism. To note: both men and women dress more conservatively than Americans and wearing hijab is optional and worn by choice.

• IRAN enforces strict Islamic law — mandatory hijab, no alcohol, and significant restrictions on public life, especially the lives of women.

3. MOROCCO IS A HAVEN OF STABILITY AND SAFETY

MOROCCO maintains close ties with the West and has recently normalized relations with Israel. IRAN has been largely isolated internationally and under heavy sanctions.

MOROCCO remains one of the most stable, welcoming, and safe countries for travelers in the region. Their robust tourism infrastructure and deep-rooted culture of hospitality ensure that guests are treated with the utmost respect and care.

I've traveled to Morocco five times since the fall of 2023 and never felt uncomfortable or unsafe, even while traveling through cities on my own after dark because the streets are filled with men playing games of cards on the sidewalks, women chatting with their friends and children playing in the street.

I hope I've provided factual information and insight that helps you make the best, informed choice about whether travel to Morocco is right for you.

If you'd like to chat more, I'd love to schedule a call with you!

Check out my new blog to learn WHY I LOVE MOROCCO SO MUCH>>>

Join us. Epic Adventures Await...YOU.

Yallah! (let's go)

Katherine