Would I be mad to take three children to Morocco on my own?

[olgafromthevolga]

Am thinking of taking DS's (13,12 and 8) to a staffed house in Marrakech for one week this summer, but I'm not sure if I would be OK as a single woman there - this is probably a ridiculous concern, but I just wondered if anyone had any ecperience....

I haven't done it but I think it would be fine.

Try talking to someone like Specialist Morocco who have experience of taking young children to Morocco. I've found them very knowledgeable.

I haven't been to Morocco so can't comment on it much.

But the thought that came to me is - would there be enough there to entertain the DC?

It will be fine. But it will be too hot. Marrakech is best in February half term or Easter.

Will be fine. I took both boys to a small area in Moroccan coast last summer. They were 1 and 3 then. Dh did join us but we arrived and spent days 1-5 alone. Everyone was delighted by children imo and with x2 little ones super helpful

Oh and we all found the weather lovely in July ( beginning), but everyone seems to be cold blooded so love warm weather

I would do it. Marrakech is a very touristy are so I doubt anyone would worry that you are a single woman. I am also sure you wont be wandering off down back streets alone so don't worry and enjoy.

I so want to go to Marrakech but DH hates the idea, maybe I will take my girls on our own one day

We were in Morocco in February, it was freezing. I had a friend went last summer and she coped fine even though she doesn't like the heat.

I would say that as a Mother you will be treated with respect and will be fine. I wouldn't advise Marrakesh for children though, it is a little 'full on'.

Spouse and I took our 10 year old to Morocco - and it was a very successful holiday.

However we went in February half-term. I think doing exploring in the heat of the summer would be very oppressive.

I liked the souk in Marrakech, but would find it hard to keep my eye on three children there. It's very easy to get lost.

We went on an 'adventure type' holiday for families which involved exploring other parts of the country. I'd recommend this - probably no more expensive than a more luxurious holiday in one place. But it depends what sorts of things you and the children enjoy.

Agree that Marrakech is probably not the ideal place for children - the square and the Medina are very hectic and it is easy to get lost. I haven't been with my children, but as a Western woman I have felt slightly uncomfortable in some areas off the beaten track.

I was advised against by the tour company when I considered taking my 2DDs there alone ( a part city/part walking tour into the Atlas). In fact they wouldn't accept a booking from me as a single woman with 2 small daughters. It quite shook me actually as I hadn't really considered the ramifications.

This is the sort of thing I did...

www.adventurecompany.co.uk/site-search/trip/?search_source=search_box&search_values=%7B%22adults%22%3A%221%22%2C%22child0%22%3A%222%22%2C%22child1%22%3A%222%22%2C%22child2%22%3A%222%22%2C%22child3%22%3A%222%22%7D&filters=tid%3A77%20sm_cck_field_traveller_type%3A2&solrsort=is_field_commercial_ranking%20asc&facet=1

Marrakech is wonderful for children (and there is lots to do), but will be ridiculously hot in July. A most I would suggest doing a couple of days there, then heading across to Essaouria or somewhere similar (and far cooler) on the Atlantic coast.

Momb - I'm surprised tbh by that. It's a perfectly safe country. I have happily travelled alone with baby/ babies and toddler in the last few years to morroco/ Oman/ Dubai/ India/ Burma/ Russia, all places people suggest not 'safe'

The one place in the world I often feel unsafe in is when travel to America

That really surprises me too, Momb - I think you were badly advised. Morocco is fundamentally safe, and people are very respectful of women with children. There is a level of "hassle", much of which is cultural / a sales technique, and needs to be treated with humour. A little hassle is attributable to the view some Moroccan men have of western women, but this element all but disappears when you have children in tow. Moroccans in general love children, and will go out of their way to chat to them.

The coast is fine in the summer. Inland in Marrakech is not. You wouldnt be hassled as a lone female, it's just the normal hassle of being a tourist with money to spend.

Thanks so much for all the differing advice...I have decided to take the plunge...

Enjoy! We lived in Morocco for a while with very small and very blonde children, so obviously I had to do a lot on my own with them, and it really was absolutely fine. There are plenty of adventures to be found though! For some respite from the heat, take a look at Oasiria Water Park (lots of fun), and also consider trips outside the city to places like the Ouzoud Waterfalls. I'd also really recommend this place www.cafeclock.com for great classes (they can do cooking, arabic and dancing, e.g., classes for children in English - the café in Marrakech is very new, but they have a long established sister café in Fes which we used to frequent.

I haven't been to Morocco since I was pregnant but I would happily go with children. I found people to be very helpful & respectful of me in pregnancy so would imagine the same with small children.

We wrnt to Marrakech on our (October) honeymoon, years ago, was full of French children as their half term, would happily take our dc there.