Here’s a look at some of National Geographic’s best 2024 trips

December 30, 2022 No Comments

National Geographic Expeditions, which offers travellers unparalleled access to global destinations through the lens of knowledgeable National Geographic Experts, launches the first phase of its 2024 travel portfolio, including the complete river cruise lineup.

In collaboration with AmaWaterways, three National Geographic Expeditions-chartered departures will offer an in-depth exploration through Europe’s historic waterways, all with the ease and leisure of luxury river cruising.

Additionally, the guided travel company announced early 2024 dates for its Signature Land category, as well as the lineup for 2024 Private Expeditions.

European River Cruising 

National Geographic Expeditions invites travelers to become immersed in the beauty, charm and rich history of Europe with a cruise showcasing the highlights and hidden gems along the Danube River, Rhine River and scenic waterways of Hollandand Belgium.

With knowledge at the heart of the experience, both a National Geographic Expert and a National Geographic Photography Expert accompany travellers on each departure. These experts are renowned storytellers with a close connection to National Geographic whose specialties include writing, photography, history, geography and more — and their unique insights help form a travel experience that enlightens and inspires like no other.

The 2024 lineup features three sailings:

  • Holland and Belgium in Springtime by River Cruise (April 15): This art, floral and architecture-focused departure sends travelers on a journey through the iconic waterways of Belgium and the Netherlands, with stops at the famous windmills of Kinderdijk, a Floralia flower show at a historic Belgian castle and the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh.
  • Rhine River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam (Sept. 12): Offering bike rides, walking excursions and even tasting tours, this itinerary explores the romance and timelessness of the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland. Wine enthusiasts will enjoy a taste of Germany’s Rheingau wine region, and photographers will learn from the National Geographic Photography Expert during a special on-deck photo workshop to capture images of the scenic Rhine Gorge.
  • Danube Christmas Markets River Cruise (Dec. 7): This sailing invites cruise passengers to explore charming Christmas markets from Budapest to Nuremberg. Travellers will also discover lesser-known holiday marketplaces within Vienna and Salzburg and visit Vienna’s Museum of Natural History. There, visitors will meet with National Geographic Explorer Ludovic Ferriere for a behind-the-scenes look at the meteorite exhibit he curated.

Throughout each sailing, travellers will also enjoy regionally inspired meals, complimentary wines with every lunch and dinner, wellness facilities, Wi-Fi and spacious suites that are part of every National Geographic Expeditions river cruise experience.

All available departures are listed on the River Cruises page of NatGeoExpeditions.com.

Early 2024 Signature Land Departures 

Offering endless opportunities to explore the world, National Geographic Expeditions Signature Land trips provide premium, fully planned itineraries that give travellers special access to extraordinary places around the globe, paired with unique opportunities to experience a destination through the eyes of the storytellers from National Geographic.

The early 2024 Signature Land portfolio will span North America, Africa, Asia and Oceania, and will feature a blend of tried-and-true traveler favorites and recently debuted itineraries with strong National Geographic connections, including:

  • Inside Japan
  • Costa Rica: Wildlife and Conservation
  • Borneo Wildlife Adventure
  • Palau: Snorkeling and Kayaking the Pristine Seas

The latest Signature Land departure dates are available on the Signature Land page of NatGeoExpeditions.com.

Private Expeditions 

Private Expeditions are unique itineraries designed for 1 to 10 travellers in their own private party. These trips are hosted by a private guide, offer more flexibility in travel dates and feature premium accommodations.

In 2024, 27 Private Expeditions are offered, including:

  • Belize and Tikal Private Expedition
  • Arches, Canyonlands, and Mesa Verde National Parks Private Expedition
  • Australia Private Expedition
  • Greek Isles Private Expedition
  • Sicily Private Expedition

All 2024 Private Expeditions are listed on the Private Expeditions page of NatGeoExpeditions.com.

Experiencing meaningful travel 

A portion of the proceeds from every National Geographic Expedition supports a global community of National Geographic Explorers.

