With a visually striking, almost other-worldly landscape, Wadi Rum offers travellers plenty of ways to explore the vast stretches of Jordanian desert. For adventure-seekers, the naturally carved arches, cliffs, and red sand dunes mean rock climbing, sandboarding, and lots of hiking. For history and culture buffs, let the local Bedouin guide you—they’ll show you everything from centuries-old petroglyphs to the best spots to stargaze.

Resorts and reefs are the draw on Israel’s skinny Red Sea coastline, and Eilat tempts visitors with sun that lasts all year round. Sandy beaches, warm waters, and nightlife complete the package, along with desert scenery that’s just beyond the crowded coast.

Taba, situated on the Red Sea's Gulf of Aqaba at the junction of Egypt and Israel, is a stone's throw from a truly impressive range of sites.  Excursions to nearby Castle Zaman provide a rare view of four countries simultaneously, and the Coloured Canyon is an obstacle course ripe for exploration.  The Marriott Taba Heights Red Sea Resort awaits tourists following their day trips with its very own therapeutic Salt Cave, ideal for unwinding in luxury.