If you have children, chances are that you'd like them to be well educated, not only from books but also from experiences. Traveling with your children is one way for them to become well-rounded citizens of the world. Visiting new places, eating new food, learning about new cultures and meeting new people allow your kids to grow in a way they wouldn't otherwise in a classroom setting.
Morocco is very child friendly, as are most Arab cultures. Arab nations place a lot of value on their children and thus appreciate any value other cultures place on children. In fact, family travelers in Morocco often notice that they are approached more often by Moroccans and treated well when they bring their children.
If you'd like to explore Morocco with your family, here are a few tips that will help you along the way:
1. Plan your itinerary based on your children's ages and what they enjoy. Hiking, rock climbing, river rafting, camel rides and 4×4 tours are available in Morocco, but they aren't all appropriate for children of a variety of ages. Discuss your children's ages and preferences with your tour guide to create the best trip for your entire family.
2. Regardless of where in the world you travel, safety is always a concern. In Morocco, children should not be left to wander the streets without adult supervision, no matter how old they are. Younger children should either be in a stroller or holding your hand at all times. The cities can be very busy, and it is possible that you could be separated from your children in busy cities like Marrakesh or Fez. Make sure your child has a card in a pocket or pinned to their clothing that states who they are, where they are staying and how you can be contacted.
3. As your children grow older and enter their teen years, they may grumble at the prospect of spending time with Mom and Dad on vacation. Morocco is probably unlike anything your teenager is used to at home, and she may lack the enthusiasm you were hoping to foster. If your kids are less than excited about a trip to Morocco, involve them in the planning with these suggestions:
Find a recipe for a common local Moroccan dish such as couscous. Let your child help you prepare it before leaving home.
Learn about the country together by reading up on the local history and people. A few titles that explore the culture include Racism Explained to my Daughter by Tahar Ben Jalloun and Tales of a Harem Girlhood by Fatima Mernissi.
Look into finding films that get your kids excited about the scenery, food and people they will meet in Morocco. One that is especially good is a documentary and interactive overview created by PBS about the Middle East and North Africa. Check out the PBS website under Global Connections for more information.
Martin Wynn
