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00:00Welcome to TravelSmart, the insider's travel guide from Independent TV.
00:04This is where we share our take on the best destinations to visit around the globe.
00:10In this episode, we're taking a journey to the Middle East to explore Jordan.
00:14This is a land where ancient history blends with thriving cosmopolitan cities
00:19and stark desert scapes give way to winding forest trails, sandy beaches and rugged mountains.
00:30Jordan is a country that is welcoming tourists with open arms.
00:35Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple or a family, you'll be met by warm hospitality
00:40and spoilt with excellent local dishes that blend influences of Middle Eastern,
00:45North African, Persian and Mediterranean cuisines.
00:51Jordan is perhaps best known for Petra, a lost city carved into the pink sandstone cliffs
00:57in the southwest of the country, surrounded by wild desert, canyons and mountains.
01:02Once the capital of the Nabataean Empire and home to as many as 20,000 people,
01:08Petra is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.
01:12There's a lot to see, so it's worth setting aside a couple of days to explore.
01:18It can be tempting to simply pass through Amman on your way to the desert or the coast,
01:23but it would be a mistake not to spend at least a day or two in this lively Middle Eastern metropolis.
01:32The city was built on seven hills and on the highest hill in Amman,
01:36you'll find the Citadel and Temple of Hercules.
01:39Venture a little higher and you'll get to the Umayyad Palace.
01:43Spend a morning wandering among these archaeological ruins
01:46while enjoying beautiful views of the city below.
01:49Make sure you take some time to get stuck into city life.
01:52Among the winding alleys, green courtyards and scenic rooftops,
01:56you'll discover cafes where you can sip coffee and hibiscus teas over board games.
02:00Over on Rainbow Street, you'll find some of the best falafel you've ever tasted,
02:05along with soft pittas, hummus, shawarma wraps and sweet, flaky baklava.
02:12Many travellers describe the otherworldly landscapes of Amman
02:17and otherworldly landscapes of Wadi Rum as something like Mars,
02:22and the rugged beauty needs to be seen to be believed.
02:30Out among the rolling dunes and rugged canyons,
02:34you'll find desert camps from where you can learn about Bedouin culture
02:38and explore the landscape through hiking, on camels, in 4x4s and even in a hot air balloon.
02:45Make sure you spend at least one night out here
02:49as the clear night skies allow breathtaking stargazing experiences.
02:55When in Jordan, most travellers will want to stop off at the Dead Sea.
02:59It's fascinating. You're at the lowest point on Earth
03:03and in these salty waters you're unable to sink.
03:07Spend some time floating and then maybe treat yourself
03:10to one of the many spa experiences on offer in the area
03:14that make use of the mineral-rich muds.
03:17For a quieter experience away from the crowds,
03:20take a trip to the Dana Biosphere Reserve,
03:23which is home to a wide range of wildlife,
03:26such as foxes, hyenas and gazelles,
03:29as well as endangered species including the sand cat and Syrian wolf.
03:34The best way to see this area is on foot
03:37and there are a series of trails that take in local villages
03:41and offer opportunities to spot animals in their natural habitat.
03:53Jordan's Red Sea coast often attracts divers keen to explore
03:57some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world.
04:03As well as stunning coral reefs,
04:05divers can explore shipwrecks and exceptional marine life.
04:09Head to the small town of Aqaba
04:11where you can take a boat out to dive sites
04:13that are suitable for beginners and advanced divers.
04:16There are also some excellent spots for snorkelling.
04:21We've talked about the key destinations and sites in this remarkable country
04:26but there's so much more to explore off the typical tourist trail.
04:32Hike through Umm Qais in the north of the country.
04:36Take a road trip along the King's Highway
04:39and wander through Madaba's churches
04:42and immerse yourself in history on a day trip to Jerash.
04:52And now we have a question for Simon.
04:55Simon, Frank has asked,
04:57I've heard that a number of airlines are cancelling flights to Jordan.
05:01Is this true and should we be worried?
05:04Frank is absolutely right that some flights have been cut back
05:07particularly to the southern airport of Aqaba
05:10but actually to the capital Amman
05:12there's still plenty of flights going in and out
05:15and actually I think this makes it a fantastic time to go to Jordan.
05:20Simply not seeing the same number of tourists as usual
05:24which means that you will be more welcome than ever
05:27and you'll have a more enjoyable time
05:29so get there sooner rather than later.
05:32Great, thanks very much Simon.
05:34Thank you for asking it.
05:37That's it for this episode of Travel Smart Weekly.
05:40Be sure to check in for the next episode
05:42which you can watch onsite on the Independence mobile app
05:45or on your smart TV.
05:47And for all the latest travel news, reviews and advice
05:51go to independent.co.uk forward slash travel
05:55and why don't you have a listen to my daily travel podcast.
06:02you