Explore Authentic Morocco with a Local
A Small Group Tour to Explore Authentic Morocco
A small group tour or private escorted tour is the ideal way to discover authentic Morocco. The country lends itself to travelling by train, mini-bus or ferry. A combination of all three is even better. With good road networks, decent rail connections and ferry connections with mainland Europe, Morocco is a great introduction to exploring Northern Africa.
Imagine spending a night in a palace in a charming bustling city, then the next day you go to a breath-taking Kasbah at the heart of the mountains then you get to ride a camel in the desert and spend the night in a tent, with a universe of stars to gaze at. This is what Morocco offers and more.
It has Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, a rugged mountain interior and a history of independence not shared by its neighbours. Its rich culture is a blend of Arab, Berber, European and African influences.
Morocco History
Morocco has a rich and colourful history. A variety of tours offer authentic experiences that lead you through the historical Imperial cities and beautiful landscapes. On these journeys of discovery, you can sleep in charming Riads, step back in time while sightseeing Roman ruins and explore ancient Kasbahs.
Morocco has a history of several dynasties that have succeeded one another over the years, Names that any traveller to the country will come across include the Idrisside dynasty, the Almoravid dynasty, the Almohad dynasty, the Merinid dynasty, the Saadian dynasty and the Alaouite dynasty. Morocco has gained international consideration as a multicultural country, with much of its heritage recognised as World Heritage by UNESCO. Morocco is one of the go-to destinations for discovery lovers, perfect for any traveller fascinated by nature, history, the art of living. It is hard not to fall in love with Moroccan hospitality.
Food in Morocco
For those with an interest in the culinary, then travelling throughout the country offers the opportunity to learn about Moroccan cuisine. The country itself is consistently ranked among the best travel destinations for food lovers. Jit is not surprising to anyone who has been before, but for a first-time traveller to Morocco, the culinary delights include souk tasting trails in Fes and Marrakech, having the chance to eat at a local family’s home in the Atlas Mountains or for those dedicated to learning a new skill, why not take a cooking class with an expert chef out in the countryside.
Authentic Morocco
At Our Local Tour one of our main aims is to help you connect and get closer to the local communities during our immersive small group tours. Morocco is home of the Berber, and you will uncover the daily life in Berber villages of the High Atlas Mountains. Here the revolve around the necessities of food, hunting, rug making and taking care of the herds and land. Get involved and experience day to day activities such as jam or bread making cooking using the most basic tools and an outdoors clay oven. When travelling as a group, there are opportunities for light treks or desert safaris. If you are lucky, you may be invited to join with a nomadic tribe as they migrate from one region to another!
There are opportunities to support local craft producers and shop for colourful rugs and handicrafts, many of which are still made in the traditional ways. Explore workshops and meet the local skilled artisans. Here you will discover not only the process of making Moroccan handicrafts but also the rich heritage that the country and its people continue to convey through their artisanship. Brass etching, pottery, weaving, leather & jewellery making, and embroidery. On an authentic tour of Morocco, you can avoid the crowds and fully experience the local specialties and give credit, acknowledgment and direct benefits to all of the underrated artists behind those pieces of art.
Morocco has many different types of traditional dances and music styles rooted in Arab, Berber, and African culture. The Moroccan arts reflect the many cultural backgrounds and ethnicity that have found their home in Morocco. For this reason, Moroccan dance is very diverse and varies from region to region. However, no cultural or historical tour of Morocco would be complete without witnessing a belly dance.
Shikhat is the dance commonly known as the Belly dance and Professional shikat wear colourful costumes with tight, midriff-baring sequined tops and long loose skirts or pants. This dance is characterised by sensual hip movements and often, the women wear a hip scarf to bring attention to the movements of the lower body. These exhibitions are often combined with a folk show which focuses on the culture, heritage, architecture, and rich history of Morocco. According to some, the belly dance is extremely old and traces of it can be found up to 6,000 years ago, in some pagan societies who used to worship a feminine deity, to celebrate women’s fertility as something magic.
Modern Morocco
In the 21st century, Morocco has been able to preserve its traditions and make its cultural heritage prosper through the generations. For example, in Marrakech, the Medina and its magnificent souks envelop you with its traditional side, while Guéliz and Hivernage offer the most modern facilities and infrastructure. Far from being a clash, this combination of modern and traditional Morocco embodies the true essence of the country.
