Destination Morocco Podcast

Azdean Elmoustaquim

Destination Morocco Travel Agency offers customized tours to Morocco, including private tours and small group tours, complete with private guides and drivers. Our goal is for you to experience Morocco like a native, while providing personal service and customized itineraries at an affordable price.On our podcast, join Destination Morocco's Azdean Elmoustaquim as he takes you on an exploration of his country's distinct culture, vibrant history and stunning attractions. Azdean prepares you for the real Morocco, with suggestions of places to see, exciting activities and attractions, what to expect and what to include on your itinerary.We meet locals and guides, fellow travellers, learn about costs and prices, safety, especially for female travellers, the kinds of scams to look out for in the bazaars, useful phrases in local languages, and so much more. Our podcast unpacks the mystery, opening up discovery of an amazing land.  We invite you along for the journey.

  1. A Great Way to Experience Morocco for the First Time

    MAR 15

    A Great Way to Experience Morocco for the First Time

    You can also watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here:   "A Great Way to Experience Morocco for the First Time" --- Kyle Elizabeth Freeman travelled to Morocco on a solo trip over the Christmas holidays 2025, a potentially tricky time to go! As Azdean always says, things over Christmas/New Year's can be booked up months in advance, and not just accommodation, but tours, guides and attractions as well. And on top of that, this was right in the middle of Morocco hosting the African Cup of Nations soccer tournament, so it was even busier than usual! But Kyle knew that she needed a break, to go somewhere completely different and original, and Morocco had been calling to her for ages. To make it happen, she discovered the Destination Morocco podcast, and then turned to Azdean for as much support as he could provide, given the time frame. Happy to oblige, Azdean pointed Kyle in the right direction for bookings and expectations, hired a car, driver and a fabulous tour guide for her for the week, and together they put together an intriguing approach to visiting Morocco for the first time. Most travellers understandably want to see as much of Morocco as possible, and cover lots of ground. That was always going to be tricky at this time of year, at a fairly last minute, and with a major event taking place at the same time.  So, they chose instead to focus on Marrakech itself, chose one accommodation for the week to avoid moving around, and used the city as a home base for activities and exploration. The effect was remarkable, because it turned Kyle's trip into a mini-slow travel experience, and suggested a new way to enjoy the tour format, and your own private guide, without the disruption of constant change and moving around. By the end, Marrakech for Kyle was starting to feel like home, which is exactly the feeling we want you to have! Our thanks to Kyle for joining us on this episode and sharing her story, her advice and her newfound passion for Morocco. Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience! Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean. November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per Person Book Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

    33 min
  2. How Do You Fix Travel Problems When You're in Morocco?

    MAR 1

    How Do You Fix Travel Problems When You're in Morocco?

    You can also watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here:   "An Honest Take on Travel in Morocco" --- Jill Smith and her partner Gary traveled to Morocco just before Christmas, 2025, on a southern tour: Marrakech, Merzouga, Ouarzazate and the High Atlas Mountains, and Essaouira, too. It was mostly amazing, with parts a little frustrating, and she's here today to share with us how it went.  We wanted an honest assessment of their time in Morocco, because we all know: travel isn't perfect. It's exciting, spontaneous, rough, full of pleasant surprises and unexpected twists.  And in a place like Morocco, which is growing in tourism and tourism infrastructure, part of the appeal is being witness to that change and growth. But it can mean that things don't go quite according to plan. Jill talks about the excitement of interacting with local culture, the incredible variety of food, but also pushing back against suggestions and pressure to do activities. Often it's nice to just take a break and relax. Destination Morocco not just helps but encourages you to do this: it's your trip, you can choose what you want to see and do. Azdean worked with Jill and Gary before their trip to craft an itinerary based around their interests, and cut through the overwhelm. 2026 is a great time to visit Morocco, before it's even busier, so reach out to us today! Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience! Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean. November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per Person Book Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

    44 min
  3. This November, Join Us On a Tour to Morocco!

    FEB 15

    This November, Join Us On a Tour to Morocco!

    You can also watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here:   "This November, Join us on a Tour to Morocco!" --- This November is the moment to get yourself to Morocco, with our new small group tour! For an intimate yet affordable travel experience, our tour this November 8-15, 2026 offers you a tremendous way to visit Morocco. This is no 50-person coach tour that is hustled along from stop to stop, with constant waiting and delays. Build friendships and memories that last a lifetime, have quality time in Morocco while seeing all the famous sights, and even help craft the schedule and activities. Azdean himself, along with a national guide, will be with you throughout the tour to share stories and context for what you're seeing. No other tour of this size will approach the level of value, comfort and personal attention, for such a low price. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to experience Morocco in a safe, relaxed and affordable way. In our episode today, Azdean and Ted go over the details of the tour: the stops included, logistics such as transport, accommodation and meals, what to expect, and most of all, who it's for. If you want the pace and flexibility of independent travel, with the safety and companionship of fellow travelers, this tour is your sweet spot. The maximum size is limited to 12 participants, and the cost is $1995 USD per person, at double occupancy.  Be part of this select group: book a free discovery call with Azdean today, bring your questions, and join us in November for this fantastic tour! Visit: https://destinationsmorocco.com/ https://trips.destinationsmorocco.com/Morocco-2026 to learn more! --- Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience! Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean. November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per Person Book Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

    30 min
  4. Surfing, Hiking, Mountain Climbing and More: Morocco is Easier Than Ever for Adventures!

