Tag: Morocco

Top 5 Warm Winter Destinations from Europe

Does Europe have a Warm Winter?

All this gloomy weather in Germany has me wondering, “does Europe have a warm winter?”

And if so, where are they located?

Being from sunny California, I thought I’d enjoy a change of weather when I PCS’d to Germany with the US military. To be honest, I was excited for a German winter, hot Gluhwein, and of course all the traditional German Christmas Markets.

But the cold temperatures got old, real fast.

So I went on a mission.

The Mission: Where can I go to escape the cold, with warm weather year-round—so I can leave that heavy coat at home?

Table of Contents

Canary Islands – Morocco – Southern Spain – Turkey – Bonus – How to get there?

Know Before you Go!

Prepare Your Travel Documents

Make sure to pack vital travel documents required for a seamless journey, including ALL passports, visas, travel insurance, and important identification, ensuring all paperwork is in order for stress-free travel.

Look at individual identification card pictures (with your EYES) to make sure you have the right one.

Top 5 Warm Winter Destinations from Europe (And a Bonus You Can’t Miss!) 🌞

Winter doesn’t have to mean cold! If you’re like me and prefer sun-kissed beaches over layers of clothing, here are the top spots you should visit for a warm winter getaway (from Europe).

#5 Canary Islands

Off the coast of Africa, this Spanish archipelago is known for its year-round warm weather, volcanic landscapes, and beaches. Whether you’re looking to hike mountains, relax by the sea, or explore villages, there’s something for everyone here.

The Islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro.

Tenerife: The largest island, famous for Mount Teide (Spain’s highest peak) and its black sand beaches.

- Must-do: Hike Mount Teide, take a boat ride from Puerto Colón, and visit my favorite beach, Fañabé.

Gran Canaria: This island offers a variety of landscapes from mountains to forests and beaches.

- Must-do: Hike Roque Nublo, explore Vegueta district, and relax at Maspalomas Beach.

#4 Morocco

Morocco is a sensory experience with its blend of vibrant cities, breathtaking mountains, and delicious cuisine. It’s an easy escape from Europe with a completely different vibe.

Tangier: A port city where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. It’s a cultural blend of African and European influences, with a bustling medina (old town) and historic sites.

- Must-Do: Visit the Caves of Hercules, find a guide through your hotel and explore the medina and Kasbah Museum. Don't forget to eat at Le Saveur du Poisson (aka Popeyes).

Marrakesh: Full of excitement, from its lively markets to its quiet gardens. It’s the perfect place to experience Moroccan culture. Watch out for the scammers though!

- Must-Do: Explore the souks (markets), visit the Majorelle Garden, and experience Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Find the goats that climb trees! 

Atlas Mountains: The Atlas Mountains offer stunning landscapes and a taste of traditional Moroccan life. Here, you have to try the fresh bread and olives.

- Must-Do: Visit a Berber village with a guide, enjoy mint tea and a traditional Moroccan meal of tagine.

Chefchaouen: This "Blue City" in the mountains is famous for its beautiful blue-painted streets and peaceful atmosphere. It’s a great place to get lost strolling the streets and taking pictures for the “gram.”

- Must-Do: Wander through the blue streets, hike the Rif Mountains, and visit the local artisan shops.

#3 Southern Spain

Southern Spain is full of lively cities, ancient architecture, and sunny beaches. Whether it’s castles or flamenco dancing, this region has it all.

Malaga: A cultural hub on the southern coast. As the birthplace of Picasso, it’s full of art and history, as well as some of the best beaches in Spain.

- Must-Do: Visit the Picasso Museum, explore the Alcazaba fortress, and enjoy a day at the beach - Playa de la Misericordia.

Granada: Home to the breathtaking Alhambra palace, a mix of Moorish and Spanish architecture. Wander through narrow streets and enjoy the view of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

- Must-Do: Tour the Alhambra, visit the Albaicín district, and watch a flamenco show.

Marbella: Known for its luxury, but it also has beautiful old town streets and gorgeous beaches. A walk through the town’s orange tree-lined squares is a must.

- Must-Do: Stroll through the old town, visit Puerto Banús marina, and enjoy one of the main beaches - Playa Casablanca, Playa de Venus, & Playa de Rio Real.

Ronda: Famous for its dramatic cliffside setting and the stunning Puente Nuevo bridge. It’s a charming town filled with history and beautiful views.

- Must-Do: Walk across the Puente Nuevo bridge, learn how to make paella in the wine vineyards (guided tour through your hotel), and explore Ronda’s old town. We had a lovely lunch at the Bodega Joaquín Fernández winery.