For any traveller wishing to have an authentic group tour in Morocco, then contact Our Local Tour, whose local travel experts can create the perfect itinerary for your journey of discovery.
- Published in Specialist Travel
What is a tailormade holiday?
Are you looking at a trip and want to know what is tailormade holiday?
Is this the right holiday for you?
You may have heard of the term tailormade holiday or tailormade vacation, but then asked yourself, what is a tailormade holiday? When travel agents and tour operators use the term, what exactly is tailormade travel?
Our definition of a tailormade holiday is a trip that is built out of the various elements of flights, hotels, transport, guiding and experiences and is then entirely personalised to you. Of course, this is a simplified breakdown. You will find that many travel companies claim to offer ‘tailormade’ travel experiences, however they are limited to only certain hotels, or package together a range of different ‘modules’ rather than a truly bespoke travel package.
The term ‘Tailormade’ means made to fit the needs or specifications of a particular situation, object, or person—or seeming as though it was made that way. In its most literal sense, tailormade is used to describe a piece of clothing made by a tailor, especially a suit. A tailormade garment like this is made specifically to the measurements of the person that it’s for so that it fits them perfectly. Therefore, a tailormade holiday or vacation should be one that is designed for the person and one that fits them and their needs perfectly.
You may also see the terms bespoke holiday planning or bespoke vacations. This all refers to the same type of travel planning.
So what then are the advantages of a tailormade holiday over an ‘off the peg’ package holiday?
When considering the benefits of bespoke travel arrangements, we have come up with the following list. These are the best reasons to book tailormade travel.
- You can use a local travel expert to make suggestions based on their first-hand knowledge of the destination. Our team will listen and ask questions until they’re happy they have what’s needed to make that bespoke, perfect experience you’re after.
- The departure date and the exact duration of the holiday can be chosen by you. You can make sure that your trip fits in with your schedule and that you spend your time off wisely and doing something you want.
- You can select the style and standard of accommodation and work out the most suitable day to day activities for you. We hand pick our destinations and activities using our first-hand knowledge and our local experts’ experience and then pass this on to you.
- Tailormade means complete choice. You choose the airline that you want to fly with and the class of travel you want. We give you the options and you choose what is best for you.
- We can arrange a private local guide and car at your destination, allowing complete flexibility of timings and activities. If there is a language barrier or you need specific information on a subject, this is the best way to travel. From researching family trees to bird watching and even learning how to cook a specific local dish, we can help.
How does booking work?
To begin with, tell us about your travel ideas and we will use our first hand-hand destination knowledge to work together with to create a holiday itinerary that is unique and works for you.
We will prepare a no-obligation personal holiday proposal for you to consider.
Once we’ve got your feedback about these ideas, we’ll propose one in finer detail. We’ll outline what we suggest you do each day and where to stay but should you not be happy with our suggestions, well we’ll just keep changing and altering things until you are. Or we go back to the drawing board.
The important part is that we work with you to make sure it’s just right, before you book. Although the choice is yours, we are on hand to help with every step of your holiday; from your flights and transfers, accommodation and meals, to your activities and bucket list experiences.
Are Tailormade Holidays more expensive?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. As a rule of thumb, they may be a bit more expensive than a package holidays. However, tailor-made offers great value as it can be designed with a specific budget in mind.
Any extra cost is easily outweighed by the benefits. As we mentioned previously, you get the priceless expert advice of travel professionals, private drivers, your choice of accommodation, knowledgeable guides, and hidden ‘insider’ experiences. Add into the mix that the entire trip is organised for you, and any extra costs seem great value for money.
In addition, you are going to be avoiding some of the worst parts about travelling! There should be no getting lost, reduced chances of missing a transport connection, guides who stop you from falling into a tourist trap, no being overcharged by taxis and the end of searching endlessly for ATMS or legitimate currency exchanges.
To summarise, tailormade holidays offer you choice, flexibility and independence. Using local travel experts such as we do at Our Local Tour means that that dream holiday can be attained and in an ethical and sustainable way. Why not let one of our travel xperts help you put together the perfect tailormade holiday? From Albania to Costa Rica and Kenya to Bangladesh, we can arrange it for you! Get in touch here.
