She should go and enjoy marvellous Morocco!!

Morocco in general is not necessarely about how you dress but how you behave. Some Moroccan girls make European girls look like Nuns! Young men in Morocco tend to try it on (hit on) every female that comes across them regardless of origin or dress. There are those who are after money and those after what's called papers - a visa or just a bit of "fun". These can be dealt with in more or less the same manner. If approched by anyone be firm (with a small smile) and say no, thank you and keep walking. "Laa, Shokran".

If visiting Casablanca avoid the local beach (Ain Diab). Basically if you see no women at the beach do not go in! Ain Diab is female unfriendly unless accompanied by a male gang! It used to be a family friendly in the 70s and early 80s but somehow it became a magnet for all the desperados in Casablanca. Still the seaside offers great views (bars,cafes, swimming pools etc) If you want to go to the beach you need to travel a bit further for some good beaches. Also Casablanca has some 6 or 8 good swimming pools. They all seem good and very safe. Use common sense and enjoy it. Todaysdish@yahoo.com

I agree with BerberMan - it can be unsafe for a lone female in the USA!!! Always respect the culture of the country you are in, dress modestly or as you see the local women and always be aware of your surroundings. This is general advice. I am an Australian girl who has travelled extensively in North Africa and the Middle East, I am now married to a Tunisian man and living in Tunisia. I have been hassled but hey, I've been hassled in the US, Australia and lots of other places.

She should go and enjoy marvellous Morocco!!

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Women travelling in Morocco

My daughter is planning to go to Morocco with a friend for a two week holiday. I have heard Morocco is amazing but have also heard that young women are hassled and made to feel very uncomfortable and unsafe by Moroccan men. It would be usful to read feedback from women who have travelled to Morocco recently. Many thanks, J.
I am a woman and have travelled to Morocco alone and had a fantastic time with no harassment or hassles whatsoever. People were very welcoming and friendly and as long as you reciprocate in the same way you won't have any problems. If approached by people selling things etc and you don't want anything just politely say no, smile and walk on - I had no problems using this strategy.

I travelled to Morocco alone twice in 2008. Men in the souks (market shops) hassle everyone, as Babs said, smile and walk on. There were always a lot of people in the streets beyond the souks and while I did have men follow me and want to talk with me and give me their phone numbers I never felt unsafe. Uncomfortable yes, unsafe no. Take the usual precautions about being out alone after dark, and dress respectfully for a Muslim country - my guide book said a woman should cover her knees and shoulders, though I saw plenty of women who didn't and they didn't seem to get harrassed in Marrakech, Rabat or Casablanca where I travelled - I've heard less touristic places may be a lot more traditional and a lot less tolerant of inappropriate dress. In general I found Moroccans very helpful and eager to please.

My Daughter is an American at school in Paris and also wants to go to Morroco for her spring break. I am very reticent to let her go as she is 21, going with a bunch of co-students, and without the guidance of her overseas program. I don't know where they would be staying, where they would be going and if they even know what proper Muslim womens culture observes. Also if she does inadvertantly get into trouble there is very little I can do to help her. Not worth the risk? or am I being overly paranoid.

thanks for the advice....

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fight to morocco

After reading the comments of sometimes heated each other, I feel the need to clarify certain points, to cut short any interpretation.

1 / do not get the wrong fight. I remember that I have nothing against Mr Benhima as a person, I address him as President of the RAM and as able to take the necessary action for proper care of disabled reduced.
2 / I'm not calling for a boycott of RAM. Quite the contrary in these times of crisis, I think we need more than ever to support the national company and preserve the jobs of those who work there. By cons as clients (disabled or not) we are entitled to demand a better quality of service.
3 / Prior to commencing a lawsuit, there are other avenues to explore. AMH I represent and I are rather in a perspective of openness and co-construction: as I wrote in my last letter, we are quite willing to partner with an approach favoring quality of service by bringing our expertise on this subject. I remember a few years ago we implemented a training program for support staff, which was interrupted for I do not know why. I also suggest to develop a quality charter involving the airport users and associations representing people with disabilities.
4 / A few words about the support staff. They work as you would expect in difficult conditions. But they keep smiling even when disgruntled passengers pour their anger on them. They deserve to receive adequate training and be well regarded and respected. I send all my gratitude.
4 / Finally I want to thank you for your support. Sometimes it is necessary in some situations to maintain the pressure. I regret it because a good discussion around a table to allow my sense of getting things done much faster.

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