Category: Blog

In general, a backpacker can be defined as someone who has an active lifestyle and has the passion for traveling, going to places carrying a single backpack wherever he goes. This type of adventure offers a range of positive and healthy benefits that many of today’s generation opt to travel the world this way.

1. The feeling of Freedom

Compared to scheduled and package trips, backpackers have the freedom to do what they want to do, where they want to go and when they want to leave. Simply put, they’re free to explore whichever way they want and it’s liberating.

2. Great Exercise

Backpacking offers a really good fitness activity. It’s like getting a great exercise every time you do either a light trek or long mountain hikes.

3. Making new friends

Traveling at a slower pace get you to spend more time with people and get to know them better. Some packaged tours may lack some form of camaraderie, while there is more interaction happening when backpacking. Backpackers tend to be more generous when sharing stories, tips and new discoveries to fellow backpackers.

4. Self Confidence Boost

Compared to the average tourist, backpackers experience more from traveling. You become more and more independent, can exhibit tolerance and can trust yourself fully.

5. Life becomes more meaningful

As backpackers travel from one country to the next, every journey they make becomes more meaningful because they exerted a lot of effort to explore the destination. These travelers appreciate the small things and the grandness and diversity of life as they let world cultures sink into their character.

Hardcore backpackers see the world as their home. This type of traveling, though interesting, may also be difficult so you may opt to start out with a friend or someone who has backpacked before and then determine if you can handle a long and solo backpacking adventure.

Get to know some international backpackers and their stories on the upcoming Second edition of International Festival of Ibn Battuta organized by the Moroccan Association of IbnBattuta happening on November 9 to 12, 2017 at Tangier City, Morocco. It’s a travel and cultural festival celebrating the journey and legacy of world-renowned traveler, Ibn Battuta.

Mohamed Dekkak

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MohamedDekkak1

Taking into account some unfortunate threatening events happening on some parts of the globe, our minds wander on how we can possibly protect the future of our children and how to have a safe and peaceful world.

Below is a list of 10 simple positive ideas that can heal our broken communities.  These are easy and applicable ways that can be started right at our homes.

1. Commit yourself to nonviolence. If put in a difficult and confronting situation, try to avoid any fight or use physical force.
2. Extend some help when you see someone upset, lost or puzzled.
3. Teach a child how to be kind and calm. The best way to teach our children this is to be a good example. Kids learn and remembers what they see we are doing, how we treat the elders, the homeless and people with disabilities, people who appear different to the child. This way, we teach them tolerance.
4. When you see any form of injustices and discrimination, speak out. Don’t let fear hold you from voicing out what is just and right.
5. When your anger is triggered, count to ten before you say anything. Words, when uttered, will never be taken back, so best to think for a better response.
6. Try to be more compassionate and be more understanding of other people’s feeling.
7. Being part of a religious community can provide you an opportunity to be able to promote peace through ministries and social programs like charity, medical missions, and gift giving activities.
8. A great social initiative that will help you build a stronger and more compassionate character is through community volunteering. You can try searching online for organizations looking for volunteers.

One great opportunity is the upcoming travel festival that will be held in Tangier, Morocco on November of this year. The Moroccan Association of Ibn Battuta is looking for local and international volunteers to help out on the programs for the International Festival of Ibn Battuta. The theme of this year’s festival is entitled “Travelers, the Ambassadors of Peace”. To know more about the event, visit their official website at http://ibnbattuta.ma/

9. Choose a vocation that only brings positive things for our family and community.
10. A warm smile and “hello” in the street or wherever you are in the world can bring a lot of positive and peaceful vibes.

Mohamed Dekkak

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MohamedDekkak1

In today’s generation, there is a growing importance of providing students international experiences.

It is astounding to think that sounds coming from our mouths can be interpreted by the person we are talking to despite the difference of mother tongue showing the complexity of language and communication to humans.

It’s amazing to think that about 4 billion people are bilingual to a certain degree. This is precisely because when we are working with other people, we learn about their cultures while discovering new potentials and new ideas. Benefits that would not be realized had we not understand how other people outside our country lives. This is exactly the reason why it is vital for students today to obtain a more meaningful understanding of other countries culture and gain global awareness.

More often than not, students of this generation have possibly traveled outside their respective countries by 16 years old and now have, thanks to technology, easier access to a lot of information through the internet. Despite that, they should still be guided on discovering ideas and issues to acquire many meaningful realizations and world understanding.

This is the reason why cultivating global awareness and international cooperation in student classrooms are advantageous. Schools recognize this importance and are pushing the need to put learning into context. Contextualized learning, done either indoor and outdoor activity such as student exchange, cultural trips, writing a foreign friend, and asking support from foreign language assistants to bring into class something coming from abroad may be provided to students.

