islam – The Girl Who Goes

Last Updated on September 1, 2023

Visiting Morocco: Expectations vs. Reality

Just a desert country… right?

Going to Morocco for the first time, I knew that it was going to be different from other places I’d visited before. Other than figuring out the dress code and using it as an excuse for a new wardrobe, I didn’t do much research. I relied on what I’ve head from friends and other travelers when setting my expectations. Although of course I keep an open mind, as a usually-solo female traveler, I’m generally extra cautious and I have to somewhat prepare for the worst.

However, the Morocco I experienced was different from the one I expected. If you’re thinking about a visit to Morocco or just want to learn more, here are some of the expectations vs. realities from my trip! [Read more…]

Last Updated on September 1, 2023

8 Things to Know Before Visiting Morocco

Courtyard view of our riad palace in Fez

Morocco! It was never a place I’d thought much about, but since living in Spain, it’s been at the top of my bucket list. Not only is it super close geographically — and therefore, relatively inexpensive — but its cultural history has long been intertwined with Spain’s. I finally got the chance to visit! I highly recommend it, so here are a few things you should know before visiting Morocco. [Read more…]

Last Updated on June 11, 2023

Morocco Trip Review: Fez, Chefchaouen, and Tangier

Matt and I when we first arrived in Chefchaouen, Morocco

Two weeks ago, I set foot on the continent of Africa for the first time. Matt and I arrived in Fez to spend 5 days in Morocco! It’s so close to Spain and I’d really wanted to go for a long time. Since Matt was visiting me, and I felt safer traveling with him, it was the perfect opportunity. I booked our plane tickets and Airbnbs back in March, but other than that, I didn’t make any other plans.

I wasn’t sure what awaited us in Morocco, my first African country — I had some ideas, but I’ll talk about the differences between expectations and reality in a future post. But we ended up having a really amazing time. [Read more…]

Last Updated on September 1, 2023

Side Trip: Madrid to Zaragoza, Spain

Plan your own trip from Madrid to Zaragoza and you’ll be rewarded with this view.

Since I didn’t go home to the U.S. for the holidays this year, I was lucky enough to spend Christmas in Sardinia and have visitors in Spain for New Years! One of my best friends from college, Carson, and his wife Natalie came to spend a few days with me in Madrid on their European holiday vacation. After starting their trip in Paris, they took a bus to Madrid, before continuing on to Barcelona by train. Along the way, they decided to go from Madrid to Zaragoza, which is about halfway to Barcelona.

Since I’d never been to Zaragoza before, I went along with them for a day trip. I’m so glad I did! Here’s everything you’ll need to know if you want to plan your own trip from Madrid to Zaragoza. [Read more…]

Last Updated on February 4, 2024

Day Trip: Madrid to Toledo, Spain

While Madrid has plenty to keep you busy, sometimes it’s nice to get out of the city. By taking a short train or bus ride, you can be transported to a different town that will allow you to experience Spanish life in another way. And the best part: You can leave Madrid in the morning or early afternoon and still make it back to your hostel/hotel/home in Madrid by the end of the day.

Toledo is one of the most popular day trips from Madrid, due to its proximity and ease of access. Learn everything you need to know to plan your own trip!
[Read more…]