Day Trips
From southern Spain, you can take day trips to other amazing cities like:

- Gibraltar: Visit the famous Rock of Gibraltar and see the wild monkeys!

- Cadiz: Explore Spain’s oldest city with its narrow streets and historic buildings.

- Seville: Enjoy the stunning Plaza de Espana, the Alcazar palace, & maybe a bull fight?

#2 Türkiye (Turkey)

Türkiye offers a blend of ancient ruins, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the calm of coastal towns, it’s a destination full of surprises.

ℹ️ Note: U.S. military personnel should confirm whether travel to Turkey is allowed BEFORE planning a trip.
Some of the Turkish travel destinations have been known to be “black listed.”

Antalya: The jewel of the Turkish Riviera, where ancient history meets modern beach resorts. Explore the old town, relax by the turquoise waters, or take a boat ride along the coast.

- Must-Do: Visit the ancient city of Aspendos and relax on Konyaaltı Beach.

Alanya: Perfect for history lovers and beachgoers. With its impressive castle and clear blue waters, it’s hard to resist.

- Must-Do: Explore the Alanya Castle and visit Cleopatra Beach.

Istanbul: Although not on the beach, Istanbul is an incredible city with so much to do even in the winter time. 

- Must-Do: Visit one of the many beautiful mosques (The Blue Mosque is the most popular),  get lost shopping in the Grand Bazaar, take a cheap boat ride on the Bosphorus river, and regenerate your body with a Turkish bath & massage (Hammam).

#1 Portugal

Portugal’s Algarve region is a year-round sunny retreat with beautiful cliffs and hidden caves.

Benagil & the Algar Seco Rocks: Famous for its sea caves, especially the  iconic Benagil Cave, which you can explore by foot, boat, or kayak. Taking a smaller boat or kayak is recommended as you'll be able to fit through the smaller caves. 

Algar Seco is a unique stretch of coastline with jagged cliffs and rock formations. It’s perfect for adventurous travelers who love nature.

- Must-Do: Walk through the natural caves, take a peek inside the Benagil Cave, and take in the breathtaking ocean views.

Carvoeiro: A colorful seaside town that feels like a postcard. Its narrow streets, great restaurants, and lovely beaches make it a great place to relax.

- Must-Do: Spend the day at Carvoeiro Beach (my favorite in Algarve), then enjoy a fresh seafood dinner.

Lagos: Full of history and has some of Algarve’s most stunning beaches. Explore the old city walls, visit ancient forts, and enjoy the sun.

- Must-Do: Discover the Ponta da Piedade cliffs, get lost strolling through the old town, and relax at Praia Dona Ana.

Portimão: A lively city perfect for those who love shopping, food, and fun. Its beach, Praia da Rocha, is one of the most popular in the Algarve.

- Must-Do: Walk along the coast of Av. Tomas Cabreira, visit the Museu de Portimão, and try grilled sardines.

Bonus: Cyprus

Split between the Turkish north and EU-affiliated south, Cyprus offers a rich mix of history, culture, and beautiful scenery. Whether you’re into relaxing beach getaways or exploring ancient ruins, this island has it all.

ℹ️ Note: U.S. military personnel should confirm whether travel to the north side of Cyprus is allowed BEFORE planning a trip.
Otherwise, the southern side is packed with must-see spots.


Karpaz: Known as the “Golden Beach,” this tip of the island offers dense, salty water perfect for floating, and you'll likely see donkeys on your drive.

Famagusta: Check out the "Ghost Town" of Varosha, a fascinating piece of military history, and explore nearby Salamis ruins and Othello’s Castle.

Paphos: Famous for shipwrecks, blue lagoons, and breathtaking coastal views.

Merit Hotels: For a luxurious stay, consider Merit Hotels, offering world-class service and stunning views. If you're visiting between late November and early January, check out the Christmas Markets!

How to Get There

The easiest way to plan and organize your whole trip is to have someone else do it for you 😊

My recommendation, check out ABC Travel.

Located in Ramstein, they’re my trusted travel agent who can give you all-inclusive travel options to pick and choose from.

Here’s how it works:

- Contact them via phone, email, or search yourself online

- Tell them when & where you want to go, length of stay, and # of people

- They will send you options to choose from

Simple as that. We’ve been using their services for years to travel around the world, and we even book flights for our family when they come to visit.

Up to 25% OFF! If you’re military, ABC Travel should be your “Go-To” travel agency when it comes to discounted military airfare

📱 Phone: +49(0)621 7292 0.

📧 Email: internet@abctravel.de

Other options: We also look at flights through Booking.com, Skyscanner, and eDreams to name a few.

