Casablanca Warnings Or Dangers

CASABLANCA is a relatively safe city to travel to. But in any case, it is always advisable to be cautious... because the potential for sexual harassment and intimidation is a reality around the world.

This is again strictly for the female traveler:

Be always on the alert. Do your networking and research before you leave. Find out as much as you can about the roles of both women and men in the places you plan to visit.

A woman alone may be considered fair game. So, do prepare yourself psychologically for any propositions, suggestive comments or catcalls. Then simply IGNORE them.


In some male-dominated cultures (esp. in Africa and the Middle East... and some parts of Asia), it's considered culturally incorrect for a woman to travel solo. For these and other potentially challenging destinations, you might want to team up with a companion. Two women traveling together might have an easier time, believe me.

In some cultures, making eye contact with a man is a sign that you want his company. Some women solve this problem by wearing dark glasses. For one, you'll look really cool in those dark glasses and secondly, you can stare back at the guy without him even realizing it. Ahem!

Be aware that you'll probably be openly stared... no, make it - gawked at, esp. if you're a good looking Caucasian/ Oriental lady. In countries where you look very different from everybody else, both men and women will make no attempt to hide their curiosity.
:-)

Behave confidently AT ALL TIMES... even when your heart is fluttering like crazy - out of fear of the unknown etc. When you're out, try to look as if you know exactly where you're going and what you're doing, O.K.?

Take your cue from the local Moroccan women. As a general rule, if they don't sit in cafés alone, you shouldn't do so either. If they aren't wearing sleeveless dresses, neither should you. I noticed that around mid-afternoon, lots of Moroccan men will sit in cafes around the city and watch the world sail by them... or GAWK at you strolling pass them... whichever comes first. :-)

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER accept free car rides or hitch-hike. Ask the local hotels to recommend reputable cabs companies and, whenever possible, try to double up with someone you know when traveling by cab. In this world - NOTHING IS FOR FREE.

Crowded trains and buses can be perfect breeding grounds for antisocial behavior. Some men will use this opportunity to touch the female passengers standing close to them. If this happens to you, make a fuss.... and I mean, make a HUGE fuss about it. Point at the offender and chastise him openly in a loud voice. He'll probably wish he weren't born... and that the ground would swallow him up! hehe... However, to avoid these types of advances, consider choosing reserved seating if you can afford it. It will be money well spent.

O.K., now have a great trip!