JORDAN
Sunny has written more than 100 articles, essays, and guidebook contributions about Jordan. Here is a selection of some published in National Geographic, The Washington Post, BBC, Lonely Planet, and elsewhere.
To view articles and essays on other topics, click desired topic below
THE WORLD’S MOST RESILIENT CORALS
BBC
As seas warm and acidify with climate change, corals worldwide are bleaching – but in the north of the Red Sea there is a ray, or rather reef, of hope.
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU VISIT JORDAN
Lonely Planet
From afar, Jordan is often unfairly lumped in with regional conflict and, as such, overlooked by timid travellers. But in reality, it’s a welcoming and peaceful destination not to be missed. Don’t hesitate to book your trip, pack your bags and check out these 10 things to know before you journey to Jordan.
6 UNEXPECTED THINGS TO DO IN JORDAN
National Geographic
If you’re planning a trip to Jordan, it’s likely that a visit to the archaeological wonder and UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra is already on your itinerary. After crossing that must-see off your list, check out some of the many lesser known activities worth experiencing in this Middle Eastern country.
Delta Sky
Take a tour through four countries where coffee is sacred, exploring plantations in Costa Rica, Bedouin rituals in Jordan, cold-press cafés in Japan and espresso bars in Italy.
JORDAN'S ANCIENT TOWN 'WITHOUT A SOUL'
BBC Travel
“Here is my house,” Ahmad Alomari announced. Preoccupied with navigating the rubble underfoot, I almost missed his declaration entirely. I glanced up at the roofless black basalt and white limestone structure in front of us...
IT TOOK A 400-MILE TREK FOR ME TO STOP RESENTING MY BODY
Glamour
My rare neuro condition and years of criticism convinced me I was weak. Here’s how a hike across Jordan proved me wrong.
A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO VISITING JORDAN DURING RAMADAN
Lonely Planet
Visiting Jordan during the month of Ramadan is an extraordinary opportunity to experience local life and culture, and it’s unlike any other time of the year. The holy month is known as a period of spiritual discipline for Muslims, but it’s also incredibly festive with family gatherings, decorative lights, late-night eats and entertainment. Here’s what travellers can expect to encounter in Jordan during Ramadan.
Lonely Planet
Discover the world’s most energising, inspiring and relaxing wellbeing retreats. From yoga, t’ai chi and meditation to mindfulness, spa treatments and creative writing, we present our favourite retreats and spas around the world to help replenish the mind, body and soul.
(Sunny is one of the writers for this guidebook. It’s available in print and digital on Kindle.)
7 STUNNING NATURAL WONDERS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
National Geographic
While this region certainly has incredible sandscapes worth wandering, it’s also home to a hypersaline lake, Technicolor valleys, and geological formations so fantastical you might feel you’ve arrived in a fairy-tale land or left Earth entirely.
CORAL REEFS IN THE RED SEA MAY SAVE REEFS AROUND THE WORLD. HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP
Lonely Planet
Reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba are proving resilient in the face of climate change and may be propagated to save reefs around the world. Here are some tips for protect these important Red Sea reefs.
Lonely Planet
Amman is considered the most expensive city in the Arab world. Thankfully, it’s also home to affordable street eats and a variety of fee-free activities. Whether you’re on a tight budget or prepared to splurge on your Jordan adventures, you won’t have to part with so much as a piastre to participate in these experiences.
Kimkim
Amman is a perfect pairing of Jordan's ancient history and modern culture, providing endless viewpoints, fantastic Levantine cuisine, and one of the best art scenes in the Middle East. It's a dynamic place to spend a day—follow this itinerary to make the most of your 24 hours.
BEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN JORDAN
Kimkim
From desert camps to quaint guesthouses to art-inspired city hotels, Jordan offers a variety of accommodations for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the best boutique hotels, from north to south.
TWO DAYS IN AMMAN: THE BEST OF JORDAN'S CAPITAL IN 48 HOURS
Lonely Planet
Although many travellers to Jordan have their sights set on the architectural marvels of Petra and the magical martian landscapes of Wadi Rum, the capital of Amman is worth at least 48 hours of your time.
10 ADVENTURES YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW YOU COULD HAVE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Fodor’s
The Middle East offers much more than sand, camel caravans, and the disproportionately negative news we see and hear. If you’re planning a trip to the Middle East, consider adding some of these unexpected activities.
WORRIED ABOUT VISITING THE MIDDLE EAST? THESE TRAVEL AND SAFETY EXPERTS HAVE TIPS
The Washington Post
The recent escalation in tensions between the United States and Iran has people questioning the wisdom of traveling not only to Iran and Iraq, but also to other countries in the Middle East and North Africa that could potentially be caught up in the unrest. If you’re a traveler wondering whether to cancel or carry on, here is some expert advice from security professionals, tour operators and frequent travelers about how to decide — and to prepare.
Lonely Planet
Jordan’s capital city of Amman is a destination in its own right. It also makes an excellent base to explore a number of nearby attractions. Castles, rock climbing, cooking lessons, Roman ruins, hiking trails, handicraft workshops, and more are all within reach. Here’s some inspiration for a day’s escape from Amman.
JORDAN FOR TWO: ROMANTIC THINGS TO DO WITH THE ONE YOU LOVE
Lonely Planet
Jordan might not immediately strike travellers as a hotspot for a romantic getaway, but it should. The warm hospitality, exquisite sunsets, endless outdoor adventures and otherworldly landscapes create a magical setting for making memories with your other half.
