Tag Archives: travel

Watch how a team of hairstylists and makeup artists give back to Puerto Rico

With Puerto Rico still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Maria and damaging earthquakes, volunteers are stepping up to help the island in unconventional ways.

By: Heather Newgen

Puerto Rico has always been a popular vacation spot and destination for tourists, but for Lou Rod it’s something much more–it’s home.

“My family, including my grandparents and mother, were both impacted by the hurricane. It broke me,” Rod revealed.

Although he no longer lives in Puerto Rico, he comes back often to visit family and friends, and when he saw the amount of destruction and how many people were affected by the events, he decided to do something about it.

Rod who is the, Founder and CEO of MLR Artist Management, created the campaign Care 4 Puerto, which helps the locals in a few  ways. One, he travels with his creative team of professional hairstylists, makeup artists and manicurists to the island to give residents makeovers. Two, he brings essential supplies like clothing, diapers and batteries to hand out to anyone in need and he also helps stimulate the economy by hiring locals for the days he’s in town doing a variety of projects.

RELATED: How a team of hair stylists and makeup artists helped Puerto Rico “feel human again”

“A lot of times when you think about giving service after such devastation, you think about rebuilding a home or getting water supplies or food supplies–those are the basic needs to survive. We’re not necessarily building houses here. We’re not in those types of industries or trades, but we were able to use a trade that we specialize in. We were able to create a project where we’re providing comfort, we’re providing luxury services that is the first that’s taken away from individuals because they’re trying to make ends meet,” Rod told The Voluntourist.

For the last three years, the talented group of artists have visited Puerto Rico on their own dime to volunteer, and will continue to do so on an annual basis.

Please watch the video to see Rod and his team in action as they give back and make a positive impact in Puerto Rico.

Watch World Vets in action as they help reduce the street animal population in Nepal

Watch how a team of volunteer veterinarians from World Vets give free medical care to street dogs in Nepal.

By Heather Newgen

It’s 7:30 a.m. and volunteer veterinarians from World Vets head to work. As they make their way through the dusty streets of Thamel, the touristy area of Kathmandu, some are laughing, others are excitedly chatting and one befriends a street dog they call Ryder.

The group of vets, who are from the U.S., Canada and Australia on this trip, have one common goal–to sterilize as many dogs as possible in an effort to reduce the massive population, improve their quality of life and decrease public health issues for underserved communities. According to local reports, an estimated 25,000 dogs live on the streets of Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital.

As they catch their ride to a makeshift camp an hour outside the city where they’ll perform surgeries and medical treatments, they coax Ryder onto the bus with food and put him at ease. He doesn’t know it yet, but he’s about to be neutered.

World Vets is an organization that provides free medical care for animals in 48 countries. All volunteers are veterinarians, licensed and non licensed technicians, pre veterinary, veterinary and technician students, as well as those who are simply animal lovers with trained vet skills.  All volunteers pay for their own expenses.

Related: See what it’s like to volunteer at Sneha’s Care in Nepal

“I love it because it’s something I strongly believe in—the sterilization of animals everywhere,” Dr. Helen Valentine, whose been on three World Vet trips said . “It really helps decrease the overpopulation and it’s an opportunity to travel and see the world and meet up with a great group of people,” she added.

To make the biggest impact, World Vets partners with local organizations such as animal welfare groups, foreign governments, non-governmental organizations, agriculture and public health officials, as well as, a wide variety of veterinary professionals to learn about the needs of communities in the countries they service.

For more information visit https://worldvets.org/.

Global Entry vs TSA Precheck: What’s the difference?

Global Entry and TSA Precheck are government programs created to speed up the security lines at airports, but which one is right for you?

By Heather Newgen

Every traveler knows how frustrating it can be standing in long lines at the airport, quickly removing articles of clothing to go through security and pretty much unpacking your carry-on to walk through the X-ray machines. While the process is designed to keep passengers safe, it can be a hassle. So Global Entry and TSA Precheck were implemented to help low-risk travelers get through security and customs faster, but what’s the difference? For one, the programs are run by different agencies. Homeland Security is in charge of TSA Precheck while the U.S. Customs and Border Protection runs Global Entry.

Here’s a breakdown of each program, plus a few tips to help you decide which one is better for you.

Global Entry Antalya, Turkey – September 10, 2016: Security and passport control at Antalya International Airport, Turkey.