Each year, the National Geographic Society awards more than 575 grants to scientists, educators, storytellers, conservationists, technologists and many other changemakers who help define some of the critical challenges of our time, drive new knowledge, advance new solutions and inspire positive, transformative change.

Bookings open to the public on Jan. 12, 2023. The new 2024 travel dates are available on NatGeoExpeditions.com.

This city is the priciest Canadian NYE destination, survey says

December 28, 2022 No Comments

The city of Mont-Tremblant, known for its popular ski resort, is the most expensive destination in Canada for an overnight stay on New Year’s Eve this year, according to a survey by Cheaphotels.org.

The survey compared the cost of accommodation this coming Dec. 31 across 20 Canadian destinations. For each destination, the price for the cheapest available double room was recorded. Only centrally-located hotels rated at least three stars and with generally positive guest reviews were taken into account.

Mont-Tremblant emerged as the clear leader with a rate of C$ 880 for the least expensive room. Compared to regular winter rates, that’s an increase of almost 300 per cent. Whistler, North America’s largest ski resort, ranks as the second most expensive destination with a rate of C$ 658, while Banff completes the podium with a rate of C$ 563.

Significant price increases for New Year’s Eve were also seen in Niagara Falls and Halifax, which rank fourth and fifth in the survey with rates of C$ 465 and C$ 422, respectively. When it came to the largest Canadian cities, Toronto (C$ 375)and Vancouver (C$ 325) came out as the priciest, while Calgary (C$ 175) and Ottawa (C$ 193) were substantially cheaper.

The following table shows the 10 most expensive destinations in Canada for hotel stays this New Year’s Eve. The prices shown reflect the rate for the cheapest available double room in a centrally-located hotel, rated three stars or more. A comparison with regular winter rates is also included in brackets.

1. Mont-Tremblant C$ 880 (+284%)
2. Whistler C$ 658 (+29%)
3. Banff C$ 563 (+233%)
4. Niagara Falls C$ 465 (+285%)
5. Halifax C$ 422 (+227%)
6. Jasper C$ 381 (+231%)
7. Toronto C$ 375 (+175%)
8. Quebec City C$ 353 (+117%)
9. Niagara-on-the-Lake C$ 335 (+31%)
10.Vancouver C$ 325 (+170%)

Luxury tourism is expected to bring in $1.574 billion by 2028

December 26, 2022 No Comments

According to a recent report by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the global luxury travel market is expected to reach $1,574 billion by 2028.

Exclusive and one-of-a-kind experiences and highly individualized services are linked with luxury travel. The sector is being driven by rising expenditure by affluent tourists who want to see undiscovered places and have novel experiences.

The industry has been developing as a result of the rising trend of short vacations as well as the worldwide expanding tourist industry.

Given that spending on art, restaurants, culture, guides, and athletic events by luxury travelers is essential to the local economies of the places they visit, luxury travel plays a significant role in the distribution of wealth around the world. Travellers are searching for flexible schedules that combine entertainment and relaxation in order to build their own special experiences.

Emerging trends

Numerous tourists, especially wealthy ones, are drawn to the growing popularity of cruises, yachts, and small ships. One of the most prominent customers in this market is thought to be High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs). As a result, businesses in the sector have been focusing more on luxury water-based travel, like cruises.

Additionally, the prevalence of internet research has grown dramatically over time. During the forecast period, high-tech (smart) rooms are expected to fuel demand for luxury lodging and travel, offering guests total control over how they use their accommodations and choose to travel. The industry is expanding as a result of rising internet usage and the availability of social media. Also, the number of travel tales shared on social media sites like Instagram, Facebook, and blogging platforms has multiplied.

For more information about this report, click here.

Travellers can sail Europe for up to 35 days aboard this cruise ship

December 23, 2022 No Comments

For Holland America Line’s 2024 Europe season, the cruise line is adding several new itineraries that combine regions, increasing the number of voyages of 14 days or longer and enhancing Northern Europe with new departure ports.

From April to November dozens of unique itineraries — ranging from seven to 35 days — will be offered on two of the line’s Pinnacle Class ships, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam, along with Oosterdam and Zuiderdam.

