As a woman,
traveling solo can be exciting and stressful. I was both excited and concerned
when I made the decision to travel
solo to Morocco.
I had always
wanted to see the historic medinas, colorful souks, desert scenery, and lively
culture, but I also understood that safety had to come first.
Here's an honest look at my experience and the precise safety measures I took to feel safe, secure, and free.
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| Here's What Kept Me Safe |
Traveled Alone to Morocco
- First Impressions - Marrakech Madness and Magic
I was
overwhelmed in a good way as soon as I touched down in Marrakech. The city was
a buzz of activity.
Yet it was
also simple to become lost in the confusion. I reserved a Medina riadh
(traditional guesthouse) based on great recommendations and confirmed
experiences of female solo travelers.
My safety
plan's first step was to stay somewhere reputable and well-reviewed.
I felt more
fixed when the staff gave me a warm welcome and a brief explanation of the dos
and don'ts.
I always used
Google Maps offline to keep myself on course, and I never went out after dark
by myself.
Dressing Modestly - Respect and Comfort
I wanted to
fit in rather than stand out as a female tourist traveling solo. I brought
clothes that were loose-fitting and light enough to cover my arms and legs.
A basic scarf
was useful, particularly when visiting mosques or in towns with conservative
populations.
I found that
wearing modest clothing reduced unwanted attention and increased my respect.
Since I never
felt in danger, I could tell the difference between when I dressed according to
local standards and when I didn't.
Trust Your Instincts - They’re Powerful
During my
time in Fez, a man kept offering to "guide" me through the medina.
Despite the
fact that he was helpful, I felt compelled to respectfully but firmly decline.
I made a U-turn and entered a nearby café.
As it
happens, I wasn't alone; I later met another lone traveler who had a similar
experience.
The finest
travel companion is your stomach. Leave if something doesn't feel right. Being
extremely courteous shouldn't come at the expense of your security or comfort.
Apps That Kept Me Secure
I used a
handful of apps fully,
Maps.me and Google Maps Offline: Never got lost.
TripIt: Kept my itinerary organized and shared with a friend back home.
WhatsApp Live Location: I’d share this with my sister every time I moved cities.
Uber and Careem: Safer than random taxis, especially at night.
These tools
made navigation simpler and offered me peace of mind.
Connecting with Other Female Travelers
During a
walking tour I booked through Airbnb Experiences in Chefchaouen, I met another
female traveler traveling solo. In the end, we spent two days exploring
together.
One of the
safest methods to meet people is to participate in group activities or guided
trips.
Sharing
experiences with like-minded travelers can make your vacation more memorable
(and safer), even if you enjoy being independent.
What I Avoided to Stay Safe
No walking
alone late at night, especially in new areas.
There is no
fancy equipment or excessive jewelry on display.
I didn't
share too many stories on social media in real time; instead, I did it a day
later.
No matter how
friendly they appear, you should never trust strangers with your sensitive
information.
These minor
actions have a major effect.
Final Thoughts - Morocco Was Magical Because I Prepared
Was I
anxious? Indeed. However, I was also ready. One of the best experiences I've
ever had as a woman was traveling alone in Morocco.
I developed
my ability to listen to myself, adjust to a different culture, and genuinely
enjoy being solo myself.
Do not allow fear keep you from traveling to Morocco solo. Be knowledgeable, dress properly, follow your gut, and enjoy the adventure.
Read: From
Panic to Power - How I Handled a Scary Moment Alone in Mexico City
