Jordan: The Desert Adventure
If someone asked me where’s the coolest place I’ve ever visited, off the top of my head I’d say Petra!
I mean it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Jordan is a land of ancient wonders, stunning landscapes, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. From exploring the lost city of Petra to floating effortlessly in the Dead Sea, this trip was unforgettable.
Petra
We stayed in Amman, Jordan’s capital, and made the long but totally worth-it journey to Petra. The drive is about 3 hours each way—but trust me, Petra is absolutely worth it.
Petra, often called the Rose City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient Nabatean city is literally carved into the cliffs, and it’s mind-blowingly massive (I think we ended up walking a total of 7 miles that day!).
The Experience
The Siq – The adventure starts with a narrow, winding canyon walk (about a mile long), with towering rock walls on either side. It’s like walking through history.
The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) – The moment you turn the final corner and see this massive, intricate temple emerge from the cliffs? Chills. This is the most famous landmark in Petra, and it’s even bigger and more detailed in person.
The Royal Tombs – A series of massive burial sites carved into the rock. You can climb up for epic views over the city.
The Monastery (Al-Deir) – If you’re up for a steep 800-step climb, you’ll reach this even larger (and way less crowded) version of the Treasury.
We spent the whole day walking, climbing, and exploring, and we barely scratched the surface of Petra. It’s SO much bigger than just the Treasury—you could honestly spend days here.
Floating in the Dead Sea
After an intense day at Petra, we took a well-deserved relaxation day at the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth and one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world, meaning you float effortlessly—no effort required.
The water is so salty, you CAN’T sink. It’s a weird but amazing feeling.
The mud is famous for its healing properties, so obviously, we covered ourselves in it (and bought some to take home!). It’s like a free spa day!
Pro tip: Don’t get the water in your eyes or mouth—it burns like crazy. And I’d recommend not getting your hair wet, the salt will instantly dry it out.
Floating while looking at the mountains of Palestine across the water was one of the most surreal experiences of the trip.
Jordan blew me away. Petra is one of the most incredible places I’ve ever visited, and floating in the Dead Sea was unreal. The long drive to Petra was tiring, but 100% worth it. Next time, I’d visit Petra at night (the Treasury lit up by hundreds of candles. It looks absolutely magical) and add Wadi Rum for a desert adventure!
Samantha Shammas, Author
A true travel enthusiast, Samantha has been going around the globe her entire life and has visited over 35 countries and counting. With a lust to wander, she’s always excited to visit new places and soak in inspiration for her artwork.
