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Yousef Amraui is a native of Morocco who resides in USA .Youssef got his start in life as the son of a Berber family living a humble self sustaining life on the Oasis of Tafilalet at the rim of one of the most famous sand dunes in North Africa.As a boy ,Youssef loved to interact with the many visitors from all over the world who came to enjoy the beauty of the sunset and sunrise at the sand dunes of Merzouga .Youssef provided guidance and shared with visitors his culture and his Berber heritage.While leading tours in the Sahara in an early age ,he was able to learn Spanish ,French ,English and German in addition to his Berber native language and Arabic .After getting his B.A in Linguistics from The University of Meknes and his Diploma from the Institute of Hospitality and Tourism in Erfoud ,Youssef took a job out of Morocco and moved to USA.After working in hospitality for a while ,Youssef decided to fulfill his childhood dream and he started Nomad Travel to organize and lead tours to Morocco. His intimate local knowledge and international perspective to understand the needs of travelers make traveling with Nomad Travel exceptional and distinct from the ordinary vacation.
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We at Nomad Travel offer small group and custom holidays based on the appreciation and respect of the local environment and people.
We can show you some of the most beautiful and fascinating places in the world, handpicked to offer you an unforgettable experience, while also preserving nature and benefiting local communities.
Our itineraries combine a mix of well known 'must see' sights with some less well known 'insider secret' activities.
We believe that the best vacation is neither the cheapest nor the most expensive, but rather it is the one in which you are most relaxed and enjoying yourself. We focus on creating this relaxed enjoying experience for you in a generally four star quality environment.
We keep the numbers of people on our tours small. This means no time spent waiting in lines, and more individual treatment.
We actively support responsible, ethical and sustainable travel through our business practices, by contributing part of our profits to support community projects in the destinations we visit. We try to ensure that all our trips not only minimize the negative effects of tourism but actually have a positive impact on the communities who welcome us into their villages and often their homes.
Using local transport and local accommodation and paying fair wages, ensures that not only do you gain a unique insight into the culture you are visiting but also that as much of your money as possible stays in the local community.
Wherever possible we also contribute to community projects (helping to preserve traditional ways of life, providing education and supporting environmental initiatives) and, if practical, encourage you to visit or even lend a helping hand. We advise on any potential impacts of our visits and strive to minimize these wherever possible. We will point out opportunities to purchase local products and will also advise and help you to fit in with social expectations. In this way, those who travel with us are not greeted as unwanted intruders but rather as welcome guests.
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Thank you so much for our fantastic tour of Morocco. This was the best trip we’ve ever taken. We felt like we saw the “real” Morocco, its culture, its people, its history. We especially appreciated visiting so many local sites, eating at local restaurants, and staying in charming accommodations, none of which were the typical tourist hotels. We also enjoyed seeing how so many of the Moroccan crafts were actually produced. As you may recall, this was our second trip to Morocco. We saw many of the same destinations during our first trip but your tour gave us a much more personal and intimate experience.Every day was a highlight for us, so it’s hard to pick the one or two “best” experiences but we’ll try. The remote Berber Tent in the desert that took 1.5 hours to reach by camel was certainly one. We did not hear a single human sound, including airplanes, and the stars were truly the brightest we’ve ever seen. We’ll also never forget meeting your parents and family, their warm hospitality, and seeing the village where you grew up. There are also many fond memories of local meals but two that stand out are the “catch of the day” lunch at the fish restaurant and the farewell dinner you had catered at the Riad Orientale. Speaking of the Riad Orientale, it was a privilege to stay in this beautiful 250-year old home in the middle of the Medina in Marrakesh. When you first talked to us about this tour, you said you wanted to show us “your” Morocco. You certainly did so, and we now feel like it’s “our” Morocco as well.
Dan & Judy
Mazomenie
In the past we have avoided “tours” because we really enjoy experiencing things “outside the tour box” and we do not want to be herded around at a pace that will keep the group on schedule. In October, 2007, we traveled in Morocco with Youssef for two weeks. Although we knew the itinerary before our departure, you are never quite sure what to expect from any tour. Fortunately for us, traveling with Youssef was really a very rewarding experience.Being a very small group (which is important to us) made it possible for Youssef to allow us some latitude in doing what we wanted to do. If there was an interesting outdoor market along the road that we wanted to visit, Youssef pulled over and off we went to the market. During visits to markets in the major cities, if we wanted to spend more time exploring, we would simply agree to meet Youssef later. Youssef is a very proud Berber who takes great pride in his heritage. Traveling with him through Berber territory is a very special thing. Not only does he do a wonderful job of telling you about Berber history, foods and culture, but we also spent time visiting and eating with his family.
Both of us are very comfortable in recommending a trip with Youssef, if you are looking for a more relaxed, less structured, more people-to-people type tour. He is extremely accommodating in trying to meet your interests and helping you really get to know Morocco. We found that traveling with someone who had been born and raised there really added to our getting to learn about all aspects of life in Morocco.
Jean and Joel
Madison,WI
What a trip! I talk with excitement in my heart every time I start telling the stories of our two weeks in Morocco with Yousseff Amraoui and his company, Nomad Travel. It was an adventure filled with new experiences for the senses. My two daughters and I went on this trip with open minds to experience different traditions and beliefs and left Morocco with a better understanding of ourselves, the country, and the people who shared their lives with us. We had wonderful experiences and came back with memories we’ll share for a lifetime.
Carmen Connor
Fitchburg,WI
I am pleased to say that the experience was very enjoyable, educational, relaxing, and fun. Youssef proved to be an excellent, informed, organized and responsive guide and caretaker. He was generous with his time and knowledge and was always concerned about our welfare and safety, I was able to see sights and locations that I missed on my first trip as Youssef provided a more comprehensive and intensive experience than I would have been able to duplicate on any other tour. He was the consummate host in every sense.
I would most highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting a personal, complete, and enriching travel experience.
Dena Sible
Chicago , IL
What a trip you led us on! You are truly an amazing individual ...so smart, so kind and so thoughtful about every detail. Every morning left me wondering how you were going to top the day before and every evening left me in awe that you had. As this was my first trip out of North America, the culture shock was pretty great for me but you always made me feel safe and assured that no matter what the situation you would make sure we were okay. Thank you for all the hard work you put into making this a great experience for all of us! Youssef, you quickly became more than our guide ...I consider you a friend.
Nicole Wyrembeck
Madison,WI
As an independent-minded traveler, I was initially concerned that touring Morocco with a guide might limit my experience. How wrong I was! I can think of no better way to have explored Morocco than with Youssef guiding my mother, sister and I through its bustling souks, surreal deserts, monkey-laden forests and winding village roads with wit, wisdom, local connection, historic and cultural knowledge, flexibility, creativity, patience and an adventurous spirit – more of one than I could have ever mustered on my own. I would not hesitate to recommend Nomad Travel as the best way to visit Morocco with friends, family, or on your own because of its small, independent nature, personalized itinerary and attention, and the sense of comfort, safety, humor and adventure the Youssef provides .
Holly Connor
London, England
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