Doha – Planning a trip is an exciting endeavor, but it’s often colored by preconceived notions inherited from the experiences of other travelers. These preconceptions can shape expectations in a way that may not align with the reality of the destination being visited.
Carlos Cruz, a well-known Spanish content creator, recently ventured into Morocco and found a surprising contrast between the warnings he had received and his actual experience.
“As soon as I arrived in Morocco, I was amazed at how different the reality is from the prejudices that many people have,” Cruz revealed at the beginning of his latest video, as reported by La Vanguardia.
During his stay, Cruz confronted several myths about safety in the medinas and the use of mobile phones in public, topics about which he had received numerous warnings.
Contrary to these biases, his experience was one of complete security and friendly reception by the locals. “I didn’t feel unsafe at any time, and the people were incredibly helpful,” he shared, highlighting Moroccan hospitality.
Although his trip was mostly positive, Cruz did mention one aspect that he found somewhat uncomfortable: the frequent approach of some locals offering help or guidance, only to expect financial compensation. “Many approach you to offer their help or take you somewhere, and then they expect payment for it,” he explained.
Another challenge he faced was the similarity between the streets within the medinas, which can make it easy to get lost. However, this minor inconvenience was overshadowed by the pleasure of discovering the local cuisine. “The food is so delicious!” he exclaimed enthusiastically, recommending not to miss the opportunity to try the country’s typical dishes.
Read also: 101 Guide: How to Solo-Travel as a Woman in Morocco
Cruz concluded his account with a key message for all travelers: “What I always say is that when you arrive in a country, you have to understand how things work there, and from there, everything will work out.”
By sharing his experiences, both positive and negative, Cruz encourages others to discover Morocco for themselves and form their own impressions based on genuine interactions with the country and its people.
Morocco has long been a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year with its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. However, like many countries, it has also been subject to stereotypes and misconceptions perpetuated by media and word-of-mouth.
The country experienced an unprecedented influx of tourists in 2023, with a staggering 14.5 million visitors gracing its shores. This impressive figure represented a remarkable 34% growth from the previous year and a notable 12% increase compared to the pre-pandemic era of 2019.
The surge in tourism was further highlighted by the substantial rise in Spanish tourists, with arrivals from Spain soaring by an astounding 52% between January and November 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, amounting to a total of 1,182,871 visitors.
