Your Ultimate Travel Guide: From Orlando to Morocco

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Unlock the allure of Morocco and set off on an extraordinary adventure that begins the moment you step onto a plane from the USA to this captivating North African destination. Morocco, a land where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern marvels, has been gaining popularity among travelers worldwide, and American travelers, who have always been an important part of the Morocco visitors, are no exception.

This comprehensive guide delves into the essential considerations for your journey, providing you with the most useful insights for planning your trip to Morocco.

"Morocco: A Journey Through Time and Tradition"

Flights from USA to Morocco

Morocco is easily accessible not only from Europe but from other parts of the world and mainly US. There are several weekly direct flights from USA to Morocco, that Moroccan Tourism Agency is promoting to respond to traveler’s needs.

US Departure cities and Moroccan arrivals

From New York City (JFK) there are 9 weekly direct flights, from Miami 3, and from Washington D.C. (IAD) 5 weekly direct flights, among others from Boston, Philadelphia (PHL), or Atlanta (Minneapolis) all of which lands in Casablanca International airport (CMN). Casablanca then should be your most probably starting city of your tour.

You can find flights to Marrakech (RAK) too. For example with United Airlines you will fly to Marrakech from New York (and Montreal with Air Transat). Also from october2025 there will be a new flight from Delta Air Lines from Atlanta to Marrakech, 3 times per week.

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Direct flights time from New York (USA) to Casablanca (Morocco) take approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, so it is a quite short distance to know such a different country. It will surprise you and you will love it.

There are also one scale flights with good conexions, for example if you fly from the West coast, from San Francisco through France, Paris Charles de Gaulle with Delta Airlines, and then you can get one from Paris to Casablanca with Air France, for example. The price of course will depend from seasaon, duration, layover times, and baggage fees. So its’s a good idea to book in advance and be flexible with travel dates to find the best deals.

You can search and book directly in the companies’ sites who operate these flights. The most popular are, as we have mentioned, United Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Delta Airlines, Tap Air Portugal or American Airlines

Why should a US traveler travel to Morocco?

In addition to its accessibility, there are so many strong reasons why Morocco is a great destination for US travelers. It is because it offers a rich culture, stunning landscapes, delicious food, and friendly people.

  • Culture and History: Morocco has a rich and long history and culture that dates back centuries. From the Mosque of Hassan II to the ancient roman ruins of Volubilis, there is so much to explore and learn about. Learning about Moroccan culture and customs, including food, music, art, and traditions like hammams (public baths) and tea ceremonies. And not only you’ll find a culture trip in Morocco, also it can be an extraordinay overseas adventure travel.
  • Landscapes: From the Sahara Desert to the Atlas Mountains, Morocco is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. You can take a camel ride through the desert, hike in the mountains, or simply relax on one of the many beautiful beaches.
  • Food: Moroccan cuisine is known for its bold flavors and mix of spices. Whether it is tagine, couscous or other so many delicious dishes to try.
  • Hospitality: Last but not least, or we might say above all, share your experience with moroccan people. Our renamed hospitality, the warm welcome you will receive is for sure the best thing you will find here. We are willing to welcome you.
  • Affordability: Morocco can be an affordable place to visit, especially if you’re traveling from the United States. You can find budget-friendly accommodations and food options without sacrificing quality.

Sahara Desert near Merzouga

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What do you need to know to travel to Morocco from USA

Is Morocco safe to travel to?

Morocco is considered a safe country by USA embassy. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas like medinas at night, so it’s important to take necessary precautions and use common sense when visiting. The earthquake 2023, 9th september affected the remoted rural villages of Atlas mountains, in the zone of Al Aouz, 60 km south Marrakech. Some public ancient monuments in Marrakech had been closed for further technical inspections but they opened some days after.

So you can travel to Marrakech for sure. In fact, tourism had been arriving and visiting normally Marrakech since then. And the city is always happy to welcome them.

Travel advisories and health requirements

There are no current requirements related to Covid-19 when entering Morocco. Check the latest travel advisories and alerts from the US Department of State and the Canadian government to ensure safety and security during the trip. Regarding the requirements to travel from USA, there is no need for visa for USA nationality tourists, only a valid passport (check validity). It is possible to submit and track applications for E-Visa or AEVM (Electronic Travel Authorizations to Morocco) through Acces Maroc portal.

Official languages in Morocco

Although official languages in Morocco are French, arabic and amazigh, you will find easy to communicate in english, as tourism sector is habituated to deal with it. As your local partner, we will book english guided visits in the cities with official local guides.

