“We travel initially to lose ourselves, and we travel next to find ourselves. We travel to open our hearts and eyes and learn more about the world than our newspapers will accommodate. We travel to bring what little we can, in our ignorance and knowledge, to those parts of the globe where riches are differently dispersed. And we travel, in essence, to become young fools again – to slow time down and get taken in, and to fall in love once more. “– Pico Iyer, Why we Travel
JORDAN AT A GLANCE
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which once captivated ancient travelers, continues to enthral a whole new generation as a modern, vibrant nation.
From the haunting, primaeval starkness of Wadi Rum, to the teeming center of urban Amman, from the majestic ruins of bygone civilizations to the timeless splendour of the Dead Sea, Jordan is unveiled as a unique destination offering breathtaking and mysterious sights, high standard accommodations, exquisite cuisine and countless activities that can provide visitors with inspiration, motivation, and rejuvenation.
Marveling at herds of gazelles and oryx and migrating birds, camping amidst the grandeur of Wadi Rum or Dana Reserve, trekking the ancient caravan trails from the highlands of Moab and Edom, hiking the wooded hills of biblical Gilead, or experiencing the unique, cleansing mud baths of the Dead Sea are just a few examples of the treasures awaiting visitors to this unique kingdom.
The new stream of luxury hotels emerging in Amman, Petra, Aqaba and the Dead Sea is just adding quality to a refined product that is distinct, accessible and friendly; a product that is home to a new display of modern meeting facilities and unique venues for incentive travel as well.
Whether it is a conference for 5000 people, a lavish dinner in the peerless desert of Wadi Rum, a barbecue at the shores of the Dead Sea, or a reception atop a medieval castle overlooking the Jordan Valley, the amicable and competent people of Jordan will ensure a memorable, once in a lifetime experience.
Premiered Nov 23, 2018
Epic history, thundering landscapes and ancient artefacts await in Jordan. See why this special destination captured the hearts of all those involved in the crafting of this video.
Unsplash – Jordan Dallin Holding
Photo credit: Aqaba Jordan – Unsplash - Yuliya Kosolapova
Photo credit: Jordan – Pixabay - Konevi
Photo credit: Pixabay - mikaelthunberg
Photo credit: Pixabay – Graham-H
Photo credit: Petra, Jordan – Pixabay - dimitrisvetsikas1969
Photo credit: Amman – House Pixabay – OWPictures
The Jordan Trail is a long-distance hiking path in Jordan; connecting the entire length of Jordan from Um Qais in the north to Aqaba in the south. Offering 40 days of hiking with over 650 kilometers of trail, travelling through 52 villages and towns on the wondrous journey, The trail traverses the diverse landscapes and vistas of Jordan’s countryside; from the rolling wooded hills of the north to the rugged wadis and cliffs overlooking the Jordan Rift Valley, the rose rock city of Petra, to the crystal waters of the Red Sea. As you walk the Jordan Trail, it becomes a journey through the history of Jordan and an encounter with its diverse culture. Travelling the length of the country enables visitors the chance to peel through the different layers of culture; tasting the varied cuisines of Jordan and encountering locals while you spend glorious nights in local homestays. = The trail moves through major historical sites in the region such as Um Qais, Jerash, and Petra, while also harbouring hidden ruins resting amongst the land.
To learn more about the Jordan Trail and to access tools to help you start planning your hike visit www.JordanTrail.org
Walking the new cross-country Jordan Trail is a thrilling way to see the country's magnificent sights.
Lonely Planet travelled with support from Jordan Tourism Board and the Jordan Trail. We don't accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.
2019|ADVENTURE TRAVEL
Jul 20, 2017
Unsplash – Louis Hansel
Mark Wiens
Dec 18, 2019
If you're looking for an awesome Wadi Rum Luxury Camp to visit in 2020, look no further than Zeina Luxury Desert Camp. This camp is the exact location that the Martian was filmed, so you already know it's pretty special. While we were there, camping under the stars, the owner let us tour around the entire desert lodge, and we think it's going to be an awesome camp with jeep tours, stargazing, camel rides, everything you could imagine once it is fully open (they are currently still building, but are taking reservations with the 'soft opening' model). We hope you consider this luxury camp - it was truly an awesome experience for us. Check our other videos on things to do in Wadi Rum!
Lead picture: Djanet, Algeria
Silver maker
ARTICLES AND MORE…
Photo credit: Unsplash - Mukiibi John Elijah
Dec 6, 2017
In Samut Songkhram, about an hour outside Bangkok, is Maeklong Railway Market, one of the largest produce and seafood markets in Thailand. But beyond the selection of fresh fruit and fish, the market has become infamous for one thing—the train that runs directly through it. In 1905, the Maeklong Railway built a commuter train line through the center of the popular market. But rather than move, the vendors adapted to the new conditions, working around the train that passes through eight times a day, seven days a week.
Joe Gebbia, the co-founder of Airbnb, bet his whole company on the belief that people can trust each other enough to stay in one another's homes. How did he overcome the stranger-danger bias? Through good design. Now, 123 million hosted nights (and counting) later, Gebbia sets out his dream for a culture of sharing in which design helps foster community and connection instead of isolation and separation.
This talk was presented at an official TED conference and was featured by our editors on the home page.
February 2016
In the center of Caracas, Venezuela stands the 45-story 'Tower of David,' an unfinished, abandoned skyscraper. But about eight years ago, people started moving in. Photographer Iwan Baan shows how people build homes in unlikely places, touring us through the family apartments of Torre David, a city on the water in Nigeria, and an underground village in China. Glorious images celebrate humanity's ability to survive and make a home -- anywhere.
This talk was presented at an official TED conference and was featured by our editors on the home page
A region steeped in history, the Central Asian Silk Road is now more accessible for the modern traveler. Here's why you should visit in 2020.
Any destination and other content featured in this newsletter is for general information and knowledge purposes only and not an endorsement. The information is gathered through various sources and is subject to change at any time without notice. It is the sole responsibility of the traveller to check with the proper authorities regarding travel to all past, current and future JWH newsletter featured destinations.
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