Morocco, An Unplanned Adventure!

How a Spontaneous Weekend Trip to Morocco Became the Ultimate Getaway

I was doing my usual routine—casually browsing through Skyscanner during lunch break, dreaming about future adventures that might or might not happen. I love to imagine the possibilities, checking for cheap flights to far-off places, even if I don’t have any serious plans. But then, something caught my eye: a super cheap flight from Brussels to Morocco, just 75 euros round-trip to Fez. It seemed almost too good to be true.

Without hesitation, I grabbed my phone and called Miguel. It was a typical Friday afternoon in April, and I could hear the curiosity in his voice as he picked up.

“Hey, how would you feel about going on a little trip?” I asked, barely able to contain my excitement.

He paused for a moment, probably thinking I was joking.

“When?” he asked, a mix of curiosity and amusement in his voice.

“Tonight,” I replied, grinning even though he couldn’t see me.

“And… where exactly?” he followed, sounding a bit more intrigued.

“Morocco,” I said, trying to keep it casual but failing completely, excitement bubbling over.

As impulsive as I had been in deciding I wanted to go, Miguel matched my energy perfectly. Without missing a beat, he simply said, “Alright, let’s do it.”

Just like that, our weekend plans were set. No second thoughts, no overthinking—just the thrill of two spontaneous souls ready to dive into an adventure.

On our way to the airport, with the thrill of adventure already kicking in, we quickly found a charming, inexpensive Ryad in the heart of Fez on Booking to book for our first night. The photos showed intricate tilework, beautiful arches, and cozy spaces that already had us imagining our stay.

That is probably the best cost-cutting tip for staying in Morocco, avoid the costly and posh hotels and go for a family-run Ryad. The places we visited were inexpensive, beautiful, well-maintained and clean, and above all they were run with love. From the minute you enter through the door of your Ryad you are warmly welcomed and your every need is catered to. Tea, breakfast, guidance, transport, they offer help at every chance and anything you ask will be provided, often without added costs!

With our overnight stay sorted, we started looking up things to do. From exploring the Medina’s narrow alleys to visiting ancient tanneries and feasting on Moroccan cuisine, every idea added to the excitement. We were just a few hours away from diving headfirst into this spontaneous Moroccan journey!

“We find after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us.”

-John Steinbeck

Then, right in the middle of all the possible excursions on TripAdvisor, we saw it: a two-day excursion to the Sahara Desert with an overnight stay in a Bedouin camp. It was one of those bucket-list experiences we’d always talked about, but never imagined booking on such a whim. The idea of riding camels across sweeping dunes, sitting by a campfire under a sky bursting with stars, and staying in a traditional Bedouin tent was too irresistible to pass up.

With one look at each other, we knew. This was it—our spontaneous Moroccan adventure had just gone next level.

So, we got up at the crack of dawn, leaving the cozy Ryad in the dim light to find our way to the meeting point for this dream excursion. The city was just waking up, and as we navigated the winding streets, excitement mixed with a bit of that pre-adventure buzz.

And trust me, that journey deserves a story of its own—you can read all about it here: “From Fez to the Sahara and Back Again: Our Unforgettable Journey to a Bedouin Desert Camp.”

We returned from our desert excursion on Sunday evening, feeling both exhausted and exhilarated. With our flight leaving early Monday morning at 5 a.m., we knew this was our last chance to soak in Fez. Determined to make the most of it, we dove into the heart of the Medina, eager to explore its vibrant pulse.

A must-see was off course the famous tannery, a striking sight with its colorful dyeing vats and centuries-old leather-making process. But what the photos don’t capture is the incredibly strong, nauseating smell—an overwhelming scent that clings to the air, reminding you that it’s very much a working tannery.

As we wandered through the maze-like streets, we quickly learned that, while the Medina felt safe, we’d often be approached by young locals offering “free” guidance. These “guides” can be persistent, and while the help is usually genuine, there’s an expectation for a tip at the end. It was an experience in itself, navigating the friendly yet insistent hospitality that Fez is known for.

Amid the bustle, we found a few perfect souvenirs—handcrafted pottery, intricate textiles, and aromatic spices to remind us of Morocco long after we’d left. With our hands full and the evening settling in, we found a cozy spot for dinner. We savored a delicious Moroccan feast, the flavors a perfect celebration of our last night in Fez. Surrounded by lively conversation, music, and the warm ambiance, it felt like the city was bidding us a fond farewell.

Later, we returned to another beautiful Ryad we found on Booking for our last night. It was charming and serene, a stark contrast to the lively streets outside, giving us a peaceful place to rest before our early morning flight. Reflecting on our brief yet vibrant visit, we were touched by the warmth and friendliness of the people here. They went out of their way to help us and make us feel welcome—a testament to the genuine hospitality of Morocco. It was the perfect end to an unforgettable, spontaneous adventure.