Hello team.
Must see (off the beaten path or lesser known) for:
1. Morocco (excluding Marrakech - been there for a week so skipping this time)
2. Tunisia
3. Egypt
Any ideas or wonderful experiences you can share would be greatly appreciated.

We loved Egypt! The people are REMARKABLE. It’s one of the safest countries in the world to visit. Crimes (theft mugging etc) is non existent.

David true! I was proposed to in Egypt!! Very friendly locals!

Jordan
Petra nights

Go as far south as you can...Gulemin, TanTan. Outside Gulemin there is an oasis named AitBukah.

Went to Morocco in 2017. Very affordable to pay for a guide that will drive you across the country and translate for you and ensure you don't get price gouged by sellers & restaurants. Chefchauwen and camping in the desert were my favourite places

Jordan. Gibraltar.

1) The beaches in Nuweiba 2) Saint Catherine's Monastery at the base of Mount Sinai.

I was in Egypt for 3 weeks several years ago. Wow. The people were SO friendly. To see the pyramids and ancient ruins was a dream come true. The museum where King Tut is is absolutely fascinating (and huge!). I only wish I had time to travel to Alexandria, which everyone told me to do, but I ran out of time. Go ride a camel in the desert, eat koshari and fresh mango smoothies and swim in the sea. It's an awesome country.

Egypt: We really enjoyed our Nile Cruise down to Aswan, the scenery was gorgeous and there was a different feel to the markets in the south. In particular the Temple of Philae was just stunning. The Temple of Horus was also amazing. We enjoyed cooling off at the resort town of Hurghada along the Red Sea. Alexandria was also beautiful and historically fascinating, I wish we'd spent a whole weekend there. EDIT: Hmm not terrible far off the beaten path I'm afraid...

Natalie I think we may find a Nile cruise interesting.

I'm sorry but I don't have such positive memories of Morocco. The place itself was fascinating. The mosques beautiful and the markets amazing. Unfortunately being constantly hounded by hawkers frustrated me. There were almost a couple of fights between members of our group with them. My wife wants to go to Egypt but my experiences in Morocco put me off.

Keith My experience exactly. Loved it, hated the constant hassle. We wintered there many years ago. It was such a relief to cross over into Algeria where tourists had yet to become fair game. Crossing into Tunisia was like returning to Morocco and we could not wait to get the hell out.

A little perspective: people from other parts of the world that are wealthy and privileged enough to travel to visit impoverished countries where people are struggling for sustenance. It's unfortunate to be hawked at and one can easily see it as harassment, but with a little empathy and humour, you can also enjoy those environments as ways of engaging locals and immersing yourself in a culture. I just think it's worth being humble, sympathetic and kind if you choose to travel to areas where people have vastly less than you.

Jill Yewell My family and I went to Egypt in 2015. This would have been my 3rd time in Egypt, but as an adult this last time. Im normally the one that would argue strongly with people that need to have empathy, and help where they can.
The first few times i went to Egypt it was with my parents (all speak Arabic fluently) I didnt see as much of the hawkers etc.. This last time with my Canadian husband and children it was a vastly different story. The hawkers would see us coming and swarm us. I was polite at first, then firmly polite, eventually i was telling them to get lost. It is a far cry from the pan handlers on the streets to the hawkers with all their goodies not taking 'no thank you' for a response. I had my money ready to buy the perfumed kleenex packs and years later ...we still have some. Bottle openers, bought food and gave money to a few.
My point is people on vacation dont want to fight with the locals, they're there for a short time, and anyone looking to go there should definitely take note.
Having said all that...I LOVE egypt!

There’s an extraordinary amount of privilege and wealth in having a passport and then being able to use it. I don’t think the vast number of travellers/tourists understand how out of reach it is for so many to even afford a passport. Even the human right to cross a border is not available let alone the ability, especially in Morocco. My point is people on vacation can pay to leave. Complaining about the locals who don’t have the same privileges is rather unfortunate and gauche. There are tourist enclaves and resorts for people who don’t like how things are in some countries. Or stay home.

