The World's Best Journeys List For 2018

With material from a media release:

The World's Best Journeys List For 2018
50 of the world's most exciting once-in-a-lifetime trips
Created by travel professionals - like me!


Check out the whole list

The World’s Best Journeys list for 2018 was created by a collaboration between Flight Network and 500+ of the world’s top travel journalists, agencies, bloggers, and editors – the ultimate insiders of international travel. This year, that list has included yours truly. I've been writing about travel (and traveling, of course) for decades, and I was happy for the chance to add my input.

This extensive collaboration produced a thoughtful and detailed list of astonishing journeys – a list that will captivate and inspire travellers to embark on life changing adventures now, and for years to come.

It's a truly inspiring collection of the top 50 transformative trips every traveller must experience in their lifetime. This inspiring resource is an unparalleled guide to diverse and dynamic adventures with exhilarating activities in the most stunning, mystical, and culturally-rich lands on the planet.

My vote helped to put the Jordan Trail at Number 44.
Red cliffs, Jordan
No. 44
Hike the Jordan Trail
Umm Qais, Aqaba, Jordan

Established in 2015 by the Jordan Trail Association, the Jordan Trail covers 650km from Umm Qais to Aqaba. It was created to revive the tourism sector in Jordan, and it's about time the rest of the world came to appreciate the incredible history and geography of this storied region of the world. It should take you about 36 days to hike through this diverse landscape.

Your journey will span eight regions, ranging from lush forests to craggy deserts. Lace up your hiking shoes in Umm Qais then head south toward your final destination of Aqaba. Along the way, you’ll encounter 52 villages, allowing you to peel back the layers of this culture by tasting local cuisine, interacting with villagers, and even spending the night in homestays.
on the Jordan Trail
Highlights of the trail include jagged cliffs overlooking the Jordan Rift Valley, the rose-red city of Petra, and the towering sandstone mountains of Wadi Rum. Be sure to pack your bathing suit as you’ll be passing the Red Sea, whose crystal clear waters take on an orange-red hue when seasonal algae blooms. This warm sea is home to the world’s fastest fish, the solitary sailfish, and has a thriving biodiversity, thanks in large part to its coral reef ecosystem.

Significant historical sites, such as the ruins of the ancient church of Mar Elias and the Islamic castle of Ajloun will also be encountered on the route.
Red Sea, on the Jordan Trail

Getting there

Before hitting the trail, you’ll need to fly into Queen Alia International Airport, Jordan’s main airport. Nonstop flights from North America depart from Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Montreal. Direct flights from Europe fly out of London, Paris, Istanbul, Frankfurt, and Rome. From the Queen Alia International Airport a taxi is the most direct mode of transport to Umm Qais, which is about 2.5 hours away. The trailhead is located at the basalt ruins of the Decapolis of Um Qais. Be sure to plan your hike ahead of time, or hire one of the many local guide companies who can help you make the most of this trail. Or, check out the volunteer-run Jordan Trail Association, which offers an annual through-hike.

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