Along the usual travel essentials that you need anywhere in the world, this list is about specifics to Morocco.

1. Don’t let geography and travel postcards fool you: Morocco can be very cold! For example in Chefchaouen we got rain and cold weather. Our tour guide told us that it even snows in the winter! Despite that, the houses don’t have a furnace or an air condition. Hotels may vary of course. So bring a warm jacket and a rain coat!

2. Have toilet paper with you every time you need to go. Public bathrooms don’t even have a toilet roll holder; the whole concept is unknown.

3. Closed toe shoes are a must especially in the Souks! Lots of stray dogs and cats, many donkeys, puddles of unknown fluids and dirt. You get it, right?

4. Your smelling will be challenged. Not only body odor in crowded areas are overwhelming, visiting the tanneries will make you gag! A trick would be to have a piece of cloth (or cotton ball or tissue paper) wrapped around your index finger and secured with a rubber band. Then spray it with a scent (aesthetic oil or perfume) and hold it under your nose when needed. A perfect way to use those perfume samples from the pharmacies or drugstores.

5. For women: Bring clothes that at least cover your knees and your elbows; no need the cover your hair! For men: long pants

6. Be prepared for steps and stairs everywhere. A few steps up followed by a few steps down without reason, steps in unexpected areas, be prepared! Riads usually don’t have elevators! Bring shoes that are easy to walk with, but also think about your luggage! A big suitcase with bad wheels is a nightmare to roll / lift / schlepp through the medians and up to the third floor of your charming Riad! Better to have a small suitcase with good wheels + a backpack