You know normally Im the one arguing your side of this because Id like to see these countries get the tourists they so heavily rely on.
The thing is, not everyone wants to go visit a resort. I imagine most if not all of the people going to these countries want to interact with the locals, and gain insight into the daily life while (taking a break) being on vacation.
I would not skip the tasty market food, or the interaction with the courteous stall vendor offering a cup of mint tea, and a sale, the history and architecture. As im sure the people who saved for such a trip did in the hopes of experiencing life in an exotic country.
I personally, as an Arabic speaking middle easterner say, take it with a grain of salt, make sure you plan your breaks, and enjoy all of it.

I actually didn't find the hawking so bad compared to what I had experienced in India. What upset me was being tricked - for example someone starts walking with me uninvited then asks me to pay them for showing me to my hotel - I had several incidents like that.

Alison My husband and I had a similar situation happen to us in Egypt. The horse and buggy vendors were plentiful, and my husband and i were interested we got waved over the man said he can give us a ride for 40. We think 'ok its not too far that seems fair'. We get into the buggy, go for the ride and then he mentions that he wants 40 sterling
We tell him why would we pay in British currency when we're in Egypt (i mean even US currency is sometimes used)He took the 40 in egyptian pounds with a 'tip'
That was one of our incidents too...I get it.

I did 5 nights in Cairo then the sleeper train to Luxor for 5 nights. Loved every minute.

Morocco made me feel like I was on a different planet. I found it so interesting. I would not go on my own though (as a woman). Too much hounding and disrespect by the country's men. I went with Intrepid Travel which allowed me to see incredible places and safely.

Susan I've done both. One of the issues is women who go into Morocco are ignorant or disrespectful of the culture and show too much skin. When I travelled alone when I was 25 I was very ignorant of this and was constantly jeered at. When I went back with Intrepid, I was much more conservative and left almost entirely alone. I am also heavily tattooed and shave my head and being conservative is a stretch.

Jill Yewell I found this too. I covered my arms and legs fully, no skin showing at all, and no one bothered me whatsoever.

Majel I am old and I definitely respected the customs. The disrespect for women by the general male population was still very apparent , even towards me. Didn't stop me totally from venturing off on my own but it was definitely something I found annoying and wrong.

Susan I had a similar experience in Fez. We were 3 older women very conservatively dressed. We were treated very badly by a group of young men. We were just walking from our hotel to the souk. It was actually frightening. We had no issues in Tangier, Rabat or Marrakech.

Renee sad to hear that happened to you. It does not happen all the time but enough times to be annoyed.

Definitely Jordan--Petra is a must but also recommend an overnight stay in Wadi Rum. Also Namibia--fantastic geography plus desert wildlife.

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Colombia is an amazing country for diverse landscapes, cultural history and lovely people. We had a month in Colombia in January 2020. A mix of smaller towns like Salento and large cities like Medellin and Bogota make an interesting trip. My spouse and I travelled on our own and it was easy to make reservations and bookings as you go along.

Diane, love Colombia. A little tough to trek there from Morocco though!

Chefcahuen in northern Morocco for it's fantastically blue painted streets and the fantastic roman ruins of Volubilis nearby.

Jill Yewell Volubilis was amazing. The day we were there (granted 45 years ago) we were the only visitors. We had the entire site to ourselves.

Robert Wow. It's an incredible sight. Those floor mosaics are unbelievable. Morocco 45 years ago was a very different destination. Did you go to Diabet too?

Jill Yewell I don't think we did....from Volubilis we went to a small village in the hills (bought some incredible sesame candies and some almond brittle like candy.....I remember the strangest things. Then we went on to Meknes. It was late January and very cold....we came north too soon but were just so tired of the constant barrage we longed to return to Europe, Loved Algeria as there was no tourist infrastructure or tourists so no one paid us any attention. We could just wander at will. We had a van and each night we would pull in to a village, find the police station and ask if we could park there for the night. They always said yes. Intended to stay longer in Tunisia but within minutes of being in the first town across the border we were hassled by touts for rug merchants. I think we stayed just 7-8 days and then caught the ferry to Sicily. We are not Italian, don't speak the language at all but just being back in Europe felt so much like being 'home' we wanted to kiss the ground. I loved Ourzazat (sp?) it was the first black sky and the first time seeing the Milky Way. I will never forget that night.

