Destination Morocco Podcast

Azdean Elmoustaquim
  • 4.9 (20)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Biweekly

Destinations Morocco is a direct ground operator based in Houston, Texas, with an office in Marrakech — offering custom private tours, small-group departures, and white-label itineraries for travel advisors and agencies. On our podcast, host Azdean Elmoustaquim — born and raised in Marrakech — takes you on an exploration of his country's distinct culture, vibrant history, and stunning attractions, alongside co-host and producer Ted.  Azdean prepares you for the real Morocco: where to go, what to expect, real costs and prices, safety (including specifically for female travelers), the kinds of scams to watch for in the bazaars, useful local phrases, and so much more. New: a dedicated series built for travel advisors and agencies, digging into commission structures, client objections, seasonality, and everything else you need to sell Morocco with confidence. New episodes every 1st and 15th. Whether you're planning your own trip or building one for a client, our podcast unpacks the mystery and opens up discovery of an amazing land. We invite you along for the journey. Learn more or request a custom quote at destinationsmorocco.com.

  1. 2d ago ·  Video

    Two Classic Morocco Itineraries: Imperial Cities & Desert and Berber Adventure

    This week's episode breaks down the two core Morocco itineraries that cover most client requests: the Imperial Cities route and the Desert & Berber Adventure route.  If you are planning Morocco for the first time, we give you a practical map for matching the right itinerary to the right traveler. Because our itineraries are flexible and made-to-order, you can add on extra days, different stops, activities and experiences to your liking, or just schedule a relaxing day at the riad or hammam!  Azdean walks through the major cities, driving times, pacing, and how to combine north and south Morocco without overloading the trip. He also explains why seven to eight days is the minimum sweet spot, and how each extra day changes the experience. First time visitors usually choose the Imperial Cities itinerary in particular, because it feels more familiar, with more history, architecture, and cultural context. But if you've already been to Morocco, or are yearning for something different and very unique to the country, head out towards the desert, where you get luxury camp accommodation, incredibly dark starry skies, and the real heart of authentic Berber cultural experiences. Or: combine the two! This doesn't necessarily mean a mammoth, three week tour. With some creativity and choices you can capture the Imperial Cities and the Desert in one two-week trip. If it's your only chance to go to Morocco, let's make the most of it! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

    Two Classic Morocco Itineraries: Imperial Cities & Desert and Berber Adventure

  2. Sep 15 ·  Video

    Morocco Is Not What You Think It Is

    When people think sun destinations, Morocco is not likely a place that comes to mind. Unless it’s deserts, camels and sunsets (which are well worth experiencing. A sunrise in Merzouga Desert is incomparable).  But Morocco is in fact becoming a beach destination to rival the Cancuns and Cannes of the world.  You’ll see what we mean when you watch this episode! The best part about it? Solid infrastructure and luxury standards, but without the massive crowds. These are some of the best beaches in the world, with miles of open sand and warm water. The surf is impressive enough to attract international surfing competitions.  But you won’t be jostling for lounge chairs at 7 am, or fighting through crowds to stake out a small patch on the beach.  What you will find are five star resorts with top notch service and stunning food, all in walking distance.  These are some of the great pitches you can make to your clients, friends or family: anyone who you want to convince to go to Morocco. The time is now! Be one of the first to say, “I was there before it was discovered by the rest of the world!” Destinations Morocco helps you put together smart, intuitive itineraries that suit your clients needs and priorities. Visit us at http://destinationsmorocco.com/ to learn more, and book a free discovery call. Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

    Morocco Is Not What You Think It Is

  3. Sep 1 ·  Video

    Sharing the Heart of Morocco Through Adventure, with Cat Caldwell Myers (The Adventure Paradox podcast)

    Azdean had the pleasure earlier this summer of chatting with Cat Caldwell Myers, host of the Adventure Paradox podcast, a show that empowers motherhood through adventure, building relationships and being in the moment.  We love having the opportunity to introduce people to Morocco, to fill in some of the gaps in information, to inspire their curiosity and learn more about the country, and ultimately: to visit. Cat was a great example of this, someone who blends outdoor adventure with entrepreneurship, women's empowerment, podcasting and travel. And she loves working with horses: Cat is a riding instructor, wrangler and coach who shows people how to integrate the outdoor adventure and ranch lifestyle into their lives. Most notably, earlier this year Cat did a TEDx talk on this subject, which we've linked to below, along with her website, podcast and more. And so it was super exciting to have the chance to link her various passions back to Morocco, a place where Cat and her followers can find more opportunities for adventure, push their limits and discover new cultures. Which made us realize, this is a powerful message for our listeners here too, so we're happy to share the conversation with you, here on the Destination Morocco podcast. Learn more about Cat and The Adventure Paradox podcast: Cat Caldwell Myers helps women own their voice, embrace their bodies, and express themselves through taking one adventure at a time. Cat is a Horse Adventure Coach who teaches healthy lifestyles with animals through podcasting. Her podcast, The Adventure Paradox, is  in the top 3% of all podcasts. She lives near Jackson Hole, WY. Website: www.theadventureparadox.com Social Media Links: Personal Instagram: @catcaldwellmyersThe Adventure Paradox Instagram:  @theadventureparadoxFacebook: The Adventure ParadoxDiscover the Podcast: The Adventure Paradox PodcastBook Link: The Adventure Paradox: How to Haul it All, Go Big and Go Home - Available Here 👉 Go here to HEAR the Tedx talk! ✨ Order Wings of Purpose — now available on Amazon 🔥 Ever thought about how you can incorporate your love of horses into your work as a mom, coach, teacher, facilitator or business owner? Now is the time to take your understanding to the next level with our Horse Adventure Coaching Certification. ($833 SAVINGS THIS SUMMER ONLY!!!) 👉 Get certified now!  https://www.theadventureparadox.com/certificationLearn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

