Category: Worldwide Adventures

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Destination: Morocco

Moroccan culture can be an exciting experience. Wander the labyrinth of small streets and alleyways, filled with stalls selling everything imaginable, and an aroma of saffron and orange blossom among sacks of almonds piled high as mountains.

The Hassan Il Mosque

COLOURFUL CULTURE

The almost medieval-like hustle and bustle of Morocco is, for most travellers a world away from their own cities and towns. The people are friendly and the place is pulsing with energy. Hospitality is really a part of their culture so you can strike up friendships virtually anywhere if you have the right attitude. Usually this results in further association with these dynamic and interesting people and a real taste of Moroccan life.

MANY TALENTS

There are so many different ways that the people express themselves – in carpets, clothing, jewellery, ceramics, sculpture, painting, carving and calligraphy. If you ever have the opportunity to visit this country, you should consider buying some of the local artwork. Not only will it provide you with a little memento of your trip, but it will help out the local people who are usually quite poor. Don’t forget to get your leather goods from the tanners in Fez.

FLAVOURS AND SPICES

Spices hold pride of place in any Moroccan kitchen and are used skillfully to create a variety of distinctive flavours to tempt any palate. Common spices include cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, paprika, aniseed, pepper, coriander, sesame seeds, saffron and mint. Couscous also plays an important role in Moroccan cuisine and is gaining popularity worldwide.

The Outdoor Market in Djemaa El-Fna square

Probably the most famous market in Marrakesh is the Djemaa El-Fna. It really comes alive in the evening. You can easily spend an entire night here wandering from stall to stall. Don’t eat a whole dinner, just have little tastes: there are grilled meats, steamed snails, lovely desserts… Let’s just say you won’t go hungry.

PEACE AND TRANQUILITY

Away from the hustle and bustle you will find peace and tranquility at The Menara, surrounded by magnificent gardens, tranquil waters and snow-capped mountains in the background. Fascinating and full of history, the culture of Morocco is also home to incredible architectural wonders.
If you would like to head off on your own Moroccan adventure, you can find out more here.

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The 5 Best Travel Apps For Your Android Phone or Tablet

Earlier this year we wrote about our favourite travel apps for the iPhone and now we thought it was time to do the same for Android devices.
From camera optimisation to travel organisers, these apps will ensure your holiday runs smoothly from start to finish.

Wikitude is the ultimate augmented reality Android app

1. Wikitude – Free
Without doubt Wikitude is the best augmented reality app available on Android devices.
If you’ve never used an augmented reality app before, the basic idea is that you can point your phone at something of interest and find out more about it. For instance, you could point your phone at a hotel and get TripAdvisor reviews, point it at local monument or place of interest and find out more about the area.
It’s a useful everyday app but really shines when you are in a foreign country!
 
2. Trip Journal – £2.99
Trip Journal is the perfect way to record where you’ve been and what you’ve seen. The app uses your GPS system to create a map recording where you’ve been, it allows you to store all your holiday pictures in a stylish album and lets you record your thoughts in a stylish journal.
Best of all, once you’ve created your journal you can share it on Facebook with all your friends.
3. Hipmunk – Free
Hipmunk is the ultimate travel companion. The app allows you to search and book hotels and flights whilst combining user reviews and price comparisons.
With Hipmunk you can also visualise where you will be staying using the built in maps functionality. You simply turn on heatmaps that show you the best areas to stay based on unique interests such as food, landmarks, nightlife and more.
Instagram is a real favourite of Leger Holidays

4. Instagram – Free
Instagram is a real favourite at Leger Holidays. Not only does it make our rubbish snaps look professional, but the app makes it easy to share our adventures with friends and families.
All you have to do is take a quick picture and apply a filter to transform everyday moments into works of art you’ll want to share with everyone you know. It’s like having Photoshop in your pocket.
5. Currency Converter – Free
There’s nothing better than haggling with local market traders and coming back from your holiday with some absolute bargains. But when you don’t know the currency it can be difficult to know if you’re getting a good deal or not.
That’s where this handy map comes in. Currency Converter quickly and easily converts different currencies so you can see exactly how much you’re spending. It’s a bargain hunter’s best friend.
Do you have an Android phone? Have we missed any great apps? Let us know in the comments below.

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The 5 Best Travel Apps for your iOS Device

Just a few short years ago holidaymaker’s suitcases were packed with everything from CD players, to cameras and books to help pass the time. But nowadays all you need is a phone or tablet and these five travel apps. From camera optimisation to travel organisers, these apps will ensure your holiday runs smoothly from start to finish.
1. FlightAware – Free
FlightAware is a live flight tracking system designed to keep you up to date with the latest news and information regarding your flight. Just type in your airline and flight number and you’re away. From there you will be sent updates on flight delays, gate changes and cancellations. Plus, if you accept the push notifications you can receive all this information without even having to open up the app. If you’re flying, it’s a must have travel app in our opinion
2. Instagram – Free
Despite being recently bought by Facebook, Instagram is still the iPhones best camera app. This simple photo app allows you to share your travel snaps with all your friends back home and will transform your pictures from the mundane to effortless cool at the touch of a button! It’s like Photoshop in your pocket.
3. Wattpad – Free
The Amazon Kindle and iBooks apps are the most well known reading apps on the iPhone but in Wattpad there could be a huge selection of free books that you have been missing out on. The app has been around for several years now and offers over 5 million stories for you to read – all for free! Just download the app, choose you favourite genre of book and you’re away. From romance to horror to comedy, Wattpad’s excellent library has something for everyone.
4. Google Translate – Free
If you’re travelling to a country where you don’t know the language, it’s always handy to have a little helping hand from time to time. And rather than carrying a bulky phrase book around with you, why not simply download the Google Translate app? It will quickly and easily translate words and phrases between 64 languages and can be a real lifesaver when you’re struggling to get your point across. It’s like having your own personal translator!
5. XE Currency – Free
There’s nothing better than haggling with local market traders and coming back from your holiday with some absolute bargains. But when you don’t know the currency it can be difficult to know if you’re getting a good deal or not. Step forward the handy XE Currency app. The app quickly and easily converts different currencies so you can see exactly how much you’re spending. It’s a bargain hunter’s best friend.
Is there any apps that you think we may have missed? If so let us know in the comments below.
Image courtesy of flickr user Tony George