Jordan is a perfect travel destination for almost everyone: you can find here hot springs, desert landscapes, sea coasts and an indescribable oriental atmoshpere.
Check this travel guide on the most important things to know before planning your vacation in Jordan; useful tips for first timers will help to prepare your perfect visit to this country.
General Information
- Location: between Israel, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.
- Population: 10.5 million people.
- Language: Arabic.
- Currency of Jordan: Jordanian dinar (1 dinar ≈ 1,41 USD).
- Best time to visit: autumn and spring (temperatures are too high in summer and it often rains in winter).
- Do you need a visa: issued upon arrival.
- On the map : link .
Where to Go in Jordan
The kingdom is located in the middle of the desert. 70 percent of Jordan’s territory is occupied by sandy and rocky landscapes. There is almost no precipitation, and in summer the heat reigns over forty degrees. Only the most desperate tourists go to the center of the country: join jeep safaris and extreme desert tours.
But if you drive to the west of the kingdom, you can see a completely different picture. From this side, Jordan is washed by two seas: beaches of Dead and Red seas make this part of the country very popular vacation destination in Jordan.
Locals grow fruits and crops, the entire coast is shrouded in oak forests and groves. The climate in these regions is mild, the air temperature ranges from 20 to 35 degrees.
If you like hiking, go ahead to the eastern part of the country. The massifs stretched for hundreds of kilometers. The highest peaks reach 1000 meters above sea level.
Do’s and Dont’s in Jordan
Tourists need to remember that Jordan is a Muslim country. It is dominated by patriarchal foundations, and women are limited in their rights. If you leave the tourist area, you must adhere to certain etiqueete and cultural norms:
- Do not wear revealing clothing. Women need to cover their shoulders, knees and décolleté.
- Public displays of love are not welcome here. Even if you are traveling as a family, you should not kiss your husband or wife in public places outside the tourist area.
- Women and young girls are not advised to walk alone in city blocks. Especially in the evening.
- Drinking alcohol on the street is strictly prohibited.
Jordan is Tourist-Friendly and Safe Country
Locals are very friendly towards tourists; they will always tell you the way, advise a good restaurant, give you a few life hacks on how to shop at local bazaars and what to bring back home as a souvenir from Jordan.
Until recently, hostilities and revolutions took place on the territory of the country, but now the situation has returned to normal. You can feel absolutely safe, while traveling to Jordan.
Must-Visit Jordan Tourist Attractions
Red Sea
One of the most popular tourist locations in Jordan is the Red Sea coast. It has everything for a top-level vacation: five-star hotels, soft clean sand, restaurants with international cuisine, horse and camel rides, paragliding and parachuting, romantic balloon rides, off-road trips across the sands. There are many diving and snorkeling spots to check.
Amman
There are many historical places and ancient sights of Jordan located throughout the country, that worth visiting. For example, in the capital of the country, Amman, tourists can visit Roman theater, Raghadan Palace, Amman citadel and many other museums.
Aqaba
Aqaba city is famous for its Mamluk fort, centuries-old Christian temple and Saladin’s citadel.
Petra
The city of Petra is considered a huge open-air museum. It is under the protection of UNESCO and is included in the list of the New Seven Wonders of the World. All history lovers should go here to see the ancient tomb of local rulers, the El Deir Monastery, Siq Canyon, the Al-Khazneh Temple and much more.
Jerash
In the north of the country in Jerash, ancient Roman ruins have been preserved, thanks to which the city received the name “Eastern Pompeii”.
Wadi Rum
The moon valley of Wadi Rum is a unique place that worth visiting during your vacation in Jordan. Here you will see the Khazali canyon, the Seven Pillars of Wisdom mountain and Burdah Rock bridge.
Ancient castles
There are many ancient castles in Jordan. The most famous of them are Ajloun Castle, Kerak castle, Aqaba castle.
Swim in Jordan River
Many tourists go to the sacred Jordan River to swim in its waters, consecrate talismans and just visit this place of power.
Visit Dead Sea
Those who want improve their health while on vacation in Jordan go to the Dead sea. There are many spa hotels on the coast.
Skin diseases, problems with the cardiovascular system and nerves, diseases of the musculoskeletal system are treated at the Dead Sea.
Getting Around
Large Jordanian cities have public transport like in many other cities all over the globe: there are trams, buses and trains. But tourists are more likely to take taxis because of the inexpensive fares. One kilometer will cost you 70-80 cents.
Internet
Telephone communications and Internet in Jordan operate according to European standards. Each hotel has Wi-Fi, and there are telephone booths around the city from which you can call anywhere in the world. Sockets in Jordan are standard, adapters are not required.
Don’t forget to leave a tip where you liked the service. This practice is widespread in Jordan.
Conclusion
Jordan is a great alternative to Egypt and Turkey. In this kingdom, megacities are intertwined with thousand-year-old ruins, ancient traditions – with modern service, seaside holidays – with desert landscapes. Everyone who loves a comfortable stay and is looking for new experiences should visit this place at least once.
