Think the Dead Sea is the only spa escape in Jordan? Think again. Not far from the Dead Sea are the Ma’in hot springs and the Evason Ma’in Resort and Six Senses Spa. This area stays warm year-round because it’s 264 meters below sea level, and it’s covered in beautiful waterfalls. Hot waterfalls, that is! The […]
Kicking Back at the Ma’in Hot Springs Read More »
Floating in the Dead Sea was one of the experiences I looked forward to the most in Jordan. It’s one of those unique travel experiences that can only be had in this tiny part of the Middle East and should be included in your Jordan bucket list (along with the Lost City of Petra, of
Floating in the Dead Sea in Jordan Read More »
Getting naked in public is not the kind of thing I set out to do on a regular basis, but in Istanbul, I knew I had to experience a traditional hammam, or Turkish bath! These communal bathing facilities are an institution in Turkey. A traditional hammam includes a bath, a heavy-duty body scrub, and a
Adventurous Kate Gets Naked in Public Read More »
While I’m not so big on the act of driving, I love a good road trip. Setting off with friends, good music, and letting the road unfold in front of you — what could be better? It turns out that Jordan is an excellent place for a road trip. The roads are safe and mostly
Scenes from a Jordanian Road Trip Read More »
Long before I got to Jordan, I knew I’d be impressed by the Lost City of Petra. Everything about this ancient city fascinated me, from the history, the architecture, and of course the iconic sights of the Treasury and the Monastery. In 2007, Petra was officially named one of the New Seven Wonders of The
Ultimate Guide to Visiting Petra: The Treasury, Monastery & More! Read More »
I’m a big advocate of traveling in the off-season and reaping the benefits: lower prices, fewer crowds, a more local experience. But as I sit here in Turkey, I’m disappointed at my decision to come here for three weeks in late November. Istanbul was great if a bit cold, Cappadocia was freezing cold and creepily
Traveling in the Off-Season: Sometimes Great, Sometimes Awful! Read More »
Of all the outstanding views in Jordan, my favorite was from Jerash, seen at the top of the amphitheatre: I loved it. The ancient city’s colonnade in the foreground, the modern city in the background — this, in a nutshell, is Jordan! The ruins of the ancient city of Jerash are some of the most
Jerash: The Coolest Ruins You’ve Never Heard Of Read More »
What should a woman wear when visiting Jordan? As this was my first time in the Middle East, I didn’t want to make any missteps, so I erred on the side of caution and dressed somewhat conservatively. Since it was November and cool, it made it easier. Unlike Iran and Saudi Arabia, women in Jordan
What Should Women Wear in Jordan? Read More »
Jerusalem, Beirut, Dubai, Damascus — these cities of the Middle East are wild and vibrant, and probably sit closely on your radar. As for Amman, Jordan? Not so much. But being one of the lesser-visited cities in the Middle East doesn’t mean that it’s boring. Amman was my introduction to Jordan — as well as
Welcome to Amman — and the Middle East Read More »
I’m not in the best mindset when I arrive in Istanbul. Things aren’t going well. It’s freezing cold. Nobody will exchange my Jordanian dinars. As I ride the crowded metro into the city, I quickly learn that deodorant isn’t exactly a “thing” here. And to top it off, everyone is glaring at me for bringing
Arrival in Istanbul: From Uninspiring to Irresistible! Read More »