A Summer of Reconnection

Every summer, airports fill with travellers eager to reunite with the people they love. Behind the suitcases and boarding passes often lie stories of family, roots and heritage.

We met some of these travellers between flights. From Marrakech to Dubai, from Cape Verde to the Netherlands, from Bissau to Lisbon, from Praia to Bilbao, and from Rome to Morocco’s imperial cities, each shared, in their own way, what summer holidays mean to them. Beyond the destination itself, arrival marks a pause in time: a reunion with loved ones, the passing on of a family story, the rediscovery of one’s roots or simply the happiness of being together. Perhaps that is the most beautiful journey of the summer.

Majda B., Between Marrakech and Dubai

“Summer holidays are about rediscovering the emotions we have missed throughout the year.”

A sales manager at a hotel in Dubai for the past three years, Majda was born and raised in Marrakech. Today, she divides her life between her career abroad and regular trips back to Morocco, between Marrakech, Fez and Rabat, where members of her family live.

When you think about summer holidays, what is the first image that comes to mind?

Returning to Morocco. Being reunited with my family, my friends and all those simple moments I have missed throughout the year.

What do your ideal holidays look like?

Making the most of every moment. Seeing the people I love again and discovering new places with them. There are so many things I enjoy doing, but above all, what matters most is spending time with my family.

Which destination would you recommend for a holiday?

Marrakech, without hesitation. It is a city of extraordinary vitality and diversity. Everyone can find something that speaks to them, between the authenticity of the old medina, the energy of the modern city and the serenity of the surrounding mountains and landscapes.

João J., Between Cape Verde and the Netherlands

“I want my children to know their roots.”

Originally from Cape Verde and now living in the Netherlands, João J. spent many years working in maintenance at a shipyard. Now retired, he makes a point of returning regularly to Cape Verde so that his children can maintain a strong connection with their country of origin.

What do summer holidays mean to you?

Above all, precious time spent with family. It is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, take time for ourselves and create meaningful memories with our children.

Is it important for you to return to Cape Verde?

Very much so. My children were born in the Netherlands, but it is important to me that they know their parents’ homeland. There, they discover our culture, our way of life and develop a strong connection with their roots. For me, passing that on is essential.

Do you sometimes spend your holidays in the Netherlands?

Of course. Summer is very pleasant there, especially in Rotterdam and Amsterdam. We also take the opportunity to visit family in Antwerp, Belgium.

Why would you recommend Cape Verde?

It is a welcoming, warm and authentic country. Visitors discover a rich cuisine, music that is present everywhere and a genuine sense of ease and well-being. It is a destination where you quickly feel at home.

Katia, Tiffany and Their Mother, Joan M., Between Bissau and Lisbon

“The most beautiful memories are often the simplest ones.”

Returning to Portugal, Katia and Tiffany are travelling with their mother, Joan. Together, they have just completed their first visit to Guinea-Bissau, their family’s homeland. It was a journey deeply marked by reunions and the discovery of their roots.

What will you remember most about this trip?

This journey allowed us to discover the country of our grandparents and meet part of our family. We already knew this culture through our parents, but experiencing it firsthand was deeply moving. Everything there felt simple, natural and vibrant. At our uncle’s house, all you had to do was reach out and pick a mango from the tree. It was also a delight to sample traditional dishes such as caldo de mancarra (a traditional stew prepared with peanut paste) and cafriela (chicken marinated and grilled in a fragrant onion-based sauce).

Would you recommend this destination to travellers?

Absolutely. We did not have enough time to discover all the country has to offer, which gives us an excellent reason to return, most likely during the dry season in winter.

What do summer holidays mean to you?

Above all, quality time with family. And that works out rather well, as our birthdays all fall during the summer. Whatever the destination, what matters most is being together and creating new memories.

Caterina and Marco D., On Their Way Back to Rome
“Every journey is a discovery, but summer is above all about family.”

Caterina and Marco are returning to Italy after spending nine days in Morocco. Through a journey across the imperial cities, they discovered a country they were visiting for the first time. It was an experience rich in encounters and discoveries, before returning to their family on the Mediterranean coast.
What will you remember most about your trip?

The diversity of experiences and the warmth of the welcome. Every day was different. We visited several cities, discovered varied landscapes and met remarkably kind people. The pace was intense, but we thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

What do you enjoy most about travelling?

Discovering new cultures and different ways of life. Every destination opens a window onto the world and leaves us enriched by something new.

What do summer holidays mean to you? Travelling and discovering new places are important, but summer is above all devoted to family. We love spending time with our two daughters and our grandson, simply enjoying the happiness of being together.

Merouane T., A Consultant in Rabat with Roots in Berkane

“A different relationship with time. A few days free from constraints, simply enjoying the present moment.”

Born in Berkane and now based in Rabat, Merouane T. remains deeply attached to his native region. For him, summer is above all a time for reunions, rooted in family, memories and a sense of belonging.

For you, are holidays about travel or family reunions?

Both. Travelling allows us to escape and discover new places. If it also offers the opportunity to spend time with family, then it becomes a source of real happiness. I enjoy sharing with my children the beauty of the Oriental region, its gastronomy and the memories of my childhood.

If you had one week to introduce foreign visitors to the Morocco you love, where would you take them?

I would begin in Rabat, a city of culture, heritage and beautiful walks. Then I would head to Berkane, travelling through a Morocco of remarkable diversity, stretching from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. For me, the Oriental region evokes reunions, childhood memories and unforgettable culinary pleasures.

Which places would you recommend in the region?

The coastline of Saïdia and its seaside resort, the Beni-Snassen Mountains with the Zegzel Valley and Tafoughalt, as well as the oasis of Figuig and the medina of Oujda.

Date de publication Juillet 2026