Where to go on holiday in Spring
Spring is finally here hurrah! But where are the best destinations to go in Spring?
Jordan
Although you’d be right to be picturing deserts, Bedouins and people gently bobbing cork-like in a lake right now, Jordan has some surprises for you. Though we’ll be the first to admit, the Dead Sea is a hyper-saline, aquatic oddity you won’t want to miss. Add a trip to a pine forest to your things to do list too. Elsewhere, a hike through a pine-scented trail might be a little too ordinary. In a country that’s 85% desert, it’s a welcome change from rose-red sands. And, after days wandering the tombs, facades, squares, ruins and water systems of Petra, that greenery will cut through the millennia of history that’s ingrained in your imagination. The mind-boggling notion that only 15% of Petra has been excavated only adds to the wonder of Jordan’s ancient showstopper.
And if, so far, holidays in Jordan aren’t quite shaping up to be the relaxing lounge by the pool you imagined, prepare for more FOMO. In the south, a well-preserved section of Red Sea shoreline delivers on coral, sea creatures and beach life. That’s if you can spare the time between canyoning through wadis, hiking to hot springs and exploring some of the best kept Roman ruins in the world.
The ultimate Dead Sea day trip in Jordan
The Dead Sea is Jordan’s must see. As well as offering a mineral boost, quirky floatation experience and mud mask mayhem, this hypersaline lake also offers blue-hued views worth whipping your selfie-stick out for. Swing by as part of a day trip along the 280km Dead Sea Highway or make a day of it at one of the luxury lakeside resorts with a helping hand from our Orbzii guide…
Get cultural in Jordan’s best museums
There’s history and then there’s the history depicted in Jordan museums. There’s a lot to unpack in a country where the world’s oldest human statues were found. Artefacts date back through the millennia and exhibits show you what life may have looked like in Jordan from Neolithic times right through to the 20th century. It’s not all ancient pottery and pieces of flint though, the fine art gallery showcases the region’s best artists and the Dead Sea museum has views you won’t want to miss.
7 facts about Jordan that you probably didn’t know
The go-to facts about Jordan tend to centre around the Dead Sea. Yes, it’s the lowest point on earth sitting at a whopping 420m below sea level, but there are more exciting facts about Jordan to be had. Our Orbzii Insider intel file is chockfull of facts ranging from the world’s oldest statues and mosaics to how to ask for another coffee. But perhaps the most interesting Jordan fact? There’s so much more to discover about this country. So much remains hidden in the sands of Petra and even in residential basements…
Top 10 things to do in Jordan
Jordan definitely doesn’t fall short on tourist attractions. Some of which you’ll be familiar with, others not so much. You’ll already have the cities of Amman and Aqaba on your things to do in Jordan list. But had you thought about wandering through a ghost town, rappelling into a lava tube or forest bathing in a country known more for its red hot rocks and expansive canyons. Surprises await then, of the BEST kind.
Everything you need to know about Petra
It’s almost unthinkable to visit Jordan and not set foot inside Petra. This formidable city is one of the best-preserved examples of ancient civilisations. And, as one of the new seven wonders, it’s likely to get your mind and imagination racing contemplating what daily life must have been like in the city. To help you prep for your Petra experience, without too many spoilers, we cover where Petra is, how old the city is and some of the iconic buildings to look out for inside Petra.
Discover the filming locations of the 2022 Oscar-nominated films
From the wild wilderness of the Wadi Rum in Jordan to the astounding cityscape of Madrid, here is a round up of the best destinations from this year’s Oscar-nominated films.
Exploring the top Grand Prix locations around the world
From Barcelona to Budapest, the Orbzii team have got the wheels in motion to bring you what to see in the city whilst watching the Grand Prix, with some pretty stellar Orbzii Insider tips to make the most of your trackside experience.
Are you ready? Take your place at the starting grid and we shall begin!
Sharm el-Sheikh
An idyllic location on the banks of the Red Sea that’s just as steeped in history as it is natural splendour, Sharm el-Sheikh has long been a favoured destination to get a little R&R. Without a doubt it is the jewel of Egypt’s beach holiday hotspots. The city has everything you could want from a seaside getaway, from gentle, warm seas lapping at your feet to unmissable bars overlooking the long stretches of sand, where you can enjoy a cocktail or four.
If you’re more of an active holiday maker, you’re going to find a Sharm el-Sheikh trip fulfils all your needs too. From day excursions into Egypt’s mountainous interior, where you can discover some challenging hiking trails and watch sand dunes shift, to the plethora of water sports on offer around the beaches, you can spend your days working up a sweat to make that evening beer taste even more refreshing than you thought possible. And, of course, like most major cities in Egypt there are some great historical sites and museums to explore, where you can learn about the Pharaohs and Sheikh’s who ruled this land.
