Although cheap UK-based airlines are now flying to Morocco, look into flights to Malaga in Spain, as it’s easy to get a bus to the port town of Algeciras and a ferry across to Morocco (one could also visit Gibraltar!). The ferry was about 30 euros when I went in 2004. When you arrive in Tangiers, negotiate for a taxi to the ‘palace-like’ train station and probably don’t waste too much time in the town – it’s a tourist trap, and there’s little to see. Trains are a great, cheap way to get around the country – by arranging an overnight train, you also save on accommodation.
Marrakech
…is marvellous. ‘The red city’ is full of fantastic sights and sounds – everything is centred around a big square which comes to life at night with food vendors, entertainers, musicians, storytellers and dancers. Calls to prayer, music, snake charmers and drumming can be heard everywhere. Small streets lead off from the central medina to endless rows of shops selling a splendid selection of jingles, jangles, tourist crap and some real treasures. Consider the Hotel Ali – very cheap, trustworthy, overlooks the central square and they do great tours.
Incredible India is like several countries in one – culture, religion, language, food all differ from state to state, and one could easily spend several years backpacking around the country of a billion, and still only see the tip of the iceberg!
Guide
Lonely Planet is the best guide for India, but try to get off the beaten track and check out accommodation and restaurants not listed. Hostelworld.com is great to see what fellow travellers are currently recommending in India.
Money
Rupees are a closed currency – you can only get them in India. The cheapest way to get cash is with your ATM card – all cities have machines, as do all airports. If, however, you are taking traveller’s cheques, dollars, euros or sterling etc…, go to Chequepoint, on the main bazaar in Pahaganj, Delhi for the best rates the country.
Accommodation
The budget hostels listed in your Lonely Planet are generally fine (the worse I experienced was a paper-thin foam mattress and a mammoth-sized cockroach or two, 95% were ok!). Dorms will always be the cheapest option, at just a couple of pounds, but I rarely saw them outside of Delhi All rooms, no matter how cheap, will have ceiling fans. Air-con rooms are perhaps around £5-£10 whilst luxury digs can start at just £25. Share with friends to make a saving. Camping isn’t much of an option on India’s beaten track.
