Where to go for the holidays: Morocco Family Adventure!

For expertly researched, custom-designed travel experiences, 

contact Melanie Tucker, owner and chief designer at Tough Love Travel (soon to debut as Rare Finds Travel Design)

Catherine and her family of 6 started in Casablanca, journeyed to Marrakech and down through the Atlas Mountains, then drove around to Fez, ending in a camp under the stars of the Sahara.

photo compliments of Davide Marcesini Fotografo

HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED FOR THIS ITINERARY?
Catherine's family itinerary spanned 2 weeks, but you need at least 10 days to cover the entire route.

WHAT'S THE IDEAL AGE FOR MY KIDS?
Catherine's kids ran from 10-22.  If you kid will try new foods, ride a camel, and hike in the mountains, he's ready for Morocco!


WHAT'S ONE SPECIAL THING TO DO MARRAKECH?
In Catherine's words: 
"Maison Arabe is FANTASTIC.  We have stayed at a long list of the the best hotels in the world and we have nominated this hotel into the top five."

IN CASABLANCA?

Likely you'll be arriving into Morocco via the Casablanca airport, but before you tour the Hassan II seafront 25,000-person mosque with filagreed, retracting rooftop, or sip a Sourb Jdid at Rick's Cafe -- go first to a hammam.  These communal baths will get all the airplane soreness out, and I recommend  Hammam Ziani!

For 360 dirhams (or about $45), you'll get "parts of your body scrubbed that you didn't even know existed!" - exfoliation, steam, seaweed wraps, and massage, all in the camaraderie of 30 other women from ages 8 to 80.

IN FEZ?
The Fez medina is a candy-store of metalworking, leather crafts, food markets, and stunning architecture.   (Fez even has the oldest University in the world! University of Al-Karaouine has been operating continuously since 859AD!)

But my favorite remains the cooking in Fez!
Cafe Clock offers a bread-making class, where you actually carry your hand-kneaded product through the crowded kasbah to the storefront with the wood-fired oven where, for a few dirham, the baker will slide your cookies alongside your neighbor's khobz. 

WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE IN DECEMBER?
It's quite cold and snowy up in the mountains and, in fact, impassable for driving along some routes. 
But Fez will be in the 50s and near the coast, you'll be even a bit warmer. 

WHAT'S IT LIKE IN THE MOROCCAN DESERT?

For starters, take a drive through the mountains, then 4-wheel drive into the desert, until you meet the camels for the final leg!
Camps can run from modest canvas tents to regal, fully-concierge-d communities fit for a sheikh. 

Expect dazzling sunsets, entertainment-worthy bread-baking ceremonies right in the coals, and skies so full of stars that they look like powdered sugar! 

WHAT'S SPECIAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS IN MOROCCO?
You can enjoy High Tea at the Al Mounia (watch the dress code, though!)...

Or book a unique Christmas diffa, or feast, featuring mechoui (roast lamb) prepared with herbs and spices...

Or meet my guide Abedellatif for a custom-designed family bonding event.

photo compliments of Davide Marcesini, professional photographer

To get your holiday travel off the ground this year, schedule a call to chat with expert travel designer, Melanie Tucker.

Schedule a call here.

Where to go for the holidays: a British Christmas

In England for the holidays, you can still do my favorites:

• sleep in an Oxford dorm
• get "Inside the Stones" at Stonehenge
• get tickets to the storied Keys ceremony
• trace the lives of the Beatles, or Jack the Ripper!
• cheer at a Chelsea game!
• pub crawl along the Mayflower and other historic pubs of the Thames

But there is a certain buzz to the streets.  AND there are special events offered around the Holidays that are particularly fun:

Christmas with Charles Dickens

On December 7th, there's a Dicken's Christmas Festival in Rochester.  The entire street is transformed into a 1820's Victorian wonderland with in-character Scrooge (and even Marley the Ghost), roasting chestnuts, and bell ringers.  At the end of the day, there's even a candlelit carol singalong.

But on the 25th, you can meet at the Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square at 2pm and enjoy London's car-free streets to celebrate a Christmas before Cola turned Santa red (that's a London Walks quote!)   You'll hear all about Charles Dickens' life and books,  and the Christmas traditions of these alleyways off The Strand.

Both of these events are hosted by London Walks, who specialize in a little bit of old fashioned specialness. 

Skate under the holiday lights...
Starting at Hyde Park, the city hosts several outdoor (and free!) skating venues! 

Reserve a Mad Hatter's Tea Party

On December 4th, the Great Hall of Christ Church college will be all spruced up to welcome Alice in Wonderland fans for special finger sandwiches and cakes at a festive High Tea around the Wonderland-inspired Christmas tree.

Prefer tea with Scrooge?   An exclusive High Tea honoring the Christmas Carol will served on December 1st.

See the decorations!

Why go all the way to London when San Fran and NY have some of the most elaborate decorations around?  Well, where else can you see the lion in a snowfall?

 In fact, if you want the whole decorated shebang, join London Architecture Walks for their highly-acclaimed Xmas Lights Walking Tour.  You'll learn wonderful tidbits with an interesting perspective about the light displays, the surrounding architecture, and the history.

To get your holiday trip off the ground, call Melanie Tucker, owner and chief designer at Tough Love Travel (soon to debut as Rare Finds Travel Design). 

She'll custom-design a holiday that you'll talk about for decades to come!

(609)923-0304

melanie@toughlovetravel.com