The four Holland America Line ships will cover the entire region on voyages designed for cultural immersion. Nine overnight ports and 33 late-night departure cities provide more time ashore while the ships explore the Baltic, British Isles, Canary Islands, French and Spanish rivieras, Israel, Mediterranean and Northern Europe, including Iceland, Greenlandand Norway.

Highlights 

Highlights of Holland America Line’s 2024 Europe cruising season include:

  • 11 departure cities
  • Nine overnight ports
  • 33 overnight departure cities (between 10 p.m. and midnight)
  • New Northern Europe cruises
  • 14-day Canary Islands cruise
  • 14-day Mediterranean cruises
  • 2024 Barbuda itineraries

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Exploring one of Belgium’s most historic cities by canal

December 21, 2022 No Comments

Ghent is inviting those eager to tour the city to get off their feet for at least some of their explorations.

The historic city has a large number of open-air boats that ply canals leading past dramatic attractions, with the narrated tours identifying and providing information on those attractions.

And, says Marco Frank of Visit Flanders, the cruises are a great way of learning about a city steeped in history.

“Exploring a city by canal boat tour is charming and relaxing way to get a first impression of the city and to learn about the most important attractions and highlights of the city,” says Frank,  who has taken waterborne Ghent tours. “The ship captains performing the tour, and who act as your local guides touring the canal bout tours, are really the ones that should be highlighted. These locals are able to connect the visitors with Ghent in a unique way by telling authentic stories and giving perspectives on the history of Ghent that only a local person can provide. The captains take you from the beginning of settlement all the way to modern times, highlighting the diverse and interesting aspects of the city.”

A recent canal tour Frank undertook had a guide pointing out in English a long-standing structure that is now a Marriott hotel but which one served as what was diplomatically referred to as a locale for “girls of easy virtue” to ply their trade from.

The cruise also passed directly past the imposing Castle of the Counts, with the guide cheerfully informing passengers that not all housed there enjoyed their stays, with some ending up in torture chambers.

Frank notes guests who are interested in adding a little extra to their tour can opt for one  featuring snacks, local specialties, and beverages, such as beer.

Possible inclement weather is taken into account on the cruises, with most boats able to be equipped with umbrellas that can be lowered to allow the vessels to pass under bridges.

Meanwhile, Frank notes that historical Ghent can be explored in a variety of ways.

“Exploring the city on a canal boat trip is only the first step in diving into the local culture,” he continues. “Many must-see attractions are not on the route of the canal boat tour and need to be accessed on foot, or by bike, bus or city tram.

For visitors who prefer a more active experience, a self-drive barge/boat or mini cruise is also a great way to explore the city and go beyond the standard guided canal boat tours. It is even possible to rent a kayak, Canadian canoe, or rafting boat to explore Ghent on your own or in a group.”

And Frank adds that his own experiences on canal cruises means he has no hesitation in recommending them.

“I have always loved the guided canal boat tours,” he reports. “Although I have done them many times, I typically get a different captain doing them. These are the unsung heroes that really make the experience special every single time. Although all of them essentially tell the same story, every captain has a slightly different twist. This makes the experience interesting again and again.”

STORY BY: IAN STALKER

At nearly $10,000 a night, this is Montenegro’s most luxurious villa

December 19, 2022 No Comments

Villa Ponta Melagrana, an ultra-exclusive villa located in Montenegro’s charming fishing village of Pržno, has launched globally.

With picturesque views of the turquoise Adriatic Sea, the Sveti Stefan Peninsula and Sveti Nikola Island; Villa Ponta Melagrana is one of Montenegro’s most luxurious villas, providing a once in a lifetime holiday experience.

It is the largest and only luxury villa of its kind with direct access to the sea in the area, and is available for exclusive hire only to ensure the utmost privacy.

Catering for up to 22 guests across eleven spacious bedrooms, Villa Ponta Melagrana provides all the services you would expect from a five-star hotel, and more. The villa has a full-service spa with therapists on demand, to offer bespoke massage and other wellness treatments.

