Is it hard to travel in Morocco without knowing Arabic?

Is english common in the more touristy areas? & lastly what parts of Morocco would you recommend visiting?
Thanks.

yes if you get in a bad area :)

Arabic helps a lot but in touristy areas many people know English and definitely French.

Most Moroccans know more than one language. You should be fine. Bring along a little Moroccan phrase book (and or a French one) to be extra prepared.

Go through the questions under the discover tab in the Morocco section here on Y!A to see more about specific places...or post a more specific question.

Have fun!!!!!!

Many Moroccans know English, but most are not fluent in it. I think you can probably manage, but knowing French would certainly help. There are many areas to visit in Morocco. It all depends on what you want to do and see.

I dont speak Arabic, or French but I do speak Spanish and in the North u will find a fair amount of people who do. English is spoken a bit in the bigger cities and tourist areas....but not really conversationally. I mean more about selling stuff. I would recommend start in Tanger and work your way thru the Atlas mountains, soooo nice, to Taza, thru there to Fez then back to Tanger. I dont care so much for the southern part of the country, as I live already in the desert.

Hello to you, well I just came back from Morocco. I am an American and I did not speak Arabic or French. In Morocco Arabic is the 1st language, but French is second and it was a little difficult for me. But I was never alone and was with someone who could speak for me if need be. I also found out that some could speak English but did not have a clue to what it meant or what they were saying. Overall my experience was great and enjoyed being there very much. I loved going to all the different places, I stayed in Khemisset, but traveled to Rabat many times. Rabat was busy but nice and many nice people. I also went to Casablanca and had a good time there. I loved going to the ocean, and in Kinetra the beach was wonderful. If you have any questions please email me.

Arabic is not a must but I would say that French (which is a lot more easily understood by English speaking people) is a must.

It is true that the YOUTH of Morocco have a working knowledge of English and you will find at the better hotels people who speak English as well.

When you get into the more rural regions French and Arabic (and sometimes only Arabic/Berber) are the only languages spoken.

Take a phrase book with you and you should be just fine

Other than higher end hotels English is not widely spoken anywhere in Morocco. You will be fine if you don't know Arabic but know French. Also in the north, especially around Tetouan, you will probably be able to get by with Spanish. But other than that I would be very intimidated to travel all over without someone who spoke French or Arabic. I am not saying that you can't do it, because there are lots of people who do, but it will take some effort. Now one thing I have to say, people there are very nice and will do everything possible to help you and try to understand you. At least this has always been my experience. Have a wonderful trip.