Robert Diabet is where Jimi Hendrix wrote about the Spanish Castle that slipped into the sea, endlessly and it’s still there buried in sand. It’s just south of Essouaria where they don’t care where you’re from or how many carpets you want to buy. I was assaulted 3 x in 8 days and threatened repeatedly for being a single woman travelling alone. I was also 25 and ignorant of the Muslim culture. I went back a few years ago and loved it. I love the hawkers, I love the bartering culture and understand what they’re doing.

Jill Yewell loved chefcahuen

My wife tired of no interaction with any women. We spent time with a great many Moroccans and Algerians but never spent time with their wives or mothers. Lived in Ait Bouka for 8 days and was introduced to the wife.....once.....the only time we saw her. I love to barter, consider it competition but hated being hassled, pushed to enter into engagement. Threw a punch at a rug dealer that grabbed my arm to pull me into his shop in Tunisia, I was so fed up with the non stop in your face aspect of it.

We did spend time in Essouaria, lovely seaside town and yes it was a nice break from it all. Found a lunch cafe that served a huge plate of deep fried sardines, loaf of bread and a litre of coke for about a dollar. Ate the deep fried bread/donuts tied together with a palm thong from the street vendors. Also close by if I remember was another nice town...El Jedida. In the middle of a soccer riot there...a game between Morocco and Algeria....the game was boring but the riot was great fun.

I still have after almost 50 years my prize collection of trading beads bought in Gulemin.

My funny recollection of crossing the border from Algeria into Tunisia....In Algeria there were no public trash cans...nowhere to dispose of our garbage. We kept 8 days of garbage in a big black plastic garbage bag refusing to toss it until we found an actual garbage can. At the border crossing the guard searched our van...untied the garbage bag and began to sift through the garbage which was smelly by this time.....he gave us a look, and waved us on. He probably still tells the story of two Canadians that had this bag of sticking garbage in their vehicle. We did find a garbage can at a hotel in Tunisia.

Morocco was amazing. Dress appropriately, keep your head down, and mind your own business and no one will bother you.
Al Fassia was beyond amazing. The staff and ambiance was perfect. They have a starter of an assortment of Moroccan salads- AMAZING. Lamb tagine with prunes and almonds was my favourite. We ate there many times..
Cafe Les Negociants is very classic vibes. Their toast and jams were perfection. We had breakfast here everyday. It’s nice to just sit on the patio and have the view of the busy street. But they were really polite and didn’t mind you sitting long drinking a tea, etc.

Excellent advice.

Sorry just saw you said excluding Marrakesh

Morocco has such an interesting waterfall that has a restaurant at the bottom to view it from, my bucket list.

Morocco - Tetouan and surrounding area. Wonderful old market in Tetouan. Egypt - Abu Simbel. A little hard to get to, but worth the effort.

My daughter and I did Morocco with GAdventures and it was wonderful!! Groups are small....max 15. Lots of time on your own. No serious issues with men. Our guide educated us on customs,history,etc.
Highlight was a Hamam ( scrubdown in a sauna type room........a lifetime of dirt removed! Who knew)

Barbara Joe Your comment about the "lifetime of dirt removed" made me laugh. I've been to several hammams in Paris, and the last one I was in scrubbed me within an inch of my life
I felt like I had a sunburn afterwards. The poor woman scrubbing me must have been appalled, because I made it to the hammam after about 2 months on the road and I think it was a much needed scrub!

I loved it....the lady had mastered one sentence in perfect English....”You Dirty”!
And when was walking around in The Market a couple of ladies were sniffing around me like I smelled (and I bet I did, compared to people that get a scrub down every week!!!)

