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Why You Should Visit Egypt and Jordan

August 1, 2025  By: Sara

Senior Journey Specialist Sara Stark recently visited Egypt and Jordan. She joins us on the blog to share more about her experiences.

Sara at Abu Simbel

On my recent trip to Egypt and Jordan, I experienced history, culture and natural beauty. All the classic reasons to visit these destinations are still true, such as exploring the Pyramids of Giza, cruising the Nile, venturing into Wadi Rum Desert and walking through the city of Petra. But today, there are also a few new reasons to move these iconic places to the top of your travel wish list.

Sara with Ramses statue

Visit the New Grand Egyptian Museum

I visited the long anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), and I can confidently say it was worth the wait. After more than a decade of construction and planning, the museum has finally opened its doors, with the King Tutankhamun exhibit opening soon. Located just outside Cairo with incredible views of the Pyramids of Giza through floor-to-ceiling windows, the GEM is now one of the largest archaeological museums in the world.

I wasn’t sure it could live up to the years of buildup, but it exceeded my expectations. The experience begins in the Grand Hall, where you’re greeted by an enormous 3,200-year-old statue of Ramses II. The space is intentionally grand, and it set the stage for what I would see in the rest of the museum.

exhibit piece

As I ascended the Grand Staircase Gallery, four flights took me past more than 60 impressive statues and artifacts (or you can take the adjacent escalator). At the top, after appreciating the views of the Giza Plateau, I started the walk through the twelve main galleries that cover every era of ancient Egyptian civilization from prehistoric times to the Roman period. The exhibits are beautifully curated and offer a comprehensive look at all aspects of life, belief and society in ancient Egypt.

I was impressed at every turn in this museum. My only issue was the limited amount of time I had. Because of the museum’s proximity to the Pyramids, it might seem logical to visit both in one day, but I strongly recommend giving the GEM a full day of its own. Spend your morning exploring the galleries, break for lunch at one of the onsite restaurants, and reserve the afternoon for the King Tutankhamun exhibit, which brings together more than 5,000 items from his tomb, many of which have never been displayed before.

Without a doubt, the Grand Egyptian Museum is set to become one of the most important museums in the world.

walk to beach

Floating in the Dead Sea

Visiting the Dead Sea in Jordan should be a priority for any traveler because it’s disappearing at an alarming rate. I knew I wanted to go, not just to see the lowest point on Earth (about 1,300 feet below sea level), but to experience the sensation of floating in its famous salty water. As our guide put it, “You float like a cork,” and he was absolutely right. Once I stepped in, it felt like I couldn’t sink even if I tried.

This isn’t just a quirky novelty either. People have been coming to the Dead Sea for thousands of years to soak in its healing waters. The combination of mineral-rich mud and high saline content is said to offer therapeutic benefits.

beach

After checking into the beautiful Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea overlooking the water, I made my way down to the beach. It’s a beach that expands more each year as the waterline recedes. That’s one of the biggest challenges for the hotels here: as the waterline continues to drop, they have to keep expanding their walkways and access points. It was a visual reminder of just how fast this place is changing.

At the shoreline, a kind beach attendant gave me the classic Dead Sea mud instructions: soak for 10 minutes; cover yourself in the thick, dark mud; let it dry for about 15 minutes; then rinse it all off with another soak. I joined about a dozen other travelers wandering around covered head to toe in mud, striking up casual conversations while we waited for it to dry. I’m not typically much of a “beach person,” but this was different, and something I know I’ll talk about for years to come.

Sara at Dead Sea

As the sun set, I made my way back to the hotel and enjoyed a traditional dinner on a terrace overlooking the Dead Sea. It was one of those rare travel moments that truly felt timeless and was made even more meaningful knowing this natural wonder may not be around forever. A combination of upstream water diversion and environmental changes has put the Dead Sea’s future in jeopardy. While there are discussions about solutions, the reality is uncertain. So, if the Dead Sea is on your bucket list, I suggest making a plan to go soon.

Sara Looking at Pyramids

Fewer Crowds

While Egypt and Jordan have been popular travel destinations for a long time, tourism in both countries is still recovering from the pandemic slowdown and some travelers are hesitant due to regional unrest. At AAC, one of our important jobs is continually monitoring each of our destinations carefully. Personally, I felt safe throughout my entire trip, and for those who are comfortable traveling here, the rewards are great.

Now is a unique window to explore iconic sites like Petra, the Pyramids of Giza, Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings with fewer crowds than usual. If you can tolerate the heat, traveling during the shoulder season offers an even quieter experience, with major landmarks noticeably less busy than during peak times.

Imagine walking through Petra’s narrow canyon and emerging in front of the Treasury with only a handful of others around. Or sailing down the Nile with just a few other boats in sight. These kinds of experiences are possible now in a way that may not be again once tourism fully rebounds.

chairs and bikes

Travel with Purpose

One of the things I love most about travel is when it allows me to connect with the places I visit and give back. While Egypt’s ancient wonders are what draw most travelers (myself included), learning more about the people living there today and participating in meaningful, community-focused work can make a real impact.

On my trip, I visited Funtasia Impact, a nonprofit based in Egypt that’s doing incredible work with children and youth. They create safe, creative spaces for learning by offering workshops that focus on everything from emotional well-being and confidence-building to art and storytelling. Their programs run in places like Luxor, Cairo and Esna, and they’re truly helping shape a brighter future for local communities.

If you’re planning a trip to Egypt, supporting an organization like Funtasia is a great way to travel with purpose. Some tours include visits to their centers, or you can simply donate or help spread the word. It’s a small gesture that can go a long way and adds a meaningful element to your travel experience.

Sara with Karnak Temple

Traveling through Egypt and Jordan was everything I hoped for and so much more. These countries offer some of the world’s most iconic sights, from ancient temples and lost cities to incredible deserts and natural wonders. However, what made this trip truly special wasn’t just the monuments; it was the chance to experience these legendary places in a moment of quiet, with fewer tourists.

Sara with rock formation

Whether you’re drawn to the Grand Egyptian Museum, the experience of floating in the Dead Sea or the timeless beauty of Petra and the Nile, you should make a plan to go. Egypt and Jordan are destinations that stay with you. They shift your perspective, inspire your curiosity and leave you with stories you’ll be telling for years to come.

Sara with mosaics

Are you interested in traveling to Egypt or Jordan?

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Photos courtesy AAC Senior Journey Specialist Sara Stark