DRIVING IN MOROCCO

Few countries offer the prospect of more dangerous roads than those of Morocco. But don't let that put you off from exploring this increasingly popular North African destination. Jonathan Crouch and family set out to do just that.

Many say that the crossroads of North Africa can be found in the Djemaa el-Fna, the 'square of the dead' that lies in the centre of the old city of Marrakech. Here is Morocco as you might like to picture it, a scene from 'The Arabian Nights' with its snake charmers, storytellers, meat sellers, water pourers and friendly con men. A gateway to the labyrinth of cramped alleyways, carpet souks and tea shops that have defined this ancient city for generations of travellers.

Including us. Perhaps 'family Crouch' is something like yours? Three children - aged 7, 11 and 14 - who don't like really long flights but, like their parents, have tired of the usual European destinations and yearn for something a bit different. A country with its share of far-off magic. Yet one that can still be easily, quickly and affordably reached by budget airline. Somewhere like Morocco.

It's a place so rich with history, culture and colour that you can't help but want to explore it, even if, like me, you have a young family in tow. Mind you, with the 'young family' bit in mind, you might be forgiven for being put off a bit by statistics suggesting Morocco to have some of the world's most dangerous roads, with a fatality rate seventeen times higher than that of the UK.

That helps to explain why Morocco is also one of the most expensive places I know in which to hire a car, with even basic vehicles costing between 80-100 euros a day. Another good reason, you might think, to fly to Marrakech, hole up in a hotel, then head back with all the other holidaymakers decked out in their souk-supplied knock-off trainers and T-shirts. But you'd be missing out on such...