    Sharing the Heart of Morocco Through Adventure, with Cat Caldwell Myers (The Adventure Paradox podcast)

  4. Aug 15 ·  Video

    “Morocco isn't Recovering. It is Breaking its Own Record Every Single Quarter.”

    Why is Morocco becoming an easier, more profitable destination for travel advisors to sell right now?  Today Azdean is speaking to travel agents and advisors directly, especially those who are new to Morocco, or have only sent a client or two, focusing on the hard numbers, the latest improvements and the momentum that keeps building for tourism in Morocco. We look at different client types, activities, best seasons to travel, booking windows and time frames, and the incredible diversity that makes Morocco such a compelling destination. There's something for everyone in Morocco, and that's not just a slogan: from fast-paced adventure activities to cultural and educational opportunities, cooking classes, walking tours, desert camping, luxury accommodation, unique food and wonderfully welcoming people.  And in 2026 and beyond, tourism infrastructure and facilities are already that much better. Imagine by 2030, when Morocco co-hosts the World Cup, what it will look like then. The time to get in the game is now, when Morocco is already Africa's top tourism destination (nearly 20 million tourists in 2025), so that when it gets really busy, you'll be an experienced, confident supplier. Morocco is accessible, profitable, and trending right now: Azdean and Destination Morocco support travel advisors with training, itineraries, marketing materials, images and videos, and most of all, encouragement and enthusiasm, to help you bring more people to this amazing country. You can also watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here:   "Morocco: Not Someday. Right Now!" Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

    “Morocco isn't Recovering. It is Breaking its Own Record Every Single Quarter.”

  5. Aug 1 ·  Video

    What to Prepare After you Book Your Trip

    You've done the research, asked around, made some calls and booked the trip. It's happening! You're going to Morocco! Okay - what happens next? Today our focus is on the steps to complete after you've reserved the trip, and can shift into preparation mode. What to expect, what to plan, who to talk to and important things to prepare. Azdean and podcast producer Ted cover topics such as travel documentation, safety measures, special accommodation considerations like access and mobility, health and medication, understanding tour inclusions, dietary restrictions, insurance essentials, and how to make changes to bookings.  We want to emphasize the importance of thorough preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience, especially when it's still a few months out from your trip (having booked well ahead of time, of course!) Don't be caught out by last-minute tasks that could have become more expensive, or worse, may no longer be possible. Booking the trip is the main thing, but like any substantial vacation, there are particular tasks related to that destination. The good news is that Morocco is modern, accessible and accommodating, with a fast-growing tourism industry. This means that a lot of the regular concerns and requirements of travellers are becoming much more familiar. But Destination Morocco is your best partner to ensure everything goes smoothly, that you have support before and during your trip, and that you can focus on enjoying this amazing experience. Whether an independent traveller or a travel agent, we're here to guide you from purchase to departure and beyond! You can also watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here:   "What to Prepare After you Book Your Trip" Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

    What to Prepare After you Book Your Trip

  6. Jul 15

    Typical Travel Costs in Morocco

    It can be hard to get a clear picture, so our episode today is here to help: "How much do things cost in Morocco?" As much as there's the standard answer, "It depends," we go a little deeper than that and try to frame costs around certain standards and levels of service. Whether that means different types of accommodation, the cost of meals at sit-down restaurants, do desert camps vary greatly in price, how much are activities such as a Hot Air Balloon ride, and lots more. There are a couple of possible yet unrelated preconceptions about Morocco that we should address. For one, folks might think that Morocco is a budget travel destination akin to Thailand or El Salvador, where your dollar goes very far, decent accommodation is well under $100/night, and an amazing meal costs $5. Well, that's not the case in Morocco, our costs aren't quite that low!  Secondly, costs in Morocco might simply seem unknown, with no real frame of reference. Maybe it's expensive, maybe it's not, how can you know, and what can you relate it to? And when you see the cost of something, are you getting the appropriate value for that cost? Morocco generally speaking fits in somewhere between the costs of Western Europe and Eastern Europe. Not quite as expensive as France or the UK, but not as inexpensive as maybe Albania or Poland. Similar prices to what we often see in North America, but also very good, and certainly unique value, whether it's in our distinct accommodation (riads) or our one-of-a-kind cuisine. So our goal here today is to help give you a frame of reference and ease the sticker shock that might come otherwise. And to therefore help you plan better, know what questions to ask and make an educated decision on budgeting for your trip! You can also watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here:   "Typical Travel Costs in Morocco" Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

