When you look up the best destinations for over 60 travel, you’ll likely find tried-and-true locales like France, Italy, and Sweden. But if you’re hoping to branch out from Europe and see what else the world has to offer, I recommend Jordan in the heart of the Middle East. This nation is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites, natural marvels, and religious landmarks. I was lucky enough to visit on a guided tour and see some of the most storied destinations in the country. Here are some highlights of my trip to Jordan.
From the Capital City to the Mountain Tops
The first stop on my Jordan vacation was the capital city of Amman. With a population of over 4 million, this city is teeming with life despite being surrounded by desert. Whether you love history or simply love the aesthetic of ruins, Amman is the ideal place to vacation. It’s home to a Roman Theater, the Ruins of Jerash, and the Citadel Ruins. But that doesn’t mean it’s all old school! On my guided tour, I also visited the Royal Automobile Museum where King Hussein’s car collection is on display. The teal green convertible really caught my eye.
One of my favorite places on our itinerary was Mount Nebo. Mentioned in the Bible, this mountain is famed for being the place where Moses looked out onto the Promised Land. And you really can see it all from the top of Mount Nebo—the picturesque Dead Sea, Jericho, and Jerusalem. Standing where biblical figures once stood is inspiring, thought-provoking, and simply marvelous.
There’s a Reason Everyone Visits Petra
After seeing just a slice of what Amman had to offer, my tour group hopped on the road and headed to the iconic ancient city of Petra. These ruins truly live up to their status as one of the seven wonders of the world.
Built as early as the 5th century BC, it’s an architectural marvel that these structures are still standing today. When the Nabateans began construction so long ago, they couldn’t have imagined what a mark their buildings would make on our society thousands of years later. I had the pleasure of seeing the most photographed structure at the site— Al-Khazneh, or the Treasury. I was so lucky to get a wonderful photo of me standing in front, thanks to a little boy who wanted to help me out with my selfies. Not finding a good selfie angle is one of the risks of solo travel!
After the Treasury came another stunning spiritual site. The Ad-Deir Monastery may not be as famous as Al-Khazneh, but it was just as magnificent. If you take the trek up to Petra, be sure to see the ruins in their entirety—not just the common photo ops!
Relaxing on the Beach in Aqaba
A few hours doesn’t feel long enough to take in everything Petra has to offer, but the tour must go on! Next, my trip to Jordan took me to Aqaba, the nation’s only port city. I loved checking out the beach so much I even skipped the culinary experience I had booked. When you have a chance to see the Red Sea, you take it!
While in town, I also had the opportunity to check out adorable artisan shops, get a beautiful henna tattoo, and try some of the best fish I’ve ever had. Even if you’re a history buff who’s in Jordan for the Roman ruins and biblical heritage, be sure to make a stop at this lively beach town!
Camel Riding Through the Wadi Rum Desert
Beaches like those you’ll see in Aqaba aren’t the norm in Jordan. After leaving the port city, it was off to drier lands—the Wadi Rum Desert. The region is often described as surreal, and I’d have to agree! The sparse desert sands make you feel like you’re on another planet. But the best way to bring you back down to earth while traveling is to interact with the locals. I had the privilege of visiting a Bedouin community. Contrary to popular belief, only about 3% of the Bedouin population is nomadic, and many of them play a crucial role in Jordan’s tourism industry. I loved learning about Bedouin cooking and traditions, and I really loved getting to ride a camel in the desert—just like in the movies!
Rediscover Youth at the Dead Sea
It’s not a trip to the Middle East without a stop at the Dead Sea. This body of water is famous for its high salt content that makes it impossible for most plants and wildlife to survive. However, the water is a great place to float and let go of all the day’s stresses. But before you float, definitely don’t skip doing a Dead Sea mud mask. This practice has anti-aging benefits and leaves the skin feeling smooth and toned. Better believe my skin was absolutely glowing by the time I scraped the mud off! Add this experience to your “must-try” list.
An Unrivaled Religious Experience
The Middle East is known for its sacred places to several religious traditions. I was lucky enough to see some of the most fascinating biblical sites in Jordan. Among my favorites was the place where Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist. This site is near the Jordan River in Bethany and is recognized by both UNESCO and the Vatican as being legitimate.
Getting to see this place in person was invigorating and soul-stirring. One day, I’d like to come back with a church group to get baptized in the river. If you’re looking for a mother daughter trip with a spiritual or religious element, I can’t recommend Jordan enough.
Don’t Miss Out on Jordan’s Wonders
So, while you could always choose France or Italy for your next international travel destination, consider going outside your comfort zone. Jordan runs the gamut of things to do and see, from incredible historical locales to biblically-relevant sites. You’ll also find no shortage of culinary excellence and resort-style hotels. Just take a few seconds to picture yourself in the ancient city of Petra or following in Moses’ footsteps on Mount Nebo, and you’ll be rushing to book your trip!