Holidays to the Middle East

The currency in Jordan is the Jordanian dinar (in Jordan). The dinar is divided into 100 qirsh (also called piastres) or 1000 fulus. 

Many Middle eastern countries use their own version of the dinar, including Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait (one of the most valuable currencies in the world) and Tunisia. Whereas UAE, and Morocco use the dirham and Egypt, Lebanon, Sudan and Syria use the pound and Oman, Qatar, Saudi and Yemen use their own versions of the riyal.

Petra 

Known as the "Rose City," Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. Carved into pink sandstone cliffs by the Nabataeans over 2,000 years ago, Petra features impressive structures such as the Treasury, the Monastery, and the Siq, a narrow canyon leading to the ancient city. 

Wadi Rum  

Often referred to as the "Valley of the Moon," Wadi Rum's breathtaking desert-scape has been immortalised in film, especially sci-fi. This otherworldly landscape is characterized by towering sandstone mountains, vast red dunes, and ancient rock formations. Guests can explore the desert on jeep tours or camel rides and experience Bedouin hospitality by staying in traditional desert camps. 

The Dead Sea  

Situated at the lowest point on Earth, the Dead Sea is famous for its high salt content, which allows visitors to effortlessly float on its buoyant waters. The mineral-rich mud found along the shores of the Dead Sea is believed to have therapeutic properties, making it a popular destination for wellness retreats and spa treatments. 

Tour the Rose-Red City, stay overnight in the Wadi Rum desert, stay by the Dead Sea, discover the Roman city of Jerash, visit the biblical site of Mount Nebo.

Jordan's weather varies depending on the region but it's generally characterized as a desert climate with hot summers and cool winters. Indeed, desert regions, such as Wadi Rum, can often exceed 40°C during the day with cooler but not cold nights. Winters (December to February) here are much milder with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C, dropping considerably at night. In the coastal areas, such as Aqaba along the Red Sea, the climate is more moderate; summer temperatures reach 35°C and winters around 20°C. 

Generally, the weather in the Middle East varies depending on the specific country and region within it, but it is generally characterized by hot and dry conditions. In the coastal areas of countries like Lebanon and Israel, the climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Temperatures in the summer can often exceed 30°C while winters are typically mild, with temperatures averaging around 10°C to 15°C. In the desert regions of countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, the climate is arid and extremely hot, especially during the summer months. Temperatures can soar well above 40°C and even reach as high as 50°C, but the nights tend to be much cooler. 

The Middle East is made up of many countries, each with their own style of cuisine. More than just falafel and hummus (although both are delicious staples), common ingredients include olives and olive oil, pitas, honey, sesame seeds, dates, sumac, chickpeas, mint, rice and parsley, and popular dishes include kebabs, dolmas, falafel, baklava, yogurt, doner kebab, shawarma and mulukhiyah. 

In Jordan, don’t miss mansaf – the country’s national dish - comprised of a platter of lamb, rice and fermented yoghurt.

It is customary to tip in the Middle East, and they will often offer out their hand to remind you, however it’s customary to tip smaller amounts, around 5%-10% depending on where in the Middle East you are.