I’m planning on taking my dad on a trip in around a week, though I can’t seem to decide where to take him. I’m considering Japan, Morocco, or…? I’ll let you guys tell me what you’d most enjoy reading about!
In this post:
I’m hoping to take my dad on a weeklong trip
I’ve always made it a priority to travel with my parents as much as possible. For the past several years, my priority was traveling with my mom, since she had terminal cancer, so I wanted to make the most of our time together. With my mom having recently passed, it’s now time to focus more on my dad again, as we haven’t traveled together all that much in recent years, though we’ve always had fun when we’ve gone on adventures together (including when we went to Europe together over the summer).
So anyway, I’m trying to figure out the best place I can take my dad in December, for around a week. Before I share some concepts I’m toying with, I’d like to share a few thoughts:
- My dad is super chill and down for whatever, so my goal is always to also review things that are interesting for the OMAAT community, in terms of flights, hotels, etc.; he loves nice meals, nice hotels, new destinations, and ideally somewhere with decent cigar smoking opportunities
- In an ideal world, we’d go somewhere warm (or not that cold), as we’re both Floridians at heart in that regard (though admittedly the places I’m seriously considering aren’t actually warm); my point is that we’re not really looking to go to European Christmas markets, or something like that
- My dad likes to walk for hours per day (it’s basically his full time job), so anywhere with good walking opportunities gets bonus points
- My dad is in his — okay, I won’t actually say his age, since he wouldn’t be happy about that — but my point is that I’d like to keep the logistics fairly straightforward, so we’re not looking to go to Antarctica or Patagonia
With that out of the way, let me share the frontrunners I’m considering for this trip, and then I’d love to hear any other ideas that people may have, as I’m not at all committed to these…
The trip to Morocco I’m considering
My dad has never been to North Africa, so when I mentioned the concept of going to Morocco, his ears perked up. Funny enough, what’s most appealing to him is going to Rick’s Café in Casablanca, based on the 1942 movie named after the city.
In terms of flights, this would definitely be the less “glamorous” trip. I might look to review Royal Air Maroc in one direction (there’s plenty of award availability in business class, though only for one person per flight… grrr), and then British Airways in the other direction, on a plane I haven’t yet flown. At least that’s the most interesting routing I can come up with, while reviewing new experiences.
In terms of hotels, I’d like to balance luxury with also reviewing points hotels, so:
- I guess we have to stop in Casablanca so he can check out Rick’s Cafe, so do we just stay at the Marriott, or is it worth springing for the Four Seasons?
- I know Marrakech is a must-visit place, and while the Park Hyatt doesn’t have an ideal location, I think we’d stay there, as it otherwise looks great
- Should we check out Rabat, which is just a short train ride from Casablanca? It looks like there’s a new Ritz-Carlton there that looks quite nice, but is Rabat worth visiting, in comparison to other destinations in Morocco?
- While I realize it’s not going to be beach weather in December, I’m super intrigued by the St. Regis La Bahia Blanca Tamuda Bay, as it’s very reasonably priced, and I’ve heard good things; is it worth visiting, though?
The trip to Japan I’m considering
I adore Japan, and can never get enough of it. My dad hasn’t been to Japan in over a decade, so I’d love for him to experience it again. Admittedly December isn’t an ideal time to travel there (at least for those who don’t like cold weather), but Japan is such a fun destination in terms of the food, people, culture, etc., so not everything has to be outdoors.
In terms of flights, I’m kind of all over the place. Maybe I’d like to do Aeromexico’s 787 business class in one direction. I actually managed to book tickets in Japan Airlines’ A350 first class for two people. On the one hand, that’s an incredible first class experience that I’d love to share with my dad. On the other hand, I reviewed it early last year, when the product was first introduced. But honestly, what’s the point of miles and points if it’s not to give family members some great experiences? So I’m tempted to do that again.
