If this morning’s reports from the BBC and other sources have it right, the ban on in-cabin laptops will not be extended to include additional flights from Europe to the U.S.
21.07.2023 - 08:01 / roughguides.com
The Covid-19 pandemic may have paused much of international travel, but there are many other ways we can head overseas, and reflect on travel in a more mindful way.
A brown paper bag is creased in one hand with the circular curve of khobz, bread, peaking out, the smell of the fresh bake sifting through the air and sunlight heating the surroundings. Her other hand is used to wave salaam alaykum to stall owners in the medina. This is Gail Leonard, my family friend who I’ve known my entire life, and the co-founder of Plan-it Morocco (plan-it-morocco.com), a female owned, fully licensed travel agency – and this is the medina in Fez, Morocco. It’s agencies like this that Rough Guides is raising awareness on, as we inform on issues and practices relating to responsible travel and the empowerment of women on an international scale. And here, in the medina, there are plenty of characters. Gail and I pass by endless stalls, pyramids of olives, tubs of harissa, and rows of hand-made leather shoes from the nearby Chouara Tannery. One cheery owner is stretching out thin dough, msmen, with her hands to make into a flatbread, while another smiles as she sells an array of dazzling love potions to a young couple.
Koutoubia mosque in Marrakech, Morocco © Migel/Shutterstock
Gail made the 9,000 plus alleys of the Fez medina her home once. While there, Plan-it Morocco was born. The company originated from the combined vision of Gail and co-founder Michele Reeves and being inspired by “anti-mass tourism”. They wanted to bring a new life to the tours around the Fez medina, and around the country. The travel agency offers authentic, memorable experiences which empower women by working with female guides, workshop leaders, lecturers, chefs or facilitators. Michele explains that it’s “not just to help financially but to give opportunities to women through self-empowerment, education and experience”. Plan-it Morocco always tries to work with organisations and associations run by women, and for women, and female-owned businesses. Michele states that “our core values were originally formed within our team, made up mainly of Moroccan female graduates – Be Brave, Belong, Stay True and Be Committed”. Staying true to form, Plan-it Morocco delves deep into the fascinating country and seeks out the “the unusual, the exotic, the authentic experiences” and shares these with travellers. Exciting opportunities such as hand rolling couscous classes with Berber women and attending Moroccan dance workshops are all here. And it’s these types of empowering experiences that have drawn me back to the country over the years, including a trip where a female friend and I almost got stranded in Essaouira at the start of the Covid-19 lockdown, but
If this morning’s reports from the BBC and other sources have it right, the ban on in-cabin laptops will not be extended to include additional flights from Europe to the U.S.
After months of speculation, the Department of Homeland Security plans to move forward with enhanced security measures that do not include an expanded ban on laptops for airports and airlines that follow the new guidelines.
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Marrakesh? Check. The souks of Fez? Been there, bought that. Jebel Toubkal? Climbed it, twice. So what else does Morocco have in store once you’ve ticked off its most popular sights? Plenty, according to Keith Drew, who selects seven places that are far from the madding crowds.
Many visitors return again and again to the same familiar place in Morocco, be it Marrakesh or Essaouira. And with wonderful markets, historic sights and delicious food right on the doorstep, who can blame them? For a very good reason to explore further afield, look to the varied range of music festivals and other events held throughout the country. The fast and modern train network makes getting around Morocco easier than ever before, while regular flights make it a perfect weekend break from almost anywhere in Europe. Here’s our roundup of the top Morocco festivals you shouldn’t miss this year.