CCFB News» January 2026

This year, my new year’s resolution is to get out and do more. As a Millennial, YOLO (you only live once) has always been a personal motto as well as, “The future starts today, not tomorrow.”

For years, especially post-pandemic, I only made small family trips: to Las Vegas, to New York, to Tennessee. I renewed my passport in 2019 before the pandemic, but I haven’t had the chance to use it – yet.

That’s why, when I saw The Chicago Farmers were hosting a study abroad trip to Morocco in February 2026, I thought about it. I slept on it. I daydreamed about it. And finally, in August, I paid my downpayment and signed myself up to go.

I’ve always wanted to visit Morocco, but I never thought that I would have the opportunity to go. I didn’t know of anybody going on the trip, and I don’t know anyone in Morocco. My family and friends weren’t interested in joining, so I asked the travel group if they could find me a roommate. Luckily, they paired me with another female solo traveler. We met recently at a local Moroccan restaurant to chat and plan, and we are both looking forward to rooming together and becoming friends.

The trip itself sounds amazing! Highlights of the trip will include “exploring Morocco's diverse agricultural practices, from citrus and olive cultivation to innovative farming techniques, experiencing the vibrant culture of Morocco, including visits to bustling markets and historical sites, and visiting the four imperial cities of Marrakech, Fes, Rabat, and Meknes, as well as Casablanca.” I’ll even be able to spend the night in a luxury glamping tent in the Agafay Desert with the opportunity to ride a camel (my favorite animal).

Agriculture employs about 40% of Morocco’s workforce and is important to the country’s economy. Morocco’s top crops include wheat, barley, sugar beet, olives, tomatoes, citrus fruits, grapes, and pulses (dried seeds of beans, peas, and lentils). Poultry, sheep, and cattle are the country’s top livestock. Argan oil, made from nuts of the argan tree, is native to Morocco.

I can’t wait for the 11-day trip and to learn more about another country and culture. I’ve already started shopping and packing, and I’ve been reading travel guides and watching travel documentaries. I look forward to trying traditional Moroccan mint tea and sampling a variety of spices. I hope to buy a unique keepsake from the marketplace, maybe a scarf or jewelry. But most of all, I am excited to learn new things and have once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I’ll take lots of photos and take plenty of notes. I will also remember to live in the moment, make new friends, learn new things, and – most importantly – have fun!

I hope you take my column this month to heart and get out and do fun things. Try a new restaurant, read a new book, or go someplace new. As a Cook County Farm Bureau member, you receive exclusive discounts and deals, such as discount tickets to the Bulls, Blackhawks, Six Flag, Santa’s Village, Medieval Times, and AMC, Marcus Theater, and Regal movie tickets. For more information about membership benefits, visit www.cookcfb.org and select the Membership tab.

You don’t have to go to Morocco to have new and fun experiences. You can stay local and close to home. Bring family and friends or make new friends along the way. Be brave! Try new things and live a little in January and throughout 2026.

And – most importantly – don’t forget to have fun!