Barbara Joe how long did you go for and what time of year? I’m thinking of going after the pandemic is over.

Morocco- Ancient Roman ruins at Volubolis. Totally amazing with a very good museum being put together as more antiquities are unearthed. The city was intact until the earthquake in 1755. Could have stayed there ALL day instead of 2 hours.

Diving anywhere on the Red Sea...or snorkel, City of the Dead and Egyptian/Cairo Museum,Cairo, Abu Simbel, Luxor, St Catherine's Monastery . I would go back in a flash....safe and wonderful travels!

In the far western Sahara, not far from the Libyan border, you will find the ancient lands of Siwa Oasis. Hard to get to and beautiful! We stayed at Siwa Relax Resort and the owner took care of our every need. Next trip, I want to see the White Desert/Farafra...

Egypt top to bottom! Loved the Red Sea. Alexandria was so beautiful and so was the Nile cruise.
Really enjoyed the Atlas Mountains in Morocco.

Not far off is Jordan, one of of my favourite countries for its citizens

Morocco was awesome. Must see the Tanneries in Fez, also the slot canyons in the Atlas Mountains. Chefchauen (sp) is a must

Egypt changed my life. Abul simbal. Is amazing. The story is amazing. We did a few days in Dahab for diving. Amazing! Egyptian museum in Cairo, climb mt. Sinai for sunrise, then camel trek in the desert. We spent a month there adventure style.

Not super off the beaten track but I loved Fez and Chefchauen. Essouira was great for an overnight trip to spend some time away from the cities and take advantage of the sea breeze/ break from the heat! We found Grand taxis the best way to travel between locations. Definitely skip Casablanca - just a regular meh city.

Trafraoute, found an awesome bike adventure for 2 days, surrounded mountains for hiking and climbing, not too touristy. Took a grand taxi from Essouira (spent a few days there too)

Casablanca was beautiful

Went to Tunis and Carthage in August 2010. I was 25 and traveling solo. I had a great time, and didn't get hassled too much (or at least nothing that felt super threatening; I was able to joke it off most of the time). I don't think I would have traveled through more of Tunisia as a woman by myself, but Tunis, Carthage and Sidi Bou Said all felt super safe. As a man, your mileage may vary.
I based myself in Tunis and wandered around the city quite a bit. I used public transit or walked everywhere, and then took the intercity commuter train out to Sidi Bou Said and Carthage. I enjoyed getting myself lost in the medina in Tunis. The ruins at Carthage was fascinating, and SBS was a really picturesque town on the Mediterranean. Lots of nice architecture - not so much an active destination, but a nice place to have a wander for a day.
As that was 11 years ago now (yikes), things may have changed.
I was there for Ramadan and made a point of dressing fairly modestly. I don't speak Arabic but my French was okay, and that carried me through. It was my first and only time in Africa and in an Arabic country, and I was absolutely mesmerized by the sights and sounds. Even though it was only a 24 hr ferry ride from Marseille, it felt like a different planet.

In Morocco the ruins at Volubilis are absolutely breathtaking and very close to Fes which has the most stunning medina.

Thank you all for the advice! Gonna be a wonderful trip and definitely will report back!

Derek I work with one of the highest regarded Egyptologist guides in the industry, so feel free to pm me if you’d like to connect with a private tour guide.
Having someone local and so well respected means you won’t be as harassed by hawkers as other tourists, and you can be confident that drivers etc are vetted, animal welfare is maintained, and ensured there is no child labour.
Egypt is a truly wonderful country but you can only get a fraction of the experience without curated local insight from an expert.

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Egypt is one of the most wonderful destinations in the world, a lot of history, a lot to visit, very friendly people, cheap, safe, fun, I can recommend you to my agency in Egypt, they are very professional

Egypt.. dahab. Is great little beach town and you can't miss Alexandria

Was in fez a while ago but would say its a true hell hole for solo woman... maybe its changed but I was physically harassed about every 5 to 10 minutes while I was there

Years ago 24 yr old daughter and I went to Morocco and my daughter was attracting a lot of attention. I made her wear a burka. Problem solved and no one gave her a second glance.

