History and natural landscapes that will open your eyes to a whole new world.
Photo: Wendy HungWhile many Americans may fear traveling to the Middle East during recent times, Jordan has always remained as one of the safest countries to visit in the region. In 2012, I went to Jordan after a few days in Israel, long before terror attacks throughout Europe and the current chaos in Syria. This was one of my first times visiting the Middle East, and as many travel enthusiasts will agree, Jordan makes the perfect introduction to this fascinating region.
If you love adventurous excursions, floating in the Dead Sea is a must-do. The deepest hypersaline lake in the world allows your body to naturally drift in the ocean, while plastering your face with Dead Sea mud permits natural minerals to do wonders for your skin by the beach. Jeep ride through Wadi Rum is also another memorable expedition. The orange valley cut into the sandstone and granite rock in southern Jordan is a photographer’s dreams come true. Let’s not forget about Petra, where Indian Jones was filmed. The Rose City is a historical and archaeological haven, known for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system created by nomadic Arabs in 312 BC. A few days in Jordan’s capital city Amman is a delightful glimpse into modern day life. Stroll through bazaars or take a local cooking class can make your Jordanian experience truly cultural and local.
As a traveler who has never ventured to the Middle East before, consider Jordan as your first destination in that part of the globe. It’s more safe and open than you can imagine, but unlike Dubai, it still showcases a profound aspect of history and natural landscapes that will open your eyes to a whole new world.
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