Politics of Morocco take place in a framework of a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, whereby the Prime Minister of Morocco is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Mohammed VI is the King of Morocco. He belongs to the 'Alawi dynasty and ascended to the throne on July 23, 1999, upon the death of his father, King Hassan II.
Moroccan leather
The leather in Morocco is highly unique and tanned in a way that hasn’t changed in centuries. You can get leather slippers, bags, jackets, wallets, belts and much more.
Argan oil
Argan trees grow in the south of Morocco, so it is a great place to buy Argan oil that is as natural as possible, made in the traditional Berber way. It is used for culinary and cosmetic reasons, and although it is widely famous for its benefits on all kinds of hair, it is also extremely efficient on acne and skin in general.
Lanterns
Lanterns make for great souvenirs, as their detailed features instantly remind you of the beauty of Morocco. They can be found in most markets and come in different sizes, shapes and materials. Beware of the aluminium ones, as they bend easily and might be a hassle to transport. The heaviest ones might be more expensive.
Rugs and carpets
Beautiful rugs are handmade in Morocco. Rug shops usually have a wide range of carpets on display and can even customise them and ship them to your home.
Babouche (also called belgha)
Babouche means slipper in French and is widely known as such in the Kingdom.. Slippers are traditional Moroccan shoes, worn for centuries by men, women and children. They come in all colors, materials, patterns and shapes. The prettiest ones are vibrant and can be worn everywhere.
The best time to visit Morocco is during spring (March to May) or fall (September and October). The weather is warm but pleasant, unlike the cold temperatures and snow of winter, or the scorching heat of summer. MARCH-MAY The weather in March is much like the start of spring in any country. With flowers coming out and the sun shining, the weather is generally between 50°F and 68°F although it can be cooler. Snow and rain are rare at this time of year. April and May is a popular time to visit due to the favorable spring weather of between 59°F and 95°F from the High Atlas Mountains to the desert. Showers are common. SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER Cooling down after the hot summer months, September is an ideal time to visit Morocco as you can enjoy the pleasant warm weather and clear blue skies the country offers as it heads into autumn. The cities welcome gentle breezes and exploring the desert becomes pleasant again. October is one of the best months to visit Morocco, as temperatures are cooler and more comfortable. October is also date season in the desert region, which is when Skoura, Erfoud and the surrounding valleys are at their most lush and vibrant.
The currency used in Italy is the Euro.
Most credit cards are accepted in hotels and restaurants.
ATMs are all over the island but not as accessible as in the USA. Most have cash withdrawal limits around E250 but E500 daily withdrawal is allowed. Always make sure you have cash on hand. Sometimes the ATMs are “down.”
The Aurora Borealis is the most amazing natural phenomena in the world! But most people never get the thrill of seeing it. (I made three winter trips to Iceland hoping to see the Northern Lights and never saw them!) The Lights are usually only visible on Earth during four winter months from a 700-mile-wide band near the North Pole, known as the “Aurora Zone.” Our destination is located smack-dab in the middle of the Aurora Zone, in the tiny village of Utsjoki in Lapland, northern Finland. ("Lapland" is situated in Scandinavia and often referred to as the northern area of Finland.)
Utsjoki is such a great place to see the Northern Lights because it is in a remote area of Lapland close to the North Pole. Yup, this is Santa country!
We recommend you fly Finnair (through Helsinki) and then to Ivalo airport, which is a 2.5 hour drive from the resort. Transportation to and from our location is included in the package.
If you are unsure about the flights – please contact us before booking your flight so that we can advise you.
When packing. for this trip, follow the Nordic saying: "There's no such thing as bad weather. There's only bad clothing." Weather conditions in Lapland can change quickly and often, so you should bring many layers of warm, comfortable inner wear such as long johns, long sleeved shirts, and trousers. Here is a suggested packing list for your Lapland winter holiday:
Insulated boots with good grip
Insulated jacket (preferably waterproof too)
Waterproof or snowproof trousers
Thermal underwear and base layers
Warm woollen or fleece jacket
Warm gloves, scarf and hat
Thin thermal gloves (ideal as a base layer under snowmobile gloves)
Warm woollen socks
Small backpack
Sunglasses
Camera with extra battery pack
Heat pads for hands and feet
A swimsuit if you're going to take a polar plunge in the ocean. (Towels and swimming footwear are provided)
November marks the arrival of winter in Utsjoki. The daily average temperature is around 26°F with highs of just 34°F. Overnight lows average 25°F.
November Is also the wettest month of the year here, which usually means snowfall. But snow is not guaranteed. There is a small chance that some winter activities (like snowshoeing and dogsledding) may not be possible if there isn’t enough snow. The Polar Night begins at the end of November. (The polar night is a phenomenon that occurs only inside the polar circles where nighttime lasts for more than 24 hours.) The sun won’t rise again until January