13Likes
|
|
18 Apr 2021
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by brclarke
Sounds pretty good - but a tad more difficult for those of us across the big pond to travel to.
|
Not at all difficult - Royal Air Maroc operates non-stop flights from Montreal to Morocco on a frequent basis (when pandemics are not in progress), and ticket prices are not particularly expensive. It's fairly easy to rent a motorcycle in Morocco - or, if you wish, you can fly to Southern Spain and rent a moto there, or join up with an organized tour that supplies motorcycles.
I've visited Morocco several times with my Canadian-plated motorcycle, and enjoyed each visit. It is a very safe country to travel in, and the residents of Morocco are pleasant people.
|
18 Apr 2021
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Bern, CH
Posts: 265
|
|
Hello
Quote:
Originally Posted by badou24
If you live europe easy to get to
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by markharf
Living in North America, Mexico checks all the same boxes (along with others, like a wide variety of scenery, cultures, ecosystems) plus it's easy to get to.
|
Marocco is as close to Europe as Mexico is to North America.
Depending where you live it's a long ride to get there with the own bike.
To me Marocco is as far away as Iceland, been in both but would only revisit Iceland again.
Spent the same amount of money in both countries per day.
In one enjoying camping and sleeping well, in the other hotelrooms with good and bad sleeping due to bad/unfamiliar beds.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWarden
Fly in, rent a bike or 4x4 and enjoy
|
Once you fly and rent, every place in the world is close by.
sushi
|
18 Apr 2021
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by sushi2831
To me Morocco is as far away as Iceland, been in both but would only revisit Iceland again.
Spent the same amount of money in both countries per day...
|
That is an unusual comparison (Morocco vs. Iceland)!
I've also been to both countries several times, and I can't think of any two countries that are more different from each other than Morocco & Iceland. Both are delightful places, but for entirely different reasons.
Iceland is a fully developed country, on par with CH for quality of life. It is a beautiful country, no doubt about that, and offers great riding opportunities, but other than hot springs & volcanos, it's not particularly different from Western Europe.
Morocco is a lesser developed country (though progressing quite quickly), and everything there is very different from Western Europe - food, economics, culture, religion, geography, etc.
Cost-wise, if you compare like for like (e.g. hotel prices to hotel prices, restaurant prices to restaurant prices, cost of getting there from CH, etc.), the overall cost of a trip to Morocco starting from Zürich, which is my usual base when in Europe) is about half that of a trip to Iceland.
I'm not criticizing Iceland or promoting Morocco - I'm just a bit perplexed at your comparison of the two.
Having said that, in the overall context of this discussion, I would be happy to live in either Morocco or Iceland (or CH, for that matter).
|
18 Apr 2021
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
|
|
Quote:
Not at all difficult - Royal Air Maroc operates non-stop flights from Montreal to Morocco on a frequent basis
|
5 hour flight from YVR to Montreal, stopover, another 9 or 10 hours to Morocco... I'm sure it's a lovely place to ride, but not quite as difficulty-free to reach as for someone in Europe.
All I am saying is that the original poster has probably not heard of Betteridge's law: "Any headline that ends in a question mark can usually be answered by the word 'no'."
I've done a fair bit of motorcycling in Mexico, and loved it. I think it's a terrific place to go for a ride, but I wouldn't suggest it's the best all-around destination for anyone from outside North America.
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
|
18 Apr 2021
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Belper, uk, EUROPE
Posts: 564
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by brclarke
5 hour flight from YVR to Montreal, stopover, another 9 or 10 hours to Morocco... I'm sure it's a lovely place to ride, but not quite as difficulty-free to reach as for someone in Europe.
|
You say that but you haven’t met my wife have you? That sort of flying time can be described as a safe distance.
__________________
You will have to do without pocket handkerchiefs, and a great many other things, before we reach our journey's end, Bilbo Baggins. You were born to the rolling hills and little rivers of the Shire, but home is now behind you. The world is ahead.
|
19 Apr 2021
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Bern, CH
Posts: 265
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by PanEuropean
That is an unusual comparison (Morocco vs. Iceland)!
|
Hello
Quote:
Originally Posted by badou24
loads of off road to do
|
My only reason to go to marocco.
