On our very last night in Morocco, Colin and I looked at each other and said what every traveler has probably felt at some point: we should have stayed longer.
Our trip was a whirlwind—three nights in Marrakech, two nights in Oualidia, and one night in the desert. Six nights total, with just enough time to get a taste of Morocco’s magic, but not nearly enough to fully savor it. If I could do it all again, I’d add at least a few more days in Marrakech, leave more room in my suitcase, and carve out time for cities we didn’t get to see this round.
Marrakech: The City That Captures You Instantly
Marrakech is the kind of place that pulls you in with its energy and color. From the winding alleys of the medina to the mosaic-tiled courtyards, the city hums with life at every turn. I don’t usually buy many souvenirs when traveling, but Marrakech was the exception. Looking back, I wish I had packed an extra suitcase just to bring home its treasures—handwoven rugs in bold patterns, delicate ceramics, silk scarves in every imaginable hue, and the kaftans that seemed to float effortlessly on market stalls.
There’s something so alluring about Moroccan craftsmanship. Every item tells a story, every detail feels intentional. I regret not lingering longer, not taking more time to admire the artistry up close. It’s a lesson for next time: leave room not only in your schedule but also in your luggage.
Oualidia: A Coastal Retreat
Just three hours from Marrakech, Oualidia offered an entirely different rhythm. It’s a small coastal town, famous for its oysters and tranquil lagoons, where the pace slows and the sea becomes the soundtrack of your days. Our two nights there were restorative, but fleeting. In hindsight, it could have been a week. Oualidia is one of those rare places where time feels elastic—you can simply sit, watch the waves, and let the hours drift by.
The Desert: A Night of Quiet Magic
From there, we traded sea breezes for desert air, spending one unforgettable night among the dunes. Calling it “camping” wouldn’t be quite right—it was more glamping, complete with cozy accommodations and meals under the stars. But what made it extraordinary wasn’t comfort, it was silence.
For once, there were no horns, no chatter, no hum of a city—just stillness stretching across the horizon. Sunrise and sunset painted the dunes in the most breathtaking shades, and it felt like the earth itself was exhaling. It was unlike anything we’d ever experienced, and a reminder of how grounding pure quiet can be.
Places Left Unseen
As much as we packed into our itinerary, we still left with a long list of “next times.” I wish we had carved out days for Fes and Casablanca, two cities steeped in history and culture, each offering their own unique perspective of Morocco. Fes with its medieval medina, Casablanca with its grand architecture and coastal views—they’re at the top of our list for our return.
Because that’s the thing about Morocco: it lingers with you. Long after you’ve left, you find yourself replaying its colors, sounds, and flavors, wishing you had just a little more time.
Until Next Time
Travel has a way of teaching us what to prioritize. Sometimes it’s the landmarks, sometimes it’s the food, and sometimes it’s simply leaving space to linger, to admire, to soak it all in without rushing. Morocco reminded me of that.
So while our six nights gave us memories to last a lifetime—Marrakech’s vibrant souks, Oualidia’s serene coastline, the desert’s silent sunrise—they also left us wanting more. And maybe that’s the best way to leave a place: with the certainty that you’ll return.
Next time, Morocco, we’ll come prepared—with more time, bigger suitcases, and open hearts ready to take in everything we missed.
