The Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts offers a refreshing counterpoint to Amman’s ancient ruins. It showcases contemporary works from across the Islamic world in two airy buildings that flank a sculpture-dotted park. Founded in 1980 under royal patronage, its collection spans 2,000 pieces: from provocative Palestinian installations to delicate Sudanese weavings. Be sure to check the rotating exhibitions in Building 1. Building 2 anchors the experience. Start at the ground-floor, then work your way up through bold Jordanian abstracts before rewarding yourself at the top-floor café. Its terrace overlooks Jabal al-Luweibdeh’s artsy rooftops, perfect for reflecting over mint tea after browsing the art library’s curated books. Free from crowds (and mercifully air-conditioned), it’s where Amman’s creative pulse feels most immediate.

It’s hard to imagine a more visually tantalising place to photograph than Christmas Island. All around you are sights, colours, textures and landscapes you’ll want to capture, so bring nature to life through your lens. From soft, pastel sunrises to glorious sunsets, Christmas Island is bathed in ever-changing tropical light. Vivid colour is everywhere, from the crabs’ rich reds to the rainforest’s deep greens, to turquoise waters. Catch the robber crabs on film, zoom in on gentle orchids and twisting vines, and train your lens skywards to capture the elegance and freedom of rare birds in flight. Underwater photographers have a kaleidoscope of colours and shapes to shoot. On land, the imposing, inspiring and detailed architecture of temples and other built forms keeps the shutters clicking. Videos capture the sights and sounds of millions of scurrying red crabs, or the hauntingly musical call of the island’s thrush, and the stirring call to prayer from the mosque. Best spots for best shots: - Martin Point, for staggeringly beautiful sunsets and seabirds; - Blowholes capture the energy of the water on a rugged coastline; - Dolly Beach has impressively large robber crabs plus turtle tracks; - Hughes Dale Waterfall is an iconic island place for your unique shot; - Blowholes Road lets you get creative with a special tree along the road; - Greta Beach hosts nesting turtles all year round; - Island temples boast rich colours fused with wisps of incense smoke; - Tai Jin House invites you to capture the detail of this building and its gardens; - Flying Fish Cove is a must for underwater photography.

The Royal Tank Museum rolls into Amman’s cultural scene with unexpected swagger, its 150 armoured beasts (from WWI relics to Jordan’s homegrown modifications) displayed with cinematic flair. Architect Zaid Daoud’s sleek 2018 design lets you circle Soviet T-34s and hulking Challengers like a battlefield rubbernecker, while interactive displays appeal to kids and military buffs alike. Displayed chronologically, the exhibits trace Jordan’s martial legacy from the Arab Revolt’s camel cavalry to 1967’s Battle of Karamah, though the real stars are the machines. German Panzers stand next to locally retrofitted Centurions, their spec in English and Arabic. Recharge your batteries at the café on the top floor. Budget an hour, ignore the jingoistic plaques, and don’t miss the outdoor arena where (select weekends) engines roar to life.

On the banks of the Wisconsin River, the Chula Vista Resort has a waterpark with both indoor and outdoor water activities. There are over 26 rides, wave pools and lazy rivers to enjoy. There is over 200,000 square feet of waterpark, a world-class spa, one of America’s top 10 chophouses and an 18-hole golf course. Check their webiste for the most up-to-date calendar and hours.