Traveling to Morocco in the next couple of months just makes sense. You can take advantage of spring airfare sales and get to Casablanca for under $500 roundtrip from the US. The weather is just perfect in April and May, not too hot but nice and warm with an average of around 70 Fahrenheit (21 C). Roses are in bloom, the desert won't completely fry you and the best sights aren't overrun with Europeans on their summer vacations. It's also a very easy country to travel in without taking an organized tour.

If you aren't familiar with what Morocco has to offer, here are some reasons to go:

• Morocco's ancient imperial cities of Marrakesh, Fes and Meknes. The Islamic architecture in these walled cities is beautifully preserved, the bazaars (souks) buzz with excitement and small hotels offer traditional hospitality.

• Morocco's mountains offer unparalleled hiking opportunities -- the Atlas Mountains are particularly challenging. Alternatively, you can enjoy a laid back town like Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains, where you can just chill out and chat to backpackers from around the globe.

• Morocco's Sahara desert is the place to take a camel safari in the spectacular sand dunes of the Erg Chebbi and visit the desert towns of Erfoud and Merzouga.

• Morocco's coastline boasts great beaches and beautiful towns like Essaouira with its white-washed houses and ramparts.

• Moroccan food is fresh, delicious and available on every street corner; it's worth the trip in itself.

Photo of the Djemaa el Fna, Marrakech, Morocco by Chloe Grant