Wadi Rum, Jordan

While Petra may be the most popular place to visit in Jordan, Wadi Rum is an equally beautiful region in the country. Meeting a friend, Kelsey, in Amman for the first time in nearly 10 years, we had no plans other than to meet at our airport hotel in Amman and visit Petra. During our stay, we travelled up to Jarash and to the west along the Dead Sea. We found ourselves lost in a small village among hospitable old men who went out of our way (and down the street) to find us a cup of coffee, and we found Petra.
In between that whirlwind, we drove down to Wadi Rum and found one of numerous tour guides. Outfitters can offer overnight bedouin camping experiences that can range from a simple tent and campfire to an extravagant resort-like stay fit for royalty.
Driving in after dark, we did not have any indication of the natural grandeur that surrounded us until we woke up in the morning and took in the monoliths that towered out of the desert floor. Our camp was up against a sheer orange rock face; shaded from most of the day's sun.
We regretted leaving quickly in the morning, but our ride out was filled with beautiful scenery - made more dramatic by the sun's casting of shadows on the orange and red rocks.
With four days and no plans, our trip turned out to be one of the most engaging and fun adventures I have had yet!