MUM-OF-TWO Alison Honour’s trips abroad usually involve sunbathing on the beach sipping cocktails.

So she’s the first to admit a gruelling five-day trek 80 miles through the vast Arabian desert is going to be way out of her comfort zone.

Alison, from Kirkheaton, is joining a group of women on a hike from the Dead Sea to the ancient city of Petra in Jordan to raise money for women’s charity, Wellbeing of Women.

The occupational therapist and the rest of the 80-strong group will be led by Bedouin guides, and after a hard day’s trek in the wilderness will bed down under the stars or under canvas in a traditional Bedouin tent.

The extreme desert environment features everything from red dunes to deadly quicksand – with soaring temperatures during the daytime and freezing night time conditions.

Alison, 42, has a long list of equipment she needs to take with her – and there is no room for her beloved hair straighteners.

She told the Examiner: “I’m a bit worried about all the snakes and scorpions at night, it’s going to be really out of my comfort zone.

“I like my creature comforts – I’ve been wondering what I’m going to do without my hair straighteners – I’m going to have to get a hat to cover my hair up.

“There’s not going to be anywhere to get a proper wash and it’s going to be quite basic.

“I’ve only ever been on beach holidays and I love the sun, but I’m usually lying down in it not walking in it – so it is going to be tough. I’m a bit scared but excited too.”

Alison is leaving web journalist husband David, 44 and daughters Becky, 18, a student and Beth, 15, a King James’s School pupil, at home in Huddersfield.

She said: “Because the girls are older now being a mum isn’t going to take up as much time as it has previously done.