When you travel the world solo, you spend a lot of time talking to locals! And while I’ve met kind, hospitable, welcoming people in every corner of the world I’ve visited, some places are universally welcoming — no matter where you go, you’re welcomed as a close friend or even a member of the family. …
Where to Find the Friendliest People in the World Read More »
Dear Readers, I know that many of you long to see the world. So you’ve traveled a bit in Europe. You’ve done the resort vacation in Mexico. Perhaps you’ve done a bit of Central America or even Asia. And you’d like to try somewhere new– somewhere adventurous, and exciting, and DIFFERENT. May I make a …
Jordan: The Perfect Introduction to the Middle East Read More »
On this icy cold Sunday — well, at least it is here in Massachusetts! — I’ve got a video for you straight from the desert: Wadi Rum in Jordan. While in Jordan, I learned that there are SO many ways to tie a headscarf, either for men or for women. And I wanted to learn …
I was very much looking forward to the Wadi Rum leg of my trip to Jordan — because I would be camping in the desert! As a girl who has camped her entire life, first went camping at twelve days old (!), and took her first steps in a tent (seriously), I knew camping with …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …