My first trip since the Covid-19 pandemic was to Morocco. It might sound crazy, but we booked our ticket 4hrs before the flight. Not kidding guys, the flight was 9:30 PM and we booked 5:40 PM! The reason being, we needed a negative Covid-19 PCR test in hand to fly and didn’t feel comfortable purchasing a ticket until then. Although this sounds easy it becomes very tricky, very quickly. Each country has its own rules and restrictions so it’s important to research this extensively before booking. For example, what kind of Covid-19 test do you need? A PCR, NAAT or Rapid test? How many hours before flying is that test acceptable to the airline? What are the procedures and restrictions of the country once you arrive? For example, is the country you’re flying to under a curfew? Are the popular tourist attractions closed? Do you need a negative Covid-19 exam to get back home? You’d be surprised to see just how many restrictions a country who is technically “opened” has.
Many countries are requiring a negative COVID-19 exam to enter. Each country has its own rules and restrictions so it’s important to research this extensively before booking. For example, what kind of Covid-19 test do you need? A PCR, NAAT or Rapid test?
Each country has its own requirements but they are typically 72hrs or 96hrs.
Will you need to take another COVID-19 test upon arrival?
You’d be surprised to see just how many restrictions a country who is technically “opened” has. Are the popular tourist attractions open? Make a list of things to do and places to go prior to leaving. Reach out to them and ensure that they are not only open, but also accepting new reservations. With new social distancing rules, entry to many places is limited.
Many countries have a curfew in place so please look this up before traveling. For example, if your flight arrives at 11 PM and the curfew is 10 PM, there are no restaurants or stores open for food including hotels.
Research your countries rules and regulations for flying home. Is there a mandatory 14 day quarantine? Will you need to take another COVID test?
Airport & Transportation
When we arrived at the airport it was a ghost town. Although, there are no longer any long lines and crowding, the added security measures and health forms add extra steps. Our airline, Air France, required printed negative COVID-19 results, hotel accommodations, and normal travel documentation. There were many additional security stops and checkpoints where they check your temperature and documents. They carefully examined our paperwork and asked questions about the purpose of our trip before allowing us to pass. Finally, we were cleared and allowed to exit the airport. We decided to rent a car at the airport for two reasons: to save money on taxis and to limit exposure. Many taxi drivers take advantage of tourists so if you decide to take a cab, make sure to negotiate the price before getting inside the car. Also, keep in mind driving in Morocco is very difficult so I would personally recommend cabs or hiring a driver for a few hours. If you want an idea of what driving here looks like, imagine the hustle and bustle of NYC streets and then multiply that by 10. Not kidding.
Famous Spa
The first full day, we went to a popular spa at Es Saadi Marrakech Resort for the famous Moroccan Hammam. First, you are rinsed and covered in black soap. Then, you wait in the sauna for 15 minutes. After, you are rinsed off with coconut water and DEEPLY exfoliated. Any dead skin whatsoever is removed and a final oil is applied to seal in moisture. I must say this was the best spa treatment I ever experienced.
Sahara Desert
A trip to the Sahara desert while in Africa is a must and we were most interested in visiting Merzouga Desert. It is the most impressive part of Morocco’s Sahara Desert and it is exactly like what you imagine when thinking of a desert, with beautiful reddish yellow sand dunes. The only catch is that is almost 9hrs away (driving) from Marrakech. I should also mention that this drive is very dangerous! The path takes you up and down mountains and cliffs with rocky roads and no security. Please do not even consider doing this drive at night.
