Add These 3 Colorful Moroccan Cities to Your Bucket List

Morocco is a place to absorb ancient sights and sounds, get lost in the souks, and frequently sip on a comforting cup of mint tea. Travelers who visit this diverse country often look for the exotic and a culture different from their own.

Although sometimes chaotic and stressful, a visit to Morocco promises a unique and rewarding experience.

I’ve been fortunate to travel to Morocco on several occasions and found that Tangier, Marrakech, and Chefchaouen are cities I would return to. They offer memorable visits, portions of which I will share with you today.

Here’s a quick overview of how to get to Morocco using miles and points, examples of lodging you can book using hotel loyalty points, things to do, and food to try in each of these featured cities.

Getting There

More than a dozen airlines fly from the U.S. to Morocco, so using frequent flyer miles to get there is entirely possible.

• Redeem 55,000 Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles in Air France business class one-way from New York airports (NYC) to Marrakech (RAK) via Paris (CDG).
• Redeem as few as 57,500 American AAdvantage miles in Royal Air Maroc business class one-way from Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), or Washington, D.C. (IAD) to Tangier (TNG) via Casablanca (CMN).
• Redeem 74,000 Delta SkyMiles in Delta Premium Select from Atlanta (ATL) to Marrakech, starting October 2025, or 31,000 SkyMiles one-way in main cabin.
• Redeem as few as 80,000 United MileagePlus miles in United business class one-way direct from Newark (EWR) to Marrakech, or as few as 45,000 miles one-way in economy class.

Marrakech is a popular flight destination that is easy to reach from the U.S. using frequent flyer miles. Tangier is less popular, but several airlines, including Royal Air Maroc, Iberia, and Air France, service the city. You can also ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain in about an hour. Chefchaouen does not have an international airport, but it is just 55 miles from Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport.

Award flight prices vary based on dynamic pricing and availability. Expect fees and taxes to be added.

Flexible rewards earned on cards like The Platinum Card^® from American Express can be transferred to airline and hotel partners and redeemed for award flights and free hotel nights.

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel^® up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel^®.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• Enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection, with over $500 of annual value if you visit Centurion Lounges and each of our partner lounges including Delta Sky Club^® lounges when flying an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations) , select Lufthansa lounges when flying Lufthansa, Plaza Premium lounges and Escape Lounges, and enroll in Priority Pass Select. See terms.
• A Walmart+ membership can get you free shipping with no order minimum on eligible items shipped by Walmart. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) and receive one statement credit for up to $12.95 (plus applicable taxes. Plus Ups not eligible) each month. Free Shipping excludes most Marketplace items, freight & certain location surcharges. Paramount+ Essential plan only, separate registration required.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. Receive up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for your CLEAR Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the Platinum Card^®.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Use Global Dining Access by Resy to access premium dining experiences. Receive Priority Notify and unlock insider access to some of the world's most sought-after restaurants with Global Dining Access by Resy. Download the Resy iOS app or log into Resy.com and add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile to take advantage of your special benefits and discover restaurants near you.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip:

Learn more about transferring flexible rewards and flying to North Africa using miles in our article on the topic.

Tangier

Tangier has always attracted writers, artists, and intellectuals from all over the world. The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and writers Paul Bowles and William F. Burroughs were drawn to the city and inspired there (for several reasons).

Declared an international city and free zone until the mid-1950s, the city became a melting pot and hub for nationalities from countries worldwide. Whether it’s the escapism, the exotic culture, or the contrast between old and modern, the city is still a fascinating mix that attracts those looking for artistic inspiration or unique experiences. You can’t anticipate what you’ll discover while wandering the old medina or what you’ll learn while sipping tea with the locals. Even a day at the beach is different in Tangier.

I was drawn there after listening to this podcast about William F. Burroughs, narrated by Iggy Pop on “This American Life,” and watching an episode of Anthony Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown” (season 1, episode 5) several times.