Currency in Morocco

The currency is moroccan dirham, that you can change all over the country in banks or exchange shops. Take into the account that most payments will be in cash, as credit cards are not accepted still in rural areas or many places in the medinas.

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What to see and things to do in Morocco

With so much to see and do in Morocco, it can be challenging to decide where to go. But in this point we can help you to choose the best destinations for your interests.

If you are looking for an unforgettable experience when you travel to Morocco from USA, some of the best places to visit include Marrakesh and its bustling markets, Fes medina (old city), ancient ruins, the natural landscapes of Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert, Chefchaouen (the blue city), and Essaouira (a coastal town). Joining the dots so you can get the best use of your time while traveling is our job.

You will find in Morocco a rich cultural experience through its Imperial cities Fes, Marrakech, Rabat (capital of Morocco) and Meknes, and several ancient sites of the roman empire, the jewish legacy in the country, and more. national historic site located in a foreign country) and the American Cemetery and Memorial of American soldiers who died during World War II, in Tangier . There are also other reasons that links our two countries in Ait Benhaddou Kasbah (where many films as Gladiator and Game of thrones have been filmed), the medina of Fes, or again Tangier, in its Kasbah museum where there is a section dedicated to the american writer Paul Bowles («The sheltering sky»).

Some considerations when planing a trip to Morocco:

Transportation options include a decent rail network in the north, and a network of nationally-run and private bus companies. But, as national buses and trains can sometimes be slow and overcrowded, and not suitable for the best use of your time, the best option to travel around is taking a private guided tour of Morocco, with comfortable vehicle and professional driver/guide only for you and your group.

Accommodations can be in luxury hotels as The Mammounia, Royal Mansour, Hilton, Four Seasons, Sofitel and many more. But you can stay also in riads, the authentic ancient moroccan houses adapted to fullfill tourist expectations. There are many different levels from very affordable and cozy to boutique hotels. Although they are not rated with stars, we advice you on the choose of quality, service, charmful and cozy chambers, and for sure the best food, even better than some hotels or restaurants.

Best time to travel to Morocco

Best time to visit Morocco is during spring (march until may) and autumn (september to november), but depending on your destination, Morocco hosts a non seasonal time to visit it. In relation to this, your clothes should be confortable and adaptable to the wide range of temperatures depending on the place you travel, for example hot during the day and cold at night in the desert.

Some tips to travel to Morocco

Travel through the hand of a local, he/she will enrich your visit in ways and details you may not expect. Shall we start planing your trip?

Sustainable Travel & Ecotourism

Sustainable tourism has become the biggest buzzword within global tourism today. According to the World Tourism Organization, sustainable tourism is tourism that leads to the management of all resources in such a way that economic, social, and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity and biological diversity.

The objective of sustainable tourism is therefore to retain the economic and social advantages of tourism development while reducing or limiting any undesirable impacts on the natural, historic, cultural or social environment. This is achieved by balancing the needs of tourists with those of the destination. Rather than being a type of product, it is an ethos that should underpin all aspects of tourism development and management rather than being an add-on component.

Truly sustainable tourism is still in its infancy within Morocco, contrary to the marketing of many local and international companies. Moroccans are largely ambivalent toward both their social and environmental footprint, mostly through lack of education but also because it is a luxury that most don't have the time or money to afford. The government is also partly to blame, as most hotel developments seem to be approved no matter the consequences for the environment and the locals. Basic infrastructure such as waste disposal and sewage are also criminally lacking in some parts of the country.

The amount of waste that litters many of the country's waterways, beaches, roadsides, and mountains is a sight that Western travelers consistently mention as disappointing and worrying.

Here are some organizations promoting ethical tourism practices:

Ait Benhaddou Kasbah

Tips for Travelers with Disabilities

Unfortunately, Morocco offers very little assistance to people with disabilities, and traveling in the country requires a certain amount of adventurous spirit, good humor, and determination. There are no services for those with disabilities or adapted transport, and there's a distinct lack of adapted infrastructure, such as wheelchair-friendly ramps, signs in Braille, or beeping and flashing pedestrian crossings.

Moroccans are usually very supportive of those with disabilities and generally willing to assist without looking for something in return.

The most difficulty faced by wheelchair-bound travelers will be daily challenges such as crowded pavements, busy streets, drivers with no regard for pedestrians, and rutted medina alleys. If choosing between the major cultural cities of Fes and Marrakech as your prime destination, I recommend the relatively flat Marrakech as opposed to Fes, with its hillside medina, steep lanes, and multitude of steps.