If you’re on a tight budget, look at the closest RyanAir airport to you and take advantage of cheap flights that go directly to, or near these locations. Sky Express also has a lot of value-priced flights to and from the Mediterranean.

Did you enjoy this warm winter guide? 🤔

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October 23, 2024

Things To Do In Tangier Morocco

Tangier sits on the northern tip of Morocco with incredible beaches, food, and cityscapes to explore. Unlike other places you may visit, the city doesn’t feel crowded with tourists. But there are still plenty of things to do in Tangier!

Things to Do in Tangier

Walking around the city is enough in itself, but we highly recommend finding a local guide to show you around.

The market (souk)

If you haven’t visited a non-European country yet, a walk through the marketplace may be quite the new experience for you! You’ll find all kinds of fabrics, vegetables, clothing, electronics, and live animals within just a few blocks.

For a unique treasure to bring back home, stop into one of the clothing shops! The staff will be more than happy to help you find something that fits.

Nahon Synagogue

The synagogue was built in the 1800s, but it stopped being an active place of worship in the mid-1900s. Luckily, restoration brought it out of disrepair in 1994 and it’s now open to the public as a small museum.

Camel Ride

In case you haven’t noticed, I love camel rides. It’s such a unique experience that you have to add to your list of things to do in Tangier! They’re gentle creatures and easy to ride, even if you have no experience riding any type of animal.

Cave of Hercules

The Cave of Hercules has two entrances: one from land and one from the sea. Its name comes from the legend of Hercules’s 12 Labors – supposedly the hero slept in the cave on his way to his 11th task. The cave is partly man-made, but it is a sight to see nonetheless!

Where to Eat in Tangier

Stop into any cafe in Tangier for a plate of chicken and olives or a hearty lentil dish. Or pick up a bag of cookies from a bakery in the medina! No matter where you eat, you can easily find warm hospitality at any restaurant.

We also highly recommend that you go to Le Saveur du Poisson (also known as “Popeyes”). You can eat some truly incredible seafood, along with kebabs, olives, bread, and stews.

Ready to Visit Tangier?

From riding camels to eating a hearty meal, there are so many wonderful things to do in Tangier. Is there anything you recommend to do? Let us know in the comments!

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January 27, 2020
Goats In Trees Morocco: Day Trip From Marrakech to Essaouira

A day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira is less than a three hour drive and full of adventures! Leave the bustling city and visit this small coastal city for delicious seafood and adventures with animals.

Going From Marrakech to Essaouira: Goats in Trees!

If you hire a car service, the journey to Essaouira from Marrakech is easy and scenic. But along the way, you will likely come across a tree filled with goats!

It seems impossible that the goats could get there on their own. But their cloven hooves can climb the argania spinosa or “argan” trees. And you’ll only find goats in argan trees.

Once they’re in the tree, the goats can reach the ripening fruit. They eat the whole fruit and then poop out the nut. Back in the day, farmers would extract the nuts and press them for argan oil. Nowadays, argan oil is extracted through a process that involves less goat poop (thankfully).

Between Marrakech and Essaouira, you can easily find goats in trees along the Moroccan roadsides. Just keep in mind that you’ll probably have to pay a farmer to take pictures and enjoy the novelty (and it’s definitely worth it).

What to Do in Essaouira

Essaouira is one of the largest fishing harbors in Morocco, so take advantage of all the fresh seafood you can get! Consider eating at Cafe Restaurant Fanatic, which is just across from the beach.

Afterwards, venture into the medina for more bites and shopping. The city isn’t nearly as crowded as Marrakech – less than 100,000 people live in Essaouira. So take advantage of the peacefulness while you’re there!

But of all the things to do in Essaouira, we highly recommend booking a camel ride. Sitting on top of one of these majestic animals while walking along the Moroccan coastline is truly an experience.

Ready to Visit Essaouira?

Definitely bring a camera for all your adventures in Essaouira! You won’t want to miss a single moment.

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January 22, 2020
Day Trip to Casablanca: Hassan II Mosque

Casablanca is more than a classic film. Originally called Anfa, it’s the largest city in Morocco and home to over 3 million people. If you’re visiting Marrakech, a day trip to Casablanca is worth the three hour drive, especially to see Rick’s Cafe and the Hassan II Mosque.

Rick’s Cafe Casablanca

While there was no actual Rick’s Cafe Americain before the 1942 film, there is now – and you can visit it! Even if you’ve never seen the movie, it’s still a great experience to have in Casablanca. Spend the afternoon sipping on cocktails and listening to live music.

