How to ruin your trip to Fez

Sadly, not every holiday in Morocco goes as planned.  There are a few unfortunate pitfalls that you may encounter, as many visitors before you have too.  Being aware of the problems might help you to avoid, or at least prepare, for some awful moments.  Of course, this is just about precaution— these are rare occurrences and for the most part travel in Morocco is safe and enjoyable. 

Get Sick



Taking it easy on the rooftop terrace of our Riad



You would think I would be immune to intestinal problems, or at least know how to avoid them, after getting some really outstanding bugs in Colombia, Indonesia, and quite honestly, right in my home state of California.  Yet, somewhere along the line I got too comfortable or unlucky, and a really fabulous case of traveler’s sickness hit me here in Fez.  Not sure where it came from—the cheese sandwich on the train yesterday?  The fruit salad with dinner?  Yes, I’ve made a few questionable choices.  Ç’a arrive, as they say here. It happens.  Inshallah, as they also say, I’ll hopefully be well again soon. (Already much better, thanks.)

How to deal with it?  Well, if you’re already hit with a bug, there are some useful tips on the wikitravel page, such as drinking water and taking it easy, obviously.  Maybe write a blog to keep your mind off of it for a little while.  

The local cure seems to be a teaspoon of ground cumin, washed down with water.  I just took my dose, we'll see how it works...

If you are still packing, you might have time to buy some pepto bismol and loperamide (Immodium) to take with you and help the symptoms.  Charcoal tablets are also good for absorbing and removing the offending elements.  Taking some antibiotics with you for an extended trip is often recommended by doctors too, for the worst cases.

Get Pickpocketed



It was a very unlucky day in our Riad—the same day I became sick, a French couple staying here were the victims of a pickpocket while they were on a bus to the airport. They thought their plane tickets, passports and money were safely tucked inside her purse which was zipped up and under her arm all along.  Arriving at the airport check-in, they began to search for their papers, still completely unaware that someone had taken a knife to the back of her bag to cut a hole and reach inside.  It wasn’t until she examined her purse closely that she realized the zipper had been sliced open just a few inches by a quiet thief, enough to ruin their vacation.

Whereas most travelers would be especially careful with their money in crowded streets, many of us drop our guard a bit when we are inside a shop or on a bus or train.  I’ve heard from other travelers of purses being picked while reaching for an item while shopping.  We were also warned about speaking on a smartphone in public, as sometimes a thief will quickly snatch it from you while you are distracted with your conversation.  Unfortunately, thieves practice at their craft much more than you practice your skills at avoiding them. 



What to do?  Leave behind valuables and important items with you while you’re out exploring.  Don’t carry too much cash.  If you are carrying your passport and wallet because you’re on your way to the airport, like our unfortunate friends, keep them deep in your bags or under your clothes.  You’ll want them handy for check-in, but wait until you arrive to fish them out.  Don’t use the front pocket of your backpack; if you can, tuck items into a safety pouch or at least carry them in your front pockets. 

Most importantly, don’t keep everything in one place. Maybe your cash will be missing, but if your credit cards are in another place you can still pay for a hotel and dinner.  If you do encounter a clever thief who finds a way around your preparations, you may need a backup plan to pay for your food, lodging, and return tickets—travel insurance or other alternatives.

Be Afraid



Maybe these horror stories have already made you change your plans to come to Morocco, but I hope not.   The small possibilities of illness and pickpockets shouldn’t deter you!  However, some might be swayed by news reports of conflicts and anti-American protests in the Arab world. 

We had our concerns, as a ridiculous "film" produced in the US and the publishing of a controversial cartoon in France became the sparks for protests in Egypt, Pakistan, and other nations.  When the US Ambassador was killed in nearby Libya, we began to wonder if we should have safety concerns about traveling to North Africa.

Caution is good, but information is better. Don’t rule out a trip because you read a disturbing article on Yahoo news. Find out what the US State Department and other sources say about the risks.  Try writing to travel discussion groups where you might be able to get first-hand perspective from tourists who are currently in the place you would like to visit. 


We did some research and found there were no travel advisories for Morocco or any other negative information that would stop us from going. Once here, we found Morocco to be diverse, tolerant, and welcoming of foreign visitors.

We heard that two French couples canceled their vacation to Morocco out of fear, which is a shame.  It’s unfortunate that we tend to lump the world into a single package.  The diverse people that make up a society are never as unified or extreme as quick caricatures in the media and public consciousness portray them to be.

Actually, it turns out we have more concern for when we return to Spain, where protests against austerity measures in Madrid and Barcalona have become violent... we'll see how that goes next week.

Carry On



Even with the chance of things going badly, it’s up to you to be flexible and handle the unexpected.  The couple who lost their papers booked another flight on Monday, and went out to see more of the town while they are stuck here.  I’m enjoying the view from our terrace while I recover.  How would you deal with these challenges to enjoying your Moroccan holiday?