Beyond Petra: Exploring the ‘Slow Travel’ Magic of Jordan’s Eco-Villages
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Khalid Al Mansoor
- . February 16, 2026
- . Update: February 16, 2026 7:21 pm
If you think a trip to Jordan begins and ends with a quick selfie at the Treasury in Petra, you are missing the true heartbeat of the Levant. While the ancient ruins remain breathtaking, the travel trend of 2026 has shifted away from “ticking off boxes” and toward “soaking in the silence.” This is the era of Slow Travel, and Jordan is leading the charge.
The Allure of Amra City and Sustainable Living
The recent groundbreaking of Amra City, Jordan’s first 100% eco-friendly neighborhood, has sparked a national conversation about how we live and travel. This isn’t just an urban development project; it’s a philosophy that has trickled down into the tourism sector. Travelers are now bypassing the crowded tour buses in favor of the northern highlands and the Dana Biosphere Reserve, where life moves at a much more human pace.
Why ‘Slow Travel’ is Winning in 2026
In a world addicted to instant notifications and 15-second reels, the Levant offers a rare and precious commodity: presence. This movement is defined by three key pillars:
- Homestays over Hotels: Visitors are choosing to stay in restored Ottoman-era houses in Salt or As-Samra, eating home-cooked meals rather than hotel buffets.
- The Foraging Trail: Instead of traditional sightseeing, travelers are walking with local guides to learn about indigenous herbs, ancient honey-harvesting techniques, and the history of Amman’s oldest coffeehouses.
- Community Impact: Every dollar spent in these eco-villages goes directly into preserving the local environment and supporting rural families.
How to Plan Your Levant Escape
When planning your next trip, skip the crowded transit hubs and the “top 10” lists. Focus on the hidden garden cafes of Amman or the artisanal trails in the north. The goal of travel in 2026 isn’t to see everything; it’s to remember everything you saw. Jordan is teaching us that the best way to move forward and appreciate a culture is to occasionally, quite literally, slow down and breathe.
