As you scan over a map of the world to choose your next travel destination you could be forgiven for forgetting to check out Jordan. After all, it is somewhere you might never have heard anyone talk about in terms of being an exciting place to visit.
However, after doing a little bit of research you will realise that there are some very strong reasons for heading over to this country.
Petra
This stunning city is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and an incredible place to visit. It is an ancient city which was only discovered by the western world in the early 19th century but has fascinated visitors ever since. Many experienced travellers rate this city as one of the most incredible places on Earth. If you are thinking of taking a Jordan holiday then once you have looked into what Petra is all about then this could very well make up your mind for you. You certainly won’t want to visit the country without visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The visitor figures for Petra have increased significantly in recent years but it still receives far less tourists than its beauty and history merits. For example, in 2013 fewer than half a million people visited it according to official figures.
Jerash
While many people have now heard of the city of Petra, Jerash remains relatively unknown in the wider world. This is another ancient city which provides an intriguing destination for those travellers looking for some culture. The summer months here see the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts take place. If you are going to be based in the city of Amman then it is an easy trip out to see the wonders of Jerash. Of course, Amman is a great city in its own right and if you want all the fun of a modern city mixed with ancient treasures and a rich culture then you won’t go far wrong there.
Aqaba
Aqaba is the only city located on the coast of Jordan, and it is a vibrant, fast growing city. If you want to take part in some water sports while in this part of the world then this is a fine base from which to go windsurfing or scuba diving. There are some excellent hotels and restaurants in the city and it also hosts a popular dance festival (Distant Heat Festival) at the end of July. It is especially popular with national tourists but foreign travellers have also discovered the charms of Aqaba in recent years.
The Dead Sea
One of the strangest bodies of water on the planet, the Red Sea has attracted visitors for centuries. Its shores make up the lowest area of land on Earth and its water is so salty that it is possible to float on the surface without making any effort. It has been described as the world’s first health resort and people still come here looking to take advantage of the curative properties of the water and the minerals.