This Jordanian soldier stands guard among the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Jerash. The entire city plays host to a cultural festival every year, and is a popular destination for vacationers touring Jordan.

This man in Petra, Jordan takes a break with his donkey after taking tourists for a ride along the Siq. Petra is known around the world as the ancient rose red city in the rocks.

This antique clock tower was photographed in the seaside town of Jaffa, Israel, which has been in existence since around the time of Noah. The town is a pleasant stroll from the city of Tel Aviv, and home to several great seafood restaurants and artists’ shops.

This unexpected view of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem brings a sense of the modern to an ancient structure recognized around the world. From the plaza around the building, one can reflect upon the history that has occurred at this location over thousands of years.

Arguably one of the most well-preserved and extensive set of Roman ruins outside of Italy, Jerash is one of the crowning jewels in Jordan’s tourism crown. The site of human habitation since the Bronze Age, the Jerash ruins stand today side by side with the modern town of the same name. While never buried by a volcanic eruption – although its concealment by sand is responsible in large part for its equivalent degree of preservation – the ancient city of Jerash, Jordan is often compared to Pompeii due to the extent of the site and the massive archaeological excavations that have taken place. On a tour of Jordan a few years back, David and I had a chance to spend the day there. Here are some tips on what you can expect to experience.

First of all, prepare yourself to be wowed by the quality of the architectural ruins.

A fairly complete oval forum with connected columns, a hippodrome, Hadrian’s arch, Roman baths, numerous temples, an ancient bridge, lengthy colonnaded streets and the remains of the original city walls are just some of the features you’ll be able to witness as you explore the city on foot. There’s also a small museum on site with numerous artifacts. Word to the wise? Bring an umbrella or a rain poncho. The ruins are enormous and if the weather opens up on you, you’re pretty much screwed. Yes, we got drenched. Enough said.

Take some time to enjoy lunch at Jerash.

You can of course bring picnic supplies depending on the weather, but there is a restaurant in the middle of the ruins where tourists can take a break. As I mentioned above, the Jerash ruins encompass a large area so you’ll definitely want to get off your feet a couple of times during your visit. I wouldn’t call it the most atmospheric restaurant in Jordan (although there are a few vying for the title in my mind), but the buffet is excellent, and if you need a break from either the spring rains or summer heat it’s worth your time and money to enjoy some decent food out of the elements.

If you are visiting Jerash sometime around late July and early August, you’ll be fortunate enough to attend the Jerash Festival.

Held every year, this festival brings the ancient ruins of Jerash alive with cultural performances in the old theaters, Roman chariot re-enactments in the forum and additional nighttime events where the entire site is festively lit. Lovers of music, theater and historical costumes will not be disappointed with the Jerash Festival. While we took our tour of Jerash in the early spring, we did luck out and see a group of gentlemen in traditional dress putting on a live Jordanian bagpipe and drum performance (video) in one of the ancient theaters.

If you arrive independently to experience the Jerash ruins without a tour group, expect to do your own thing.

This worked for us, because we wanted to take our time with photography. Since it was raining on and off quite extensively that day, this took longer than usual. While you can certainly arrange a group tour if you like, it’s actually really cool to take along your Blue Guide and experience this extensively-preserved Roman city at your own pace. There are plenty of spots to rest and get your bearings as you figure out which temple / street / historical doohickey you are standing in front of. Take advantage of them so you can completely appreciate what you are seeing. This is world-class stuff.

Catching a bus to Jerash from Amman is simple enough, if you can read basic Arabic.

Ummm . . . yeah, that was David’s job. Thank God he took that basic Arabic class or things might not have gone so smoothly. Catching one back proved a bit more difficult, so we ended up paying a few dollars to someone with a construction van who was there from Amman doing contract work. OK, so the toolboxes weren’t exactly the most comfortable chairs. The point is we made it back fine and didn’t have to stand out in the pouring rain waiting for a bus that may or may not come. Our adventures aside, you can always book a private driver or rent a car. This was just how we rolled on that particular day.

While I have no idea why more people aren’t aware of this archaeological treasure, I do know it’s a site I can recommend wholeheartedly to anyone taking a comprehensive tour of the Kingdom of Jordan. If you love climbing around ancient ruins for fun, you’ll have just as much fun at Jerash as you will at Petra.

