(MENAFN- Morocco World News) Travel expert Simon Calder weighed in on the safety of Morocco for travelers who just need to get away from the urban jungles of civilization.
He was asked in London-based The Independent the following question: Where would you say the best place for a city break is at the end of March/start of April? Is Marrakech safe to go to? Calder gives great advice to any traveler planning to escape in the springtime to a place that is 'warm and interesting.' 'So long as you go far enough south,' he says. And Marrakesh, for most European vacationers, is certainly far enough south. 'Marrakech is an inspired idea for its extraordinary souk, handsome monuments a vibrant street life, answers Calder. 'I have been there at the start of March and, with the exception of a single downpour, the weather was excellent. A spring visit avoids the intense heat of summer, the crowds are not too bothersome…' But some travelers may be concerned about terrorism because the growing number of Moroccans sympathetic or belonging to ISIS and other extremist groups. 'It is impossible to say that anywhere is safe, but I believe the risks in Marrakech are tolerably low.' Calder is an internationally-recognized travel correspondent who obviously loves Marrakech and finds it a safe place to enjoy. And he is not alone in his assessment. The British Foreign Office (FCO) last updated its travel advice regarding Morocco on June 8th, stating that 'around 500,000 British nationals visit Morocco every year' and adding that 'most visits are trouble-free.' The Foreign Affairs Ministry of France ranks Morocco as the sole safe country for French citizens in North Africa, earlier this year. 'The political and security situation allows the organization of professional and tourist trips to Morocco, provided for vigilance, especially when traveling along the southern border with Algeria,' the ministry said in its official website last November. France's 'Travel Advice' map on North Africa ranked Morocco in the 'green zone' as the only country with 'normal vigilance.' In contrast, southern Algeria, Libya and parts of Egypt are in the 'red zone.' data-ad-client="ca-pub-9546318280945074" data-ad-slot="9241175969"> jQuery.ajax({ url: "http://www.moroccoworldnews.com/", data: { top_ten_id: 195554, top_ten_blog_id: 1, activate_counter: 11, top10_rnd: (new Date()).getTime() + "-" + Math.floor(Math.random() * 100000) } });