MARRAKECH - The “Pearl of the Desert” has so many things to discover, it’s impossible to see it all in just 48 hours. But that’s all I’ve got, so here goes — the adventure begins with a sunrise hot air balloon ride for a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding desert and the ancient imperial city. It’s a breathtaking sight.

WADI RUM, JORDAN - Lying under a cloudless night sky, I gaze in wonder at the stars and satellites twinkling on an ebony canvas and follow shooting stars streaking across the sky and watch them drop into the desert.