Is it safe to drink the water?

Stick to bottled water, even for brushing your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach.

How do I handle haggling?

Offer 40% of the initial price and settle somewhere around 60-70%. If you aren't actually interested in buying, don't start the negotiation.

Planning a Trip to Morocco: The Practical Guide

Plan to spend at least 10 days to cover a loop from Marrakech to the Sahara and back. Prioritize booking private desert tours and high-speed train tickets in advance to save significant time and stress.

Define your route. Most travelers follow a loop: Marrakech -> Dades Valley -> Merzouga (Sahara) -> Fez -> Chefchaouen -> Casablanca/Marrakech. Don't try to cram all of this into less than 10 days or you will spend your entire trip in a car.
Book your desert tour. Don't walk into a shop in Marrakech to book a desert tour. Research reputable operators online at least 3 weeks before arrival to ensure they use proper 4x4 vehicles and standard camps.
Master the transport. Use the ONCF train network for the coast (Casablanca to Tangier/Marrakech). For everything else, hire a private driver or take the Supratours/CTM bus. Avoid random 'grand taxis' unless you have negotiated the price per seat beforehand.
Secure your Riad. Stay in a Riad (traditional guesthouse) inside the medina walls. Ensure your host provides a WhatsApp number for check-in, as medina streets are often unnamed and confusing for taxi drivers.

Is it safe to drink the water?: Stick to bottled water, even for brushing your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach.
How do I handle haggling?: Offer 40% of the initial price and settle somewhere around 60-70%. If you aren't actually interested in buying, don't start the negotiation.