Although in Iceland you have to stick to the tracks, a lot of "adventure" waiting for you.
And no risk of hitting children on the road.
Thanks to all the idiots who think "high-fiving" while passing with the bike is cool.
No where in the places I visited so far I've seen this.
That's why I will go back to Iceland again and never again to marocco.
sushi
|
19 Apr 2021
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,488
|
|
Unfortunately a problem caused by the bad behaviour of some travellers.
Get away from the popular routes and its not a problem
|
19 Apr 2021
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2011
Location: midlands uk
Posts: 248
|
|
I dont understand how you can compare Morocco with Iceland !
You can go to Morocco in the winter and have all the snow you want in the mountains ! ..... and next day be on the edge of Saraha desert ! or go to the coast and have nice beaches.
Most people go there for two weeks and have no idea about the people and the country , and are just "tourists " and get ripped off by the locals ( same in most places ) They never get to see the real Morocco !
|
19 Apr 2021
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,118
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by badou24
|
It's much the same wherever you go in tourist areas, the locals 'take advantage'. I've been ripped off by some of the best over the years - Venice, Rome, London, NY etc. I don't even often go into the nearest big town to where I live - Oxford - because of the 'tourist culture', but the Moroccans hold a special place in my heart for their 'sales ability'.
In fact I'd advise anyone at the planning stage of a long trip and thinking about what skills they might need to upgrade to add a solo trip to Tangier or Marrakesh to the list ahead of departure. You don't need to sign up for anything or even have a plan; just take it easy, walk around, sit in a cafe, browse in a shop. The experience will be the character development equivalent of learning to ride offroad.
I only realised how much I'd benefited from my time there when I spent some time in Shanghai. A bunch of rank amateurs by comparison is all I can say. Call that negotiation. Where's the grabbing you by the shirt, the six of them pickpocketing you at the same time, the pulling a knife, the fake police uniform (actually, thinking about it, that was Senegal). No, there's no doubt. Graduate from the Moroccan school of consumer survival and you've got a skill with real market value. Just as long as it's not a Moroccan market.
|
19 Apr 2021
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2011
Location: midlands uk
Posts: 248
|
|
The secret is to dress in your old clothes and do not look like a 2 week tourist. been a " few " times and very few problems !( if your there in your new white jeans and expensive gear on you ............... sitting chicken ! or DUCK
|
19 Apr 2021
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Finland
Posts: 184
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by badou24
The secret is to dress in your old clothes and do not look like a 2 week tourist. been a " few " times and very few problems !( if your there in your new white jeans and expensive gear on you ............... sitting chicken ! or DUCK
|
This is great advice for shorter trips. Dress down. But if I am taking my bike through a continent, I want good gear!
|
20 Apr 2021
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: UK, Devon
Posts: 59
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mark manley
I have not been to Morocco yet but it would have to go some to beat the Indian sub-continent for me, between Pakistan, India and Nepal there is so much, although many parts of overpopulated you can still find the bits in between that are great.
|
A quick deviation please, as you brought it up. Mark, is bike travel in Pakistan safer or more dangerous than five or ten years ago. I really want to pass that way.
Mack to Maroc: fantastic country and it has lots to offer. I hope to go back as soon as COVID loosens it’s grip. I agree with the comments about India/Nepal and Vietnam. Asia is awesome, but not a quick ride away.
|
20 Apr 2021
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2011
Location: midlands uk
Posts: 248
|
|
Best advice for Morocco .......... i always pretend to be on my phone when there is a "hot spot " and it works for me ! ( must buy a battery !! )
|
16 May 2021
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Finland
Posts: 184
|
|
I was reminded about this thread...
I have been riding up home towards Finland from Malta through Italy.
Oh my god. I had no idea. Italy is absolutely amazing for riding. Been going up the west cost and the roads are indescribable. Probably the best tarmac riding I have ever done.
|
16 May 2021
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 194
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by badou24
Best advice for Morocco .......... i always pretend to be on my phone when there is a "hot spot " and it works for me ! ( must buy a battery !! )
|
Or talk to them in Welsh, or talk to each other in Welsh. We can't speak Welsh
But we can string enough random words together to confuse anyone enough for them to move on to the next victim
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|