A few years ago, when Rhys was about 15 months old, we went away for our first family holiday abroad. Rather than choosing France or Spain for our trip, we ventured a little further afield, to Marrakech.
We had never been before, and didn’t really know what to expect, especially with a toddler along for the ride. But we had an absolutely amazing time, and would love to go back again one day.
If you’re considering a holiday to Marrakech with a little one, here are my top tips for you to get the best out of it.
- Prepare for the flight.
The flight from London to Marrakech takes around three and a half hours. So not the longest ever, but long enough that you want to be prepared.
Make sure you’ve got enough nappies and wipes to last the flight, and the extra time it might take to get your luggage back after you land. On that note, mentally prepare yourself for changing a dirty nappy in a tiny aeroplane toilet, that’s quite the experience!
Pack various toys and books to keep your toddler entertained on the flight.
Things like busy bags and sticker books are great because they don’t take up too much room but provide quite a lot of play value.
- Prepare for the time difference
If you’re planning a trip to Marrakech in the winter then you’re fine, there’s no time difference.
But if you go after our clocks spring forward, then there’ll be an hour time difference to get used to. It might not seem much, but most parents of toddlers will know that even that one hour difference can really mess up sleep patterns.
So just be prepared for it if you travel in the summer. I was up at around 5 most mornings with Rhys when we were there!
- Prepare for the heat
It is pretty warm in Marrakech all year round, but in the summer months it can get really quite hot. It reached around 40 degrees when we were there, and it did take a day or two to adjust to that.
If you’re going with a toddler you need to make sure that you’re prepared for the heat, and for the sun.
Get them a UV swimsuit to wear and pack plenty of suncream. And take some toys and books with you so you can keep them entertained inside if you need to during the hottest period in the middle of the day.
- Take a baby carrier
If you plan on getting out and about and exploring Marrakech then it’s well worth taking a carrier or ring sling with you. The souks in particular can get really busy and you’ll be able to get around much more easily if you’re wearing your toddler instead of pushing them in a buggy.
- Take some supplies with you
If your toddler is a fussy eater then you might want to take a few snacks and things with you.
Don’t go overboard though as we found pretty much everything we needed at the local Carrefour supermarket. Rhys was still drinking some formula when we went, and we managed to find some in Carrefour that he happily drank, but again if your toddler is fussy or has particular needs when it comes to things like the milk they drink I would consider taking some bits with you.
When we went to Morroco we stayed in a lovely villa in a relatively small resort that was perfect for us. There are lots of holidays to Marrakech available on the Holiday Gems website, so whether you want to be in a hotel in the middle of the hustle and bustle or would prefer to stay in a villa somewhere a little quieter you’re bound to find something to suit your family.
Disclaimer – this is a collaborative post.