Jordan’s rich heritage and culture can be traced at several markets spread across the capital city of Amman. These markets, apart from being windows into the local life, also are excellent places to take home some souvenirs. Here are our top five:

Al Afghani Bazaar

How often do you come across souvenir shops with almost 150 years of history stacked along with precious trinkets? At Al Afghani Bazaar in Amman, you will find valuable insights into the culture of the country vis-à-vis clothing, ceramics, jewellery, lamps, beauty products and several other shopping delights.

Wild Jordan Centre

For a unique shopping experience, head to Wild Jordan Centre, containing nine nature shops; set to support the communities from Jordan’s eight natural reserves.

You can purchase crafts and jewellery items, local herbs, as well as locally-produced jams as souvenirs while also contributing to sustainable development of the natives of these reserves. Once you have shopped to your heart’s content, grab a coffee at the Wild Jordan Centre’s renowned cafe that overlooks the entire city.

Al Balad

Visit Al Balad or the Downtown for a typical flea market experience, bringing you closer to the city and its natives. A wide array of shops is lined here, selling everything from clothing, accessories, intricate jewellery, herbs, and various edibles. Bargaining is the norm here, with some places selling the item for half the price they initially quoted.

Soap House Trinitae

A beautiful old villa and its garden, located up an alley at the bottom of the Rainbow Street, set the tone for a great experience. As you enter, the heady scent of local herbs, fruits and essential oils tell you that you’ve found the right address. Welcome to the Soap House Trinitae, where you can find some of the best organic soaps and skincare products in the city. These products make for excellent souvenirs, capturing the essence of Jordan in their dizzying scents.

Souk Jara

One of the most exciting places in the city to shop or to just be at is the Souk Jara market, lying right next to the Rainbow Street. Amongst the items available for sale here are handicrafts, antiques, crafts, food, clothing, art and traditional products from around the country. The market, however, is seasonal, available only from mid-November to early March between 10PM-2AM.  It is also one of the few markets in the city where you might also catch a film screening, a concert or an impromptu cultural performance.

Belize, a country surrounded by Central America’s dense jungles on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other, is one of the most beautiful and mysterious holiday destinations in the world. Be it one of the world’s most enigmatic civilizations – the ancient Maya, the second largest barrier reef in the world or a vast network of wildlife sanctuaries, Belize has it all for a traveller looking to experience the best of Central America.

Here are some of the top wonders of Belize one must explore:

San Ignacio Town

Situated close to the country’s famous Mayan ruins and known for its vivaciousness, San Ignacio Town is a diverse and beautiful town offering exciting holiday experiences for visitors. There’s a lot to explore here, ranging from pristine rivers and stunning archaeological sites to a bustling market and an adventure hub. For outdoor adventure, you have many options including hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, bird-watching and caving. Besides, visitors would are pleased to discover an amazing dining and nightlife scene here.

Ambergris Caye

The largest island of Belize, Ambergris Caye is a delightful haven for beach enthusiasts from different parts of the world. It is home to classic beaches, world-class accommodations and incredible dining, crafting a beautiful Caribbean holiday. The Belize Barrier Reef, on the east side of Ambergris Caye, is the major draw of the island. With a low-key and laid-back vibe, Ambergris Caye ensures visitors have a perfectly relaxing time. Adventure seekers can indulge in several water sports such as scuba-diving, deep-sea fishing, snorkelling and sail boating here.

Placencia

Once a sleepy fishing village, Placencia is a long, narrow peninsula of white, sandy beaches. Comprising three villages of Maya Beach, Seine Bight and Placencia Village, it appeals to a large number of nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts from all around. Visitors would love to take a long walk along a paved pedestrian path called “The Sidewalk” and discover many shops, restaurants and bars here. Moreover, adventure seekers can indulge in many thrilling activities including kayaking and canoeing, and look forward to spotting wildlife such as crocodiles, dolphins, manatees and birds.

Hopkins

Situated on the coast of Stann Creek District in Belize, Hopkins is a beautiful coastal town reflecting Garifuna culture at every turn. The town draws attention with its picturesque location amidst Maya mountains, the Cockscomb Range Inland and the Caribbean Sea. The people here are warm and welcoming. A majority of visitors head to the country to be part of the Garifuna Settlement day, an annual event marking the arrival of the first Garifuna in 1832. Besides, farming, fishing, hiking and snorkelling are some thrilling activities visitors can undertake.

Caye Caulker

Quite popular among backpackers for its laid-back vibe, Caye Caulker is a small and beautiful island situated off the coast of Belize.

The island has a completely casual atmosphere ideal for a relaxing holiday in Belize, and offers several exciting snorkelling and diving opportunities at the Belize Barrier Reef that are appealing to adventure enthusiasts visiting the country. Here, one cannot miss wonderful experiences such as diving into the Blue Hole, grooving to Reggae Music and chilling at the Split.