    FEB 1

    Surfing, Hiking, Mountain Climbing and More: Morocco is Easier Than Ever for Adventures!

    We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:   "Add Some Adrenaline to your Morocco Trip" --- On top of everything else in Morocco: the food, culture, scenery, history, art and design - did you know that it's also a rising destination for adventure travel? Morocco has wonderful variety in its landscape and environment, which means whether you want to go surfing, mountain climbing, overnight trekking, camel riding or dune buggy exploring in the Sahara Desert, the options are all there! And a tour company like Destination Morocco can help to facilitate your adventures, handling all the logistics and timing, while making sure that you don't miss out on the regular tourist sights too, like Fes and Marrakech.  This episode is another one which is a bit easier to follow in video form, where we share the screen to show you maps, locations and fabulous images, so hop over to our YouTube channel if you can. But if you're busy driving or jogging, you can still listen along and get the backstories and descriptions! In today's conversation, Azdean and producer Ted chat about some of the options for adventure travel and activities, from the beaches of Fes and Agadir to the sand dunes of Merzouga, or climbing Mt. Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. In this example, you'll have lodging, equipment, a guide and even your own chef for the trek, which is a legitimate hike but not quite Everest-scale, so probably more accessible than you might imagine. We cover safety, costs and equipment too, including advice on what to bring and when to book. There are some corners of Morocco that are becoming less and less of a secret these days, so get in before the crowds, and maybe have a beach to yourself! Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience! Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean. November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per Person Book Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

    37 min
  5. Planning the Ultimate Moroccan Honeymoon: Culture, Desert Luxury, and Insider Travel Tips. With Kyleigh Grace and Weddings 101 podcast

    JAN 15

    Planning the Ultimate Moroccan Honeymoon: Culture, Desert Luxury, and Insider Travel Tips. With Kyleigh Grace and Weddings 101 podcast

    One of the reasons Morocco has become more and more popular lately is its recognition as a honeymoon destination. The combination of stunning landscape, distinct culture and an emphasis on design and aesthetics wherever you go: these are just the starting points. When we then consider the increasing ease of getting to Morocco, with more direct flights from North America and Europe, improved travel infrastructure, and that distinct combination of accessible yet exotic, Morocco jumps out as a unique and exciting place to escape to after your big event. Azdean appeared a few weeks ago on the Weddings 101 podcast, with host Kyleigh Grace, to chat about these highlights and more. Now, we're doing an episode swap here on the Destination Morocco podcast, since there was so much valuable information, and a fun conversation too! What's really interesting is getting an outside, newcomer's perspective on travel to Morocco in general, with the added focus of honeymoon tips and advice. We chat about how couples can blend adventure with relaxation, what a truly immersive honeymoon looks like, safety and dress code tips, realistic budget expectations, what to ask for in accommodation, and how customized itineraries help couples experience Morocco like a local.  Azdean also breaks down unique romantic experiences, from private desert dinners to hammam spa rituals, cooking classes, hot air balloon rides, and more.  A Moroccan honeymoon will leave you particularly indelible memories, so whether you're just starting to plan or looking for insider expertise to elevate your trip, this episode will help you design a Moroccan honeymoon that’s unforgettable, meaningful, and perfectly tailored to you. Our thanks to Kyleigh for this opportunity and for sharing her resources and insight! You can find Weddings 101 on their website: https://weddings101pod.com on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weddings101podand listen on Spotify, Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kCfEw7JoIn62I1bUgNwZB?si=252633af8b784a07https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/weddings-101/id1799475222 Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience! Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean. November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per Person Book Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