Photo Credits: These pictures of Jerash were photographed by the folks here at Trek Hound. However, they and other images from Jordan are available for online use through a creative commons agreement with our sister site, Pictures of Travel Places.

Our first night in Jordan’s magical Wadi Rum began with a sky-high bon fire, exotic Arabic music and a food table piled high with hummus, olives, lamb and rice. We partied late and woke even later to a leisurely breakfast of ful, pickled vegetables, flatbread and tea. After a day’s worth of rest and reading, we set out to explore all that this ecological destination has to offer. Here are some of the things you can expect to enjoy on your own Wadi Rum camping trip.

Taking a tour of the Wadi Rum desert area will involve exploring some ancient petroglyphs.

It’s a given that we would have understood more of the information being presented to us if we had actually spoken Arabic during our visit. That being said, we were able to stop and explore several sets of petroglyphs on our tour of Wadi Rum. As a location hosting human inhabitants for thousands of years, the evidence of past cultures is prevalent. If you know where to look.

Phenomenally-dark skies are built in to the Wadi Rum camping experience.

For an avid stargazer like my husband, this is a huge draw. The absence of urban lighting and the remote location of Wadi Rum combine for the ultimate dark-sky observing conditions coveted by serious astronomers. If you’re able to bring your telescope on your Wadi Rum camping getaway, fantastic. Otherwise, a blanket and a sharp eye will have to do.

Lawrence of Arabia was filmed in Wadi Rum, as was the film Red Planet.

Additionally, it has been reported that T.E. Lawrence himself visited Wadi Rum on numerous occasions and any of the local guides will be able to show you to the enclosed spring traditionally believed to be his water source. While some may disagree as to precisely where he stayed, it is known that he spent time in that area of Jordan, making his presence in Wadi Rum quite likely. At any rate, the movie magic is undeniable and the atmosphere of this protected desert environment quite thought provoking.

Rock climbing is a popular activity for those visiting Jordan’s Wadi Rum.

Numerous rock formations are available for enthusiasts of this sport, and at least one fun stone arch that David and I were able to stroll to the top of and enjoy. These same rock formations make for fantastic photo opportunities as well, as their subtle color variations and looming shapes break up the flatter sandy landscapes. It was a bit dusty and gray when we visited, but the photos still look interesting. If you are able to get some of these same images with a darker blue sky, the result would be smashing, I’m sure. (Editor’s note: This video of Wadi Rum that David put together shows several of the area’s rock formations, albeit in the middle of a slight dust storm. It also shows the camp where we stayed, and a few local camels.)

Riding around Wadi Rum for the sheer pleasure of it should not be underestimated.

Whether you are bouncing around on the back of a pickup truck, or riding on Arabian horseback, experiencing the serenity of the desert with a knowledgeable local is a fun “life list” event. Don’t miss out on it. Pack a picnic, have tea with a local or stop and climb to the top of a rock arch for a rest with a view. Just get out there and see as much of the area as you can. You might even see some strolling camels on your expedition.

Wadi Rum accommodation options are definitely rustic.

You should know this going in. Bring a bottle of water to brush your teeth with and a package of baby wipes in case the campground you choose is between water deliveries. That being said, there’s something exotic about vacationing in a place where you have to sleep in huts, or tents made of canvas or goat hair. Evening entertainment options include star spotting, bonfires and chatting with the locals along with the occasional late-night outdoor dance fest with drums and Arabic pop tunes.

All in all, Wadi Rum is a great place to relax and unwind, especially if you’re a fan of deserts in general. Many vacationers pair a getaway to this part of Jordan with a trip to Petra after visiting Amman, the Dead Sea, Jerash and Madaba further north.  Our top tip? Bring a book.

Photo Credits: The pictures of Wadi Rum used in this article were photographed by the Trek Hound team, and are available for online publication through a creative commons agreement with our sister site, Pictures of Travel Places.

It’s no secret to those who know me that I’m a huge fan of Middle East travel. While it’s true I’ve spent more time in other countries throughout the region, David and I did have a chance to visit Israel several years ago. While we weren’t able to see everything (and plan to return in order to do so), we did manage to see several sites and cities of interest. Here are our top tips for the places we were able to see.