Essouiria was delightful. (Morocco) But I have a thing for walled cities.

Tunisia...
. Hammamet, Mahdia, Tunis, Sidi bou said, Carthgage... beaches, hammams, food, history. a Mediterranean vacation @ 1/4 of the price.

I was there 2017, 2019.... and I would go back when travel is save. I have connections that own condos that they rent out on the beach in Mahdia, and I love it there

Yolanda sounds intriguing! We loved Morocco, but Mediterranean sounds lovely.

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We rented a car in Morocco and went exploring.

Egypt is amazing. Loved Abu Simbal and Luxor in particular, and of course, the pyramids and Sphinx.

Sahara Touring does some really excellent tours in Morocco including a desert camp

Off the beaten path in Egypt is impossible or so dangerous it's not worth it without an armed escort. Tour companies can arrange simple transport to and from train stations/ airport etc.

Dan I was lucky enough to do a bike tour off the beaten path in Egypt... but still - a tour, with other people. Sleeping in the desert under the stars out there, though... fantastic.

That sounds awesome! I paid a kid take me on a couple photo excursions "off the beaten path." It was sketchy at times. Sneaking through check points. Bribes. Public transit. I put him and others in danger. I was stupid.

They travel in armed caravans for a reason. We lost a wheel, got stuck in the middle of the desert at 5AM. Not far from the Sudanese border which was in the midst of a civil war. Not a good place to be stranded. Was a tense situation.

Egypt IS safe though! Just stick to the rules.

Dan Isn’t there a lot of unrest at the moment?

Graham Not that I've heard. They are really struggling due to the pandemic. I was there just prior to the onset of the Arab Spring. It was a tinderbox. If anything it's safer now than ever. And the museum just opened. One of the largest in the world. Can't wait to return!

I had none of that excitement. I did have a morning with 12 flat tires before noon. Damned thorns. And a staring competition with a Jackal who decided to cross the road in front of me. Sudan was peaceful when I was there, and just an amazing part of the world.

Adnarim i loved it and would return anytime! Older and wiser.

Morocco-Dades Canyon
https://www.facebook.com/simplymorocco/posts/3386649098108527

Morocco-Dades Valley
https://www.facebook.com/simplymorocco/posts/1428579410582182

Egypt is great, within an hour of Cairo there are so many pyramids that you can actually get close to. Also get into the desert to go camping. It’s amazing

I absolutely loved Morocco and traveled solo as a female and felt pretty safe throughout. I loved Chefchaoen, totally stunning and I did some small day trips from Fez to Volubilis for example which were really interesting. None of the other places I visited were off the beaten path but I did love Essaouiria so much and Marrakech too.

You maybe want to look into India, the Most Beautiful country I have seen and loads of things to do, The Lake Palace in Udaipur Amazing site

My husband and I went to Morocco a couple years ago. It was amazing - we stayed for 5 weeks. We had a rental car and rented a condo in the seaside town of Agadir. We did numerous excursions from there - most 3-4 nites each. The most memorable was the trek to the desert - we did that one with a guide - it was the most amazing 5 nites I’ve ever spent! Pm me if you want any info about where we went or what we did - here’s where we stayed in the desert ...

Jacqui - I remember when you had told me about this trip - I think about it/ following in your footsteps often!

Carrie I CANNOT WAIT to travel again .... we feel like we r just existing.... looking forward to living again! And look forward to talking travel with you again

Jacqui no snakes, scorpions or roaming camels to chew on you ? lol

Graham no but in the morning there were small animal prints all around the bed.... the staff swore it was from wild dogs .... still was kinda crazy lol!

we loved Egypt and did a private tour with Memphis tours. it cost about $100 day per person and included hotel, meals and a private guide and driver. the entire tour was about me

Didnt like Morocco much. Cairo is very dirty but interesting.