By Militsa, Milena & our local guide Abi

If the dream of visiting Mars seems out of reach, consider exploring the otherworldly landscapes of Jordan as an alternative.

From stargazing in the desert (‘witnessing the galaxy’ as Abi described it) to visiting the ancient Red Rose city of Petra, all the way through exploring the Bedouin way of living, Jordan was on our travel bucket list - with a good reason!

📍 How do you get there from Tel Aviv?

We did it on our own terms and took the public transport from Tel Aviv to Eilat - Israel’s southernmost city and a popular Red Sea resort.

Since we were not in a hurry, we spent a night in the Orchid Eilat Hotel before we headed to the border with Jordan on the next morning.

Crossing the border and getting to Aqaba was a seamless process, taking us no more than 30 minutes. You can get your visa on arrival, pay contactless (40 JDs), cross the border and once on the Jordan side take a taxi.

**Rent a car 🚗**

It's easy, affordable and the best way to explore the hidden gems of Jordan. Hit the Desert highway and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes on your way to Wadi Rum!

Wadi Rum 🏜

For our next adventure, we headed to the Hasan Zawaideh Camp. The Martian Dome can easily be the most comfortable stay during your Jordan trip. Hot running water, AC and electric lights - all midst of the desert! Dinner is cooked in a pit, followed by dancing around the fire. If you catch the sunset - it will dramatically elevate your Instagram game.

**Jeep tour is a must**

Explore the landscape as a true Lawrence of Arabia - try sand boarding, see the camels, stop by an actual oasis, bargain on souvenirs handmade by the Bedouins and drink lots of tea!

We highly suggest spending at least one night in the picturesque Wadi Rum. If you are planning to visit during the winter months as we did, it is important to pack warm clothing as the temperature can drop significantly during the night and early morning.

Petra

We spend 2 nights in Petra and we think it is the minimum you should stay to immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning beauty of this ancient city.

There are many options for unique stays - glamping, caves, domes, you name it!

For a change, we stayed in a cave - Infinity Lodge, the view is beautiful, the staff is friendly and the location is super convenient!

Inside the Lost City

On the first day we took the back route, which leads to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) via lesser-known paths. This way, you will escape the majority of other tourists and experience a scenic hike.

The Way Down

One of the most underrated but in my opinion one of the most picturesque and visually stunning parts of the journey. It provides a great opportunity to capture breathtaking views and update your social media profiles. 👀

On our way back, we passed by the remaining sights but decided to come back the next morning to fully appreciate the breathtaking walk through the Siq, the Treasury, and the Tombs.

The Siq

This is a long, narrow pathway through a canyon, leading you to the hidden city - also a great place to shop for incense or perfumes from the Beduins! (you will be surprised how good they smell 👀)