Made up of 16 countries, the Middle East is probably the least-traveled region in the world in terms of leisure tourism, due to decades of wars and turmoil. However, there are amazing destinations for travelers throughout.

Dubai is a mecca for international travel and over-the-top luxury, where the Burj Khalifa will blow you away.

Jordan was my first destination in the Middle East and is still one of my more memorable trips. Seeing the city of Petra for the first time, scuba diving in the Red Sea, walking the streets of Amman, and off-roading through the Wadi Rum desert were such magical and incredible experiences.