Morocco has long been a hugely popular holiday destination, with Marrakech the most favoured location for those wanting an authentic taste of this exotic country. The country is hot, diverse and rich in experiences for travellers. Flights are easily available from airports all over the UK, with excellent package holidays available or simple ways to create your own itinerary. In entrusting your holiday experience to a tour provider you simply need to arrange your currency, travel insurance and ensure your passport is up to date.

The lure of Morocco

Morocco is known for its landscape, people, rich history, delicious food and beautiful architecture and holidaymakers can immerse themselves in everything the country has to offer. One interesting travel trend is that increasingly travellers are looking away from the usual tourist hotels which cater for international tastes with 'home from home' food and Western surroundings and are looking to experience more traditional accommodation with a stay in a Riad. A Moroccan Riad is a traditional palace or house with a garden within its walls, with the name coming from the Arabian for 'garden'. The riads are extremely beautiful to look at, with heavily decorated walls, beautiful courtyards, traditional cool clay or mud brick walls and artisan features. Riads are in fact adaptations of Roman villas and this is clear to see from their architectural references.

Why Riads?

Features of the riads include citrus trees in the central gardens and often water fountains. Windows are left out, allowing the air to circulate on a hot day and the clay walls lend coolness and peace to the rooms. They also offer more space for holiday groups and can be better value than traditional Western style hotels. For the ultimate in luxury why not organise a group and book your own riad for an active stay. You could even hire a local cook for the duration and take full advantage of the tours and treks that the country offers. Just remember to include any sports or similar activities into the provisions of your travel insurance... and if shopping is more your thing, you will do well to pack lightly because you'll find souvenirs by the handful at the amazing souks.

Popular Riads

If you're looking for a Riad, you will be spoiled for choice. Some of the more popular choices include:-

Riad el Fenn in Marrakech - a favourite with celebrities and media types. Owned by one of the Bransons, this Riad offers a twist on the traditional decor with some contemporary twists: retro fifties furniture, art objects, prints, a beautiful pool, spa and restaurant and rooftop terrace. It's ideal for a special holiday or a honeymoon. Doubles start at around £200 a night including breakfast.

Villa Maroc, Essaouira

This beautiful coastal town has seen a number of Riad hotels opening up recently, but its first ever - Villa Maroc, is still one of the best. It's a huge and rambling property made up of inter-connecting buildings and set around small and picturesque courtyards. A world heritage property, it offers all the true Moroccan features - rugs, textiles, carved furniture and lamps - along with other lovely touches such as fresh flowers and Moroccan tea. There's also a bar selling gorgeous cocktails, a restaurant for a truly atmospheric dinner and a spa on offer. Doubles start at around £60 including breakfast.

What to do in Morocco

The souks are of course a huge attraction for visitors with amazing things to buy and food to enjoy - they are full of atmosphere and excitement. Be careful, however, with expensive possessions, as with any other tourist destination, making sure you don't have expensive cameras etc on show and that you have adequate travel insurance for any eventualities - keep receipts too in case you need to claim on your travel insurance.

Sightseeing is in plentiful supply in Morocco, everything from castles to oases, museums and beautiful resorts. If active holidays are your thing, you'll also find great opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horse-riding, canyoning, white water rafting and a range of water sports. As ever, however, be prepared with your travel insurance and cover yourself for the worst, ensuring that your policy will cover any of your planned activities.

You may also want to hire local equipment rather than overload yourself with heavy kit when packing. Keep your travel insurance documents and papers in a safe place and ensure you have the contact numbers for your credit card providers and other important contacts.