Lodging You Can Book in Tangier Using Hotel Loyalty Points

Tangier is less of a tourist spot than Marrakech and doesn’t have many properties you can book using hotel loyalty points. Hilton has a strong presence in the city, and both Hilton and Hyatt have a property on the southwestern Tangier coast.

Hilton

The Hilton Tangier City Center offers waterfront views, a rooftop pool, a spa, and a fitness center. The hotel is conveniently attached to the City Mall and the town hall. The high-speed train station is nearby, and the old medina is just 1.9 miles away. Rooms can be booked from 37,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

I stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Tanger City Center using the fifth-night-free benefit and was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and convenient it was. The hotel is next door to the Hilton and a short walk to the waterfront, restaurants, and a mall. Rooms start at 30,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

The Hilton Tangier Al Houara Resort & Spa is perfect for relaxing and is just steps away from the beach. The hotel has multiple pools, a sauna, a fitness center, and all the amenities you’d expect at a full-service resort. Shuttle service is available from the Tangier airport for around $36. Standard rooms can be booked from 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Hilton Honors points go a long way toward offsetting lodging costs in Tangier. We especially like the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card, which provides elevated earnings on select everyday purchases and up to $200 in credits per year (up to $50 each quarter) when you use the card at Hilton properties. You can also earn a free hotel night certificate after spending $15,000 each year on the card.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

An excellent high-earning Hilton credit card that comes with perks like Hilton Honors Gold status and up to $200 in Hilton credits every year.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card

An excellent high-earning Hilton credit card that comes with perks like Hilton Honors Gold status and up to $200 in Hilton credits every year.

Welcome Offer

Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 8/13/2025.

130,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $650

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150.

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you’re someone who loves traveling and loves staying in Hilton hotels, adding a co-branded Hilton hotel card to your wallet is almost a no-brainer. From automatic Hilton elite status to up to $200 in Hilton credits every year, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card can be a great fit for Hilton loyalists looking to up their travel game.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 12x points per $1 at Hilton hotels
• 6x points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. restaurants
• 4x points per $1 at U.S. online retail purchases

Cons

• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150 (rates & fees)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 8/13/2025.
• Get up to $50 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly with a property in the Hilton portfolio on your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card. That's up to $200 in statement credits annually.
• Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• Earn 6X Points for each dollar of purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
• Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases.
• Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
• Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
• Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors ™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card.
• Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status through the end of the next calendar year.
• As a Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card Member, you can enroll to receive complimentary National Car Rental^® Emerald Club Executive^® status through the link on your American Express online account. After you're enrolled, you can reserve a rental car by calling National Car Rental directly, using your travel service, or by booking online or through the National Car Rental mobile app. Terms apply.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
• $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Hilton Honors

Hyatt

While Hyatt does not have any properties in Tangier proper, La Fiermontina Ocean, a Mr & Mrs Smith hotel, is about 45 minutes outside the city. This small luxury resort can be booked from 22,000 World of Hyatt points.

Things To Do

Tangier has some of the most beautiful beaches in Morocco, but there are many more things to do in the city and its surrounding area.

Here is just a sampling of things to do during your first visit to Tangier:

• The Grand Socco Market is where families meet each evening and sellers offer their wares. It also houses the arched entrance to the Kasbah.
• Wandering the Kasbah and the Medina in the old city is a great way to get lost. At the highest point, the fortified walls offer expansive views of the sea. There’s no better way to get to know the old city.
• Cafe Hafa has been an institution since 1921. Located at one of the highest points of the Kasbah, the cafe has some of the best views in the city. Grab a pastry and sip mint tea while enjoying the ambience, history, and view.
• The Gran Café de Paris was also another early gathering place for artists and intellectuals when it opened in 1927. The atmosphere is more like a men’s club than a cafe, all the more reason to sip coffee and ponder the events of the day at this historic place.
• On a clear day, you can see Spain across the Gibraltar Strait from Cap Spartel. The park has a picturesque lighthouse, beaches, and extraordinary views. Enjoy a picnic, ride a camel on the beach, and watch the sunset. The lovely drive to the park from Tangier is about 20 minutes.
• Not far from Cap Spartel is the entrance to the Caves of Hercules, where you can view the crashing ocean waves from the underground caverns. Admission is free, but if you want to explore more of the vast cave system carved out by the Berbers centuries ago, it costs around $5.
• It’s difficult to claim you’ve been to Morocco if you haven’t ridden a camel on the beach. One of the best places to do so is at Cap Spartel.