If we were to go to Japan, here’s what I’m thinking:
- I’d probably make Osaka the focus, as I’d like to review the Osaka Station Hotel (which has an amazing club lounge that’s exclusive to Bonvoy Ambassador members and those who pay), as well as the Waldorf Astoria Osaka and Conrad Osaka
- If I could find availability, I’d love to check out the Park Hyatt Tokyo, which reopens on December 9; it’s currently sold out for the entire month, but my hope is that there’s some last minute cancelations
- If we’re going to be in Tokyo, maybe we should also check out the Ritz-Carlton Nikko, which isn’t too far from Tokyo, and looks amazing (though again maybe it’s not the season?)
- My dad really wants to go to Hiroshima, so maybe we’d try to add that in there as well; anyone have any practical thoughts on the logistics, how long is needed to make it worthwhile, where to stay, etc.?
Bottom line
I’m planning on taking my dad on a trip in around a week. One of the beautiful things about booking with points is that you have tons of flexibility with flights, and can easily plan at the last minute.
I’m not sure how I arrived at these choices, but currently the two frontrunners are Japan and Morocco, for very different reasons. My dad is honestly down for whatever, so if anyone has thoughts on either of these concepts — or any other ideas — I’d love to hear them!
And I’ll just throw this out there — if any hotel has an absolutely epic cigar bar, maybe that’s the destination I should pick, since I know comfortable cigar smoking facilities is probably one of the things that my dad most remembers about hotels… heh.
Where should I take my dad?
Go to Hiroshima and then stay the night on miyajima island. Absolutely magical staying in one of the ryokan on island. Pricey but worth it. Do that and screw morocco
I took my parents to The Ritz Carlton in Tenerife and I can’t recommend it highly enough, great food and plenty of things to do and see including island hoping around the Canaries, oh and there was a Cuban style cigar lounge at the time.
Morocco is an interesting place but it's very hard to get around- things are far from each other. Casablanca is a dump and is NOT worth spending time in. The ricks cafe is a tourist trap that was made up and opened recently to play to peoples love of the movie. There's nothing historic about it. It's a fake creation. I did like Rabat way more than I thought I would have. Lots of interesting...
Morocco is an interesting place but it's very hard to get around- things are far from each other. Casablanca is a dump and is NOT worth spending time in. The ricks cafe is a tourist trap that was made up and opened recently to play to peoples love of the movie. There's nothing historic about it. It's a fake creation. I did like Rabat way more than I thought I would have. Lots of interesting things to see. I wish I had lingered longer. But it's hard to get from there to Marrakech. Marrakech is interesting and the majorelle gardens are fun to see. But I'd almost say it's skipable despite being trendy now. Instead, I'd do Casablanca, see the mosque quickly (skip ricks) then Rabat then Fes and Meknes and volubuis. Way more interesting and, importantly, easier to access. Going from Casablanca north to Rabat then down to Marrakech is an exercise in frustration. You'll tire if the food after a day or two no matter where you go. "Oh look, more cous cous".
As a Moroccan, here’s my perspective:
If you’re planning to spend a bit of money, Morocco offers beautiful sights to explore and incredible food to enjoy. However, if you’re traveling on a tight budget, it may not be the best destination, avoid at all cost. For seniors, Morocco can be a wonderful experience only when traveling with organized tours. Some of the commenters mentioned the Royal Mansour Hotel, and I agree—it’s a truly beautiful...
As a Moroccan, here’s my perspective:
If you’re planning to spend a bit of money, Morocco offers beautiful sights to explore and incredible food to enjoy. However, if you’re traveling on a tight budget, it may not be the best destination, avoid at all cost. For seniors, Morocco can be a wonderful experience only when traveling with organized tours. Some of the commenters mentioned the Royal Mansour Hotel, and I agree—it’s a truly beautiful place if you can afford 3K plus a night. https://www.royalmansour.com/marrakech/
Rabat the capital is the cleanest modern city to visit.