TSA Precheck

With TSA Precheck, travelers can keep their shoes, belts and jackets on while going through the security checkpoint. In addition, they don’t need to remove laptops or liquids from their bags. Many airports have a separate line specifically for TSA Precheck members to speed things up that much more.  TSA Precheck is great for domestic travelers because you don’t need a passport, and there is no age restriction to apply. However, kids 12 and younger traveling with an eligible parent or guardian can accompanying them through the expedited security process.

Application: You can apply online, but need documentation that shows you’re a U.S. citizen like a driver’s license or birth certificate. In-person appointments are required, as are background checks, and fingerprinting. Once approved you will be given a Known Traveler Number (KTN), which you add to every flight you book

Price: $85 for a five- year membership.

Pros:  Besides the advantages mentioned above, TSA Precheck is quicker and easier to apply for.  You can get approved in two to three weeks, whereas it can take months to go through the Global Entry process. There’s  300-400 enrollment centers for your in-person interview, as opposed to Global Entry where you’ve only got 90-100 and are mostly at the airport. TSA Precheck on the other hand offers more locations like in Staples and shopping centers.

Cons: If you did ever travel abroad, you’d be stuck in mobs of people clearing customs when returning to the U.S.

Global Entry

Global Entry gives you all the benefits of TSA Precheck and then some. For anyone who travels abroad Global Entry is the way to go because it allows you to skip the crowds at customs when returning from an international trip.  You can head straight to a kiosk, get your receipt and make your way over to a customs officer. Benefits apply to air, land, and sea travel for those traveling internationally and re-entering the U.S.

Price: $100.00 for a five- year membership.

Application: You can apply online,

Pros of Global Entry

Significantly reduced wait time at security checkpoints and customs, no taking off shoes or clothing to go through the X-ray machines and liquids and electronics can stay in carry on.

Cons of Global Entry

The application process isn’t quite as smooth as TSA Precheck. People literally wait months and months to get an interview appointment. In addition, unlike TSA Precheck, kids can’t go through Global Entry with an accompanied parent or guardian. The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website states:

“Regardless of your age, you must create a Global Online Enrollment System account, pay a $100 non-refundable application fee, and schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. If you are under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present at time of interview.”

How to apply

Credit cards that reimburse the TSA precheck or global entry application fee

Some credit cards will reimburse the application fee for TSA precheck or global entry.  See below to find out if your card makes the list.

Why Delhi is the worst place to miss your flight and pretty much the worst airport

Anyone who has missed a flight knows that sinking sweaty-palm frantic feeling. But missing a flight at the airport in Delhi takes that fear to a whole new level.

By Heather Newgen

Even the most seasoned traveler can miss a flight. It recently happened to me in Delhi, India and it caused so much unexpected chaos that the American Embassy got involved.

After a month of traveling I was ready to go home. It was my second time in India and I was hoping for a better experience. In 2009, I went to Delhi to volunteer with an organization called Volunteering Solutions, which turned out to be an unethical and shady program.  It was so terrible several volunteers left, including myself.

RELATED: Beware of Volunteering Solutions–Awful Experience

I couldn’t afford to change my return flight, so I stayed in India. I was alone and encountered multiple issues like relentless sexual harassment from the owner of the hotel where I was staying. It was no longer safe for me there, so a volunteer I met was living in Delhi for the summer with her family and they came to my rescue.

I crashed with them for the rest of my time in India and we became great friends. In fact, she was the reason I returned to India. She  invited me to her wedding and although my first experience in India wasn’t so amazing, I didn’t hesitate to visit again.

I was so elated for my friend and wanted to be there for her, plus who doesn’t want to attend a traditional Indian wedding?

So I went with a renewed excitement and open mind. The trip started off really well. I arrived a week before the wedding, spent a lot of time with my friend and enjoyed seeing Delhi again.

The wedding was beyond anything I could imagine. For two days I ate incredible food, danced all night, made wonderful new friends and wore the most beautiful Indian dresses. It was an unforgettable weekend and I’ll always be happy I went, but it came at a price.

After traveling to Nepal and other cities in India it was finally time to head home. I had dealt with severe food poisoning, lost luggage, sexism and a slew of other issues after the wedding, so I couldn’t wait to go home. My flight was scheduled to depart at 3:20AM on December 7th, 2019 on British Airways. I should have arrived the night before, but I was confused by the time and I didn’t show up until 11:30pm on the 7th. So I missed my flight by an entire day. Totally my fault.

Indira Gandhi International Airport

Here’s the thing about the Delhi airport. You can’t enter unless you’re a ticketed passenger. There’s armed men at the entrances checking boarding passes and passports.  One of the guards told me I had missed my flight and he directed me to an area that was connected to the airport.