Complete with facilities including a sauna, gym, beauty and massage room as well as an indoor swimming pool, and outdoor infinity pool, guests can enjoy a full hotel experience in the privacy of their own villa.

Perched atop Pržno’s Pomegranate cliff, the vision for the property was to ensure the design elements were reflective of the surrounding nature, whilst also showcasing the rich history and tradition of the destination.

Central to its design is the 300-year-old stone staircase – located in the heart of the property – which sits alongside a collection of stone antiquities all taken from the very cliffside it calls home, creating a deep-rooted sense of place for guests.

Personalisation is at the heart of Villa Ponta Melagrana’s ethos, and the chefs work with guests ahead of time to create bespoke menus and meal-plans. Additionally, the concierge team pride themselves on their attention to detail, with no request too extravagant.

Offering a fully personalised service to ensure the most unforgettable experience, the team can source any additions required, whether it’s flying in a top chef from around the world, sourcing rare and delicious delicacies or arranging unique cultural experiences – the sky really is the limit.

Villa Ponta Melagrana is also well set up as an event destination catering for weddings and other special milestones. Working with leading UK and Destination Wedding and Event Designers ‘Love Lydia Weddings & Events’, Villa Ponta Melagrana can take care all of elements of the planning process, ensuring a stress-free and straightforward experience, allowing guests to focus on creating unforgettable memories with family and loved ones. 

Prices for exclusive hire of up to six bedrooms start at £5,980 per night.

Igloo-style dome hotels to open on Mount Baker

December 16, 2022 No Comments

Legendary ski resort Mount Baker, WA, will soon be able to boast an exciting new campus of sustainably built domed cottages, as luxury vacation accommodation brand Oculis drums up investment on Wefunder.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the accommodation industry has seen a significant shift towards lodging options that afford guests as much privacy as possible. This includes vacation rentals (popularized by platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO) and “glamping” – a lodging format that combines glamour and camping. Oculis: Mountain Side combines the best of these two trends while offering amenities more commonly found at traditional resorts and hotels, such as food & beverage service, wi-fi, and full in-unit kitchens.

Oculis founder Youri Benoiston is no stranger to this kind of project and saw success during his time as co-founder of the popular Igloo Beach Lodge venture in Costa Rica. He is now set to use his experience in this area to bring an igloo-style dome hotel to the beautiful Mount Baker – an underserved location that has been awarded an A+ rating on AirDNA.

Oculis combines the best parts of glamping and hotels: the simplicity and connection with nature that glamping provides, along with the luxury amenities expected from hotels, such as 24/7 service, plush comfort, WIFI, hot tubs, and smart technology.

For more information, click here.

This cruise line has launched a luxury cruise in the metaverse

December 14, 2022 No Comments

Celebrity Cruises is sailing into the future with the launch of a new virtual experience dubbed, the ‘Wonderverse’. 

In an industry first, travellers will get to “see before they sail,” exploring a hyper-realistic, digital recreation of aspects of their newest ship in Celebrity’s transformational Edge Series, Celebrity BeyondSM, complete with the ship’s artful and inspiring spaces, entertaining signature moments like Celebrity’s famous Martini Bar Flair Show, and the ability to visit top destinations that Celebrity sails to – from Alaska to the Caribbean and Europe to Asia. 

In addition, guests can meet and chat with the line’s key leaders as digital avatars, including President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, the inspirational Captain Kate McCue – the first, and still only, American female captain of a major cruise ship, and Nate Berkus, Celebrity’s Edge Series Travel Ambassador and designer of the Sunset Bar on Celebrity Beyond. 

Built in partnership with virtual event platform architects Surreal Events, Celebrity’s Wonderverse is also complete with mini games and activities, entertainment, easter eggs, and much more, all hosted on the web at celebritycruises.com/wonderverse. 

Log into adventure

Once logged in to the Wonderverse, consumers will move from space to space, enjoying immersive, interactive content throughout, as they learn more about the ship and the destinations they can sail to on Celebrity Cruises.

