Forget your modern day perception about Muslim nations and visit Marrakesh Morocco. It is thrilling, vibrant, and oozing with culture. You have no idea how influential Moroccan style, culture, and attitude trickles into our daily American lives until you pay this city a visit. Look at home design alone…almost every rug, lamp, or wall color is directly taken from Moroccan life. From our spices to our need to bargain for a good deal, you can arguably agree stemmed from the Moroccan culture.

This is my first visit to an Arab country and I am impressed. Everyone is friendly and I surprisingly felt very safe despite most

reviews I read about women traveling alone to Arab countries.

My take-away regarding female solo travel: respect the culture, dress appropriately, remain aware, and trust the Universe (she always has your back). Also, avoid negative naysayers. People who don’t leave their “bubble” are less likely to feel safe in cultures and countries different of their own. Due to their little exposure, their opinions are based on fear and quite frankly can put a damper on your plans. Like I said, remain aware and make smart choices, you’ll be just fine.

But back to Marrackech….

I took a last minute flight thanks to my friend Martin’s side joke that we could drive from Lisbon to Morocco. A light bulb went off and I suddenly remembered how close we truly were to a city I always dreamed of visiting. Without hesitation (when traveling, always go with your gut) I cancelled my flight to Scotland. Two hours and 3 devices of searching later, I booked a flight and hotel to Marrakesh, Morrocco. BAM! Insert muscle arm emoji. (Thank you Martin and Odete, your service was instrumental!)

If you’re solo and it’s your first time, get a car transfer booked through your hotel upon arrival. Makes the transition smoother and its less hassle. I booked El Fenn Hotel. If it’s in your budget or can find a good deal, I highly recommend it. El Fenn is a lovely Riad (Moroccan style hotel) sitting right on the outskirts of the Medina where the mass maze of markets lie. El Fenn is gorgeous and dressed in true Moroccan style. With only 48 hours, I still found time to sit in one of their many common areas to read and write. I loved sitting by the front desk as you get to relish in Arabic and listen to the passer-byers from other countries.

With such a short time, I took a guide to get me around the maze or otherwise known as the Old Medina, for only $27 USD. Totally worth every penny if you are lucky enough to be accompanied by the stud muffin that is Mustapha, your local Marrakesh GPS. He’s witty, fun, and a self-proclaimed Muslim hippie. What’s not to love? He took me through the markets and gave a commentary that was nothing short of extraordinary. The best part is, if you take a guide your first day, you can begin to navigate and venture with confidence alone on your second day. After a couple marriage proposals under my belt and a good sense of direction, I owned that Medina on day two.

Check out Mustapha: www.mustaphachouquir.com

I’m not a big shopper but if shopping is your thing, plan on it in Marrakech. These

Moroccans know how to make the most exquisite things you can find and all hand-made. I would not be surprised if my backpack from Zara began as an idea from the Medina’s Leather wing.

I’ll let the photos do most of the talking but a big thanks to Mustapha, Muhammad (who helped me get cous cous and ask for a Vegetarian version in Arabic), and El Fenn for making Morocco feel like home because let’s face it, we may very well have a little Morocco somewhere in our lives already.