From Jordan’s hidden gems to Europe’s private retreats.

As Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan returns to public life following a period of slowed engagements, attention naturally turns back to one of the region’s most influential cultural figures. While her global role is defined by diplomacy and advocacy, her approach to travel offers a more personal insight shaped by purpose, curiosity and a strong connection to global cultures. It got me thinking… when she’s not on official duty, where does she actually go for herself?

Within Jordan, Queen Rania consistently turns the spotlight inward, championing the country as a destination in its own right. And not just the obvious places. There’s a clear effort to highlight the quieter, less discovered corners, locations that still feel untouched. From the vast openness of Wadi Rum to the historic calm of Umm Qais and the coastline of Aqaba, her journeys often centre on showing a more authentic side of the country.

Her recent time in Wadi Rum with Princess Salma included riding the historic Hejaz Railway and visiting desert camps. The trip was a reminder of what makes Jordan so special. In Umm Qais, through projects like Beit Al Baraka, which invites visitors to discover traditional cultural experiences, I imagine Queen Rania leaning into community-shaped experiences, from traditional cooking to crafts. Across the Jordanian Badia, her visits to women’s cooperatives reinforce that same focus, supporting local economies while preserving heritage. It’s a very thoughtful way of travelling that puts people and place first.

This emphasis on people, craftsmanship and cultural storytelling defines her travel style. It is also closely tied to her well-known appreciation for fashion, particularly pieces that carry meaning through craftsmanship and origin. Whether through traditional textiles or contemporary design, her choices often reflect a broader interest in craftsmanship and handicrafts, which I imagine would naturally extend to the way she travels. I imagine Queen Rania browsing through fabric swatches in a small atelier, or pausing to admire the work of local artisans, drawn to pieces that carry a sense of identity and craftsmanship. It’s the same thread that runs through her travel choices.

Beyond Jordan, there are many places I feel would suit a trip for this stylish royal. In Sardinia, where she travelled with her family in 2015, I can see her looking for a quieter, more refined pace of life, combining natural beauty with a strong sense of heritage.

In Morocco, I can imagine her spending time with artisan communities, from weaving ateliers to ceramic workshops, each offering a deeper connection to place.

India adds another layer, rich in craft traditions and cultural depth, while Abu Dhabi, a place close to her heart, would offer a regional perspective through its growing cultural institutions and creative spaces.

Elsewhere, destinations such as the United Kingdom or Switzerland would likely offer the Queen moments of retreat, balancing public life with privacy and reflection. A quiet reset would see her escaping to the countryside. Perhaps cosying up in a cottage in the Cotswolds, or spending time at a ski resort with her family.

Wherever she travels, Queen Rania’s destinations are likely to be defined by her genuine, caring interest in people, culture, and stories.

By Lindsay Judge