I'm a female solo traveller - locals hurled insults and followed me in Morocco... but I'd still go back

Daily Mail travel writer Erin Waks reveals her experience in Morocco, when she travelled there alone.

READ MORE: I'm a Morocco expert who has explored every corner of the country. These are my favourite spots away from the tourist traps... and the ones you must avoid

By ERIN DEBORAH WAKS, TRAVEL WRITER

Published: 08:27 BST, 20 September 2025 | Updated: 08:32 BST, 20 September 2025

I thought I was pretty prepared when I set off on my solo trip to Morocco.

Armed with modest clothing and a decent level of Arabic, I felt ready to embark on my first visit to the African nation known for its hospitality, noteworthy food and vibrant markets.

I was, however, also given fair warning of the level of harassment many female travellers experience in the country.

So many travel guides, concerned family members, and friends who’d already visited warned I’d be bombarded in the streets, with insults hurled at me left, right and centre.

It’s true, that did happen. But I’d still go back.

While strolling through the Marrakech medina, I was indeed cornered in many shops, with keen vendors trying to haggle for cheap prices for things I wanted to buy. As an obvious tourist, I did attract a fair amount of attention.

I tried a whole host of tactics to get the attention to stop - from ignoring to shouting back a few frustrated phrases in Arabic.

While taking no notice of any unwanted male attention only went as far as to deter low-level street haggling, attempting to fire back abusive retorts had a far worse effect.

Armed with modest clothing and a decent level of Arabic, I felt ready to embark on my first solo trip to the African nation known for its level of hospitality, delicious food and vibrant markets

Visiting quieter parts of Morocco could be more enjoyable - such as the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca

When I tried to ignore unwanted advances, I was mostly left alone.

But when I shouted back - in Arabic - the attention ramped up even further. And perhaps not in the way you might expect.

Rather than garnering intense anger or further aggression, as one might anticipate, I was mostly met with expressions of utter disbelief - and, even, marriage proposals!

‘You speak Arabic?’ one shop owner in Chefchaouen - who, minutes earlier, had been nagging me to buy a scarf from his stall - questioned politely.

‘Ah, well then you are very welcome!’ he responded, a grin widening on his face. Now, instead of negotiating prices, he seemed to want to discuss me.

He asked where I was from and what I did for a living. Whether I was married, or had a boyfriend. What I was doing in Morocco. And why I could speak Arabic.

After several moments of this back-and-forth, he politely inquired if I’d be interested in marrying him.

When I tried to ignore unwanted advances, I was mostly left alone

And in spite of this rather bizarre situation, I still had the best time in Morocco - and can’t wait to go back

Are you looking for some last minute sunshine? From as little as £89 a week, here's our definitive guide to autumn's best holiday bargains for every kind of trip

I was surprised - and, naturally, made my way rapidly out of the shop. He followed me down the street, before eventually giving up when I made it clear I wasn't interested.

Similar propositions occurred elsewhere during my trip - in the Marrakech medina, on a train between Tangiers and Asilah, on a beach in Taghazout even.

While none of these situations turned sour, and I felt perfectly safe, it was a good reminder that - given I did not want to return home with a brand-new husband in tow - hurling back retorts (however witty they may be) might not be the best way to handle unwanted attention while travelling alone as a woman.

And in spite of this rather bizarre situation, I still had the best time in Morocco - and can’t wait to go back.

The scenery was unparalleled. On a single bus ride, we’d go from desert plains to lush green mountains.

The food lived up to expectations. I seemed never to get sick of couscous or tagine, so much so that I bought a tagine dish to take home, despite it weighing 5kg and taking up an entire bag - which I had to fill to the brim with bubble wrap.

As for that famous hospitality? It turned out to be true.

One time, while taking a train by myself to visit a sleepy fishing village called Asilah, an elderly Moroccan woman took me under her wing, even offering me snacks en route.

Morocco was full of historic monuments - for example, the Hassan Tower in Rabat

I’ll admit, though, speaking to her in Arabic did elicit a subtle, ‘Do you want to see a photo of my grandson? He has a very good job and is looking for marriage…’

There were, nonetheless, several tips and tricks I did pick up that helped me feel safe and secure as much as possible.

Pick your destinations wisely

Calmer cities such as Rabat, Tetouan and Taghazout have less chaotic markets for you to shop in peace.

Unlike Marrakech, these places offer you the chance to explore the souks (markets) at your leisure, without fear of overzealous shop owners or street harassment.

Rabat in particular has an exceptional old city with high-quality goods to browse - without constant attention.

So if you’re nervous about diving into Morocco’s tourist hotspots, dip your toe in with these quieter options, and forgo some of the busier cities including Marrakech, Agadir and Fez.

Choose your transport carefully

A trip to Morocco is incomplete without sampling their mint tea, served with huge amounts of sugar

Markets in cities such as Fez can be busier, with lots more people bustling around

The 18 best places to holiday in November: These hotspots are sunny, vibrant, under-the-radar - and surprisingly cheap. Where to stay and what to do, revealed by travel expert ROB CROSSAN

Contrary to what many might think, I found public transport in Morocco to be a great way to get around safely.

Taxis are cheap, so take advantage. Make sure the driver starts the meter, though, when you get in the car - or you could end up with a hefty, exaggerated bill at the end. Of course, hiring private drivers or renting a car can be a good option if you like to travel in comfort.

CTM buses and trains between big cities (Casa and Rabat, Tangiers) were usually pretty full of families, meaning they have an ambiance of safety. They’re also often far more comfortable than you’d expect.

The high-speed train between Rabat and Tangier rivals most UK trains in my opinion - the seats are comfier, the cabins are cleaner and they have a modern, classy feel.

To hostel, or not to hostel?

Booking quiet hostels even if they seem cheap might not always be the best idea. If there is lots of availability and most of the rooms seem empty, you might end up alone in a room with a member of the opposite sex like I did, which you may want to avoid.

I'd advise if you plan on staying in a relatively empty hostel as a solo female traveller, book a single-sex room.

That said, some of my favourite places to stay in Morocco were vibrant youth hostels, so definitely don’t feel you need to forgo them altogether.

Dressing modestly in Morocco goes a long way. I found wearing longer skirts and trousers and keeping my shoulders and chest covered helped me feel safer in many places

And as with most hostels around the world, it’s always smart to take a padlock with you to lock away any important possessions - some hostels don’t provide these or could charge you for them.

Dress to impress

Dressing modestly in Morocco goes a long way. I found wearing longer skirts and trousers and keeping my shoulders and chest covered helped me feel safer in many places.

If you want to fly a bit under the radar, dressing appropriately is one of the easiest steps you can take.

This goes without saying for religious monuments and historic sights - for example the Hassan Mosque in Casablanca or Hassan Tower in Rabat.

But on the streets and beaches too, it could make all the difference to the amount of attention you get.

Share or comment on this article: I'm a female solo traveller - locals hurled insults and followed me in Morocco... but I'd still go back

Search This Blog

Dazzled by Art