The journey begins with a user-controlled tender game to the iconic Magic Carpet, where participants will have a chance to create their own personalized avatar.  Participants will then be transported to the Resort Deck, where they will be greeted personally by Captain Kate, on hand to help answer questions and can explore the ship from there. 

From there, visitors can also experience some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations in the Wonderverse, including the Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier in Alaska; the whitewashed beauty of Santorini, Greece; the bright lights of Japan’s capital city of Tokyo and the awe-inspiring Mt. Fuji; and the white sand beaches and clear Caribbean turquoise waters of St. Lucia, all before reuniting with Nate Berkus at the Sunset Bar, where they’ll have the opportunity to ask him a series of questions about the stunning ship and breathtaking destinations. As part of the experience, guests will be able to easily access a portal for immediate bookings. 

A world of wonder

A next generation ship, Celebrity Beyond goes further than ever-imagined possible for a cruise ship, giving guests endless opportunities to disconnect from the everyday — while connecting with the wonders of the world around them. 

Inspirational design from the world’s leading architects and interior designers, fine dining experiences from Michelin starred chefs, world renowned wellness partners, exquisite art, cutting-edge entertainment and luxury brand retailers, along with Celebrity’s uniquely intuitive service, Celebrity Beyond shatters every preconceived notion of the cruising experience, representing the epitome of a relaxed luxury resort at sea.

For more information on all Celebrity Beyond sailings, visit https://www.celebritycruises.com/cruise-ships/celebrity-beyond. 




Four festive Caribbean cocktails to try this holiday season

December 12, 2022 No Comments

For children, the holidays are a time to sample the latest and greatest in seasonal confectionary; an all-you-can-eat feast of whatever cookies and sweets their relatives baked that year. For adults, the holidays represent a time to indulge in sweet things of a more liquid and alcoholic variety. Mulled wine, snowballs, and spiked eggnog may headline the list of festive favourites for many cocktail drinkers, but they certainly aren’t the only drinks you should be filling your glass with this season. 

For a bit of mixological inspiration, we looked to the sunny islands of the Caribbean: renowned both for their love of rum and fruity flavours and their general enthusiasm for the holidays. We embarked on a bit of a Caribbean tour to bring you signature recipes from four different destinations. Inject a little tropical sun into your festive fun this year with these flavourful, punchy cocktails that are quintessentially Caribbean.

The Bahamas: Goombay Smash

The Goombay Smash is a rum-based cocktail with a historic pedigree in The Bahamas, originally formulated by Emily Cooper on Green Turtle Cay. While the original recipe may remain a secret, versions of the drink have spread to all of The Bahamas’ major islands, impressing locals and visitors alike with its strong fruity flavour.

Recipe:

  • 11 ounces dark rum
  • 11 ounces light rum
  • 11 ounces coconut rum
  • 11 ounces apricot brandy
  • A whole can of pineapple juice (46 oz)

Mix in a container and shake vigorously before serving over ice. 

Anguilla: Sorrel

Sorrel is a tangy, intensely aromatic brew with a trademark red colour derived from the plant of the same name – a close relative of Hibiscus. Sorrel drinks are the holiday drink in the Caribbean, and that includes Anguilla, the luxurious yet quiet island known for embracing the holidays with its own dedicated “Festive Season”. This a cocktail that smells as delicious as it tastes and immediately conjures nostalgic memories for many Anguillian drinkers. 

Recipe:

  • Sorrel petals – 4 ounces
  • Ginger- 2 ounces
  • Cinnamon- half a stick
  • Cloves- 4
  • Lemon or orange rind (let this boil and steep overnight)
  • Add ¼ water

Combine ingredients in heatproof bowl

Boil water and pour over mixture. Cover, and refrigerate overnight

Strain the mixture, then chill it again. Strain once more if desired. Add rum to dilute or sweeten your liking and enjoy!

St. Martin: Guavaberry Kir

Guavaberry is one of St. Martin’s most famous flavours and exports. Boasting a complex flavour profile including woody, sweet, and spicy notes, Guavaberry is carefully cultivated on both the French and Dutch sides of the island and used in jams, spreads, and spirits. This simple cocktail highlights the incredible flavour of Guavaberry Liqueur. Feel free to substitute raspberry liqueur or your favourite fruity schnapps if you forgot to bring some Guavaberry back with you on your last trip!

