Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - If you’re looking for extraordinary scenery, a surprising educational experience, heaps of history and millennia-old archaeological sites, Jordan is the right place to visit. The culture is very different from ours, but then again, that’s the point of travel, life experiences. You get to learn about different cultures first-hand. While you can always read a book or watch a video about Jordan, there is something special about tasting the place in person. Once you experience cultural differences firsthand, you can begin to understand where other people are coming from and how they got there in the first place.

I just finished a book by Robert Clancy titled, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Soul. In it he talks about “soul hitches.” Soul hitches are the small or large moments in life that changes how you view yourself, an event or the world. It is the ability to hitch a ride on someone’s inner spirit and come out on the other side with a changed perspective. It can come from simply observing another person’s life, listening to a different point of view, or looking at something through someone else’s persona. It alters something in your thoughts that day as you literally hitch a ride on someone else’s highway, changing you forever because, as the author puts it, “…you hitch a ride on someone else’s soul and are changed forever because a piece of the other person stays with you and resonates with your spirit.” This is the essence of traveling Jordan.

Are you getting ready to travel abroad? If you’re reading this article, my guess is that time is now. My advice to you is to take that opportunity and never look back. No matter what happens, you won’t regret stretching the limits of your comfort zone and your passport.

Speaking of comfort zones, you are likely wondering about the safety issues when traveling in Jordan. The best travelers do their research first, before they actually get on the plane and my title most likely grabbed your attention. I am guessing your significant others are second guessing your choice to travel to the Middle East and you’re looking for some reassuring words to share. Take a deep breath. Your choice to visit Jordan is a smart one. I was just there and felt more secure there then in many places of my hometown, Los Angeles.

At no time did I feel the slightest bit uncomfortable or nervous. Quite the opposite actually. Jordanians are very hospitable and polite. Everywhere I visited from sand to sea, from downtown souks to café’s, to archeological sites there was never any sense of danger or being taken advantage of. They know how important tourism is to their struggling economy. They are a highly educated group. Most of the younger generation speak English. Much of the older generation can get by with pigeon English or know who to go to help translate. In pairs, in a group or walking around by yourself, you have little to worry about. I travel extensively. Trust me, I cannot say that about all European or American destinations.

Many of my friends and family couldn’t believe I was heading to the Middle East. I agree, it seems all you hear on the news is about how dangerous it is over there. The reality is it is pretty dangerous over there, but NOT in Jordan. I consider Jordan a bit of a safe haven from the violence going on in surrounding countries.

Jordan is on friendly terms with everyone that surrounds them, making it the safest destination to travel to in the Middle East. Based on my experience there, I can totally recommend it as a safe place to start your exploration to the Middle East. So if safety has been a concern for you and is a reason why you haven’t ventured out into that part of the world, you should definitely reconsider. The crowds are down and the Jordanians are pleased to see you. What are you waiting for?

As long as you have a passport and a good pair of walking shoes, you can take advantage of the opportunities and adventures available at your fingertips. As you begin planning the trip of a lifetime, here are some things to be aware of.

*Examiner