THE JEWEL OF THE DESERT

Jordan is an easy and enjoyable country to visit. The logistics of travel - from obtaining visas on arrival to accessing the liberally-sprinkled ATMs - are a breeze. Best of all, as Jordan is a compact country and travel times are short, you can enjoy a range of stunning, world-class sights within a relatively short period of time.

You can even combine a visit with other Middle Eastern top spots from Jerusalem to Damascus, both only a few hours by road. Jordan is one country where it pays to have a little more cash at your disposal. Enjoying a dive in the spectacular Red Sea, taking a 4WD excursion in Wadi Rum, hiking with a guide in the Dana Nature Reserve or staying at a luxury spa on the Dead Sea are highlights well worth saving for.

While Jordan may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning an outdoor adventure, this tiny speck of a country is incredibly underrated. One of the world's great travel secrets, Jordan is more accessible than the Amazon, warmer than Nepal, cheaper than the US and less touristy than Morocco. And, while much of the Middle East is embroiled in conflict and strife, Jordan remains an oasis of relative peace and tranquillity.

What Jordan lacks in size, it more than makes up for in beauty, especially if you're a fan of dramatic deserts. It's home to Wadi Rum, where the epic Lawrence of Arabia was filmed. It's also home to some of the region's best rock-climbing spots, and provides ample opportunities for wild camping amid rugged landscapes. The country can be explored on foot, by cycle and on camelback.

When you're ready to swap the sand for the sea, head south to the coast, where you can grab some diving gear and take a plunge into the Red Sea.

JORDAN: At most bookshops for 825 baht.

While Egypt garners most of the international spotlight, Jordan also boasts world-class diving, yet attracts only a fraction of the crowds. Indeed, Jordan is ripe for adventure travel, both on land and in the sea. While your friends and family may question your choice of destination, ignore the temptation to explore more hyped up countries, and embrace the pleasures of off-the-beaten-path travel.

But, do us a favour and don't tell too many people - after all, we certainly don't want to be the ones who let the secret out.

2008 Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd.

All rights reserved. For more information

visit http://www.lonelyplanet.com.

This is an edited extract from 'Jordan, 7th edition' by Jenny Walker et al Lonely Planet Publications, 2009.

Relate Search: Jordan, Red Sea