Recipe:

  • 1oz St Maarten Guavaberry Liqueur
  • 5oz Champagne

Pour pre-chilled liqueur into a frozen champagne glass. Top with chilled champagne and dress with a small curl of orange skin. 

Antigua & Barbuda: Hibiscus Sangria

Nothing says “indulgence” like Sangria, and where better to get a Sangria recipe from than one of the capitals of indulgence, Antigua and Barbuda? This dual-island destination may be known for its mix of excellent resorts and wild beauty, but it’s quickly developing a reputation for excellence in mixology! Here’s a fresh take on using the familiar ingredient of sorrel to achieve some truly refreshing flavours. 

Recipe:

  • 1 bottle of red wine 
  • 1 cup of sorrel juice 
  • 1/2 cup of hibiscus tea 
  • 1/2 cup of brandy or rum 
  • Assorted fruits (pineapples, oranges, limes, grapes)

To brew your own hibiscus tea: place several (2-3 fresh or ¼ cup of dried flower) petals in a teapot and cover it with boiling water; allow to steep for approximately 5 minutes. Strain and bring to room temperature (preferably the tea should be chilled). Combine red wine, sorrel juice, and hibiscus tea with brandy or rum. Add sliced fruits of your choice to the mixture. Using a ladle, serve the beverage in a glass of your choice. Ensure you include a mixture of the fruit for a festive holiday beverage.

Day and Night: The ultimate Jordan itinerary

December 9, 2022 No Comments

Jordan will provide visitors with an endless number of exotic experiences, regardless of whether it's sun-up or sundown. The country's storied history and intriguing landscapes ensure that there never needs to be a dull moment for vacationers.

DAY

The Jordan Trail

Duha Fayyad is inviting energetic sorts to trod over terrain that has hosted the likes of Roman Legions, Biblical figures and even Indiana Jones. Fayyad is the vice-president of the Jordan Trail, a 675-kilometre walkway that links northernmost Jordan with the Red Sea-fronting resort destination of Aqaba, with those who hike it in its entirety seeing some dramatic Jordanian tourist attractions. “It is a completely different experience. You miss out on so much when you take a vehicle,” says hiking enthusiast Fayyad of the non-mainstream manner of touring her homeland.

The Jordan Trail officially opened in 2017 and covers eight regions that Fayyad reports differ noticeably. Northern Jordan, for instance, has a lot of greenery, while desert awaits those who head to the trail’s southern part. Trail officials rate day-long hikes by degree of difficulty, with the scale ranging from Moderate to Challenging.

Among trail highlights are Petra—the ancient Nabatean city carved from rock faces and part of which was showcased in the blockbuster movie, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and Wadi Rum, the desert retreat associated with Lawrence of Arabia and the Arab revolt. Those who opt for the entire marked trail can do it at their own pace, perhaps taking more than six weeks to complete it, at times staying in homes in villages along the way, eating local dishes with the “super hospitable” occupants of those houses. Camping is another option, including in areas with few people.

“It forces you to connect with nature and the land,” Fayyad says. Participants may spot both domestic and wild animals, with the latter possibly including the likes of foxes, birds and different reptiles. Fayyad says those who complete the trail—overseen by NGO Jordan Trail Association—will see parts of the country that are steeped in history, with the trail’s mid-section built along Roman trade routes. More information can be found at jordantrail.org.

Wadi Rum

Visiting Jordan’s Wadi Rum region can be uplifting in a literal sense for energetic sorts. And perhaps a little tiring as well. Wadi Rum is best known for serving as a hideout for Lawrence of Arabia and other participants in the Arab Revolt and today attracts tourists eager to see an intriguing landscape of sand, dunes and rock outcroppings.

