Jordan
Why Jordan Deserves a Spot on Your Travel List
While Jordan may not be at the top of your travel list, it absolutely should be. This Middle Eastern gem offers a mix of rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality that often surprises first-time visitors. The capital city of Amman blends modern city life with ancient ruins, offering everything from Roman amphitheaters to vibrant souks and rooftop cafes. Just a few hours south, you’ll find Petra—one of the “New” Seven Wonders of the World—an archaeological marvel carved into rose-colored cliffs that’s even more breathtaking in person.
And then there’s Wadi Rum, the otherworldly desert landscape where The Martian was filmed. With its red sand dunes, towering rock formations, and star-filled night skies, it feels like stepping onto another planet. Whether you’re exploring ancient cities, floating in the Dead Sea, or riding camels through the desert, Jordan delivers a travel experience that’s far more diverse and awe-inspiring than most expect.
Amman
We weren’t sure what to expect when we got to the City of Aman. We knew nothing about it and we very lucky to have a driver who was awesome (best driver of any trip we’ve ever had). We didn’t know it, but our driver stayed with us throughout our entire trip around Jordan for a few extra bucks (so worth it). He was our unofficial tour guide.
In Aman he took us to the biggest mosque in the country. We’d never been to a mosque and it was quite the experience. Of course Lauren had to wear certain a certain outfit with headgear which is their custom, but the people couldn’t have been nicer (and there was a very cool gift shop at there)
Next we were taken to Temple of Hercules. It was like being in Greece as you walked around the remnants of what is left. Also from the hilltop where the temples was located you could see the entire city including a pretty large roman amphitheater (see the picture role).
Petra, as many people know, is the setting for the 3rd Raider of the Lost Arc move where Harrison Ford rides out of what looks like a canyon of sorts.
Trying to describe Petra is difficult. It’s the most unique place we’ve ever been. If you had to choose only one place in the world to go, Petra could easily be that place. It is spectacular.
We were extremely lucky in how are trip through Petra was setup. Instead of going to the gate and hiring a guide, we hired a “local” guide (a Bedouin) to take us through the area. Instead of walking down the main street, he took us on a several hour back road/trail tour of Petra. It’s truly hard to explain how cool it was. We had tea with locals in their huts and at the top of the trail.
Then of course, there is the main Petra attractions. There were tombs, temples, and a city build into the stone of the mountains surrounding the area. You can walk up stairs to the monastery (20-30 minutes) which opens up a whole new area of Petra that is as unique as the main area (we do NOT recommend taking a mule up the stairs)
Finally, we experienced Petra by Night, and it was truly indescribable. Walking through the narrow, winding Siq in complete silence, guided only by the soft glow of hundreds of candles lining the path, felt almost dreamlike. The stars above, the flicker of candlelight against the sandstone walls, and the sound of traditional Bedouin music echoing in the distance created a surreal, almost sacred atmosphere.
When we reached the iconic Treasury, it was illuminated entirely by candlelight—no spotlights, no crowds—just stillness and awe. A small group of local musicians played the rababa and sang under the stars, adding to the sense of timelessness. It was one of those rare travel moments that doesn’t just meet expectations—it stays with you. Petra is stunning by day, but at night, it feels alive with mystery and meaning.
Wadi Rum: Jordan’s Otherworldly Desert
Wadi Rum—also known as the Valley of the Moon—is one of the most surreal landscapes you’ll ever set foot in. This is the very desert where The Martian, starring Matt Damon, was filmed, and once you’re there, it’s easy to see why. The landscape feels truly extraterrestrial, with vast stretches of red sand interrupted by towering sandstone and granite formations that rise straight out of the earth like ancient monuments. It’s a place that makes you pause, turn in every direction, and just take it all in.
We explored the desert on the back of an open-bed truck during a guided tour that took us across dramatic terrain—through narrow canyons, over windswept dunes, and to hidden spots where our Bedouin guide brewed us tea in a shaded rock alcove. The calm and quiet of the desert are only broken by the occasional gust of wind or the soft hum of the truck engine. We were lucky enough to witness both a mini sandstorm and a thunderstorm while we were there. The contrast of the swirling sand against a darkening sky made for photos that honestly looked Photoshopped—moody, cinematic, and absolutely unforgettable.
But if you’re really looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, spend the night in Wadi Rum. There are options ranging from basic Bedouin tent camps to so-called “five-star” desert domes (ours leaned a little closer to one-star by Western standards, but it added to the charm). No matter where you stay, the real luxury is stepping outside your tent at night and looking up—the Milky Way stretches across the sky in full view, unobstructed by light pollution. It’s silent, vast, and strangely comforting.
The people we met, as in much of Jordan, were incredibly warm and welcoming. Our guides shared stories of growing up in the desert, their traditions, and the changes tourism has brought to their communities. Wadi Rum wasn’t just a highlight of our Jordan trip—it was one of the most unique experiences we’ve had anywhere in the world.
When it was time to go from Aman to Petra, our driver was nice enough to take us on a detour where we toured little Petra and Mount Nebo.
Little Petra is just what it sounds like. It’s a mini-version of Petra (except almost no one is there which is a bit eerie).
We also stopped by a local attraction our drive called the world’s smallest hotel (a VW Bug on the side of the road).
Mount Nebo is a must see. It’s on the top of a mountain overlooking the dead sea, the West Bank, and Jerusalem. On the mountain is a temple build in honor of Moses (the Hebrew Bible mention it as a place where Moses was granted a view of the Promise Land).
Without our driver we would never have seen these three attractions and were grateful for him to show them to use.
