A couple of weeks ago I sent an email to my mailing list called “5 Reasons to Visit Jordan”. (Side Note: What? You’re not on my mailing list yet? You can fix that problem by signing up here).  It was a tantalizing list of things you will get to do and see if you join me to explore Jordan on the small group adventure trip I am planning this September.

If you’ve never had Petra revealed to you as you emerge from the narrow gorge or laughed yourself silly while trying not to flip over in the super buoyant waters of the Dead Sea, then that’s reason enough to plan a trip to Jordan.

But since this is my personal blog I also wanted to share my personal thoughts on going back. These are the reasons why I’m going back to explore Jordan.  The things that inspired me to organize this trip. Hopefully some of them will speak to you. If so, please check out my other website, There’s So Much To See In… for more info on the trip and to get yourself registered.

So without further ado, here are my 5 reasons for wanting to plan this return trip to Jordan.

1. Too Much Country, Not Enough Time

My first visit to Jordan was truly a side trip. I had planned two weeks in Israel and once I was there found an ad for an overnight trip to Petra. Of course, who wouldn’t want to see Petra, right? I was so close and who knew when I’d be back to that region.

I signed up for the trip that would take less than 48 hours. Definitely NOT enough time to explore a city, let alone explore Jordan.

Photo Credit: Tala Dabain

Petra was amazing. I mean UH-MAZE-ZING. For me, it was right up there with seeing the Great Wall of China and the temples of Luxor and I’m so glad that I had a chance to experience it in person, but as I drove back across the border to Israel, I knew I had to come back. Why? Because There’s So Much to See in Jordan (see what I did there)!

2. The Chance Hike in Jordan

As I mentioned above, my previous experience in Jordan lasted less than 2 days. And in those two days we actually saw quite a bit. From Jerash where we explored some seriously impressive Greco-Roman ruins, to the capital city of Amman then on to a tented campsite for the night before a full day at Petra and then back to Israel late that next night – we covered a great deal of territory.

And you cannot cover that much ground in that short amount of time without spending a good portion of your day in a passenger van.  No criticism to the tour company that took us – that’s just how you have to do it if you only have two days. I mean, I guess there is the helicopter option, but I believe it was being serviced the day of my trip. Yes, yes…that must have been what happened.

Anyway – back to the van. During one of our drives between the sites, our guide told us about the Jordan Trail which had recently opened.

(Side Note: I must admit I didn’t quite hear our guide correctly at the beginning of the conversation and for the first 5 minutes I thought we were talking about the Jordan Train that you could ride throughout the country. Hahaha – oops!  Trail… Jordan Trail, Nailah.)

The Jordan Trail spans 400 miles from North to South taking you through cities and villages, mountains and deserts to see so many different sides of Jordan. It was then that I realized that’s what I had to do. I wanted to come back and hike sections of the trail.

I wanted to step out of the van, hike and make my way slowly through parts of the country. That’s why about 3-4 days of this trip will involve some sort of walking or hiking component.  If you don’t mind lacing up your hiking shoes and getting a little dirt in your hair, then this trip is for you.

3. Best! Guide! Ever!

One of the things that will set this trip apart from others out there is that I’ve found the best tour guide…ever! OK, OK…I know that may be a lot to advertise and no I haven’t met every tour guide on the planet, but I feel very confident that you will feel the same way as I do once you meet our guide, Ayman.

Ayman led our overnight trip to Petra and he has an amazing mix of historical information, Jordanian cultural knowledge, wicked good humor, patience, outdoor experience and a megawatt smile.

Our guide for this trip modeling his Jordan checklist.

Ayman and I kept in touch after the trip and one day he mentioned that he had just led a trip for another travel blogger and a group of her blog readers. That got me wondering if I could perhaps do the same thing.

I had a travel blog with readers who loved to travel and I had organized trips in the past. Could I get a group of people together and head back to Jordan? I did a little light polling amongst my friends and readers and there was definitely an interest so I decide to jump in with both feet. Let’s do this!

So I am working with the Best Tour Guide Ever and his tour company to design the itinerary, prepare the activities, food and accommodations. All you have to do is show up and have a great time!

4. Stars & Domes

As I was looking through the options for accommodations in the Jordanian desert, I came across this magical picture that made me catch my breath.  It looked like something from outer space. A dome structure illuminated under a night sky filled with thousands of stars.

Photo Credit: @suncity_camp

I immediately knew two things: 1. My Jordan trip had to include spending a night in the Wadi Rum desert and 2. we would be staying in these Martin Dome tents.  Are you as excited as I am about this? Please say yes!

5. To Share a ‘Not Your Average Group Trip’ With You

In my 20+ years of travel I have learned to embrace and enjoy the idea of solo travel. If I waited for a travel companion each time I wanted to jump on a plane, I would not have been to even half of the countries I’ve visited. So if I am a happy solo traveler, why am I organizing a group trip?

Valid question.

I have to say because I want to encourage others to travel and explore Jordan with me. It is such a friendly, diverse and adventurous country and for me it would be fun to have a group of friends and travel enthusiasts along.  It would make me this happy…

I very much hope you’ll join me in this amazing opportunity to explore Jordan.  Interested in finding out more about the trip and registering? Follow this link for all the trip details. See you in Jordan!

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