Traditional elements of education are now being supplemented by modern and stimulating ways to bring the world into a classroom. Think of social networking, video conference and other technological experience making our interaction with people abroad way easier.

These kinds of initiatives during formative years can lead a student to practice tolerance and become a more rounded individual having seen things from a different perspective thus making informed decisions and adapt useful communication skills. These are great ways to prepare our students for the challenges of the 21^st century.

Learn and discover more about travel on the upcoming International Festival of Ibn Battuta on November 9 to 12, 2017 at the city of Tangier. Interact with people from the international travel community while having fun and creating meaningful experiences. Know more about the event at the Moroccan Association of Ibn Battuta’s official website at http://ibnbattuta.ma/

Mohamed Dekkak

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MohamedDekkak1

When you experience something that annoys you so much during your travel and you learn to control yourself and view the situation in a much broader sense, looking at the different aspects of that person or situation to understand things, you practice tolerance.

When traveling, you are put into many environments that may be out of your comfort zone and with people that may make you feel uneasy. You may feel frustrated when your stillness is disturbed. These situations will give you a chance to apply the spirit of tolerance. Here are some simple ways you can practice while on travel?

1. Try to look beyond the person that annoys you and go over the probable causes that make you upset.

2. If you are bothered by others and loose focus, your tension builds. Recognize that it may just be your ego to limit the negative feelings you’re having.

3. Relax and meditate. Sometimes you realize that some issues are not that important and do not necessarily define one person or experience. During stressful situations and when your spirit is calm, you learn to think first and react patiently with grace, becoming the best version of your self.

4. Always remember that no matter how annoying a person or the situation can be, it’s only temporary. Things and situations change, it is imminent.

5. A person has the power to control how these annoyances affect himself. You can try shifting your focus to more positive thoughts or persons. Learn to brush off and stay away from negative emotions.

6. The truth of the matter is, no matter how likeable you are, it would be impossible to be accepted by everyone. Most likely, someone has been upset at you. So remember how did that person react? Keep in mind that even at your worst, some people were still kind and patient with you. Pay that goodness forward.

7. Practice being patient and you become more tolerant. It will empower you.

Want to learn other ways to become more tolerant while traveling? Discover more about Travel and Tolerance at the upcoming International Festival of Ibn Battuta on November 9 til 12, 2017 at the beautiful city of Tangier in Morocco. The cultural and travel event is being organized by the Moroccan Association of Ibn Battuta and international community of volunteers. To know more about the event, visit the official website at http://ibnbattuta.ma/

Mohamed Dekkak

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MohamedDekkak1

Many individuals still have a hard time being tolerant of others. As a community that co-exists, all of us should continuously learn and adapt to each other. But more importantly, to harness the spirit of tolerance to create healing and meaning to our lives in more ways than we can ever imagine.

Tolerance is the capability to deal with things and situations you don’t usually agree with. Your ability to withstand the “unlikely and uncommon” of things in your life.

Practicing tolerance, though, speaks more about your connection with your self rather than with other people. Your mental and emotional resolve and self-control.

How long can you hold your temper when there are disturbances other people are causing you? Can you deal with the situation with grace and confidence? O would you rather be indifferent and just ignore the situation or person? If there is no chance the person annoying you would change, how do you interact?

These are some concerns that each of us should take a moment to ponder. There are ways to build your tolerance with others, such as taking time to travel. Traveling gives you a moment to know more of yourself and practice tolerance.

Along the journey, a traveler will encounter a lot of different people from so diverse backgrounds. Living in a diverse world, people live and look in so many different ways – different religions, races, nationalities, languages, and lifestyles.

We meet them during our travels – the receptionist, waiters, hotel staff, pilots, tour guides, fellow tourists etc. Sadly, there are still individuals who do not hold a favorable attitude to those who are different from them. Someone who is intolerant to others may find many difficulties during their travel.

It is the goal of the Moroccan Association of Ibn Battuta to address this concerns and travel with tolerance. On November 9 to 12, 2017, they will hold the second edition of the International Festival of Ibn Battuta to promote the legacy of world renowned traveler Ibn Battuta, his journey and the ideals he believed in. To be held in the city of Tangier, this travel and cultural event will be a celebration of world culture, peace, and unity.

Visit http://ibnbattuta.ma/ to know how you can participate in the event.