There I could buy a new ticket home from a ticket counter or call the airlines to book a new flight. There was limited seating, no places to grab food or drinks and there were no bathrooms.

No Airline Agents

There are no agents to speak with. The ticket counter in the area I was at wasn’t for any specific airline. One person mans the counter and you can purchase the first flight out, but that’s it.

Inside the airport there are ticket counters with agents, but they check you in for your flight. Nothing more. In addition, there are only smaller airlines like SpiceJet that have Air India that have permanent counters.  Larger international airlines like British Airways only have agents there when they have a flight leaving from Delhi.

By this point it’s 1:00am. I had free international data and texting with T-Mobile, but not calling. It was .25 cents a minute and I knew a call to the airlines would be lengthy. So I quickly called a friend and explained the situation. I asked him to call the airlines and arrange a new flight. An hour later I was booked on a 4am flight on Etihad Airways by American Airlines, who I booked my original flight through. I was on BA because that’s one of AA’s partners. It’s now 2:30am and didn’t have long to catch this flight, but I was determined to do it.

Armed Men Physically Block Me From Leaving the Airport

I received an email confirmation and was allowed to enter the airport. I ran to the ticket counter to get my boarding pass and was told that AA didn’t process my flight correctly so they refused to issue me a boarding pass. As a result I missed the flight. I called my friend again and was booked on a Cathay Pacific flight at 10:30pm, which was 18 hours later.

It was frustrating, but it was my fault that I missed the first flight and everything finally seemed sorted so I didn’t care. At this point I just wanted to sleep and go back to my friend’s house, who lived in Delhi, until my new flight. As I tried to exit the airport, men with guns stopped me. They screamed at me in Hindi and wouldn’t allow me to leave. I had no idea what was happening.

I called my friend and she didn’t understand why I couldn’t leave. She asked to speak to the guard, but he refused to talk to her on the phone. We were both utterly confused.

Airport Rule–Can’t Leave Once you Enter

I  went to the information desk and they also said I couldn’t leave.  They told me once someone enters the airport, they can’t leave unless it’s on their departed flight. That was all they’d say. Neither my friend nor her husband had heard of this rule before and we weren’t sure what to make of it.

American Embassy was Amazing

By now it’s 6:00AM. I can’t leave the airport, I can’t go through security where there are restaurants and a hotel since I can’t get my boarding pass. Agents for your flight don’t arrive until three hours beforehand so I was stuck. I started posting videos of what was happening on Facebook and friends called the American Embassy on my behalf.

They contacted me immediately and were also perplexed as to why I couldn’t leave.  They didn’t know anything about this rule either. They asked if I was being held at gunpoint and I said no, but the armed men were trying to intimidate me by showing me their guns while yelling at me. The woman from the embassy then asked if I was allowed to use the restroom and I said I was.

Because guns weren’t drawn on me and I could use the bathroom freely, the embassy couldn’t send a representative, which I understood. I felt safe enough, so the support from the embassy should go to people in dangerous circumstances.

That said, they did stay with me on the phone for over an hour, they found a way around this rule and talked to employees at the airport  that helped me leave.

Loophole

So here’s the one way to get out of the airport if you’re in this situation. You have to prove you missed your flight. I had the email confirmation on my phone from BA and obviously I wasn’t on that flight, but that isn’t enough. An airline employee has to confirm you’re not on their manifest and they have to walk you out of the airport.

As mentioned previously, there aren’t agents from major international airlines at the airport except  when there is a flight leaving Delhi on that airline. I was lucky and there was a BA flight departing, so agents were there. At the suggestion of the embassy, I started approaching any employee I could find. Finally, someone from another airline helped me find where BA was checking passengers in for a flight and told them what happened to me. An employee took me to a side exit, showed her badge, told the guard I was okay to leave and signed me out.

I came back to the airport hours later for my new flight without incident.

Things to Note

–A local Indian man also missed his flight. He was directed to the area I was at and rebooked his flight. He was able to leave the airport and I wasn’t. He happened to be on my flight to Hong Kong, where we both caught connecting flights to our final destinations. I told him what happened to me and asked how he left. He said, “Being a local Indian man has its advantages.”

-Most people at the airport aren’t helpful. The armed guards won’t give you the time of day and the information desk is hit or miss. One guy told me to wait near the desk and he would have a BA agent help me. I waited for over an hour and when I asked him if I should keep waiting he ignored me. It was like he didn’t want to deal with me and so he told me whatever he felt like get me to leave him alone for awhile.  So I walked around and went up to a guy who worked for an airline I’d never heard of before. The embassy talked to him and he helped me find the BA agents.

