Taking planned detours on vacation is the best way to get the most out of your travel plans. I’ve had some of the most amazing cultural and learning experiences during my planned detours.

When I added a detour to Jordan before my Red Sea Aggressor III charter, the goal was to see The Treasury at Petra, an elaborate structure carved into the sandstone cliffs more than 2,000 years ago. What I found when I arrived was mind-blowing. Yes, The Treasury is beautiful but the Monastery at the top of Petra is larger and more ornate! The view from the top was amazing, and you could see it for miles. The view from the Rift Valley toward the River Jordan and the Dead Sea gives you a sense of the vastness of this area. Spending the day strolling through the city of Petra and some of the areas that were once bustling with the people who lived here gives you a glimpse of their life that is impossible to understand from simply reading about it.

My detour also included a visit to the ancient city of Jerash where I strolled down the colonnade. Here, many of the columns are still standing, including side stalls where businesses were set up during the day.

Another detour I took was to the fascinating country of Oman. What a treasure! The ancient Roman port city of Qalhat still has remnants of the bustling trade stalls and harbor that not only served as an important stop on the Silk Road to the Indian Ocean but was written about by Marco Polo during one of his visits there in the 13th century. I have visited a lot of mosques in my travels but never have I seen one so magnificent as the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat. The handwoven Iranian carpet that is 200 feet by 230 feet has almost 2 billion knots. The most incredible chandelier is also hanging in the main prayer hall. It is 46 feet tall, built in Italy, and has a spiral staircase inside it that is used by maintenance workers.

While our passion may be exploring under the sea, don’t neglect the amazing gems above. If we are going to travel halfway around the world, make the most of your time away with a detour!