Mohamed Dekkak

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MohamedDekkak1

Traveling the world on long journeys will eventually open our eyes, change our perspective and will teach us tolerance. It is an effective tool to cultivate relationships from across many countries. World connections are realized when there’s flexibility. Enough patience and maturity that were adapted from the many experiences gathered along the road that teaches a traveler to appreciate and respect unique cultures, customs, and appearances. When a person who travels start to listen, share and work together, he becomes part of a community that grows, despite the difference but in point of fact due to diversity.

Sadly, the world is in dire need of tolerance and understanding. As many of us can observe from the news, there are many conflicts that are happening now in many countries. So the question is, “What can we do?” What actions should we take given the painful events that seem to be out of control? How can we be more compassionate?

Let’s start by connecting, reaching out to one another. We leave our comfort zones and open our hearts to the unfamiliar. We travel.

When we travel to a country with a culture that’s completely different from our own and decide to explore a certain place we tend to avoid, we uncover our preconceived beliefs to what is true and eventually develop an inquisitiveness to know more. We start building relationships with people and breaking down walls that have since separated us from one another. We set aside fear and choose tolerance instead.

It is through this that we acknowledge our differences and celebrate it. Throughout our travel journey we realize that the more we know, the more we don’t know and it’s fine. Humanity is a gift. We need to treasure it to be part of a safe and progressive global community. We only have one home planet, so we might as well get along peacefully.

And therefore, we travel. Because the culture of traveling teaches us tolerance. All we need is an open our heart and a tolerant mind.

Celebrating the culture of traveling in honor a renowned world traveler during pre-modern times, the Moroccan Association is inviting everyone to join on the Second Edition of International Festival of Ibn Battuta on November 9-12 2017 in Tangier, Morocco.

To know more about the event, visit their official website at  https://ibnbattuta.ma/

Mohamed Dekkak

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MohamedDekkak1

Given the long tradition of religious freedom in the Kingdom of Morocco, the time honored presence of the Jewish community is very much evident in the country. At present, the community exists to confirm the importance of a multi-cultural society that King Mohammed VI encourages.

The Morocco king’s strategic resolve was to present democratic reforms and streamline the legal system so the country can progress to become an inclusive and inter-religious society.

Together with Morocco’s tradition of openness and tolerance, the country’s government sworn to protect the rights of religious minorities within the kingdom.

In particular, Tangier is a melting pot of cultures and global influences. It’s easy access and scenic beauty – old medina, beaches, cafes have captivated foreign travelers and international artists. Its strategic location being a meeting point between Europe, Africa, and Arab world makes up a great site of tolerance of varied multicultural communities.

Tangier is, in fact, the home of the first American diplomatic public property beyond the border of the U.S. since Morocco was the first country to acknowledge America’s independence in 1777. It is now a museum that showcases several art pieces, photos presenting the long relationship between Moroccans and Americans.

A city like no other. Tangier is African, European, Berber and Arab. It is an Islamic Kingdom where mosques, Roman Catholic Archdiocese, Anglican churches and synagogues coexist. It is in this very concept of unity and tolerance that inspired the Moroccan Association of Ibn Battuta to organize the 2^nd Edition of the International Festival of Ibn Battuta under the theme “Travelers, the Ambassadors of Peace.”

Other than being a meeting point, Tangier is this year’s host city for the festivity. Moreover, it is also the homeland of the renowned world traveler Ibn Battuta whose ideals is to promote the culture of traveling to spread peace, tolerance, universal values and understanding between different races.

The organizing committee is inviting all travel enthusiasts and professionals to be one in celebration on November 9-12, 2017 at the city of Tangier, Morocco. It will be a 4-day festive social and informational activities on the legacy of Ibn Battuta and the many benefits of travel to attaining global peace.

Mohamed Dekkak

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MohamedDekkak1

There is a saying, “Traveling is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.”

Travel offers you things you cannot buy, like memories. It’s something you can’t buy with money – the feeling and the time you spent some place new, doing an activity that is so new to you, giving you your life’s firsts.

Travel also lets you grow as a person. When after tiring days from work and you decided to unwind, unplug from all things keeping your mind busy, you are giving yourself a time to recharge. So you get back to work as a better, more energized person with a clearer mindset.

When doing a solo travel, people get scared for you. But traveling lets you meet kind people who will restore your belief in humanity. You also learn to trust. Trust other people and trust yourself.

When on the road, there will be challenges you have to face. Fears you need to conquer, you have to push yourself to your limit because it will put your life into much better perspective. You’ll never know your boundaries until you learn to face your fears.

Being able to travel satisfies your curiosity on so many things about the world. It lets you embrace the offerings on the other side of the world and you begin to understand how things work and why. You now see things through their eyes.

