Trekity is a
daily newsletter
for women who love travel.
Sign up today to get travel ideas and inspirations right in your inbox daily!

Ruins of the Urartu Kingdom; Yerevan, Armenia

Ruins of the Urartu Kingdom; Yerevan, Armenia

Only a fool discounts the events of the past and their effects on future actions. History not only serves to shape what we become, both as an individual and as a society, but also can be used to predict what might yet occur.

And if there’s one nation that has had to learn from the past but still move beyond it, it’s Armenia.

And where it would be easy to sweep history under the rug and move on, the nation has decided to showcase both its architecture and its stories.Continue

Take a Bath; Tbilisi, Georgia

Bath; Tbilisi, Georgia

Feeling weary?

Sore muscles?

Looking for a little R & R?

Maybe you should take a bath?

If you’re in Georgia’s capital of Tbilisi, escape from your hotel and visit one of the city’s many sulfur baths. Continue

Discover the Walled Secrets of Acre Israel

Ancient Walls; Acre, Israel

Seldom do ancient cities survive the ebbs and flows of time.

Whether through war, famine or erosion it is not uncommon to see a populated center turn into ruins over the span of centuries.

When a place does manage to maintain its luster it becomes a rare gem, giving visitors the opportunity to travel through time by simply passing through its walls.

Such is the case with Acre IsraelContinue

Discover National Identity; Nizwa, Oman

Nizwa, Oman

A visit to an ancient capital city is sure to include some historic sites.  It’s sure to provide some insight into the traditional way of life.  It’s sure to offer the cultural experience rarely found in a bustling metropolis.

A visit to the city of Nizwa offers all the above.  The region caters to visitors seeking to perceive the real identity of Oman.  So leave Muscat and head towards Oman’s interior where lofty expectations are bound to be fulfilled.

History of Nizwa

As one of the country’s oldest cities, Nizwa once served as the capital region of Oman.  It was a logical choice as the city connected the port town of Muscat with the mountainous interior regions of Oman, easing trade concerns.

Nizwa also served as an integral region for the development of the country as an Islamic state.  The congregation of Islamic scholars, development of Islamic schools, and creation of mosques earned the city the moniker of ‘center of Islam’.

The city has since been built up and modernized but traditional trading and Islamic rituals are prevalent to this day.  This is reflected in the main attractions visitors encounter during their visits.

Continue

Drive King’s Highway; Jordan

Drive King’s Highway; Jordan

The road flies by under your wheels.

Your arm rests on the windowsill as your hand rolls up and down with the wind.  Music plays on the car’s speakers while you drive endlessly towards the horizon.

A lengthy road trip with a scenic backdrop is an enjoyable experience.  When visiting Jordan, substitute an extended bus trip for a drive along the famous King’s Highway.

Continue

Scuba Dive the Red Sea; Aqaba, Jordan

Scuba Dive the Red Sea; Aqaba, Jordan

Mention Jordan and you’re likely to conjure up images of the Arabian desert.

Perhaps you will think of Petra.

Maybe the Jordan River or the Dead Sea will come to mind.

However, you are unlikely to think of scuba diving and snorkeling and Aqaba’s Red Sea is one of the country’s best kept secrets.

At the southwest tip of the country stands Aqaba, on the shores of the Red Sea.  Within the last ten years, the gulf city has become known as a premium destination for luxury resorts, high-class hotels, and for its variety of water sports.Continue

Hike Masada’s Fortress; Masada, Israel

Masada’s Fortress; Masada, Israel

Putting in an effort to achieve a goal tends to make the results all the more satisfying.  Such is certainly the case with a hike up to the top of Masada.  The ancient ruins and the view across the desert are worth all the sweat and aches of ascension.

Masada stands at only 190 feet (58m) above sea level, however the base of the mountain is below sea level so numbers are slightly deceiving.Continue

Petra in a Day; Amman, Jordan

Amman, Jordan

As the morning sun hits the fascia of the Treasury everything in your line of sight is bathed in rose-red hues. Petra, the city half as old as time, was built in the 3rd century BC, abandoned by 555 AD and lost to the west until its rediscovery in 1812.

Since then the site of Petra has been crowned one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and thousands of tourists turn up each year to visit to see the lost city.Continue

Scuba Dive Socotra Island; Yemen

Scuba Dive Socotra Island; Yemen

Throw all those ideas about the Middle East out the window as you dive into warm waters, slipping past rock faces and gliding through schools of fish.  Rise to the surface and gaze back at the sandy beaches and the craggy cliffs.

Yemen’s Socotra Island has quietly become a choice destination for those seeking ideal scuba diving locales.  The island has a valuable mix of solitude, tepid waters, and diverse species of marine life.Continue

Visit the Holy Center; Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Holy Center; Mecca, Saudi Arabia

It’s the most important religious site that you’ll never be allowed to visit, unless you’re Muslim.

With over 13 million people making the trip every year, Mecca is far and away Saudi Arabia’s most important site.  The birthplace of the Prophet Mohammed is also the spot where Islam was founded and developed.

