<p>The Dead Sea, bordered by <a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/jordan-guide/" target="_blank">Jordan</a>, <a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/israel-guide/" target="_blank">Israel</a>, and the Palestinian territories, is actually a lake, and quite a salty one at that—around 34 percent saline, almost ten times that of seawater. The bright-blue waters attract many swimmers who want the odd feeling of floating without any effort at all. The Dead Sea's extreme saltiness means that once you wade in, your body instantly bobs to the surface—leaving you free to lie back, relax, and enjoy a soak at the planet's lowest point.<b></b></p> <p>After your swim, you can slather yourself in Dead Sea mud, which is said to have restorative properties, and even buy some scrubs, salts, or other products for souvenirs. Jordanians often call the Dead Sea "the lowest natural spa on Earth," and there are plenty of luxurious resorts along the Dead Sea that offer massages or special mud treatments. Who knows, you may leave feeling ten years younger.</p>

Float in a Giant Salt Lake

The Dead Sea, bordered by Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian territories, is actually a lake, and quite a salty one at that—around 34 percent saline, almost ten times that of seawater. The bright-blue waters attract many swimmers who want the odd feeling of floating without any effort at all. The Dead Sea's extreme saltiness means that once you wade in, your body instantly bobs to the surface—leaving you free to lie back, relax, and enjoy a soak at the planet's lowest point.

After your swim, you can slather yourself in Dead Sea mud, which is said to have restorative properties, and even buy some scrubs, salts, or other products for souvenirs. Jordanians often call the Dead Sea "the lowest natural spa on Earth," and there are plenty of luxurious resorts along the Dead Sea that offer massages or special mud treatments. Who knows, you may leave feeling ten years younger.

Photograph by Taylor S. Kennedy, National Geographic/Getty Images

Top 10: Reasons to Visit Jordan

Float in the Dead Sea, visit Petra, and more on your next trip to Jordan.

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