WHY
MOROCCO?

Two years ago, when five girlfriends agreed to join me on my first "test trip" to Morocco, I had no idea we'd be arriving during the final days of Ramadan — and honestly, I hadn't given the Islamic religious calendar a single thought.

For context: Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed through daily dawn-to-sunset fasting, prayer, and acts of charity. Muslims abstain from food, drink, and smoking, breaking the fast each evening (Iftar) with dates and water. Traditions include a pre-dawn meal (Suhoor), nightly prayers (Taraweeh), Quran study, lantern decorating, and charitable giving.

What caught my attention most, though, was what comes after— Eid al-Fitr, the joyful celebration marking the end of Ramadan's fast. In fact, Ramadan just ended, with Eid being celebrated today!

SAEED EID MUBARAK!
(Happy and Blessed Eid!)

Once I realized we'd likely be in the blue city of Chefchaouen during Eid — the exact date depends on moon sightings rather than a fixed calendar — I reached out to Anouar, a shopkeeper I'd met on a previous trip, to ask about public festivities. He sweetly explained that Eid is a family holiday with no public celebrations... and then invited all of us to celebrate with his family.

I protested immediately. We were a group of six women plus our guide, Iddriss — seven people is a lot to host! His response was simple: No matter — my mother is happy to have you!

To be welcomed into a friend's home for a meal is always meaningful. To be welcomed into a home in a foreign country, for a cherished family holiday, is something else entirely. We were beyond honored to say yes.

Which brings me (finally) to the third reason why I keep returning to Morocco again and again.

REASON #3:
THE PEOPLE

OH! THE PEOPLE YOU WILL MEET!

From guides and drivers to riad owners and shopkeepers, every Moroccan I've met has been kind, humble, and generous. Hospitality here isn't an act — it's a deeply rooted cultural tradition, and guests are welcomed with a warmth that often feels like family.

That generosity has made each of my trips extraordinary. On my first visit, my travel partner Wendy and I were invited for tea in the home of our Fes city guide, Farida — and on my second trip, she hosted our entire group for dinner.

Moments like these don't happen by accident. Because they continue to happen...each and every trip. Scroll down to read about other experiences we've had.

They're also the reason I've made a Berber farmhouse lunch and tea with cave-dwelling Amazigh nomads a signature stop on the Southern Morocco tour I curate.

On my third trip, our group was invited to a WEDDING by my friend Hakim, who owns Moroccan Rugs and Gifts - a small shop in Longmont. He was going to be in Morocco to celebrate the weddings of two nieces and when he heard that I would be there at the same time, he invited our group to attend! I protested! My group was 6 women + our guide. His response? My mother has a saying..."6 or 60, it is the same."

Sadly, we couldn't make the logistics work and could not attend.

ACTS OF GENEROSITY AND FRIENDSHIP ARE INGRAINED IN MOROCCAN CULTURE

In fall 2024, our group was treated to an exquisite meal prepared and hosted by Nourdine in his tiny jewelry shop in Chefchaouen.

This was one of my most memorable experiences to date and we were all overcome with gratitude for Nourdine's generosity and friendship.

I include directions to Nourdine's shop in the Chefchaouen medina on the Recommendation List!

TRUE GIFTS
OF THE HEART

Last fall, while testing the new southern itinerary, Nancy and I shared tea on the rooftop of a 300 year old kasbah in a remote mountain village and later joined our guide Karim, his lovely wife Ilham and tiny daughter Arij for lunch in their home in Marrakech. Beforehand, we stopped at a teeming farmer's market to purchase fruit and a bakery for pastries to bring as a gifts to Ilham, and of course, found a small gift for Arij.

And it's not just my experiences. My friend Amy traveled with her sister and friends on one of my trips last year and was invited to lunch at a Berber farmhouse — where the owner gifted them pieces of amethyst he had collected himself.

If you're looking for immersive travel, to a place with the kindest, most generous people, join an upcoming trip.

Epic Adventures Await...YOU.

Yallah! (Let's go!)

Katherine

WE WERE INVITED TO A MOROCCAN WEDDING!