Those exploring it on a four-wheel drive desert safari are welcome to climb a steep, lengthy, sandy slope that leads them to a level area bordering towering rock faces, with tour guide Ahmad “Ace” Malhas cautioning those eager to trek upwards that the gradient won’t be the only challenge. “They think it will be easy but when they try it they say, ‘Oh my God! It’s so long,'” he reports, adding the sand surface makes planting your feet somewhat tricky.

Would-be trekkers are advised that the upward jaunt will be easier barefôot than with shoes, thanks to the sand. After descending, climbers can have traditional Bedouin tea. Meanwhile, Malhas says those who top the massive dune will be rewarded by looking down on the type of landscapes Lawrence called “vast, echoing and God-like.”

Ammarin Camp

Jordanian tour company employee Tamer Nassar will happily introduce tourists to some Bedouin-style baking and brewing. Among locales Nassar—with Kawar Tours, which sends people throughout Jordan—can take visitors to is Ammarin Camp, a Bedouin encampment near the interior Jordan setting of Bediah, with the encampment found in the type of desert-like setting that Bedouins have long called home.

Those visiting Ammarin Camp can enjoy such traditional foods as hummus while sitting on low cushions, eating in a traditional Bedouin manner. The food itself is placed on a table in a recess in a dramatic rockface. Guests can stay in the camp, or overnight in the Bedouin tents and enjoy meals cooked and eaten amongst local residents, too. Those visitors can also watch a local woman bake Bedouin bread and another area residents produce traditional coffee in a manner that might seem laborious to Western coffee drinkers.

Nassar says coffee is very much part of Jordanian culture. “Wherever you go, they will offer you coffee,” adding such useful pointers that those visiting Bedouins should limit themselves to three cups of coffee as requesting a fourth is considered disrespectful in their culture. More information on the encampment can be found at bedouincamp.net/. More information on Jordan tours can be found at kawartours.com 


NIGHT

 

Petra beneath the stars

Night time can be the right time to view Petra’s most dramatic feature. The Nabatean archeological site hosts Petra By Night three times a week, with those attending finding the famed gorge leading to The Treasury illuminated by candles, while the area before the towering, beautifully carved structure is also lit by a huge number of candles.

Visitors will hear Bedouin flute music and a narration tells of Petra’s storied past. Those who oversee Petra want people to realize that Petra By Night isn’t a modern sound-and-light show.

“Walking through a canyon, which is illuminated just by candlelight, is a unique experience,” the Petra Development & Tourism Region Authority says. “Once you have reached The Treasury, enjoy the magic atmosphere: listen to a Bedouin playing his flute and reciting an old tale of the Nabatean times. You will enjoy an organic sound and light exaltation of the innate talent of the Nabateans, who so magnificently enhanced the natural beauty of their capital.”

 

 

Petra Kitchen

Those interested in learning how to cook up a storm Bedouin-style should consider taking a class at Petra Kitchen, which is found close to the archeological site of Petra and offers classes that can teach people how to make such Jordanian staples as lentil soup, tahini, baba ganoush and other dishes in a spotlessly clean kitchen.

Among those offering tourists pointers is Ahmad Daana, who sports a chef’s jacket and learned to cook from his mother. “They do a very good job,” he says of his students. Those students have included New Yorker David Yaw Anokye, who learned to appreciate cooking during his many travels and says Petra Kitchen inspired him. “I’ll keep practicing,” he says of Jordanian cuisine. His sister, Love, also took a class and says she was more than pleased with what she helped create. “I’m proud to help cook the food and have it taste so good,” she says, adding she was pleased to see vegan-friendly dishes available for guests to prepare.

Star gazing

There’s no question that those who vacation in Jordan may return home feeling a little star-struck. The country offers many great locales for stargazing, including Wadi Rum, where stars help light up the night. Wadi Rum is considered ideal for viewing the heavens after dark, thanks to a combination of factors, among them few people living there, meaning light pollution doesn’t affect views of what’s shining overhead after sundown. The desert environment also leads to clear skies.

 

There are many accommodation options for visitors, among them Bedouin tents for those wanting to experience a Bedouin lifestyle. Those wanting to look to the stars will also find geodesic domes to overnight in. The dwellings enable people to look directly skyward after deciding to hit the hay.