Traveling by private car or as part of an organized tour will be the best way to get around Morocco. Bus and train travel will be difficult due to the steps that will have to be negotiated and the lack of wheelchair-friendly areas once you're on. If you do travel by public transport, I recommend grands taxis.

All travelers with disabilities should be aware that very few hotels offer adapted accommodations. Not all hotels have elevators, but there are usually ground-floor rooms. Maisons d'hôte by their very nature are usually old houses with steep, narrow staircases and are located in difficult corners of the medina.

Here are some organizations that offer assistance for travelers with disabilities:

Health & Insurance

Staying Healthy Traveling in Morocco generally presents no serious health concerns. If there is one constant health concern, it's that of traveler's diarrhea, sometimes dubbed "Morocco belly."

General Availability of Healthcare

No compulsory vaccinations are required to enter Morocco, though travelers arriving from cholera-infected areas may be asked for proof of vaccine, and it's always wise to be up-to-date with your tetanus and typhoid vaccines. Due to the aforementioned stomach distress, it's always good to bring along a course of anti-diarrhea tablets and oral rehydration sachets, although these are usually readily available from the country's pharmacies.

Moroccan pharmacists are very well trained, and regularly act as the village doctor. They dispense a far wider range of drugs than their colleagues in the West, and can usually assist with most travelers' ailments. If you need the attention of a doctor, they can usually recommend one for you, and some even have a doctor on-site.

Moroccan doctors -- private and public -- are very professional, with most having studied in France.

The level of hospital care in Morocco tends to be dictated by the location. Privately run polycliniques generally offer first-world facilities and can be found in most larger towns and cities. State hospitals are notoriously underfunded and are best visited only for minor injuries; however, they may be the only option if you are in rural regions.

For serious illnesses or injuries, contact your embassy for advice.

Note: Almost without exception, you will have to pay upfront and in cash for any medical treatment and then make a claim on any travel insurance once you return home.

Here are some resources for travel and health concerns:

Common Ailments

Morocco Belly -- Traveler's diarrhea (locally known as Morocco belly) is the most common ailment suffered by Westerners while traveling in Morocco. As with similar destinations around the world, there's only so much that can be done to try to avoid an upset stomach.

For many, however, traveler's diarrhea is a direct result of dehydration. Morocco's summer months are often oppressively hot -- especially for those arriving from more temperate climes -- and can sometimes be too much for the body to cope with. Even at other times of the year, Morocco's delightfully warm temperature can disguise the strong effect that the sun can have.

Once you arrive, increasing your daily intake of water is the most effective way to keep Morocco belly at bay. I always recommend two large bottles per day, which takes a bit of effort for those not used to drinking so much water. Most tap water is drinkable, but bottled water is available everywhere, inexpensive, and recommended.

Here are some tips to adapt your diet:

  • Steer clear from fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, and dairy products (except yogurt).
  • Eat plain boiled rice or plain steamed couscous, yogurt, and dried biscuits.
  • For a serious dose of diarrhea, start taking an antibiotic and an anti-diarrhea agent.

Note: Mountain and desert trekkers should avoid drinking from rivers and streams, as cases of giardiasis are common. If you must, be sure to boil the water sufficiently or purify it with iodine tablets.

Bugs, Bites & Other Wildlife Concerns

The existence of malaria is officially denied by Moroccan authorities, but other sources report very occasional summertime cases in a few of the more northern reaches of the country. Personally, I've never heard of, or seen, anyone suffering from malaria in Morocco. Cover up from dusk until dawn and use good mosquito repellent, and you shouldn't have anything to worry about.

Morocco's Saharan ergs and the surrounding stony hammada are home to a number of scorpions and snakes. Although very few of the country's scorpions are venomous -- a notable exception being the decidedly nasty Androctonus australis -- the sting can still be extremely painful, especially if you are allergic. The same goes for the country's snakes, which other than the largely nocturnal and terrestrial Saharan horned viper, are mostly nonvenomous. The chances of coming across a snake, however, are slim.

To be safe, wear closed footwear when outdoors, and shake them out before putting them on. If bitten, try to stay calm and seek medical help as quickly as possible.

Rabies cases are rare but do occur in Morocco. Vaccination against rabies doesn't mean you're immune, and it's worth seeking medical advice if you're bitten.

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tags: #Morocco