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Jordan

Quick Overview

Who is this Trip For?

You want to see one of the 7 Wonders of the World (Petra), experience a tour in the Desert, swim in the Dead Sea, and learn about this exciting & tourist-friendly Middle-Eastern country!

Suggested Activities

This is one of the most unique swimming experiences you will ever have.

If you are in a hurry, this can be done as a Day Trip from Amman.

Otherwise, stay for a night or two to enjoy floating on the salty water or a mud bath.

Petra is one of the Wonders of the World!

Hike the main trail to the Treasury and sense the history in the tall red sandstone walls.

This is a Must-See if you are Visiting!
Take 1-2 days to explore the trails, views, and tombs.

Book a tour (ideally overnight or multiple nights) around the Wadi Rum Desert.

With breathtaking views, see the desert either from camelback or in a jeep.
With friendly Bedouin guides showing you the best spots, this is a real adventure.

The city of Aqaba dates back all the way to 1500 BC!
Enjoy this historic city with beautiful beaches and lively nightlife.

Explore, go snorkeling in the Red Sea, and dine some local cuisine!

Likely your starting point (as most international flights land here), the Capital offers a host of interesting sights:

– The Citadel
– Roman Theatre
– Downtown Amman (market)
– King Abdullah Mosque
– Rainbow Street

This City is very interesting and lively.
With many delicious restaurants, nightlife in the rainbow street, and cool hostel/hotels.

The Bedouin are a nomadic Tribe that live in Wadi-Rum.

When you go on a tour in the Wadi-Rum desert, your guides will likely be from the local Bedouin Tribe, and the experience of sleeping overnight under the stars with bedouin food is truly unforgettable.

Top Tips

If you want to get off to a good start with the locals, use these three phrases to show respect:

Marhaba — Hi! (Welcome)

Shukran — Thank you

Maa salaama — Goodbye

The Street markets are a big part of the culture and history, so exploring these will let you see how the locals have traded for generations, as well as demonstrating the modernisation and globalisation (as more and more international goods are available).

It is normal for street sellers to approach you, but they will not force you to do anything, so a polite but clear no thank you will be respected (if you don’t want to buy anything).

If your Nationality makes you eligible for the Visa On Arrival, then purchasing the Jordan Pass ahead of time will save you both time and money!

What do you get?
– Free Visa on arrival
– Entrance into 40 Tourist attractions including Petra, Wadi Rum, and Jerash

Pick the ticket based on how many days you want to visit Petra.

You can purchase this online through the official website (link here) and check if you are eligible for the Visa On Arrival (link here).

Make it Unique

They are often happy to share stories about what Life in the desert is like.

Take the opportunity to learn about the lives of these friendly people.

These conversations will show you a totally fascinating way of Life. Eye-Opening.

By purchasing a secondary ticket you unlock this unique opportunity to see Petra lit up by candles with stars shining overhead.

If you want to experience Petra at its most special, this is for you.

Wadi Mujib is a river in Jordan.

If you take a day trip here from Amman, you will get to hike along the dramatic rock formations, step through a waterfall, and see the spectacular landscape of the Mujib Biosphere Reserve.

This is the most recommended activity by the locals, especially as it is less world-famous than the other activities you will be doing in Jordan.

How to get There?

Flying: Jordan has two international Airports. Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), 50 minutes outside of Downtown Amman, is most common for international flights.

Alternatively, King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) is near Aqaba, in the south.

Other: Jordan has land borders with Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Syria. Crossing for tourists is possible, however it is more strict than via airports, public transport must be used to cross the border, and visa’s must be arranged ahead of time.

Visa information from from visitjordan.com:
“Obtain a visa upon arrival at Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport or at any other border crossing. Visa fees are 40 JDs ($56) for single entry valid for one month but easily extended at the nearest police station. (–) Few formalities need to be observed when departing Jordan: A departure tax of 10 JDs ($15) is paid at any border crossings except the airports.”

How to get Around?

Public transport is limited to the main tourist destinations. The JETT Bus Company is the most used (link here for schedule), with comfortable, affordable, daily buses between places like Amman-Petra, Aqaba-Wadi Rum…

The roundtrip JETT Bus Journey from Amman to Petra for example will cost around 20JD ($28US) and take 3 hours each way.

Private Taxis are also a great option if you are in a group, or if you don’t want to rely on public transport. These are especially useful for more custom tours, like a day trip from Amman to the Dead Sea.

Alternatively, Car Rental is also an option. This is great for couples or groups to have maximum flexibility with routes, luggage, and timing. Expect to pay around 25-30JD ($35-40US) per day for a new model with insurance. Visit Tourist Jordan for car rental information (click here).

It is strongly advised to avoid driving at night, even most locals avoid longer journeys at night.

How to get There?

Flying: Jordan has two international Airports. Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), 50 minutes outside of Downtown Amman, is most common for international flights.

Alternatively, King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) is near Aqaba, in the south.

Other: Jordan has land borders with Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Syria. Crossing for tourists is possible, however it is more strict than via airports, public transport must be used to cross the border, and visa’s must be arranged ahead of time.

Visa information from from visitjordan.com:
“Obtain a visa upon arrival at Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport or at any other border crossing. Visa fees are 40 JDs ($56) for single entry valid for one month but easily extended at the nearest police station. (–) Few formalities need to be observed when departing Jordan: A departure tax of 10 JDs ($15) is paid at any border crossings except the airports.”

How to get Around?

Public transport is limited to the main tourist destinations. The JETT Bus Company is the most used (link here for schedule), with comfortable, affordable, daily buses between places like Amman-Petra, Aqaba-Wadi Rum…

The roundtrip JETT Bus Journey from Amman to Petra for example will cost around 20JD ($28US) and take 3 hours each way.

Private Taxis are also a great option if you are in a group, or if you don’t want to rely on public transport. These are especially useful for more custom tours, like a day trip from Amman to the Dead Sea.

Alternatively, Car Rental is also an option. This is great for couples or groups to have maximum flexibility with routes, luggage, and timing. Expect to pay around 25-30JD ($35-40US) per day for a new model with insurance. Visit Tourist Jordan for car rental information (click here).

It is strongly advised to avoid driving at night, even most locals avoid longer journeys at night.

Safety Concerns

The Global Peace Index 2022 ranks Jordan as the 57th most peaceful country (the US is 129th). 

Protests are common, particularly in Amman. Avoid large public gatherings.

Security is unstable in Syria and Iraq, avoid those border areas.

Be aware of Petty crime, such as Robbery, bag snatching, scammers, and pickpocketing.

Also, exercise caution in Jordan overall due to the threat of terrorist attacks.

Where to Stay?

  • Hostels: In the Touristy areas (Amman, Aqaba, Petra) there are many great options for affordable hostels, either with shared or private rooms. Hostelworld is a great resource to find and book beds. This is the best value option and ideal for solo-travellers.
  • There are multiple Airbnb offerings, especially in Amman or Wadi Rum, and this option may be the best value for families or groups.
  • Hotels often have private beach access and are a good option for families, or people mainly looking to relax. To stay at the Dead Sea, this is by far the best option, as in this area, Hotels are almost the only option for tourists.