Penny Adventures: Three Moroccan Destinations And How To See Them On A Budget

Morocco is an often overlooked country that should really be a vaction hotspot, especially for the budget traveller. Besides being rich in culture, this country is one of the cheapest and most welcoming places in the world. It's a paradise for the backpacker or free camping enthusiast as well as for resort-bound families. From the beaches to the souks, find out what Morocco truly has to offer--but beware! You may return from this trip with more rugs than you really need and a bucketful of spices you have no idea what to do with. You'll certainly come home with a few things crossed off your bucket list, and a few dollars left in your wallet to boot.

1. Marvelous Marrakech

Chances are if you fly in to Morocco you'll land in Marrakech, a city which seems to be located on an entirely different planet. Its truly remarkable architecture, tantalizing food and rocking night scene all make it a must-see city.

Don't book a hotel online, take a chance and be led through the narrow streets of the bazaar by a local guide. You wont have to look far to find one; everyone is a guide in Marrakech and you wont find a hotel without their help. The cheapest places have no signs, you just have to know they are there via some internal Morroccan budget-deal alarm that we unfortunately do not posess (hence the guide; tip him well). You'll end up paying 5-7 dollars for a hotel room (I'm talking private room, not hostel) as opposed to 20 or 30. If a youth hostel is more your style, check out Kif-Kif Marrakech. They'll sell you a bed for the night for around 5 dollars, they are relatively clean and have wifi.

Avoid the large square of the Medina when searching for food, as it is quite the tourist trap and prices are high. Instead gravitate towards smaller streets where you can buy freshly grilled sardines for a dollar or sample the lamb skewers for another. Don't miss the Msemen, a fried flatbread teeming with deliciousness which can be bought for mere pennies!

At the Souk, the Bazaar-like market which stretches for miles within the streets of Marrakech, local vendors will pull you in for tea. Always accept, as the tea is delicious and the conversation is good as well. These people can give you valuable advice as well, so listen to what they have to say. While you don't have to buy an entire rug, definately don't go home without any Morrocan spice mixes or traditional tea (these are great souvenirs for your friends and family as well, they cost next to nothing at 50 to 75 cents for a small pouch).

When nighttime arrives, the Medina comes alive. You can barely move around with all the people there. It is home to circles of people dancing rhythmically while skirting around withered old snake-charmers and carts of sweets. Although alcohol is technically forbidden by the religion of Islam, you can still sip a cocktail in any number of small cafes overlooking the medina. The view is spectacular and the beer is ice cold!

2. Breezy Beaches of Taghazout

Taghazout is a jewel in the crown of Morocco. Lying just north of the resort destination of Agadir, it has a much more relaxed vibe and is much cheaper. It's exactly what you need after the struggle of navigation in the big cities like Rabat or Marrakech. Arrive by bus rather than by taxi, it's12 dirhams or $1.20 USD and a much more interesting experience, especially if you enjoy rowdy schoolchildren and an intense number of potholes.

You can stay at any number of hostels (usually around 5-10 dollars a night, they are a bit more expensive here) or you can camp right on the beach! The weather is great and the camping is *free*. Just make sure you have a supply of water. Taghazout has lots of international people as surfers come from all around the world come to test their skills, so its likely you'll meet new friends from all over. Beware, your two-day stay may turn into a two-week nonstop beach lounge.

If you're willing to make the trip just a bit farther north, You'll encounter a very special beach indeed. Christianed "Vingt-Cinq" (literally twenty-five, a reference to its mile marker) by the locals, this is where you can find the best deals in Taghazout as far as recreation. Rent surfboards from the locals there and remember to haggle! You can manage to get them down to ten dollars a day, lessons included.

3. Paradise Valley

Accesible by bus from Agadir, Paradise Valley is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The clear, tranquil water is perfect for swimming, and the hike to the source is teeming with beauty. However, be aware of when and how you go.

First of all, avoid going at peak season! We all know that natural wonders are best enjoyed when you dont have tons of people around throwing trash everywhere, muddying up the pristine pools. By going off-season you get to truly experience Paradise in an authentic way. Furthermore since there is less touristic demand and more supply during the off-season, taxis to Paradise operate cheaper.

I recommend going solo without a guided tour. This way you can choose your own pace and relax, with the added benefit that you dont have to pay a tour company. Bring a tent and a few cans of sardines and spend the night there. Heck, spend a week--entry is free and so is the stargazing!