I've just returned from Jordan and I have a lot to unload on y'all over the next 2 or maybe even 3 weeks. If you can ignore my painful play on words for this weeks headline, I'd appreciate it if you can stick with me through this weeks editorial.
This is my personal mantra on why I travel...
As a luxury travel advisor I am often asked about my favorite destinations, but what truly inspires me is a belief that runs deeper than any single place: the world is in better shape than the news headlines might lead us to believe. In an age of constant connectivity and often divisive narratives, I've found that travel is the most effective antidote. When I am on the ground sharing a meal with a family, as I did in Amman just over a week ago, or talking with a craftsperson in a souk, the focus isn't on political or religious differences. It's on a shared human experience and the desire to connect, to share stories, and to extend genuine hospitality. My Jordan trip has just reinforced this, going beyond the headlines to find the quiet, universal threads that connect us all.
This is the essence of many experiences we curate for our clients - journeys that are not just luxurious, but also deeply hopeful. By meeting people from all walks of life and immersing myself in different cultures, I'm reminded that kindness and generosity are global currencies. This is why I believe in the power of travel to build bridges and dismantle preconceived notions. It's a privilege to witness this firsthand, and it's what drives me to design trips that offer not just an escape, but a deeper sense of connection and a renewed faith in humanity.
This week the Top 5 will feature Jordan, the country.
Next week, I will focus on my host in Jordan, G Adventures, and the incredible work they are doing globally to ensure travel is a force for good.
Petra
One of the "New 7 Wonders of the World", the ancient city of Petra, a city carved directly into rock faces, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. It's a 1 1/2 mile hike down through Siq Canyon in order to reach Petra itself, which leads to a remarkable level of anticipation, and simply put, you will not be disappointed.
The Lowest Point on Earth
The Dead Sea is the lowest point on dry land on the surface of the Earth, at over 1,300 ft below sea level. Its high salt content allows people to float effortlessly. And it is so salty! Over 10 x saltier than any other sea or ocean. It's also famous for it's mud, which you may slather all over yourself, leave for 20 minutes and then wash it off as you float. Not sure I looked 20 years younger after as promised, but still quite an experience.
A Hollywood Backdrop
The stunning, otherworldly desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, also known as the "Valley of the Moon," have been used as filming locations for numerous movies, including Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian, and Dune. Stargazing is incredible at night and the resorts scattered around the area are usually tents, some with open or transparent roofs to enhance the feeling of solitude.
A Center of Early Civilization
Jordan's capital, Amman, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on the planet, with archaeological evidence of human settlement dating back to the Stone Age. Just a few of the more notable sites include:
The Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a): Located on the highest hill in the city, this site has evidence of occupation dating back to the Neolithic period. Major visible ruins include:
- The Temple of Hercules (Roman period)
- The ruins of a Byzantine Church
- The Umayyad Palace complex
The Roman Theater: A beautifully preserved, large Roman theater located in the downtown area.
The Roman Nymphaeum: The remains of a Roman public fountain, also located in downtown Amman, near the Roman Theater.
The Odeon Theater: A smaller Roman theater or odeum, also situated near the main Roman Theater.
5. The Family Visit
My absolute favorite experience to enjoy anywhere in the world.
When you are invited into a Muslim or Christian home, you see faith expressed through deeds, not dogma. You experience the host's obligation to generosity and care - a central tenet in both Islam and Christianity in this region. The language and actions of hospitality become a shared, sacred vocabulary, transcending theological differences.
For me, the most profound benefit is the quiet, personal dismantling of stereotypes. A family home is a safe space where real, honest conversations about life, work, children, and faith happen. In an era of global division, simply sitting at a dinner table and finding common ground with a family from a different background is a powerful act of peace-building and reconciliation. You move from viewing a group through the lens of media and politics to knowing them as individuals - a parent, a child, a professional, and a kind host.
Thank you to Ahmad, Afaf and their daughters, for their warm hospitality, our wonderful shared meal, and allowing me to post these photos.
If Jordan—or the idea of traveling with purpose—has sparked something in you, let’s talk about how to make it happen. Whether you’re drawn to the ancient wonders of Petra, the stillness of the desert, or the warmth of Jordanian hospitality, I’d love to help you experience it in a way that feels both meaningful and luxurious.
Reach out to start planning your own journey that goes beyond the headlines and connects you to the heart of a destination.
✨ Travel well. Travel deeply. ✨
Hi, I'm John, and I'm told I have a cool accent. I absolutely love travel and I am proud to have built a team as passionate about exploring the world as myself. It took me a very long time to align my career with my undeniable passion for exploring, but now I and the team are here for you. Your personal travel tailors - award reservation and luxury custom itinerary experts. We provide a bespoke service, imagining and creating itineraries for independent minded families and groups.