Hot Tip:

One of the best ways to discover the old city, medina, and Kasbah is with a private guide. Viator offers a 4-hour city walking tour for less than $50. I would have never found all these places on my own or learned more about the history in such a short time.

Food To Try

• Tagine and couscous are common throughout Morocco. Tagine is made with couscous, meat, poultry, or vegetables in a special clay pot. Couscous is also frequently served in dishes other than those made in the tagine.
• Moroccan pancakes called msemen are commonly served with honey and goat cheese. I loved these at breakfast time.
• Kalinte is a delicious street bread that is similar to a flan. It is made from chickpea flour and eggs, topped with cumin and paprika, and served warm.
• Le Saveur du Poisson is a popular restaurant that offers a dining experience that includes savory fish stew, seafood, and the chef’s choice of sea dishes. Perfect for fish lovers, the humble restaurant is fixed-price but won’t break the bank at around $25.
• A local cooking class can elevate your dining experience by learning the process of preparing traditional Moroccan foods with a local family in their home.

Marrakech

Marrakech is the epitome of exotic, with palaces, tombs, mosques, gardens, camels, snake charmers, and a shopping scene like you’ve never experienced. Visiting can be a cultural shock, but the experience is worth it.

The city is in central Morocco at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. This ideal location means you’ll be able to enjoy what Marrakech has to offer and then use the city as a base to explore the surrounding areas.

The old part of the city, the Medina, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a good place to start to learn more about Marrakech.

Lodging in Marrakech Using Hotel Loyalty Points

Staying in traditional riad accommodations in the old city is a great way to experience Marrakech immersively. However, several major hotel chains offer excellent value if you prefer to use hotel loyalty points.

Here are some of the options for using hotel loyalty points to offset the cost of lodging in Marrakech.

Marriott

Le Méridien N’Fis is one of my favorite properties because it offers good value, excellent service, and a convenient location. Restaurants and shopping are across the street, tour operators pick you up at the hotel, and it’s about a 20-minute walk to the gates of the old town. Rooms can be booked from 11,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

AnaYela, Marrakech, a Member of Design Hotels, is perfectly located in the Medina and a short walk to the main square. The hotel is a 300-year-old opulent palace but is quite small, so availability is limited, especially with points. Rooms can be booked from 66,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for a 3-night stay.

If your taste leans toward an all-inclusive and family-focused experience, the Eden Andalou Aquapark & Spa, just 10 minutes outside Marrakech, may be a desirable option. However, the hotel is not your typical resort, as the buildings are former riads, now with rooms fitting up to 5 occupants. Book rooms from 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for a unique 3-night stay.

Hilton

The Ksar Char-Bagh, an SLH Hotel, is a grand 14th-century riad. The hotel is an oasis in the city with manicured gardens and grounds. Nightly rates include transport to and from Marrakech Menara Airport. Standard rooms start at 100,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

You can expect an excellent experience at Nobu Hotel Marrakech, an SLH Hotel. The hotel is close to Marrakech’s main attractions, high-end dining, and other luxury hotels. It starts from 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night for a standard room.

Hot Tip:

The word “riad” is taken from the Arabic word for garden. Riads are traditional Moroccan homes or palaces typically built around open courtyards or gardens and surrounded by residential rooms. They are found in the older parts of Moroccan cities and provide an immersive experience for travelers.

