People often moan about how cliched holidays have become for the vast majority of people. Where once Spain seemed exotic and almost magical, nowadays with the package deals that take people out there you might as well go to Grimsby for the same amount of novelty.
People are looking ever further and further afield for holiday destinations, choosing to visit entirely different continents and travel halfway around the world in order to find a small piece of what made travel so exciting.
However, you don't need to travel quite so far to find something that is truly exotic. Europe may still offer plenty, but people forget that just over the Mediterranean is a whole northern continent that is rarely explored by your regular package tourists.
I am talking about Northern Africa. Now, before you get carried away, cast all thoughts of safari parks, animals, savannahs and jungles out of your minds. I am talking about the North; the desert, the bazaars, the pyramids. The Arabian Africa.
And you will be spoiled for choice. Egypt is the obvious option; pyramids, the nile, Cairo and Alexandria, but you could also go for Tunisia. Here is where all the desert scenes from Star Wards wEre filmed and the place really looks like that. The area is unsurpassed for desert beauty. Then, last but by no means least, is Morocco.
Safety is not an issue either. Unlike its neighbours ? in particular Mauritania ? it has a fairly open and liberal outlook. King, Mohammed VI is actively promoting education for women and respect for Berber culture, the core cultural force in the country, so there are no concerns on that front.
Casablanca is a popular destination, as is the capital of Rabat, but it is the city of Marrakech that fascinates me. I have only been the once, but I went down one windy alley one day and spent two weeks down there. You can wile away weeks in the majestic riads they have there and emerge more relaxed than you have ever been.
Moreover, the place is cheap. Airlines are expanding to morocco so the prices are coming down. Great deals on Marrakech hotels can be found at Octopus Travel and other Internet based sites, and plane deals get cheaper by the week. Honestly, give it a try and you will never look back.
Lenita Carpinello is the author of this article and loves writing about Morocco. If you are planning a trip and looking for great accommodation, try Octopus Travel for a selection of
Marrakech hotels.
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