–The employees  at the information desk rotate on a regular basis, so the trick is to keep going back and ask someone new for assistance.

–It’s an unfortunate fact that many men are hostile towards women in India and view females as their property. Women are degraded, abused and grossly mistreated. My encounter with a lot of the male employees wasn’t pleasant. They yelled at me when  I politely asked for assistance and treated me like a criminal. Not all men of course. The Cathay Pacific agent who checked me in was very kind, as was the guy who showed me where to find British Airways agents. But, be prepared, especially as a solo female traveler. You will encounter a level of sexism that’s pretty unbelievable.

–Arrive at least three hours before your flight. The lines to get inside the airport can be long. Once you’re in, the lines at the ticket counter can be up to an hour wait, if not longer. Then you go immigration and then security. It’s a process, so the earlier the better.

–Be mindful of when your visa expires. You won’t be allowed to board your flight if it has expired. So if you miss your flight and your visa is about to expire, apply for another one quickly. You can’t get it approved on the spot. It takes at least two days. Click here to apply.  Also call the American Embassy and have them give you advice on what to do.

What to do if you Miss your Flight

–Don’t go to the airport if you know you’ve missed your flight. Instead call the airline and talk to them directly since you can’t talk to agents at the airport. Plus, the cell and Wi-Fi service there is spotty at best, so it’s better to handle the situation beforehand if possible.

–Make sure to have your email confirmation before you attempt to enter the airport, otherwise you won’t be allowed in.

–If you miss your flight from Delhi while you’re at the airport, don’t try to leave. You still be stopped. You will have to figure it out while you’re there. Call your airline ASAP or have someone do it on your behalf.

–If you go to the information desk and tell them you missed your flight, they will probably escort you out of the airport to the area where I initially was. You don’t want to be there because there are no bathrooms, restaurants or many places to sit. So try to stay in the ticket counter area as long as possible. There are clean restrooms and a couple coffee stands where you can get water and snacks.

–There is a Holiday Inn at the airpot in Delhi and passengers leaving from T3 can in theory stay there. However, you need a boarding pass to access the hotel and once you enter the hotel  you can’t leave until your flight.  I didn’t have a boarding pass since my next flight wasn’t for another 18 hours. So I couldn’t access the hotel–or at least that’s what I was told. It’s definitely worth trying while you’re there. All they can do is tell you no.

–If you find yourself in a similar situation to mine, don’t panic. It doesn’t help. Take a deep breath, know it will take some time, but you will be okay.

 

Amsterdam raises tourist taxes and is now the highest in Europe

Planning a trip to Amsterdam? Travelers will need to budget a little more for accommodations starting January 2020.

By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist

In an effort to combat overtourism, Amsterdam is raising the tourist tax. The Dutch capital will add a fee of €3 per person , which averages to about US$3 — per night for hotel stays.

That’s in addition to the 7% of the room rate it currently charges.

Children under the age of 16 are exempt from the new Amsterdam levy, and campsites will charge €1 per adult. Airbnb and rental properties are also getting a price hike. The existing tax will be raised to 10% of your rental.

Tim Fairhurst, director of policy for the ETOA (European Tourism Association), told CNN: “It will likely make Amsterdam’s the highest overnight tax in Europe, on average.”

The city has been severely impacted by mobs of overzealous tourists and the Netherlands is taking action.

Netherlands tourist officials recently took the bold decision to stop advertising the country as a tourist destination. Their “Perspective 2030″ report revealed that the priority will now be on “destination management” rather than “destination promotion.”

18 million annual visitors travel to the Amsterdam and authorities have taken additional measures such taking down the “iamsterdam” sign — a former selfie spot — outside the Rijksmuseum in December 2018 and announcing a ban of “disrespectful” tours of the popular tourist drawn red light district in March 2019.

CNN reports a spokesperson for Amsterdam city council denied that the raised taxes were planned to deter tourists, calling it a point of “principle” to make visitors pay their way in the city.

“Visitors will contribute more to the high costs of keeping the city safe and clean, and of keeping the public space like pavements, quays, bridges and streets, in a good state,” the spokesperson said.

Venice is another European city that is fighting overtourism and has recently announced its own plans to charge tourists a day fee to enter the popular destination.