The Medina

You’ll notice immediately that Casablanca is not nearly as busy as Marrakech. Instead, you can easily wander through the streets and enjoy the sights at your leisure without any hassle.

Be sure to stop by a bakery (boulangerie) for a fresh loaf of bread or pastry. And if you have time, enjoy it with a glass of mint tea.

Hassan II Mosque

Hassan II Mosque is the largest in Africa – the prayer hall alone can hold 25,000 people! The laser at the top of the minaret points in the direction of Mecca and can be seen for 19 miles.

King Hassan II commissioned the Casablanca mosque in the 1980s, and it was completed in 1993. Nearly all of the building materials came from Morocco, except for the glass chandeliers and Italian columns. The style incorporates both modern and traditional Moroccan architecture styles.

Visitors are welcome to tour the mosque outside of prayers, but be sure you’re dressed modestly (like when you visit the Vatican). Even if you choose not to go inside, you may sit in its courtyard or stroll along the pier and admire the external architecture.

Visit Casablanca

Escape the bustling corridors in Marrakech for a day and relax in Casablanca! Do you have other suggestions of what to do in the city? Let us know in the comments!

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January 20, 2020
How to Make Mint Tea in Marrakech

Mint tea is an essential part of your experience in Morocco. The sugary beverage is refreshing, even in the warm weather. And it’s not just for the morning or dessert. No matter where or what you eat, Moroccan mint tea will be a beverage of choice!

And it’s not difficult to make either. Our Atlas Mountains guide walked us through how to make mint tea, and we hope you try it, too.

How to Make Mint Tea Like the Moroccans

While there isn’t always a ceremony around its consumption, drinking mint tea is not something you do alone. You’ll see people drinking tea in front of shops, in restaurants, in homes, and in cafes, of course.

Drinking mint tea is a social activity. It’s a moment to share with your friends and family so that you can catch up on life.

Ingredients

The green tea leaves come from China, but the method of making the tea is 100 percent Moroccan. You’ll also need mint leaves – he used dry sprigs, but you can also use fresh leaves. And, of course, you’ll need lots of sugar!

Prepare the tea pot

First, boil the water and pour it into the tea pot without tea leaves. Swirl the water around and then discard it. This cleans the tea pot and warms it up a bit.

Then add the tea leaves to the pot (the measurement wasn’t exact). Pour in a bit of boiling water and swirl it around, making sure to submerge all the leaves. After a good shake and swirl, pour out the water.

Technically, you could drink this, but it’s considered dirty water. The process cleans the tea leaves and potentially prevents the tea from being bitter. In Morocco, they usually pour this water into a glass and then discard it. If you’re making it at home, you can probably just pour it down your sink.

Serve the tea

Next, add the mint and sugar to the pot that still has tea in it. Add hot water and let it sit for a minute. Pour a couple glasses, and then add those servings back to the pot. This whole process – including pouring from up high – helps the sugar melt and the flavors combine. Do this process one more time, and then the tea is ready to serve.

Is It Tea Time?

Now that you know how to make mint tea, consider setting aside some time for yourself and a friend! And even if you don’t make this recipe, be sure to spend some time talking to people whose company you enjoy.

Have you tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments!

December 28, 2019
Marrakech Safety: The Tannery Scam

When you visit Marrakech, touring a tannery is a unique experience you should consider. But is it worth the time and money? Depends – we’ll tell you about our experience at the tanneries in Marrakech and you can decide for yourself.

What is a Tannery?

The tannery is where leather is made. Traditionally, being a tanner isn’t a glorious life: they spend their days working with animal hides, and the process literally stinks.

They have to clean the animal hides, remove the flesh, fat, and hair, and then soften the hide in animal dung. Ammonia is another key ingredient to the process, and back in the day, urine was a reliable source for it.

If you’ve been to Brussels, you may know about the Manneken Pis (the Peeing Boy) statue. While many myths surround the fountain, it most likely symbolizes the tanner district of the city. During medieval times, tanners paid children for their urine.

Finding a Tannery Tour

You’ll find young men throughout the city hustling and bartering. Some will pitch free tannery tours, saying that you’re going the wrong way, but they’ll show you to the tannery for no charge.

Or so they say. Once you arrive at the tannery, they’ll ask for payment. If you’re afraid to make a scene or seem impolite, you can end up paying up to €50 – for directions you thought were free!

If you want to pay, you can always haggle. And if you don’t want to pay at all, you can walk away. It might create a scene, and the boy may seem hostile, but ultimately, what they’re doing is illegal.

But once you arrive at the tannery, you’ll also pay for the tour as well.

Touring the Tannery

First, they’ll give you mint sprigs to smell as you walk through the facility. And you’ll be thankful for it.