- Published in Specialist Travel
A Guide to Travelling in South Africa
Few countries in the world can offer the diversity of wildlife and culture that travelling in South Africa allows. The southernmost country in the African continent and with a population of almost 60 million people, South Africa has something to satisfy any type of traveller.
South Africa Safari
A safari to South Africa is the most common type of holiday to the country. As safari destinations go, South Africa has it all and the country offers visitors the ‘big five’. These are the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and Cape buffalo. Many of the lodges in South Africa allow you the chance to view these five iconic species but being wildlife, nothing is ever guaranteed.
It is said that the term “Big Five” comes from the old safari hunting days. Many people assume that the name is derived from the size of the animals but this is not true. Rather, these five animals proved to be the most difficult to hunt. These days the hunting is done with cameras and zoom lens.
When considering the different lodges and regions for your safari to South Africa, whether the lodge offers the Big Five is a major consideration. Do not just use these criteria though. Certain areas are much better for rhino. Kruger National Park, and specifically Southern Kruger, is renowned for white rhino. In fact, this park has the largest population of rhino in Africa. Consider what you want to view as this will then direct where you will be travelling in South Africa.
Make a list of the animals and rate them in order of preference. You can then check off what lodges and parks will best meet your needs. A safari to South Africa is often a once in a lifetime experience, so make sure you plan what you want to do.
There are many local tour operators that will gladly share their experience and expertise with you. Many of these local safari operators will be based in the National Parks or at the safari lodges, so have excellent first-hand knowledge of the area. They can also tell you the best time of year to travel and what the wildlife viewing will be like then. Of course, at Our Local Tour, our local travel experts can assist you with this process.
There is more to travelling in South Africa than a Big Five safari. South Africa has a vibrant food and drink scene and a rich and disturbing history to explore.
The Garden Route
For a first time traveller to South Africa, the Garden route is the ideal introduction. Travelling from Cape Town in the west to Port Elizabeth in the east this is a popular self-drive holiday. As well as self-drive, there are bus companies offering regular services along the route and many and shop in quaint towns. Sample fresh oysters or if you are lucky you may get to watch southern right whales at play.
The adventurous can take a boat trip and dive with the mighty Great White shark off the coast of Gansbaai. The Garden route is a great introduction to the country and should be seriously considered by anyone looking at travelling in South Africa.
South African wines are famous throughout the world. For those more interested in the food and drink of the country, then the South African wine lands should be your first port of call. Jump in a car or take an escorted tour just one hour east of Cape Town and you are in South Africa’s Winelands. The town names here read like a ‘best of’ wine collection; Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl create a holy trinity of wine producing regions for you to explore.
There is a wide selection of vineyards here offering guided tours from boutique wineries to sprawling estates. Many of these also offer a wine tasting and food pairing experience with onsite restaurants offering the best of South African produce. If you like to burn off a few of the calories as you are going, then there choose to tour the winelands on bike! Indulge your taste buds with extraordinary tastings and wine pairings and enjoy the beauty of the sprawling vineyards as you pedal your way between farms.
South African History Tours
Travelling in South Africa you will find that the history of the country is hard to miss. The must visit locations such as Robin Island are still raw with the recent past. Led by a local resident, take a tour in one of the townships. They will help you understand the history of the people and you will be supporting people who are seeking to create real change.
Heading further back in history, explore the Zulu battlefields and the infamous Rorke’s Drift. Enhance your experience and bring these historical sites to life by taking a tour led by a local historian. Standing on the wide open plains you can imagine the sight of thousands of Zulu warriors bearing down on your position. The heroic defence of Rorke’s Drift Mission Station was preceded by the massacre at Isandlwana and this is depicted in the film Zulu Dawn starring Burt Lancaster and Peter O’Toole as Lord Chelmsford.
If you plan to continue travelling in South Africa, then leave the plains behind, and head to the coast and the city of Durban. The third most populous city in South Africa, Durban is often referred to as South Africa’s Miami Beach. Relax on the beach, enjoy shopping in the many malls or take part in the many activities available locally.
