NOLA VICKERY, JORDAN – SO PEACEFUL, SO TRAGIC (TRAVEL 2025)

Aqaba, Jordan is located directly across from Israel in the Middle East, separated only by the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea - not far from the West Bank. I toured the area in January, 2025 and discovered a beautiful, lively place full of happy, relaxed locals. However, it was markedly devoid of tourists – many of whom believed Jordan to be ‘a dangerous destination’. 8 of the 10 booked on my tour from Australia cancelled at the last minute! At no time in Jordan did I feel threatened or in danger. Dusk at my Aqaba hotel shows the mesmerizing tranquillity of a major resort with a hauntingly sad lack of patrons. Peaceful but tragic - as Jordan depends on income from tourism.

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