10 PLACES WHERE YOU CAN TRY EQUINE THERAPY
Fodor's
What do you get when you cross life-coaching with a large, intuitive animal? Equine therapy—a horse-guided, personal growth experience.
SITES OF JORDAN STAR IN NUMEROUS FILMS — HERE’S HOW TO VISIT SOME
Lonely Planet
Jordan’s impressive landscapes make for eye-catching backdrops. And filmmakers have taken notice. Over 100 feature-length movies have been shot in Jordan since 1957—with 29 filmed in the last five years alone. Here’s where you can find some of the picture-perfect sites on your own journey to Jordan.
AVOID CROWDS AND TRY THESE HIDDEN GEMS
National Geographic
One of the easiest ways to help protect popular sites and alleviate the pressure of overtourism is to abandon the beaten path and opt for alternative destinations.
SUCH GREAT HEIGHTS: WHERE TO FIND THE BEST VIEWS IN AMMAN
Lonely Planet
Amman’s abundance of open-air terraces and rooftop restaurants offer ample opportunities to rise above the rush of the city streets. Here are six of the best spots to kick back and enjoy Amman’s iconic skyline – day or night.
Unity Magazine
Some say Jordan’s ancient city of Petra is a spiritual gateway. Here’s what happened when I unknowingly stumbled into it.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELING TO JORDAN: PART I
Engaging Cultures
Visiting a new place can be daunting. But knowing what to expect before you travel to Jordan can help ease your mind and make the entire trip much more enjoyable. Here are tips to help you prepare.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELING TO JORDAN: PART II
Engaging Cultures
More tips to help you prepare for your trip to Jordan.
JORDAN: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Kimkim
Traveling to a new destination raises a lot of questions. Here are some answers to help you properly prepare for your Jordan journey.
4 SCENIC ROAD TRIP ROUTES IN JORDAN
Kimkim
Jordan is made up of much more than arid desert. Take a road trip and you'll quickly see the scenery change – from bustling cities to serene sea, wooded hills to rocky cliffs, all offering visitors a variety of vistas and activities to enjoy. Here are some of the best road trip routes through Jordan to get you started.
BEST LUXURY TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN JORDAN
Kimkim
With its lunar landscapes, ancient history, and warm hospitality, Jordan is a destination worthy of pulling out all the stops. Take your experience to the next level with luxury travel touches like VIP border crossings, spa treatments in a hidden oasis, or a sunset dinner cruise on a private yacht.
The Telegraph
If you like your beach holiday with a splash of adventure and Middle Eastern culture, head to Aqaba — Jordan’s sunkissed city on the Red Sea with easy access to the lunar-like landscapes of Wadi Rum and the ancient architectural wonders of Petra.
RAINBOW STREET: A STROLL ALONG AMMAN’S FAMOUS ROAD
Lonely Planet
Rainbow Street invites visitors and locals to do something that’s not always easy or possible in Jordan’s crowded capital: walk! As a city built on hills, plagued by traffic and dotted with sporadic sidewalks that are often obstructed by planted trees or parked cars, Amman is not terribly pedestrian-friendly. But Rainbow Street is lined with a huge number of places to dine, drink, shop and people-watch.
WHAT TO BRING TO JORDAN: YOUR ULTIMATE PACKING LIST
Kimkim
There are many variables to consider when packing your bags for Jordan: the variety of terrain and weather conditions, outdoor adventure activities, Arabic culture, and transitioning from vibrant city life to laid-back beaches and desert escapes. Let this packing list be your guide—it covers the essential items you'll want in your suitcase when embarking on your Jordan journey.
MY BODY EXPERIMENT: EQUINE THERAPY
Furthermore by Equinox
How a travel journalist found natural anxiety relief in the deserts of Jordan.
Kimkim
The idea of family is central to Jordanian culture, so it should come as no surprise that Jordan is an incredibly family-friendly destination. From north to south, Jordan offers active, educational adventures for travelers of all ages.
Kimkim
Northern Jordan – with its rolling hills, ancient ruins, slower pace, and community-based tourism initiatives – has much more to offer than one day allows.
WHAT IT'S LIKE TO LIVE AND TRAVEL WITH AN INVISIBLE DISABILITY
Out of Office by Mic
“Are you OK?” Craig asked, taking his eyes off the road just long enough to see me sitting motionless and silent next to him. When I didn’t respond, his smile faded and his forehead crumpled. “Say something.”
TOUR OPERATORS OFFER ALTERNATIVES TO ELIMINATE SINGLE-USE PLASTIC
AdventureTravelNews
Providing guests with drinking water is of paramount importance to ensuring a safe and memorable adventure, but our global dependence on single-use plastic bottles has come at a high cost.. The adventure travel industry is perfectly positioned to lead the way and inspire others to break the plastic bottle habit. Here are some battle-tested tips from fellow adventure companies for eliminating single-use plastic bottles from your tours and business operations.
Kimkim
In a buzzing city built on hills, you’ll need a good caffeine kick to keep you well-fueled for exploring. Lucky for you, Amman’s café culture is alive and well. This list will lead you to some of the best spots in Jordan’s capital city to tip back a tasty cup of coffee—with epic views, free wifi, and more.