A safari to South Africa is most people main reason for visiting the country but there is so much more to see and do. Contact Our Local Tour who can help you plan and offer you insights and ideas you would never normally consider.
- Published in Specialist Travel
Active Holidays and Tours
A guide to active holidays and tours
One of the most popular and increasingly advertised forms of travel is now the Active Holidays section. If you are one of those people who cannot just spend their days laid out on the beach, then you are certainly not alone. There is a growing market for holidays that get you up and about, from horse riding on the plains of Mongolia to yoga with a guru on the banks of the Ganges and everything else in between. Here we list some of the most popular types of active holidays and tours as well as some of the less well known options that you may not have heard about.
Hiking, Walking and Trekking Holidays
When you ask about the different types of active holidays, these are what most people instantly think of. Even within this sub-section of the genre, there are many different types of hikes, walks and treks to consider. From companies that offer you the chance to climb Mount Everest, to ‘slow holidays’ that take you on walking trips through beautiful French countryside, there will be a hiking, walking or trekking holiday for you.
Cycling Holidays
You can take a cycling holiday in almost any country in the world. It can be as simple as jumping on your bike and setting off from home or you can join a group as they travel Africa from north to south. To make things as easy as possible, tour operators can arrange local bike hire, overnight accommodation and even your food and drink stops along the way. Many will accompany you with a back up vehicle in case of puncture or fatigue. Guided and self guided tours are available as are road cycling and mountain biking focussed tours. Whether you are a keen cyclist or just like the idea of exploring on two wheels, then a cycling holiday may be just what you need.
Cultural Holidays
Have you ever been to a famous site but really wanted to know more about it? If so, a cultural holiday is what you need. Often accompanied by a specialist guide, you can explore ancient monuments, interact with local tribes or attend the opera at a famous opera house. Specialist local knowledge is often vital in creating these types of active holidays. Knowing when a local festival is taking place, how to get tickets for the hottest show in town and what the best local restaurant is to try that speciality you wanted, is what local tour operators do best. There are also various different ways you can take you cultural holiday. Private tailor-made holidays can give you the most exclusive and personal experiences, whilst travelling with a small group of like minded travellers, means that you may make friends for life. Just ask your local operator what they can do for you or check with our experienced team.
Winter Sports Holidays
One of the original ‘active holidays’, skiing is more popular than ever. For those with a thirst for the slopes and an unlimited budget, you can ski all year round. From the famous European resorts in the Alps to the southern hemisphere and Queenstown in New Zealand as well as the north American playgrounds, there is always somewhere you can ski. For newcomers, the sport can seem intimidating but there are many excellent operators who will advise you on the best places to learn as well as book you the lessons needed to get started.
Skiing is not the only winter sport holiday. Snowboarding is similar to skiing but you may also want to try alpine skiing, snow shoeing , dog sledding, ski biking and for the bravest of you, how about winter swimming!
Food and Drink Holidays
Spend time on a vineyard in France or learn to cook Vietnamese food in Hanoi. The wide range of food and drink holidays you can now take are a growing part of the active holidays market. Small local businesses in Italy are offering you the chance to learn to make pasta from an original family recipe. Stay in the courtyard of an ancient Belgium brewery as you learn the skills needed to brew your own perfect pint. To get the most out of this type of break, you need to make sure that you are learning directly from a local. Beware though. In recent times more ‘corporate’ events and activities have started to spring up, fitting as many people as possible into a sterile and uniform event prepared just for tourists.
Family Adventure Holidays
If you and the kids are bored after a couple of days by the pool, then you need to look at a family adventure holiday. Designed specifically for families, these holidays encompass the whole of the active holidays market, but adapt the overall experience to be suitable for families. As well as family holidays, you can choose to travel in groups with other like minded families or have the trip tailor-made to your own specification. Most family adventure tour operators are very specialist and have dedicated staff that look specifically after this market.
This is just a brief rundown of the various types of active holidays and tours you can take. Search our Our Local Tour by activity to see if there is something active that you can do on your next trip. Alternatively, get in touch and speak to one of our team about the options available for you.
