I’ve been to over 80 countries, and there are 5 that stand out from the rest

Morocco is full of talented artisans, stunning landscapes, and one-of-a-kind shopping.

Marrakech is my favorite city in Morocco, and Jemaa el-Fnaa is its main attraction.

The marketplace features artisans of all sorts selling their beautiful crafts. But you may also see snake charmers, poets, storytellers, and even dentists waiting to extract a tooth.

Although I think the Sahara Desert is the best place to immerse yourself in the local culture, the Agafay Desert is often more doable if you’re short on time. Nothing beats stargazing with an astronomer or riding camels over dunes.

I love visiting Chefchaouen, known as the Blue City, and getting lost in the alleys that flaunt various shades of blue.

In Fez, the walled medina section of the city is a UNESCO Heritage site that feels like an ancient village. Within the walls, you’ll find a labyrinth of alleyways filled with traditional craftsmen, medieval architecture, and a leather tannery.

Although the tannery has a bit of a strong smell, it’s fascinating to see the honeycomb-like pits of different dyes that the tanners soak the leather in.

While in Morocco, be sure to stay in a riad (traditional Moroccan house) for an authentic experience, and don’t miss out on visiting a hammam (bathhouse) to leave with incredibly soft skin.

For food, any tagine dishes and Moroccan mint tea are a must.