Hyatt

Hyatt has around 20 properties in and around Marrakech, including several Mr & Mrs Smith hotels. Here are just a few examples of those you can book with World of Hyatt loyalty points.

The Park Hyatt Marrakech receives stunning reviews for its rooms and service. The full-service resort has a panoramic view of the Atlas Mountains, a spa, pools, a fitness center, and a golf course nearby. Rooms can be booked from 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Dar One is a small, sleek riad in the Jewish quarter of the medina. It is a quiet retreat for adults only. Rooms start at 16,250 World of Hyatt points per night.

Riad Azzar is in the heart of the medina. With just 6 luxurious rooms and no TVs, stays within the walls of this former home can be a delightful experience. Book rooms from 13,750 World of Hyatt points per night.

Things To Do

Running out of things to do in and around Marrakech would be difficult. And, because activities are so affordable, you’ll want to take in as much as possible.

• Getting lost in the old city center’s souks (old marketplace) is a rite of passage when visiting Marrakech. Don’t worry about being lost for too long; friendly shop owners will help you find your way. Beware of others who offer to guide you, as they may soon ask for money.
• Before shopping in the souks, visit Ensemble Artisanal or Centre Artisanal for hassle-free browsing in an air-conditioned environment and to get an idea of fair pricing.
• Take a walking city tour to learn about the history, gain access to local artisans, and navigate the Medina. Tours can be booked for less than $30, are well worth it, and can include many city sites in this list.
• The Majorelle Garden is a beautiful and peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. It was the lovely home of designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Berger. You can purchase tickets to the garden and YSL Museum in advance online. Be sure to plan for a stop at the cafe.
• The Saadian Tombs are from the 16th century and are covered with ornate tiles. The tombs and surrounding palaces are worth a visit when staying in Marrakech.
• Jemaa El Fnaa Square is famous for its snake charmers, local musicians, food vendors, and late-night activities. A visit to Marrakech would not be complete without a stroll through the square.
• An excursion to the Atlas Mountains is a delightful escape from the bustle of Marrakech. You can hike, ride a camel, walk along the river, have a traditional lunch, tour a traditional Berber home, and enjoy the beauty of the valleys between the mountains. It’s an easy day trip from Marrakech.
• A visit to an argan oil cooperative helps local women earn a living for their families. Berber women remove the argan fruit (nut) from the shell by hand (shown above) and later press it into high-quality argan oil. Many tours include an argan oil coop visit.
• The fishing village of Essaouira is on the coast west of Marrakech. A calm respite from Marrakech, a visit can include selecting fresh fish directly from the fishermen and having it prepared. Wander the much quieter souks, walk the ancient city walls, visit the hamman for a massage, ride a horse on the beach, or take a cooking class.

There are far too many grand adventures waiting in Marrakech to list here. Visit the official Marrakech tourism site for more inspiration.

Food To Try

Since our featured cities are all in North Africa, many of the foods you’ll find are similar:

• In addition to the tagine and couscous dishes mentioned previously, try traditional harira soup. It’s a hearty tomato-based soup with legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, and Moroccan spices.
• Pastilla is a flaky meat pie that successfully combines sweet and savory. Made with chicken (or pigeon), it may be served at dinner or as street food.
• Babbouche is a dish for the adventurous. It’s a snail soup, said to be made with 15 different Moroccan spices. Stalls sell it around the city.
• Mechoui is a very tender roasted lamb dish cooked in underground clay pots. It’s a must-try.

Chefchaouen (The Blue City)

It is believed that Jewish settlers escaping the Holocaust painted their homes blue to represent blue skies, heaven, and freedom. The blue façades also help repel mosquitoes and keep the buildings cool. Regardless of the origin of the painting tradition, the town gets a fresh coat of heavenly blue each year.