The guide leads you around to each processing vat and explains the tanning process. You’ll definitely learn a lot about how to make leather! It’s one of Morocco’s largest exports, which may be evident in the gift shops.

Visiting the Tannery Shop

After the tour, they’ll take you to their gift shop, or even just a local shop owner. You can either haggle here or elsewhere. And remember – you can always walk away.

Tanneries in Marrakech

If you’re genuinely interested in seeing one of the oldest professions in Morocco, we recommend visiting tanneries in Marrakech. But if you just want to shop for the leather goods, don’t want to haggle, or strongly dislike awful smells, then don’t go to a tannery! You can still have a great time visiting Morocco without going inside a tannery.

Have you experienced a tannery scam in Marrakech? Do you have other suggestions for visitors? Let us know in the comments!

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December 16, 2019
The Atlas Mountains Marrakech

If you’re looking for Marrakech day trips, a visit to the Atlas Mountains is easy and worth your time! They’re a mountain range that separates the coast line from the Sahara desert, stretching 1,600 miles (2,500 kilometers).

Most hotels will offer excursion packages, but you can also go on your own adventure. We’ve compiled a few things for you to visit while you tour the Atlas Mountains near Marrakech.

Tour an Olive Mill

The olive oil brand you use is most likely Italian, but multiple countries throughout the Mediterranean produce olive oil – including Morocco! The country is one of the largest olive oil manufacturers in the world.

As of 2018, Morocco is the fourth largest exporter of olive oil. So be sure to visit one of the mills to experience part of Morocco’s economy!

Visit A Berber Village

The Berbers are an ethnic group native to northern African countries. Most currently reside in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Mauritania.

As a result, there isn’t necessarily one unified Berber culture – it’s now a medley of various influences over the course of centuries. And due to some cultural and political strife, much of the Berber culture is lost or has completely evolved, such as language and customs.

As part of your day trip to the Atlas Mountains, we highly recommend visiting a Berber village. if you take a tour, it will likely include an introduction to a family who will prepare bread and mint tea for your visit.

But even if you don’t take the tour, residents are very warm and welcoming. You should take the time to visit and meet new people. Because meeting new people from different cultures is why you travel, isn’t it?

Enjoy a Moroccan Lunch

You have to have at least one meal as part of your Atlas Mountains Marrakech visit! Our tour took us to a bed and breakfast with a beautiful view.

For lunch, we had chicken tagine – a dish you’ll see numerous times in Morocco. A tagine (or sometimes spelled tajine) is a ceramic pot with a coned lid. When cooked over a charcoal fire, the cone contains the steam so that the condensation drips back down to the bottom of the pot.

Our Moroccan chicken tagine was slow cooked with spices and dried fruits, and served with bread. And then afterwards we enjoyed an apple pie with mint tea (of course).

Visit the Atlas Mountains Marrakech

Mint tea, cookies, bread, more tea…it’s all waiting for you in the Atlas Mountains!

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November 25, 2019
The Blue City: Things To Do In Chefchaouen Morocco

Chefchaouen, Morrocco is a small city almost 68 miles (109 kilometers) southeast of Tangier. Nicknamed The Blue City, the town is a collection of buildings painted all shades of blue. Some say it follows Jewish customs, while others believe the color keeps the mosquitoes away.

If you’re spending a few days in Morrocco, you can find enough things to do in Chefchaouen for a day trip!

Things to do in Chefchaouen

We took a day excursion through our hotel from Tangier to Chefchaouen (also known as Chaouen). Be sure to ask your hotel about day trips throughout the region! And don’t forget to wear good, comfortable shoes – the city is on an incline, and there are lots of steps to climb.

The best part about Chefchaouen was just walking around. The buildings may remind you of the Greek islands like Santorini or Mykonos, but the blue is unlike anything else. And the locals re-paint the buildings every couple months to make sure the buildings stay vibrant.

You can enjoy lunch or tea in the marketplace, and just slowly meander through the city. You may find a few shop owners scattered throughout the buildings, or residents offering mint tea. It will be a breath of fresh air from the crowds in other Moroccan cities like Tangier or Fes.

And for anyone who has a particular passion for doors and archways, this city is your paradise! The architecture is stunning – I must’ve photographed at least 30 different doors.

Don’t be afraid to wander! You may think you’re lost, but the city is so small that you can easily find yourself back to where you started. And besides, isn’t that what wanderlust is all about?

I’d only recommend one day in the Blue City. There aren’t many things to do in Chefchaouen itself, but it’s worth going just to see the beautiful buildings in person. I promise you these photos don’t do it justice.

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October 20, 2019