In comparison, the tourist tax for Paris, ranges anywhere from €0.20 (for 1- and 2-star campsites) to €4 (for palaces) per person, per night. Berlin charges a 5% tourist tax and Rome currently has the highest fixed price tax in Europe, at €7 per person per night in a five star hotel.

Medina of Fez: 10 Safety Tips for Travelers

The Medina of Fez is the city’s ancient quarter and a must see. While it’s safe for tourists, it is essential to take a few safety precautions.  Check out our list of travel tips below.

By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist

The Medina of Fez is an intricate maze of streets that consists of narrow alleyways filled with thousands of vendors selling pretty much anything you can imagine, mosques, blanked-wall houses, stunning decorative courtyards, delicious cafes and more.

As you walk through the historical location you’ll be enticed by the rainbows of color, spice-market smells, and orchestra of sounds you’ll hear. There’s so much beauty within the gates of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also things to be aware of.

It’s easy to get lost in the labyrinth of the Medina of Fez.  The sellers can be aggressive in getting you to purchase something; and the, locals will not hesitate to approach you for money, or say inappropriate things. But don’t let that deter you.  It’s an unforgettable adventure you can’t miss so here’s some tips to help you stay safe.

Medina of Fez Colorful narrow street inside Medina of Fez

1. Hire a reputable tour company beforehand and go to the Median of Fez with a guide. They will bargain for you, the vendors won’t be pushy with you and you will be shielded from catcalling men. And certain companies like Plan-It Morocco give you the option of having a driver pick you up, which makes things so much easier because you don’t have t try and navigate your way on your own. Tips are not required or expected, but it’s polite and courteous to tip your tour guides and drivers 15-20 percent.

RELATED: How to see Morocco in 3 Days

2. Donkeys and mules are the main mode of transportation—no cars are driven through the Medina of Fez. When you hear someone yelling “Balak” it means look out so get out of the way. Also be careful where you walk since the animals relieve themselves along the way so always wear close-toed shoes.

3. Everyone seems to be a guide so beware. Local men will usually hang out around the twelve gates into the Medina of Fez asking if you want their services. They’re unofficial guides, and you don’t know how legit they are. It’s better to hire from a professional tour company in advance. However, if you go alone and decide last minute you do want a guide, determine the price before hiring anyone.

4. The shops start closing around 9:30pm, so make your way to the gate before the lights go out. You don’t want to be there in the dark, especially if you’re alone and female. You will draw so much unwanted attention and advances from local men. It’s not safe and you will be harassed because it’s not the norm for women to travel alone in Morocco, particularly at night.

5. You should dress casually. Do not wear low cut tops or form fitting clothing. Your shoulders and chest should be covered. Morocco is an Islamic country, so it’s important to be respectful of their culture. Plus you will get way more stares and unwanted attention if you dress inappropriately.

6. Bring hand sanitizer and toilet paper with you. Many eateries and restaurants only have squat holes, but there are of course Western style toilets in some.

7. Watch your bags and belongings at all times. As a tourist, you stand out and will be subjected more to scams and pickpockets. Again if you go with a reputable guide, you won’t be bothered.

8. When someone invites you inside a shop for tea, it’s not just a polite gesture. They’re trying to get you to buy something, so respectfully decline unless you’re interested.

9. If you insist on going alone, which you shouldn’t, but if you do, take photos of the nearest gate so you know your surroundings and can find your way back.

10. Bargaining is expected with the vendors, but remember to be fair. This is how they earn an income chances are items are already priced much less than you’d pay at home.

Have fun and enjoy yourself. There’s so much to see and do there besides shop, which is why the Medina of Fez is one main things to see in the city. But always be cautious and alert, even with a guide.

Here’s a few beautiful spots to check out in the Medina of Fez:

-Al Qarawiyyin Mosque
-Merenids tombs
-Bab Boujloud “Main gate of the Medina”
-Water clock
-Bounania
-Medressa Attarine
-The Jewish Mellah
-Tannery
-King’s Palace Doors–outside of the Medina of Fez

Volunteering in New Orleans with Camp Restore

Looking for a responsible volunteering project in New Orleans? Camp Restore offers several programs for skilled and unskilled workers.

By Heather Newgen

In 2005 Hurricane Katrina swept through the Gulf Coast as a Category 3 storm, causing severe destruction along its path from New Orleans to Mississippi to Alabama, however, NOLA was hit the hardest after the levees failed due to poor engineering. As a result, over 1800 people died and the majority of the city flooded, causing an estimated $108 billion dollars worth of damage.