If you do Hiroshima, I'd say two full days should be enough. If you can, add one more day and take the train and ferry to explore Itsukushima.
I took the Shinkansen there from Kyoto and I remember it taking longer than what Google Maps said (1 hr 40 minutes) and the airport is far away from the city. As for where to stay, I stayed at the Hilton which was very nice though Sheraton...
If you do Hiroshima, I'd say two full days should be enough. If you can, add one more day and take the train and ferry to explore Itsukushima.
I took the Shinkansen there from Kyoto and I remember it taking longer than what Google Maps said (1 hr 40 minutes) and the airport is far away from the city. As for where to stay, I stayed at the Hilton which was very nice though Sheraton is right next to the train station. Getting around Hiroshima though, it is usually walking, taxi, or bus.
The weather this time of year in Tokyo/Osaka/Hiroshima is lovely. Lots of sun, not too cold, perfect for walking around a lot.
Seemingly, the same old excuse with Hyatt: it's not in the most convenient location (but, I'll get a good CPP redemption).
If you want warmth you can start at Rick’s cafe in Negril Jamaica. Spend two nights next door at Catcha Falling Star. The area just came back online this week!
You can fly from MBJ- LHR in Virgin or Delta for a solid value. Carry on from LHR-Morocco to see the real Rick’s Cafe.
Two for one and a short detour from Miami.
@ Brodie -- Hah!
Hey Lucky,
For Royal Air Maroc, book the one seat and then a second seat should become available in a day or two. I was able to book two of us out of JFK this way. Worth a try. You’ve given me 15 years worth of tips that have yielded a lifetime of travel memories. Hopefully I can return the favor, with one tip anyway.
@ Rob -- I appreciate the tip, I'll try to give that a shot, thanks!
Why not do both?
@ Russ McArthur -- I feel like we're rushed for time doing one of the destinations in a week, let alone both!
Yes, a week would be a touch short. Though if extending it slightly longer is an option, Ethiopian Airlines could be just the ticket.
My opinion (take it for what it's worth):
Obviously, there's a review/points angle to your hotel choices, but I think you'd be doing yourself a disservice by staying at the Park Hyatt in Marrakech. Not that it would be bad. It would be great, I'm sure. But, it's located far outside of the medina (the "old city") and would dilute your Marrakech experience significantly. I would strongly consider staying a) within the medina; b)...
My opinion (take it for what it's worth):
Obviously, there's a review/points angle to your hotel choices, but I think you'd be doing yourself a disservice by staying at the Park Hyatt in Marrakech. Not that it would be bad. It would be great, I'm sure. But, it's located far outside of the medina (the "old city") and would dilute your Marrakech experience significantly. I would strongly consider staying a) within the medina; b) in a luxury riad--a traditional home converted into a boutique hotel; c) in a place where you can walk everywhere (you'd need a taxi or hired car to get you to/from the 'burbs for the Park Hyatt). If you want to splurge, consider the Nobu House (https://www.nobuhotels.com/marrakech/), but there are some truly phenomenal, much less hotel-y, local riads available on AirBnB. They're safe. They're wonderful. Many are foreign owned, but still provide an authentic experience. Consider the Riad Monceau (https://riad-monceau.com/) and definitely go for music/dinner at Le Bistro Arabe! Have an amazing trip!
Rabat--didn't make it there, but it's the domicile of the King, so very clean, very safe. From what I understand, though, it's also a little ho hum from a tourism angle. If you're just there for a short time and less interested in "slow tourism," culture, etc., then probably best to focus on the high points of Marrakech. If you can make it Southeast to the Atlas Mountains, or really, really South/East to the desert,...
Rabat--didn't make it there, but it's the domicile of the King, so very clean, very safe. From what I understand, though, it's also a little ho hum from a tourism angle. If you're just there for a short time and less interested in "slow tourism," culture, etc., then probably best to focus on the high points of Marrakech. If you can make it Southeast to the Atlas Mountains, or really, really South/East to the desert, you can do some truly fun and memorable things, like desert "glamping" in Bedouin tents.