Located to the east of Jeddah, the city is considered Islam’s holy center.  Whether or not you visit during the Hajj pilgrimage season, there will be many sites to see and many things to experience.Continue

Loitering at the Mall; Doha, Qatar

Doha, Qatar

The desert sun can wear you down.  You can become sluggish, dehydrated and sun burnt.  After you’ve spend extended time under the fiery orb, it’s important to find an oasis.  If that oasis is air conditioned, all the better.

Some of the best spots to avoid the heat when visiting Doha, Qatar are in shopping malls.  With immense dimensions, interesting themes, and a selection of activities, the malls are a step up from your typical local fare. Continue

From Quarter to Quarter; Jerusalem, Israel

Jerusalem, Israel

The birthplace of Christianity and Judaism.  One of the three sacred sites of Islam.  An important historical point for the western world.  All three of those preceding places can be found in the Israeli city of Jerusalem.

The present day religious center acts as a pilgrimage for spiritual people with all sorts of beliefs.  With a day spent walking around Jerusalem, visitors can get a great idea of just how special this place is.  Grab your map, put on your walking shoes, and don’t forget your camera.Continue

Witness the Tree of Life; Bahrain

Tree of Life; Bahrain

Survival in the desert is no small feat. The sun-scorched earth begs for water and resilient animals constantly seek shade. This natural wasteland is no place for lush greenery. But against all odds, there is an exception.

In a valley of death, the Tree of Life provides hope for life. Continue

Enjoying the View; Kuwait City, Kuwait

Kuwait City, Kuwait

With all of that oil money, it’s no surprise that Kuwait’s cityscape is something to admire. But while walking through the streets, it’s easy to get suffocated by heat, crowds, and massive buildings.

And when that happens, it’s best to seek heights. From an elevated perspective, problems seem to melt away and a sense of serenity will be quick to take over.

As much as a viewpoint, the Kuwait Towers offer a form of architectural therapy.

Continue

Sight-see the West Bank; Israel

West Bank; Israel

Passing through a series of checkpoints, you may find yourself getting a little nervous. Spotting armed soldiers out the windows of the bus, you feel guilty, despite having nothing to hide. What could have convinced you to put yourself through such stresses?

And then you reach historic sites. Beyond historic, these regions have shaped the modern world as we know it. And beyond old, these sites are ancient.Continue

Manhattan of the Middle East; Shibam, Yemen

Middle East; Shibam, Yemen

Standing tall against the stark landscape is the walled city of Shibam. The Yemenese settlement is unlike any other in the Middle East.

With buildings towering some eight stories above the ground, Shibam has been given the moniker ‘Manhattan of the Middle East’.  Enter the walls to explore some innovative architecture and get a good perspective of Yemen’s rich culture.Continue

Explore Oasis Ruins; Palmyra, Syria

Palmyra, Syria

Look for a significant oasis in the middle of the desert and you are bound to find some remnants of human life.  In such a dry climate, it’s only logical that people decide to stop and rest.  Some oases serve as a rest stop while others serve as the grounds for a settlement.  The Syrian region of Palmyra is an example of the latter.

With a history dating back to the Neolithic Period, Palmyra shows ample evidence of being a once great city.  Standing proudly on the sight is a collection of ruins, preserved in such a fashion to reveal the truly grand scope of this oasis empire.

Continue

Camel Trek; Wadi Rum, Jordan

Wadi Rum, Jordan

When traveling through the desert there’s only one true mode of transportation.  Don’t bother with those clunky 4x4s.  Don’t try walking through the tough terrain.

Get yourself on a camel and travel like the native Bedouin in Jordan’s Wadi Rum.

Wadi Rum

The 280 square miles (720 sq km) of terrain in Wadi Rum have been home to a variety of cultures dating back to ancient times.  Currently the only permanent residents of the area are the Bedouin, who dwell in camps based on families or tribes.

Most activities in Wadi Rum are based in the Rum village region.  The small town contains shops, restaurants, internet connections, and the small bus stop for getting in from Aqaba.  If you have happened to arrange a tour ahead of time, this is likely the spot that will act as base for pickups and drop-offs.

Continue

Rock Face Tombs; Madain Saleh, Saudi Arabia

Rock Face Tombs; Madain Saleh, Saudi Arabia

It’s hard to find hospitable territory in the desert’s harsh climate.

When a suitable place is discovered, people are likely to stick to it for centuries, perhaps even millenia.

And when cultures finally do cease living at the site, it makes for one hell of an archaeological attraction. Continue

Hike the Biosphere Reserve; Dana, Jordan

Biosphere Reserve; Dana, Jordan

Getting out of cities and exploring natural landscapes can be a rewarding experience in any country.  Unfortunately, it can often be difficult to travel to these locations due to limited transportation, restricted access or lack of facilities.

The Dana Biosphere Reserve in Jordan offers travelers an excellent opportunity to get back to nature.  Visitors can catch sight of endangered wildlife, walk among diverse vegetation and learn about the traditions of the local tribe.Continue