When in Petra, the sun, heat, dust and the near endless city do not make it easy to explore. Here are some tips to keep you going:

* Start Early: Some guides (including mine) suggested we start after 10 a.m. Thank Goodness I prevailed and left at 7. As the sun gets higher, it becomes a bigger challenge to keep going. The earlier you start the better. And you get better pictures in the soft light.
* Carry water with you – even though you can buy along the way, it is always good to keep one handy.
* Cover your head with a hat, preferably with a big visor and a flap for the neck.
* Wear shades.
* Take periodic breaks – even Indiana Jones did off screen. Don’t be a hero lest you collapse.
* Eat well and stay hydrated. There are Basin and Nabataean Tent restaurants inside –  staying hungry or thirsty increases the chances of heat strokes.
* Take a donkey / camel / horse taxi or a carriage when you can’t go on – don’t be miserly. It also does social good.
* Wear shoes with soles to avoid slipping on cliffs, cliff edges, slippery rocks etc.
* During rainy days, be careful lest you get caught in a flash flood or are swept away in a flowing stream.

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