Casablanca--Also check out the Hassan II mosque at sunset along the oceanfront boardwalk. You can spend hours gazing at that building (and its retractable roof!). Stunning architecture and lots of life along there as the whole city comes out to play, particularly on weekends.
FYI, there is a high-speed train, modeled after France's TGV, I believe, that can whisk you between Casa and Rabat (and beyond) very quickly. I've taken the slower Moroccan trains, which are perfectly adequate and clean. RAM has lots of connectivity to all places near and far within Morocco and are cheap, cheap, cheap by cash.
Royal Mansour in both Casablanca and Marrakech. Oberoi in Marrakech is also very nice and cheaper than Mansour.
Unique property is Kasbah Tammadot (in Atlas Mountains about 2hrs from Marrakech). Its a virgin limited property.
I’d avoid all points hotels in Morocco.
Royal air maroc is awful. Manage expectations with them
Japan in Winter can be fun, but the weather is no joke. For two Floridians looking for a getaway, just be clear about it. If you decide for Japan, you could even go up to Sapporo and check out the Park Hyatt Niseko. As you know, domestic flying in Japan is such a breeze and kind of an experience in and of itself.
The WA in Osaka is on my list as well, though I...
Japan in Winter can be fun, but the weather is no joke. For two Floridians looking for a getaway, just be clear about it. If you decide for Japan, you could even go up to Sapporo and check out the Park Hyatt Niseko. As you know, domestic flying in Japan is such a breeze and kind of an experience in and of itself.
The WA in Osaka is on my list as well, though I will say that I don't love the city itself. In winter it's even worse. Tokyo is way better.
Regarding Hiroshima, I find the city underwhelming. It's extremely touristy, as you could imagine. If it wasn't for its historical significance, I wouldn't recommend it. But obviously that's the whole point. Apart from the museum and the dome, they have good Okonomiyaki and are famous for oysters. Also, they have an interesting runway construction at the airport (check it out). Somebody suggested taking the Shinkansen in or out, and I agree. That could be fun and especially in Winter might yield some beautiful scenery.
@ Jumpseatflyer -- Great idea, but for what it's worth, I did do the Park Hyatt Niseko earlier this year, so I won't be going there again for now:
https://onemileatatime.com/reviews/park-hyatt-niseko-hanazono/
If you decide for Morocco, Rabat is absolutely worth any detour - its medina is the most authentic out of all I visited in Morocco, full of locals shopping and roaming around. The sellers won't harrass you as in, say, Marrakech and you have an opportunity to shop and enjoy the local tastes without any hassle, tourists are simply not the target group there, yet the place is packed with history and atmosphere.
I would...
If you decide for Morocco, Rabat is absolutely worth any detour - its medina is the most authentic out of all I visited in Morocco, full of locals shopping and roaming around. The sellers won't harrass you as in, say, Marrakech and you have an opportunity to shop and enjoy the local tastes without any hassle, tourists are simply not the target group there, yet the place is packed with history and atmosphere.
I would also very much recommend venturing into Ouarzazate town - a laid back destination past the Atlas mountains with famous film studios to visit and a breathtaking desert scenery all around to enjoy. It's a quick 40 minutes hop on Royal Air Maroc from Casablanca. Rent a car in Ouarzazate, drive around the area and give it 2-3 days to soak in the desert atmosphere. If your dad likes walking, hikes in the desert are absolutely possible!
Both Rabat and Ouarzazate are incredibly safe and welcoming compared to the touristy Marrakech (yes, I do hold some grudge against Marrakech, as beautiful as it may be :)). In Ouarzazate, I was once stupid enough to leave my phone in a little roadside shop and drive away in a taxi. Not only the taxi driver refused any extra payment when I asked him to return back after he basically drove me to my destination but the phone was indeed immediately returned to me by the boy who attended the little shop after 45 minutes of me being gone from there. And yeah, I did of course compensate both these generous souls for their integrity and honesty.
