Tales of Adventure From a Moroccan Tour Director - Ep. 12

06/15/22 • 37 min

Many travellers to Morocco, especially for the first time, place their trip into the care of a certified Tour Director. Someone who will accompany them throughout, make sure things run as smoothly as possible, that they are prepared for what's next and, ultimately, will show them a good time.

Meet Ilyas Baayay, a certified Moroccan guide, tour director, storyteller and passionate host. Ilyas joins Azdean today to talk about touring Morocco from a guide's perspective, in an uplifting conversation that showcases his personality and his story.

Ilyas grew up in a small remote Moroccan village, a one hour walk from the nearest water supply, and an hour and a half walk to school.

Moving with his family to the town of Ouzoud, home to the second-highest waterfall in Africa, gave him exposure to tourists and languages from around the world, and created a love for learning and storytelling.

Ilyas and Azdean chat about Moroccan hospitality, with inspiring stories about Moroccans and tourists alike. You'll learn tidbits like Morocco's three names, and the source of the name "Morocco" itself, how given names in the United States have been unknowingly influenced by the Berber language, and how the importance of hospitality to Moroccans reflects an inherently generous, giving and welcoming people.

Join us for a truly local perspective on the Moroccan people and their values. Ilyas' joyful spirit and generosity will make you want to come and discover this beautiful land.

You're about to learn:

Why tour directors in Morocco are required to run a marathon to become officially certified.
About the process of arriving in Morocco, at the international airport in Casablanca: when do you meet your tour director, what is their role and what should you expect.
Background of the Berber language, and how it differs from Moroccan Arabic.
The diverse religious foundations of the Berber culture, which has resulted in a very open and accepting society.
What to expect from hotel standards, as Morocco is still a developing country.
The surprising prevalence of Moroccan-source dinosaur fossils.
The important simplicity of asking for permission.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Travel Anywhere - One stop for all your travel needs.

https://www.travelanywhere.travel/

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Ilyas on Instagram

Ouzoud waterfall
InstagramGoogle Maps

Follow, Share and Participate:

Learn more about the show on our Podcast Website

Find beautiful pictures on our Instagram!

Help people find us: Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

Help us grow: Rate us on Spotify

Become a Guest on the Show!

Visit Destination Morocco Travel Agency

Ilyas grew up in a small remote Moroccan village, a one hour walk from the nearest water supply, and an hour and a half walk to school.

Join us for a truly local perspective on the Moroccan people and their values. Ilyas' joyful spirit and generosity will make you want to come and discover this beautiful land.

You're about to learn:

Why tour directors in Morocco are required to run a marathon to become officially certified.
About the process of arriving in Morocco, at the international airport in Casablanca: when do you meet your tour director, what is their role and what should you expect.
Background of the Berber language, and how it differs from Moroccan Arabic.
The diverse religious foundations of the Berber culture, which has resulted in a very open and accepting society.
What to expect from hotel standards, as Morocco is still a developing country.
The surprising prevalence of Moroccan-source dinosaur fossils.
The important simplicity of asking for permission.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Travel Anywhere - One stop for all your travel needs.

https://www.travelanywhere.travel/

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Ilyas on Instagram

Ouzoud waterfall
InstagramGoogle Maps

Follow, Share and Participate:

Learn more about the show on our Podcast Website

Find beautiful pictures on our Instagram!

Help people find us: Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

Help us grow: Rate us on Spotify

Become a Guest on the Show!

Visit Destination Morocco Travel Agency

Previous Episode

Things to Pack and Prepare for Your Trip to Morocco

In today's episode, Azdean is joined by Destination Morocco Podcast producer Ted Cragg for an important conversation that tackles some of the first questions any traveller has about going to Morocco: What should I bring, and what should I wear?

Morocco bridges the divide between Europe and Africa, is a gateway to the Muslim world, and features everything from ocean beaches to deserts and high mountains. Whether culturally or environmentally, it can be an intimidating challenge to pack the right things, and to know what to expect.

Azdean helps listeners prepare for this challenge, sharing his experience as a tour organizer, having helped hundreds of clients over the years with everything from lost luggage to visa questions, but also as a traveller himself, sharing what he prepares for a trip home to Morocco from his current home base of Houston.

And Ted is there to ask the questions from the mind of a traveller, which is good because he's hoping to go to Morocco with his family later this year too!

You're about to learn:

Visa and vaccination requirements, and where to find the info for your country.
What temperatures and weather to expect.
The best luggage to bring, and baggage restrictions to be aware of.
Are you expected to dress conservatively in Morocco?
How common are laundry services, and how easy are they to find.
The quality of toiletries that you find in Morocco.
What you can expect from pharmacies and drug stores.
The voltage used in Morocco.
Where to get cash (Dirhams) once you're there.
Tipping expectations and procedures.
Things to look for in your travel insurance!

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Things to Pack and Prepare for Your Trip to Morocco.pdf
Morocco Entry Requirements
Visa Central: visacentral.com
877 535-0688

STEP: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
step.state.gov/step
Morocco Weather
Power adapters in Morocco and plug sockets

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!

Next Episode

How Destination Morocco Shows You the Best of Morocco

Podcast listener Angel Nair and her husband travelled to Morocco in May of 2022, their first time in the country. She joins Azdean today to talk about her trip and what she learned.

Angel shares her perceptions of Morocco, drawn from movies, film locations and cultural expectations, and how those perceptions changed after just two weeks in the country. Although yes, they did explore classic movie locations in Casablanca and elsewhere, they packed so much more into their journey, from Marrakech all the way up to Tangier.

Listen to hear her describe watching sunsets next to the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, looking out over the Atlantic Ocean, or from the hills above enchanting Moulay Idriss Zerhoun in northern Morocco, or amongst the magical colours of Chefchaouen.

Angel shares how the Destination Morocco episode on Scams helped her immensely, whether at the airport, saving them 200 Dirham as a result, or by avoiding having to pay the charmers in Marrakech to take a snake off her back!

And through it all, there's the food! Special and delicious, Angel talks about the many dishes they discovered, from tagines to pastillas, fresh seafood, tangia and even camel burgers.

From pleasant surprises to dramatic scenery and wonderful, welcoming people, journey along with Angel as she shares her story with her fellow travellers.

You're about to learn:

How the hospitality of the people made all the difference.
About the empowerment of women in Moroccan society and commerce.
What were some of Angel's planning resources.
How going with an organized tour helped not just with preparation but also logistics once they were there: baggage, transport, accommodation and more. Although, they were able to add extra independent days onto the beginning and end.
What a Moroccan homestay (staying with a local family in their home) is like.
What was the most striking difference between each city she visited.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Angel on Instagram (photos from her trip)

Moulay Idriss Zerhoun

Cafe Sofia, Chefchaouen