Morocco: What you should know

After our trip to India, I've learned my lesson and prepared myself in advance, or at least with some knowledge about the country. This is probably the best tip to have in mind when travelling for the first to a country that is much different from your own: always get to know the place you plan to visit in advance. The best way to do it by personal blogs or personal reviews in places such as Tripadvisor. People's thoughts, advice and impressions will always help you be aware of the atmosphere you're about to meet.
There is of course no way to fully understand a country before visiting it but it is always better to know what to expect( every culture is unique and surprising).
What I got to know before coming to Morocco:
- Don't worry much how to get dressed. As an Islamic country the dress code and way of showing you and your emotions is a little bit different than the way in Europe for example. Although I saw many tourist with really short shorts and sleeves I would recommend to the ladies to consider something not very provocative, knee-long dresses or pants would be fine. Not that it's a problem to show a little more skin, but you'll save yourself the looks and laugh behind your back, as the locals don't miss a person to look at.
- Warm clothes. If you don't visit Morocco in summer you must have warm clothes. Despite the high temperatures, the wind is really cold. In March the locals were wearing pullovers or even their winter jackets. It wasn't so bad, but still make sure you have long sleeves and jackets, the nights are especially cold!
- Learn French. Just kidding. You don't need to learn a new language for your 1-2 week trip. Most of the people in the tourist areas speak English well enough. But if you plan a trip outside the big, crowded, noisy places you must have an offline french dictionary!
- Overall the big cities are safe,both for driving and walking.
What a learned while in Morocco:
- The hotels are a bit overrated. Don't be impressed by the beautiful pictures, but read the reviews, they are usually pretty much clear and true. Anything under 5-star hotels probably will disappoint you, but if you are on a budget the 3/4-star hotels will be fine.
- There are like hundreds of merchants on every street, trying to sell you something. Just say No or simply shake your head and avoid them, that will discourage them quickly not to follow you.
- Always bargain. The merchants would tell you some unbelievable prices as a starter, but then agree to what you say. Don't be afraid (or shy) to say ridiculously low prices, most of the stuff don't cost much anyway.The fastest way to get your souvenir for the price you want is to just leave. They'll call after you, hold you even to stay until they sell the product.
- Always wear cash, especially small banknotes. People there always expect a tip. Even if you bool an organized trip and prepay it, be sure that along the way you'll meet relatives/friends of your guide and they all will be expecting something in exchange for their "help", small tour or guidance.
- If you plan to go hiking/trekking be prepared in advance. Some paths are difficult to find on your own, there are tens of people waiting to help you (and of course to receive a 5€ tip)and it's honestly not so well marked. Read a lot in advance about the valleys or mountains you want to hike and make sure you have a reliable GPS navigation.
- The best way to travel: a rental car.
- When at a gas station, you should wait for a guy to refuel your car, pay him and don't bother to wait for a receipt. But that's only in the cities. When you are on a motorway /highway you should be able to pay with a credit card and receive a receipt. Shoot for the big gas companies, such as Shell, Total.

Always drive with the permitted speed. If the police stop you, always ask for proof that you broke the speed limit! 

Being completely honest, I was a little afraid and prejudiced toward this trip and the country, but I learned that if you are nice to people, aware of your surroundings and belongings, everything will be just fine. Just relax, enjoy the new adventure, absorb the atmosphere and collect great memories!