Rich in archaeological heritage, Jordan has been at the centre of history-altering civilisations even before the ancient Nabateans founded their now famous sandstone-carved capital and the Romans built marvellous cities on the edge of their empire. Few experiences in the world come close to the pure awe of seeing Petra’s Treasury for the first time, as it becomes visible through a narrow slit in the canyon. Further east, bouncing through the otherworldly deserts of Wadi Rum in the back of a pickup truck makes you feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet — and perhaps you have: the Valley of the Moon has moonlighted as the red planet in The Martian.

Often unfairly lumped together with its troubled neighbours, Jordan remains stable and ever-welcoming. The country’s culture is deeply underpinned by Bedouin traditions, with the memory of Jordanians’ generosity and lively spirit one of the best souvenirs you can take home.