Jerusalem

If it’s your first time visiting Jerusalem, we definitely recommend staying in the Old City. Not only will you be closer to the main sites and attractions, you’ll experience a greater sense of atmosphere and spend less time being transported back and forth every day. There are plenty of affordable street food options there, and an exceptional restaurant called Amigo Emil that we highly recommend for a wine dinner.

Old Jaffa

If you happen to be in the Tel Aviv area, a visit to Old Jaffa is definitely worth a daytrip. A virtual living museum filled with art galleries, thrift shops, restaurants and more, the city has been inhabited for thousands of years. It’s a charming break from the city bustle, full of photo ops and a great place to enjoy anything from falafel to seafood.

Haifa

Spectacular gardens and nature experiences, modern art and daytrips to Akko are included among our top tips for visiting Haifa, Israel. The Bahai gardens, Mount Carmel National Park, the Haifa Museum of Art and a variety of outdoor cafes are some of the things you’ll want to experience in this city. We enjoyed a spectacular lobster ravioli lunch for less than sixty bunch with a view of the Mediterranean to our right and the Bahai world center gardens on our left. It’s a great city with lots to see, and why many people bypass it is beyond me.

Tel Aviv

While Jerusalem is head coverings and pilgrimage sites, Tel Aviv is beach yoga, food and nightlife. There are other things to be seen for sure, but the point is that a visit to Tel Aviv is a visit to a modern, bustling city. If tradition is what you’re looking for however, you can certainly take some time to explore the Yemenite quarter and take a stroll down the beach to Old Jaffa.

We did get to visit a few other places in Israel, although just for an overnight or less. Nazareth, Lake Tiberius (AKA the Sea of Galilee ) and Eilat all made our list. However, Qumran, Masada, Bethlehem and Gaza did not, so we definitely need to make those stops happen on the next visit. Also, we would have liked to have more time to explore the area around Lake Tiberius. So readers, what were your favorite travel experiences in Israel? Do you have an article or online image to share?

Photo Credits: These pictures of Israel were photographed by the team here at Trek Hound. However, others are available for creative commons use online at our sister travel photography site, Pictures of Travel Places.

Jerusalem is on the life list for many travelers, and has been on the international events radar for thousands of years. If you’re finally planning a trip, there are a number of things to do in Jerusalem that you definitely don’t want to miss. Here are Trek Hound’s top picks for activities and attractions in the city.

Visit the Israel Museum.

As art venues go, the Israel Museum is exceptional. The site is massive, and contains a children’s section, an outdoor sculpture garden, the Shrine of the Book and of course the main museum itself. If time allows, I recommend planning a full two-three days to experience this museum properly. Historical religious artifacts, works from artists such as Warhol and Rodin and the incredible Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit are just a few of the highlights you can expect to see at the Israel Museum.

Stay in the Old City of Jerusalem.

If you’re going to be in Israel for a while, at least part of your stay should be in the Old City of Jerusalem. Stepping outside the door in the morning onto the streets of antiquity is nothing short of amazing, and most of the heritage sites many people come to Jerusalem to see are either within the walls of the Old City, or very nearby. The Hebron Youth Hostel is extremely affordable with a number of rooms and dorm beds. They had the best bathroom setup for a hostel we’ve ever run across, although there was no kitchen. However, there was an affordable restaurant downstairs and numerous street food options in the general vicinity. For the best panoramic view of the city however, you’ll need to spend at least one night at the Citadel Hostel. Their seating area on the roof, while an adventure to climb onto, is the best view you’re going to find.

Be sure to have dinner at Amigo Emil.

In our opinion, Amigo Emil was the nicest place to eat in the old city. The atmosphere was phenomenal, the food was exceptional, and the owner quite friendly. The price was about what you’d expect to pay for a mid-range restaurant in the States, but David and I both agreed it was a higher-end experience. It’s also not a stuffy or uptight place, so you can expect to feel comfortable while you enjoy dinner.

Souvenir shopping is likely on your list, particularly if you have family back home.