In the months following the catastrophe, support poured in worldwide and Camp Restore was an organization that was created in response to Hurricane Katrina. Years later is still working to rebuild the city with the help of volunteers.

“What began as hurricane relief has grown into efforts to address large-scale systemic challenges, such as restoring the wetlands that protect against hurricanes, supporting local schools and youth programs and helping new, innovative community nonprofits get off the ground. We achieve this through partnerships with more than 150 fellow nonprofits and churches,” their website states.

Camp Restore partners with over 80 local nonprofits, so there are plenty of volunteer projects that skilled and unskilled volunteers can do like working in a community garden, recycling Mardi Grad beads, rebuilding a home (if you have experience) and so many other projects.

Although Hurricane Katrina swept through the Gulf Coast in 15 years ago, pockets of New Orleans still needs assistance. Volunteers are always welcomed. There are several ways to give back and  Camp Restore is an organization that takes groups of volunteers or individuals who are traveling alone and want to make a small difference.

Affordable volunteer housing is offered and and available to those who prefer to stay on site at Camp Restore.

Check out the video to see what it’s like to volunteer in New Orleans and how you can give back.

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Taking a road trip with your pet? Check out these tips!

Taking a road trip with your pet is always an unforgettable adventure. Our four-legged besties make traveling that much more rewarding, so here’s a few tips to ensure their well-being.

By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist

1. Find pet friendly hotels on petswelcome.com or bringfido.com

2. Have a copy of your pet’s medical and vaccination records with you. It’s helpful to have in case there’s an emergency. Also, if you want to send them to doggy daycare for an afternoon, they will need your pet’s records, so research ahead and find a high rated one near your accommodations.

3. Research ahead of time to find the nearest emergency vet clinic. It’s important to know in case you need one right away.

4. I know it’s fun for our pets to roam about the vehicle freely on a road trip, but it can be dangerous if there’s an accident or you have to brake suddenly. Make sure cats are in a carrier secured with a seat belt. And there are safety harnesses for dogs that can be attached to seat belts. Or put them inside their crate.

5. Some animals don’t travel well, so talk to your vet about motion sickness medication if need be. And don’t feed your pet right before you leave. This should help cut down on car sickness.

6. Stop every couple of hours to let your pet around for a few minutes. It helps them not to feel too cramped or bored.

7. DO NOT ever leave your pet in the car in hot temperatures–not even for five minutes.

8. Make sure your pet’s tags with your contact information are up to date. Also make sure they’re microchipped before you hit the road. Tags can fall off and in case you’re ever separated from your dog, you want him/her to be chipped with your phone number and address.

9. Always have a muzzle. Your dog may be the sweetest, but if he/she gets out of the element they’re used to, they could become scared and aggressive.

10. Pack your dog’s favorite toy so they have some of the comforts of home.

11. Do a couple short road trips with your pet as a test run to help prepare them.

12. Download the American Red Cross Pet First Aid App before your road trip. They have great advice.

13. Get pet insurance if you’re dog doesn’t have a pre-existing condition. You’d rather be cautious. It can save you lots of money.

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How to Explore Petra, Jordan in a Day!

Planning a trip to Petra? If you’re short on time it can be done in a day, so check out our tips on visiting.

The rose colored lost city in Jordan was once a forgotten civilization, but today Petra is one of the country’s most valuable treasures and greatest tourist attractions.

By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist

Located amid majestic canyons and hidden behind a barrier of rugged mountains, Petra is full of mysterious charm. The structures, which are carved into the vibrant towering sandstone cliffs, are abandoned temples and tombs, and the breathtaking ruins are considered to be one of world’s most visually stunning archaeological sites.

2,000 years ago, Petra was created by the Nabataeans and was once a thriving trading center. Situated between the Dead Sea and Red Sea, it was primarily known as the capital of the Nabatean empire between 400 B.C and A.D. 106. It was completely untouched and overlooked until a Swiss explorer stumbled upon it in 1812.

Now, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, and in 2007, it was named one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World.” In the last few years, Petra has been appearing on countless adventurous travel must-see blogs, and rightfully so. And the Treasury Building is where “Indiana Jones” was filmed.

So, if you’re one of the many people dying to see the historical location, watch our vlog for helpful travel tips and to see what the awesome experience is really like.

For those visiting longer, which we recommend, there are hotel options nearby that cater to tourists heading to Petra. Consider buying the two or three day pass. It’s also suggested to purchase a separate pass for the Petra by Night event that places every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. And make sure to prep well with essential gear like comfortable walking boots or sneakers, camera, water, sunscreen and a jacket.

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