Define "trip." Will this be a boots-on-the-ground trip eating at non-Michelin starred restaurants, speaking with locals and doing property sightseeing? Or will you spend most of your time in first/business class cabins and at 5+ star hotels completely cordoned off from real people (except those waiting on you hand-and-foot), and being shuffled between them?
Serious question. And the answer matters.
What does cabin class on a flight have to do with interacting with locals at a destination? Regarding the hotel, you make it sound as if it is an either-or choice. Each time I've been to Marrakesh, I've stayed at a five-star hotel but also walked the alleyways of the Medina and met "real" people.
…. agreed Julia. There is absolutely no point in wasting our time offering Ben Jr, advice if he is not prepared to come clean with your request.
The impression one gets in regard to your trips Ben, is that you fly in, whizz around on the ground only minimally and the jet off to another points based hotel, yes? It becomes extremely difficult for seasoned, well travelled individuals to offer you any meaningful advice. Are...
…. agreed Julia. There is absolutely no point in wasting our time offering Ben Jr, advice if he is not prepared to come clean with your request.
The impression one gets in regard to your trips Ben, is that you fly in, whizz around on the ground only minimally and the jet off to another points based hotel, yes? It becomes extremely difficult for seasoned, well travelled individuals to offer you any meaningful advice. Are you even listening to what people are trying to convey to you?
@ Julia -- Respectfully, that's not a serious question, that's shade, and that's clear based on the tone (and that's fine, but call it what it is). You know, it's possible for something to not be entirely one or the other.
Yes, when I'm on my pure review trips, it is a lot of hotels and flights, and not a lot of fun. That's true. When I travel with others (my dad, Ford, etc.),...
@ Julia -- Respectfully, that's not a serious question, that's shade, and that's clear based on the tone (and that's fine, but call it what it is). You know, it's possible for something to not be entirely one or the other.
Yes, when I'm on my pure review trips, it is a lot of hotels and flights, and not a lot of fun. That's true. When I travel with others (my dad, Ford, etc.), it's a little bit of both. One can stay at a nice hotel while still spending time sightseeing, eating at local restaurants, etc. That's the intent of this trip.
Ben, definitely "spring" for any extras with your dad! As an older person I can tell you one never knows how much longer travel will be possible.
Splurge for some non points hotels in Morocco like Royal Mansour or Olinto. Maybe the Aman.
If you go to Japan definitely check out Hakone for a couple nights.
If you do Japan and Hiroshima, take the Shinkansen. And grab yourself a bento box while you're at it!
I've always wanted to do Hiroshima as I've been wanting to visit the Mazda museum and factory aside from being a train geek.
Absolutely stunning advice, and not obvious at all. Only a true expert would recommend a solution as outside-the-box as riding a long-distance high-speed train the long distance between two major cities in Japan.
Bravo! Bravo!
Relax, Jessica.
If your dad's up for a more circuitous route you can always take the long way to and from Morocco. Flying out on a connecting flight via Europe (maybe test Allegris with your dad do see how he finds it or going via Doha so you can test royal air Maroc, QR and BA all in one trip.
As for making it "interesting" I would leave that to dedicated review trips, have a fun...
If your dad's up for a more circuitous route you can always take the long way to and from Morocco. Flying out on a connecting flight via Europe (maybe test Allegris with your dad do see how he finds it or going via Doha so you can test royal air Maroc, QR and BA all in one trip.
As for making it "interesting" I would leave that to dedicated review trips, have a fun time with your dad. If you're going to Japan it might be worth finding ANA availability so that you can compare it to JAL while the memory is fresh
Japan is beautiful this time of year. I would selfishly love to see reviews of some Hong Kong hotels like the Four Seasons or Conrad…and the fact that Cathay Pacific seems to have finally picked it back up post Covid.