Jack's Flight Club ✈️ Travel News & Inspiration
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Hello there, JFC-ers!
Greetings from Marrakesh, where I arrived this morning on a night train from Tangier, after a busy week of meeting like-minded travellers passing through Valencia on their week-long race to Marrakesh.
After departing London’s Herne Hill Velodrome at 10:30 AM on Saturday morning, the seven fastest racers had already made it to Marrakesh — via 5 other checkpoints — by 3 AM on Tuesday. Before crossing the finish line of the food-themed race, they had one last task to complete: snapping a pic at renowned street food spot, Chez Lamine.
The victory ultimately went to three-time-racer Sam, who eagle-eyed Detour readers may remember from the delightful interview she gave us last year, ahead of the second race to Albania. Take a look back here. |
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Regardless whether they were going for gold or just enjoying the adventure, all racers had to make their way across the English Channel to Paris and complete their first task, which depended on their onward route. From they had the choice of three routes; The Pilgrim’s Picnic, The Mountain Goat, and The Island Hopper.
The first would take them to St Jean Pied de Port in the Basque Region before plodding onwards to Santiago de Compostela. The next option saw racers zigzagging down to Chamonix in the Alps and then across to Andorra, while the final route took them to Toulon on the Côte d'Azur and then across the Med to Palma de Mallorca.
Next up, they’d all converge on Valencia, where Team JFC were waiting to greet them for a couple of drinks and a travel-themed pub quiz. Of course, the speediest racers didn’t hang around for our social evening, while the back of the pack — mostly country counters — are only just passing through now! |
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From there, everyone had to set sail for Tangier, with most boarding a ferry in either Algeciras or Tarifa. Before changing continents, however, many of the more leisurely racers have made the most of southern Spain’s high-speed rail network and found time for beach days and sunrise summits of the Rock of Gibraltar.
But ultimately, to complete the race on time, everyone must make it across the finish line in Marrakesh’s Tinsmith Square by 5 PM this evening. With some adventurers heading as far north as Sweden, or as far east as Hungary, it remains to be seen whether that will actually come to pass…
Happy travels and safe landings, |
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Katy - Editor of The Detour |
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Bustling alleyways, sizzling street food, the warm sun beating down — these are the things we expect from Marrakesh. But add in all the cautious tales of pushy sales techniques, pick-pocketing, and crowded tourist spots, and it’s easy to imagine why the prospect of visiting Marrakesh might seem a bit daunting. |
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Thankfully, lots of you wise JFC-ers have already visited! Here I’ll share the top tips from across the JFC community to help you make marvellous Moroccan memories.
First up, how to do the Medina, and what to expect: |
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“Landed back from Marrakech yesterday & loved it! Did a free walking tour of the Medina on our first day - found it really helpful to get to know the city.
I was warned lots about being harassed, but actually found it to be one of the safest and friendlies cities I've visited. People are trying to make a living and their form of marketing is by talking, but it's OK to ignore if you're not interested, or say a polite “la shukran” (no, thanks) and walk on. The shops in the north of the souk are quieter, and you also have the workshops there where you can watch people weave rugs, craft shoes and hammer metal ornaments.
Download the maps.me app and get the map for Marrakech offline (free) beforehand, and you won't get lost.
Sunset over Jemaa el-Fnaa square is a beautiful experience - head to the top of Cafe du France for the best views. Perfect accompanied by some mint tea and a plate of pastries as you watch the square come to life and the sun set behind the minaret surrounded by the Atlas mountains.
The Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace & Majorelle gardens are all stunning - but visit as soon as they open to avoid the crowds!
Take cash, almost nowhere in the Medina accepts card. I use a Revolut card via an ATM to withdraw. If you have any spare cash, change it back before you go through security at the airport, as it's a closed currency.” - Ruth from our Facebook community |
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And when it comes to food in the Medina, Detour reader Marla also recommends a tour: |
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“When you go to Jem El-Fnaa square, make sure you try some snail soup from one of the many vendors there who sell it. I know it sounds disgusting but it's not. And it's very cheap. It's useful to get a food guide if you have that option to take you around because there are so many different types of food.” |
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A word of warning though: many JFC-ers in our Facebook community mention helpful locals offering to help them find their way out of the maze of the Medina, then being expected to pay up for the assistance. It can be twisty and turny in there, so accepting help may be a good option — just do so in the knowledge that it’ll likely cost you.
Extravagant gardens are another of Marrakesh’s main tourist draws. But Marla says it’s all about which ones you pick and when you pick ‘em! |
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“Everyone goes to the Majorelle Garden because it's just gorgeous and owned by Yves St Laurent. But when I say everyone goes, what I mean it that it is absolutely mobbed to the point I hated it. If you go, be there and line up BEFORE it opens early in the morning. Plus, it will be cooler. Or maybe it's better at the end of the day, dunno. Check, I think you might need to get tickets in advance.
This time, we went to the Secret Garden instead and enjoyed it. It's inside the Medina and closer anyway. Next time, I want to go to the Anima Garden, but it's outside of town.” |
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Detour reader Naomi also got in touch with a full review of the city’s gardens (plus a bonus restaurant recommendation!), so here’s all you need to know: |
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“I was in Marrakech this time last year for 5 months.
The following are places I heartily recommend, especially because the city can be so crowded now through over tourism and cheap flights.
3 gardens, vital for shade and great food! 2 in the city; "Le Majorelle” (where Yves Saint Laurent lived) & "The Secret Garden," smaller but perfect when the heat is intense.
My FAV place was Anima Garden, 40 mins drive out of the city on a FREE shuttle bus. (Embark opposite Jemaa el-Fnaa main square, where the taxis and caleches congregate, by the mosque)
Anima is full of surprises; sculptures, colours, plants, sounds, flowers, trees and incredible views of the mountains. The cafe is EXCEPTIONAL!
For evenings back in town you MUST visit Restaurant Le Grand Bazar, which feels like someone’s fancy home, choc full of art, antiques and unique paintings; delicious food and drinks, with breathtaking sunset views.” |
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As for accommodation in the city, I personally found it near impossible to pick between the hundreds of beautifully tiled hotels and riads with luxurious poolside breakfast spreads. But fear not, JFC-er Peter has come to the rescue: |
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“My wife and I stayed at a great boutique hotel in Marrakesh several years ago. The room was amazing. Hospitality was great. And the restaurant was so good. We ate there three times. The name of the hotel is The Red House. They have a nice pool out in front, and it’s very quiet and private.” |
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Beyond the city, everyone recommends a trip to the Atlas Mountains. Websites like withlocals.com and marrakechwithlocals.com are the places to start looking for guided tours that give you an authentic experience and support the locals in the area. If you’re wondering what to expect from a one-day tour, this blog should give you a pretty good idea.
Marrakesh and its surroundings make an ideal city break, but there’s a lot more to Morocco than that! Tangier has its own Mediterranean vibe; a mixture of the well-preserved old kasbah, long, sandy beaches, and lots of new development ahead of the African Cup in 2026 and the World Cup in 2030. |
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