Jordan is a fantastic travel destination for those who want to get away for a while but can’t or don’t want to be away for three weeks. Upon arrival, you’ll find yourself in a completely different world. The landscapes, culture, and delicious food will all pleasantly surprise you. All of this makes Jordan a perfect destination for a short but adventurous trip. Before hopping on the plane, we have a few handy tips and facts for you. These 10 things will help you make the most of your trip and hopefully avoid any unpleasant surprises. Here are all the things you need to know before embarking on a journey through Jordan.
#1 Traveling in Jordan is safe
When you think of Jordan, you might wonder if it’s a safe travel destination. This concern is mainly due to the instability in neighboring countries, but fortunately, we can tell you that Jordan is very safe. The safety situation in Jordan is completely different from that of several neighboring countries. There are no wars here, and they take extensive measures to keep violence and terrorism outside their borders. The country has been stable for years, and you’ll hardly notice any refugees or beggars.
#2 Save money with the Jordan Pass
If you’re planning to visit Petra when in Jordan, purchasing the Jordan Pass is a must-do. With the Jordan Pass, you’ll have access to 40 attractions, and you won’t have to pay for your visa. The combined costs of the visa and the entrance fee to Petra are already higher than the price of the Jordan Pass, so you’ll save a lot of money by getting it. Other popular places you can enter for free with the Jordan Pass include Jerash and Wadi Rum. Want to know more? Read here for all the information about the Jordan Pass.
#3 Avoid the Ramadan period
During Ramadan, attractions close earlier, roads become busier, and almost all restaurants are closed. It can also be challenging to find a guide for certain hikes. In short, it’s not an ideal time to travel to Jordan, so it’s wise to take this into account when planning your trip.
#4 Dress appropriately
In Jordan, 95% of the population is Muslim. You’ll hardly see women without headscarves, so as a tourist, it’s essential to adapt to the local customs. No, you don’t have to wear a headscarf in Jordan, but as a woman, it’s appropriate to cover your legs and shoulders.
#5 It’s not always hot in Jordan
When you think of Jordan, you might envision vast desert landscapes, camels, and high temperatures. However, it’s not warm throughout the year. The best time to visit Jordan is in the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November). The summer months can also be good but can be extremely hot. The winter months from December to March are less ideal because of the higher chance of rain and cold temperatures. Additionally, temperatures vary significantly between destinations. The mountains can be very cold in the evenings, while Aqaba on the coast can be scorching hot. If you’re traveling in the spring or fall, pack clothing for both cold and warm days. Spring is our favorite time because the entire country is in bloom, and the temperatures are still pleasant.
#6 Some attractions close in winter
Between November and April, some attractions close due to rainfall. Examples of these are Wadi Mujib and the Wadi Ghuweir Trail. This is because heavy rain in the area can result in unexpected flash floods. Normally, these attractions reopen on April 1st, but their accessibility depends on the weather. Even in mid-April, you might encounter closures due to previous rainfall in the region.
#7 Bring good shoes
If you’re traveling through Jordan, you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking. There are beautiful hikes to be enjoyed in mountainous areas, wadis, deserts, and, of course, around Petra. Good shoes will come in handy.
#8 Allocate two days for Petra
Petra is massive! The photos often only showcase the same locations, but there is so much more to explore. To visit the most beautiful spots and truly enjoy them, it’s recommended to allocate at least two days for Petra. In theory, you could complete the entire circuit in one day, but you might not fully appreciate it as you’ll be walking for about 10 hours. Therefore, choose a two-day visit and start early in the morning so that you can return to your hotel in the afternoon, before temperatures rise too much, to rest. You’ll be walking for about 5 to 6 hours each day, giving you more time and energy to enjoy the experience. Want to make the most of your visit? Read our tips for visiting Petra.
#9 Renting a car is ideal in Jordan
Public transportation in Jordan is limited, so renting a car is the easiest and most convenient way to travel around. Almost everyone you see in Jordan has their own rental car. The roads are well-maintained, and outside the capital city of Amman, the traffic is usually light. Driving in Jordan is slightly different from driving at home, but you don’t need to be a highly experienced driver. However, it’s advisable to read our tips for renting and driving a car in Jordan beforehand.
#10 You only need about 11 days for Jordan
Jordan is not as large as you might think, which is great because you won’t have to spend too much time traveling. With around 11 days, you can visit the most beautiful places in Jordan. We’ve been to Jordan twice and based on our experiences, we’ve created the ultimate Jordan itinerary. This itinerary takes you to the most beautiful and unique places that Jordan has to offer!