The town is truly a feast for the eyes and soul and is not to be missed if you find yourself in northern Morocco. You can make the pilgrimage as a day trip from Tangier or take the bus and spend the night for a more in-depth experience. It takes about 2 hours to reach the city by car or 2.5 hours by bus.

You can explore the town in a day, or you can stay longer to dive deeper into the ambience or explore the surrounding area.

Lodging in Chefchaouen Using Statement Credits and Earning Rewards

While none of the major hotel chains have properties in Chefchaouen, affordable lodging is widely available. Here are some ideas for offsetting lodging expenses or earning rewards in Chefchaouen:

• Book your hotel via the AAdvantage Hotels platform and earn American Airlines AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points toward elite status.
• Book your lodging with any eligible travel provider and receive a statement credit of up to $300 using the $300 travel statement credit found on the Chase Sapphire Reserve^®.
• Use Delta Stays to book eligible prepaid hotels on delta.com and receive a statement credit for up to $250 (depending on the card) using select Delta-branded cards, including the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve Business American Express Card (up to $250), Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card (up to $200), and the Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card (up to $150).
• Book a stay via Capital One Travel using the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and use the $300 travel statement credit that comes with the card. Or book the hotel directly with your card and redeem miles for a statement credit for the amount of the hotel stay.
• Purchase Hotels.com gift cards at merchants where your cards earn the most. For example, the American Express^® Gold Card earns 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $25,000 per calendar year, where you may be able to purchase Hotels.com gift cards.

I always have my Chase Sapphire Reserve card handy for booking tours, dining, and other travel expenses I may incur during my trip. Plus, the card earns flexible Ultimate Rewards points that can be redeemed with Chase Travel or transferred to airline or hotel partners for even greater potential value.

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$550

APR

20.24% - 28.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel^SM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 5x points on airfare booked through Chase Travel^SM
• 3x points on all other travel and dining purchases; 1x point on all other purchases

Cons

• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% - 28.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Things To Do

Wandering the streets of Chefchaoeun is invigorating. Every shade of blue you can imagine is represented on the walls, steps, streets, and alleyways.

• Wander the Medina, take photos, shop for handcrafted goods, and talk to the locals.
• If you spend more than a day in Chefchaoeun, you’ll eventually see it all. If your time is limited, hire a guide.
• Visit the Ras el-Maa waterfall just beyond the gate to the Medina. You may even find women washing clothes there.
• Don’t miss Place El Haouta, the picturesque square in the image at the beginning of this section.
• Hike the Akchour Chefchaouen, about 20 minutes from Chefchaouen. Walk along the clear waters, viewing amazing waterfalls, to reach the Bridge of God. The hike is about 2 hours.

Food To Try

There aren’t many fine-dining restaurants in Chefchaouen, as eating out is more of a casual affair. That doesn’t mean you won’t eat well here, however:

• Stop by Hamsa restaurant for Moroccan food and an amazing rooftop view. Anything you order will be delicious. El Cielo is also good for its beautiful garden and organic Arab cuisine.
• You can’t go wrong grabbing a delicious plate of any couscous dish piled high with roasted vegetables, chicken, lamb, or beef. Friday is couscous day in Chefchaouen, and you’ll find it served everywhere. It’s a cultural and religious tradition.
• Moroccan bissera is a simple fava bean soup. It’s a comfort food made with Moroccan spices and served with bread. Stop by Baissara Ansara if you want to try it, as that’s all they serve.
• Moroccan mint tea is the drink of choice throughout Morocco, especially in Chefchaouen, where you can relax and enjoy the incredible surroundings.

Final Thoughts

Morocco is an amazing country where unique experiences happen daily. The 3 cities I’ve featured today are some that I enjoyed and will return to.

Tangier is a gritty treasure hunt, Marrakech is captivating and cosmopolitan, and Chefchaouen is a feast for the senses. All could be a worthy addition to your travel list.

By using points and miles to offset the cost of travel, return trips are likely to be a reality rather than a one-time event.