- Published in Specialist Travel
Sailing Holiday – Family Sailing Destinations
Sailing Holiday
A sailing holiday is one of the most popular activity holidays. Sail in crystal blue seas. Stop at little coves with nobody but you on the beach. It sounds idyllic and it really is.
Surprisingly, this type of holiday is not out of reach with a normal budget. Hiring a boat to sail around the Greek islands is not exclusive to millionaires. There are many small businesses that have been setup to meet the demand for adventurous holidaymakers. At Our Local Tour we know the best.
You do not even have to have any sailing qualifications. Local sailing operators can provide you with an experienced crew to help you learn the ropes as you sail.
There are plenty of options for the novice sailor. The most popular sailing holiday is the flotilla style. Many of these holidays are designed for the complete beginner and you can learn new skills in a fun and relaxed way.
Some sailing companies will also include accreditation with your holiday so that you come back with a new qualification. With an experienced skipper on board, learning the basics of sailing becomes a fun hands on part of the holiday.
You travel together in a group of sometimes 10-12 yachts, guided by a lead boat. The flotilla lead has a Skipper and often an engineer and hostess on board. It is the fun of the sailing holiday with novice sailor stress removed!
The more experienced sailor
For the more experienced sailor, there are also plenty of exciting options. You can chart your own yacht and set off in to the sunset.
Known as bareboat charter, this is the most flexible option and gives you complete freedom to explore. You can also hire a skipper, a chef and follow a fixed route. This is a sailing holiday that you control.
A skippered sailing holiday combines the freedom of the bareboat charter with the easy of the flotilla holidays. You can charter your yacht and include the skipper when you want.
This means you can have a skipper onboard to start the holiday, but after a few days as you grow in confidence, you take over and sail. There is the option to have a skipper for the full charter also.
Where to take a sailing holiday?
Put simply, you can take a sailing holiday anywhere that you can sail. The most popular destinations are in the Mediterranean, with Greece, Turkey, the Balearic Islands and Croatia all being in demand. With most of these destinations served by low cost airlines and a plentiful supply of yachts, prices are very competitive.
Local charter operators will know the best routes, special places to anchor and the best restaurants for the evening if in harbour.
For a more exotic sailing holiday, you can head to Thailand and Andaman Sea. Here you can sail in the beautiful waters and explore the islands off the Thai coast. You will also find world-class diving and snorkelling, excellent sport fishing and unspoilt beaches.
The welcome in Thailand is always a good one and the food excellent.
A worldwide sailing destination, the Caribbean has plenty of great sailing available. With many Caribbean islands having multiple sailing holiday operators, there is plenty of choice. Sail in the British Virgin Islands or Martinique and anchor off your own white sandy beach.
It won’t be a dream as you dive into warm turquoise seas to snorkel among the rainbow colours of a coral reef. Finish the day with a rum punch on the deck of your yacht. The Caribbean islands have a sophistication that few other places in the world can match.
Who takes a sailing holiday?
There are options for all when it comes to sailing holidays. If you are young you may want to look at the options to join a crew. A working holiday on a yacht sailing the Greek islands is a great addition to your CV.
For families, the time spent on board, working together to sail a ship is a fantastic way to for a family bond. Don’t worry too much about the routes and technicalities of sailing. Take a flotilla holiday or a skippered charter and the stress is taken away, allowing you to enjoy the time with your family.
If you are travelling solo or as a couple, there are many options depending on your confidence and experience. All of the above can be suitable and sailing holidays are a great way to meet new people and make lifelong friends.
As for experienced sailors, the world is truly your oyster. Bareboat charters allow you to sail the world, with a freedom that few other types of holiday offer. The challenges can be as tough as you wish, with options to join crews all over the world.
Sail in some of the most remote and demanding destinations possible from the Arctic to the South Pacific.
Whatever your interest in sailing holidays, Our Local Tour will have a local travel partner who can help you in putting together the dream holiday.
- Published in Specialist Travel
Things to consider when looking for a family safari holiday?
Taking a Safari holiday with the family
Are you looking for a family safari holiday? If so, you will find an often overwhelming and sometime confusing selection of countries and wildlife experiences available. The good news is that there will be a safari available for your family if you have a realistic budget.
Below we have listed the five most important things to consider when planning your family safari holiday.
Safety while on your safari.