    1h 8m
  6. What's Going on in Morocco Right Now: Travel Updates from Marrakech

    JAN 1

    What's Going on in Morocco Right Now: Travel Updates from Marrakech

    You can also find the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here:   "What's Going on in Morocco Right Now: Travel Updates from Marrakech" Learn about the latest goings-on in Morocco, direct from the source: Azdean shares with us what tourism is like right now in Marrakech and beyond, as he calls in direct from the red city.  Our conversation today includes a summary of a group tour from Casablanca to Fez, driving down to Merzouga desert, through Dadès Valley and over the mountains to Marrakech. Along the way, the group stopped at a unique and secret cave dwelling, still inhabited, although at least a little modernized!  And a look at how to make dietary requests and come prepared when you travel here. Remember, on a tour your tour director will help make sure that ingredients and special supplies are accounted for, since Merzouga and the villages along the way are certainly quite isolated. Which is of course part of the attraction! Azdean is there, on the ground as the African Cup completes its setup: there are football fans everywhere, and media from around the world there to cover the event.  As we enter 2026, we look at how busy the country expects to be, and why it may in fact be the best time to visit, because it's only going to get busier as the football World Cup approaches, and even more attention is focused on Morocco. Things are busy, but you can still get in before the crowds get even heavier. Azdean even took a direct flight from Atlanta to Marrakech, thanks to the new service from Delta Airlines. With multiple options from the US and Canada to Casablanca and/or Marrakech, travel to Morocco is becoming even easier. This is a special episode for us: although we've done some extra bonus episodes and live q&a replays, we consider this one to be our official 100th episode! Thank you to our wonderful listeners and viewers who have been there on this nearly four year journey, we're proud to be the trailblazing podcast for travel in Morocco, and are excited for more great topics and guests to come in the new year! Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience! Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean. November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per Person Book Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

    37 min
  7. Discover a Real Morocco Cooking Class Experience - Live on Location at Riad Ghita, Fes

    12/15/2025

    Discover a Real Morocco Cooking Class Experience - Live on Location at Riad Ghita, Fes

    You can also find the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here:   "Discover a Real Morocco Cooking Class Experience" After the inspiring ideas of our last episode, 'Food Travel in Morocco: What to Order When You Visit', this week we take you a step further, into an actual Moroccan kitchen! The hosts at Riad Ghita in Fès welcome us behind the scenes for a genuine Moroccan cooking class, where we put together the ingredients for a lamb tagine, Moroccan salads, camel skewers and more.  Discover the authentic, natural ingredients that go into real Moroccan cooking, all freshly sourced from the medina in Fes. You'll see Azdean and the team shopping and gathering everything they need, and then meeting in the riad's modern kitchen to start preparing.  Go beyond the recipe websites and witness an actual cooking class, recorded live on location in Fes, and learn how to put the recipes together, just like a local. You can book a class like this too, whether in Fez, Marrakech, Essaouira, or anywhere else in Morocco that puts its own distinct twist on national cuisine. Cooking classes can easily be integrated into your itinerary, and leave you with lasting skills that you can put into action when you're back home, not to mention the indelible memories. Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco? Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires. If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life. Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco. Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours! Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience! Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean. November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per Person Book Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

    58 min
  8. Food Travel in Morocco: What to Order When You Visit

    12/01/2025

    Food Travel in Morocco: What to Order When You Visit

    You can also find the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here:   "Food Travel in Morocco: What to Order When You Visit" Dig in with us to this fun conversation that provides a great overview of Moroccan gastronomy and its cultural importance. Azdean and producer Ted take a look at some of the popular dishes you'll find in Morocco, some you've probably heard of, and others which might be less familiar, but that you'll discover quickly once you arrive. This episode is another one which is a bit easier to follow in video form, where you can see the various dishes we're talking about, so hop over to our YouTube channel if you can. But if you're busy driving or jogging, you can still listen along and get the backstories and descriptions! There's tagine and couscous of course, but Azdean describes the different types of each that you can find, and also shows us the essential spices that define Moroccan cooking. We learn about Harira, the traditional soup served during Ramadan, rich in flavor and ingredients. And how Moroccan cooking techniques emphasize marinating and slow cooking for flavor. Meanwhile, street food in Marrakesh has improved significantly and is now considered safe, especially in the Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Questions about dietary restrictions? In this day and age, with tourism booming, restaurants are learning to accommodate different demands and requirements. You may have to call ahead, but these days you can find more and more choice. Food is always a popular topic around here, but it's been a while since we devoted an entire episode to exploring it, so we're excited to share these mouth-watering ideas with you! Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience! Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean. November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per Person Book Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

    33 min
4.9
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Destination Morocco Travel Agency offers customized tours to Morocco, including private tours and small group tours, complete with private guides and drivers. Our goal is for you to experience Morocco like a native, while providing personal service and customized itineraries at an affordable price.On our podcast, join Destination Morocco's Azdean Elmoustaquim as he takes you on an exploration of his country's distinct culture, vibrant history and stunning attractions. Azdean prepares you for the real Morocco, with suggestions of places to see, exciting activities and attractions, what to expect and what to include on your itinerary.We meet locals and guides, fellow travellers, learn about costs and prices, safety, especially for female travellers, the kinds of scams to look out for in the bazaars, useful phrases in local languages, and so much more. Our podcast unpacks the mystery, opening up discovery of an amazing land.  We invite you along for the journey.

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