    Typical Travel Costs in Morocco

  7. Jul 1

    The Luxury Resort in the High Atlas Mountains

    Nestled in the High Atlas mountains northeast of Marrakech is the Bin el-Ouidane reservoir, one of the largest lakes in Morocco. Surrounded by foothills, ravines and gorges, waterfalls and snowy peaks, this is one of the most visually stunning yet accessible areas in the country, with easy hiking trails and water activities. You might think therefore that it's a prominent stop on Morocco's tourist path, but it's not. Yet. Although well-located between Marrakech and Casablanca, it does represent a three hour detour. As highways and infrastructure continue to be upgraded, that will change. In the meantime, if you want luxury and comfort combined with a nature escape that combines lakes and mountains, before the crowds arrive, this is the place to go. Azdean and family stayed for one night at the Widiane Luxury Hotel and Spa. Built on a hillside overlooking the lake, with access to the water, the resort is one of the most impressive places to stay, not just at the lake but in all of Morocco. A combination of relaxing getaway and multitude of adventure activities, when you're ready to get out of the busy cities and discover amazing hiking, watersports, spas and hammams, 5 star food and accommodation, and most of all tremendous service, this is the place. Azdean sat down with hotel manager Mr. Nabil to talk about this stunning part of the country, and how the resort fits in to the environment. Widiane places a particular emphasis on local: local cuisine, local ingredients (often reinterpretations of international cuisine), local artisans and local staff. This is not a member of a chain of resorts and hotels, it is Moroccan-owned and supported, and a great way to give back to the local economy. Perhaps because of the distance, and the fact that it is not on the main tourist routes, it is still largely known only to locals and the occasional informed tourist. You are about to become one of those in-the-know travellers. You can add a stop here to your tour itinerary, which gives you transport and guided stops along the way. Visit our website to learn more: www.destinationsmorocco.com You can also watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here:   "The Luxury Resort in the High Atlas Mountains" Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

    The Luxury Resort in the High Atlas Mountains

  8. Jun 15

    How to Find Authentic Argan Oil in Morocco

    Discover the versatile and distinctly Moroccan product of Argan Oil in this episode of Destination Morocco podcast, recorded live at the Zin Cooperative, just outside of Essaouira. Argan oil can be pressed into both edible or cosmetic use, and our guest Chiadma explains the different methods of production, and how they know which is which. But we also talk about how to find authentic argan oil, because there are a lot of fake rip offs. Chiadma shares a story of how, before she started working at the co-op, even she succumbed to a too-good-to-be-true sale. Suffice to say, the oil didn't last very long. Good, quality Argan products need a high percentage of oil, and Chiadma explains what to look for. Discarded shells of the nuts are given to the famous tree-climbing goats, whom you might otherwise see along the highway from Marrakech to Essaouira, climbing trees in search of their own supply! Argan trees particularly thrive in the dry, Mediterranean-style climate of Essaouira, Agadir and Taroudant (which we described in Episode 86). Which means sourcing your product from that region is a good start, but you still can't assume that it's the real deal.  The Zin Cooperative, like the rug cooperative we featured in Episode 79, provides much needed employment and community for local women, in a positive and supportive environment. Discover not only quality products, but an enterprise that had a meaningful impact on this rural area. You can also watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here:   "How to Find Authentic Argan Oil in Morocco" Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

    How to Find Authentic Argan Oil in Morocco
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About

Destinations Morocco is a direct ground operator based in Houston, Texas, with an office in Marrakech — offering custom private tours, small-group departures, and white-label itineraries for travel advisors and agencies. On our podcast, host Azdean Elmoustaquim — born and raised in Marrakech — takes you on an exploration of his country's distinct culture, vibrant history, and stunning attractions, alongside co-host and producer Ted.  Azdean prepares you for the real Morocco: where to go, what to expect, real costs and prices, safety (including specifically for female travelers), the kinds of scams to watch for in the bazaars, useful local phrases, and so much more. New: a dedicated series built for travel advisors and agencies, digging into commission structures, client objections, seasonality, and everything else you need to sell Morocco with confidence. New episodes every 1st and 15th. Whether you're planning your own trip or building one for a client, our podcast unpacks the mystery and opens up discovery of an amazing land. We invite you along for the journey. Learn more or request a custom quote at destinationsmorocco.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Azdean Elmoustaquim
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    131
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Destination Morocco Podcast
  • Show Website
    Destination Morocco Podcast

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