Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Planning
If you look hard enough, you can buy just about anything you need for young children in
Morocco. Before leaving home, think about what you can take with you to Morocco's vari-
ous environments; wet-weather gear is vital in the mountains in case the weather turns bad.
Lonely Planet's
Travel with Children
has more information and tips.
Accommodation
Some hotels are more family-friendly than others, so check your children will be well
catered for before booking.
Like the airlines, many hotels will not charge children under two years of age. For those
between two and 12 years sharing a room with their parents, it's often 50% off the adult
rate. If you want reasonable toilet and bathroom facilities, you'll need to stay in midrange
hotels.
Transport
Northern Morocco has a great rail infrastructure, and travel by train may be the easiest,
most enjoyable option: children can stretch their legs, and fold-out tables are useful for
drawing and games. Travellers and children are eligible for reductions and discount cards.
Grands taxis and buses can be a real squeeze with young children, who count not as pas-
sengers in their own right but as wriggling luggage, and have to sit on your lap. The safety
record of buses and shared taxis is poor, and many roads are potholed.
Hiring a vehicle - a taxi in Marrakesh or a 4WD to the mountains - is well worth the ex-
tra expense. It's worth bringing a child seat - it will allow children to see out of the win-
dow and hire-car companies normally don't have them. Seats generally cost more in Mo-
rocco than they do in Europe.
Health & Hygiene
Alcohol gel (hand sanitiser) is essential, as children tend to touch everything. Disposable
nappies are a practical solution when travelling despite the environmental drawbacks; inter-
national brands are readily available. All travellers with children should know how to treat
minor ailments and when to seek medical treatment.