This is obviously the number one priority when planning any type of family trip and a safari is no exception. Look for safari operators who are accredited and display their licences prominently. If needed, check with the local government office that issues licences to make sure they are correctly registered. This can usually be done online or via email.
Ask about the vehicles that the safari operator uses. How old are they? How often are they serviced? Ask for photos of the vehicles and if it is possible for them to provide a photo or video of the actual vehicle you will be travelling in. Check for working seatbelts, a clean tidy vehicle and ask how many people will be in each jeep.
Find out about your guide. How experienced are they and how long have they worked for the company? Bear in mind that many safari guides are free lance and will work for multiple companies. Some tour operators will send you details of the guide before you meet them and you can talk to them about any concerns that you may have.
Set yourself a realistic safari budget
When looking at safaris and you see something that looks like a great bargain, then the phrase ‘if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is’, should be your first thought. There is no denying that a family safari holiday is an expensive purchase. Our advice would be to set yourself a budget and discuss with local tour operators to see what you can get for that. Make a list of what it is you really want from your holiday and take it from there.
Always approach any negotiations with a friendly attitude, a bit of flexibility and be ready to compromise. You will be surprised what you can actually achieve. If the budget will not stretch to what you want, then consider having less time on safari and break the time up with a beach break.
Make it an educational family safari experience
Yes, a safari holiday is an amazing and exciting experience. But it can also be a very educational one for children and adults. Don’t worry though as we are not talking about being sat in a classroom learning the Latin names of species. Make sure that your safari operator and your guide have the correct licences and qualifications and you will find you are learning whilst having fun.
Habitat management, climate change, local customs and much more all come in to the mix when a great safari guide is speaking to you. Speak to your children’s teachers before you go away and see if any of what you are doing will fit in with their syllabus. You can then ask your guide to focus on topics that will be relevant. You won’t need to do any homework as these lessons will stick with you for long after you have arrived home.
What country should we visit for our safari?
This question is not as simple as it may seem at first and we could type a full blog just on this (in fact, we probably will soon). One of the most important considerations is whether any vaccinations or anti-malarial tablets are needed in the destination you are visiting. This can vary from region to region even within a country.
If you are travelling with young children then we would suggest avoiding any areas that require them to take anti-malarial tablets. You should consult with your local health advisors before making any reservations and there are some great resources available online including NHS Fit to Travel – https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations
Next, do you need a visa to visit the country? Many African countries require a visa but the ease at which these can be obtained varies dramatically. Depending on the country, you may not require a visa for your length of stay, you may be able to get a short stay or tourist visa on arrival or you may need to apply to an embassy before you travel to gain a visa to enter the country.
Another consideration when choosing the country to visit is whether you can see the ‘Big 5’. These are the African leopard, African lion, Cape buffalo, African elephant and rhinoceros. Ask your safari operator what the likelihood of seeing each animal is. Remember that these are wild animals and there is never a certainty that you will see what you have come to see!
Accommodation, food and drink
When travelling with a young family, where you will be staying is a key factor. Look for hotels and lodges that either state that they are family friendly or have family friendly facilities. If you can get a family room, then you can save money and this is vital if you are travelling with very young children that need to be in the same room as you at night. Even if you are not travelling in a malarial zone, you will want to make sure that all beds come with mosquito nets. These need to be in good condition and easy to setup and remove in the mornings.
African wildlife does not follow a 9 to 5 and early starts are a given if you want to get the best out of your safari holiday. You may not be able to do much about having tired children (hopefully they will be so excited that a 5am start is no problem) however having tired and hungry children can be a nightmare for you and other guests. Check with your local safari operator what food and drink is available before you set off and what is offered during any game drives that you take.
If you or your children have any specific allergies or requirements, let your tour operator know in plenty of time. Most operators hotels and lodges will go out of their way accommodate families. By giving advance notice of any special requirements or needs then you can make your holiday run much smoother.
So those are or five most important factors to consider when looking for an African family safari. We have not covered every aspect here but would encourage you to contact and speak to your tour operator. Alternatively, you can contact us at Our Local Tour and one of our experienced team will be able to run through all the options with you and help put together your dream holiday.
- Published in Specialist Travel