Of course, there are countless religious trinkets such as chalices, prayer beads and statuettes. But for my money, I got the most mileage out of the nicer, pewter key chains. Now, before you start thinking tacky, hear me out. The ornaments themselves were quite nice, and represented symbols of the Holy Land I wanted mementos of. Since David and I collect spiritual items from all faiths as art, it was important to me that we bring home a Star of David, a Jerusalem cross and at least one small hamsa.

When I saw the quality of the key chain ornaments however, I decided to purchase several of each and remove the key rings on all of them. I swapped them out for thin pieces of ribbon so they could be used as holiday tree ornaments and gift package tie-ons. The results were quite striking considering the price, and we’ve received numerous compliments every year for the ones we hang on the tree. We also enjoyed jewelry shopping at the Coral Beach shop in the old city. The owners had a nice selection, and also sold antique reproduction travel posters from the area.

Be sure to visit the Dome of the Rock.

While it may be a bone of contention between certain faiths, it’s an impressive and beautiful structure to be sure. Yes, there are numerous photo ops to be had from around the city, but spending time on the grounds and getting to see the tile and structure up close is worth your while. Of course, if you happen to be a practicing member of the Muslim religion, then this building will be of even greater importance on your travel itinerary. Either way, it’s gorgeous and you should make time to see it and get the best photo ops you possibly can.

Spend some time at the Western Wall.

For Jewish tourists in Jerusalem, this might very well be the main highlight of your trip. For others, it’s still significant and not to be missed. If there’s a time when it isn’t obtrusive to others praying there, I’ve been told it’s quite an experience to touch the wall and leave a prayer note tucked there. When we visited however, it was a major Jewish holiday and neither David nor I felt right about taking time away from the throngs of people waiting to approach it. We’ll visit again someday and have our moment then. We did however, walk the grounds and take a few unobtrusive photographs. It’s a part of our Jerusalem itinerary that we are glad we made time for and recommend it to others.

Visit the Garden of Gethsemane.

We made our visit to the Garden of Gethsemane on the eve of Good Friday and attended a spiritual service there. However, you can visit on other days and certainly at other times of the year. It’s outside of the walls of the Old City, and a nice uphill walk for a bit of exercise. The church is beautiful, and there are other things to see along the way.

Walk the Via Dolorosa.

Even if you don’t happen to be Christian, this is an interesting walking tour to take. It features traditional sites of significance to the Christian faith and passes by still-standing buildings from the time period. If you stay in the Old City of Jerusalem for any amount of time, you’ll notice groups making the walk daily. Some will stroll with guitars, some will sing and others will simply pray. It’s intriguing to see, regardless of your faith and one of the more famous Jerusalem attractions.

If the sleeping in the Old City doesn’t appeal to you, there are other hotels in Jerusalem and even an affordable B & B for those who prefer a more boutique-oriented travel experience. While there are countless other things to do in Jerusalem such as Hezekiah’s tunnel with the kids, or visiting the Mount of Olives, this list represents the highlights if you only have a few days to spend. It gives you a chance to see important locations from the three Abrahamic religions, see some exceptional exhibits at the national museum and have a meal at one of the most charming restaurants in the city. Those who have a chance to stay longer, or visit Jerusalem more frequently may of course want to branch out.

Photo Credits: These pictures of Jerusalem were taken by the folks here at Trek Hound. Others are available for creative commons use online through our sister site, Pictures of Travel Places.

Shot in Petra, this image of a friendly and curious donkey has always stuck with me as one of my favorites.

It was beautiful day, and we were getting ready to head up to the monastery to enjoy the view and sights along the way. Along came this particular donkey, decorated for a day of giving rides and ready to say hello. What a hoot.

Have you been to Petra? Are you a donkey photographing enthusiast? If you have a link to a similar travel photo, we’d love to see it!

Photo Credit: Trek Hound

This photo review was submitted to the June 18, 2010 edition of Photo Friday at DeliciousBaby.com.

I admit it. I’m a sucker for camels. Up close and personal, or with a great zoom lense, I’m always up to try to capture their animated faces for posterity.

This particular camel was standing near some particularly colorful stone buildings in the middle of Petra. Isn’t he a hoot?

If you ever have a chance to visit Petra, there will be no shortage of camels for you to photograph. This camel was one of many, but was putting on the best show at the time. Share your favorite camel shot by including a link below.

Photo Credit: Trek Hound