Self-confidence can also be gained when traveling most especially if you travel alone. And because you need to face your fears, you get back home much braver than before. You become a better version of yourself.

Going places also makes you realize how much luck you have. You see the many realities that life gives.

Traveling gives you happiness. And while only rich people can afford to travel years ago, today, traveling becomes much more pocket-friendly. Even flying in economy class can make you happy and with so much cheaper options online, it’s hard not to give in to that wanderlust.

Traveling is an investment. Why? Because it’s like a real life education – it teaches you much more than school and a 9 to 5 job. It’s an investment no one can take away from you but can share to anybody. When you get old and can no longer travel, it’s those interesting travel stories that you will tell to your grand kids, you share the memories invested in your mind and heart.

This year, a travel festival to be held in Tangier, Morocco will celebrate everything about the richness of travel. Inspired by the legendary Ibn Battuta, the Moroccan Association of Ibn Battuta is gearing up for the second edition of the International Festival of Ibn Battuta on November 9-12, 2017. Travel enthusiasts and professionals are invited to celebrate together with the international travel community.

Mohamed Dekkak

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MohamedDekkak1

The faster we get to know other people’s culture, the sooner we can attain world peace.

Travel is a more than just a learning experience, it’s also a movement – a revolution. You see, if more of the population travel, more people will discover the world’s culture.

Indeed, social awareness can also happen through books and media campaigns, but certainly, there is no substitute to exploring a place first hand. The experience is authentic, it will hug you from the inside and you get to value the moment even more.

Education is a foundation for a country’s sustainability and progress. And even though travel is not a textbook or classroom, it is the most valuable kind of education. As we say, experience is the best teacher. You use up all your senses and you see the beauty and concerns of the world. These experiences plant a passion or feeling, you will never get in any other way. It’s this birth of inspiration that moves global progress and change.

Traveling is best experienced when there is interaction with locals and there is an exchange of cultures. These factors nurture a lasting education and broadened perspective, a growth due to time spent in traveled places. Humanity is beautiful, much delightful than any earthly view, and realizing these through traveling certainly brings out the best of its colorful quality.

If humanity wants to follow a path to global peace, we need to learn to coexist, to cooperate and collaborate. We need to put into practice tolerance. One of the most effective means is through travel and sustainable tourism.

So if we want to make a difference in this world, let us encourage ourselves and others to travel and explore. To discover and learn more about other country’s culture and meet with locals. Share their stories.

If a person travels often, the more there is to learn from experiences, the more a traveler understands the issues and realities we face in the world. The cultivation of knowledge, awareness and tolerance, be it small or big is already a big step towards fostering a sustainable and positive transformation in our ever growing world.

International Travel

The Moroccan Association of Ibn Battuta is inviting travel enthusiasts to celebrate with them on November 9-12, 2017 for the International Festival of Ibn Battuta on Tangier, Morocco. Ibn Battuta has been a well-known figure in the field of geography and travel literature. He has traveled the world for almost 30 years and this year, the association celebrates his legacy.

Mohamed Dekkak

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MohamedDekkak1

Respect. Tolerance. Unity. Peace.

In today’s world, our next generation rests on these values they understand and regarded.

We owe to our children to teach them how to put these concepts into practice. First-hand learning which travel can offer will provide opportunities to our kids to understand to learn these values and apply them along the way. Kudos to backpacking parents for teaching their kids on the concept of tolerance by means of traveling.

Indeed, a book can also create a lively conversation, but to walk on the streets of a new neighborhood abroad gives some real life example of just how our individual differences make us who we are. That in spite of our differences, we also seek for the same thing – decent home, good health, happiness, education and a peaceful life. This makes our global society more interdependent.

Travel sparks our interest to discover the world. Those who travel also learn about some global issues concerning young children who have no access to basic medicines or health vaccines just because of geographic concerns. The story of Malala Yousafzai has inspired many children, of men and women on the importance of education and access to health care no matter where you live.

Conversations about peace and tolerance with children can happen every day – at the dining table, on bus, school or car. Talk to them about diversity and the harmful effects of bullying. It may be difficult at first, but it should happen. And the more real the experience we give them, the better. Letting these kids be aware of what goes beyond the four corners of their home and classroom will surely have a positive take on their future, and of the world.

In line with travel, the Moroccan Association of Ibn Battuta will be having a festival on November 9 to 12, 2017. The 2nd Edition of the International Festival of Ibn Battuta will the theme, “Travelers, the Ambassadors of Peace” will take a stage at the city of Tangier in Morocco.

It will be a celebration of unity in diversity and beautiful things that travel bring to the world.

Mohamed Dekkak

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MohamedDekkak1