Across Jordan

Travel Tips


Welcome to your comprehensive guide to traveling in Jordan! We are dedicated to helping you make the most of your journey through this beautiful and culturally rich country. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, indulging in local cuisine, or hiking through stunning landscapes, our goal is to provide you with the essential tips and insights you need for a memorable experience.

If you have any questions or require further assistance, please feel free to contact us anytime. We’re here to help ensure your trip is smooth and enjoyable!

Pre-Travel Preparations

  • Travel Insurance: Always ensure travel insurance covers medical emergencies, theft, and cancellations.

  • Visa Requirements: Check visa requirements before your trip and apply online if necessary

  • Packing Essentials:

    • Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm weather; warmer layers for cooler nights, especially in desert areas.
    • Comfortable hiking gear, including footwear, daypack, and trekking poles.
    • Health kit with insect repellent, first aid supplies, and personal medications.
  • Currency and Payments: Keep cash handy for small purchases; use banks or exchange offices for better rates.

  • SIM Card & Connectivity: Purchase a local SIM card for data and calls; download offline maps and translation apps.

  • Emergency Plan: Have a list of local contacts and nearest embassy information.

Health & Safety

  • Health Precautions: Drink bottled or filtered water; be cautious with street food.

  • Safety Tips: Stay aware of surroundings, check travel advisories, and have an emergency plan.

  • Food Hygiene: Choose busy restaurants or freshly cooked food to minimize the risk of illness.

  • Traveler's Diarrhea Kit: Traveler's Diarrhea Kit

Cultural Insights

  • Local Etiquette:

    • Greetings: Handshakes are common; wait for women to extend their hand.
    • Gift Giving: Small gifts are appreciated when invited to a local home.
    • Dining Etiquette: Sample a bit of everything when offered food.
  • Basic Arabic: Learn common phrases for better communication.

  • Photography Etiquette: Photography Etiquette

  • Religious Celebrations: Be mindful of customs during Ramadan, such as fasting hours.

  • Dress Modestly: In conservative areas, dress modestly to respect local customs.

Cultural & Historical Experiences

  • Engaging with Locals: Stay in Bedouin camps, visit local homes, or consider homestays.

  • Cultural Festivals & Events: Check calendars for local festivals, art exhibitions, or performances.

  • Museums & Historic Churches: Visit local museums and churches in places like Madaba to learn about Jordan's rich history.

  • Traditional Crafts: Take part in workshops for pottery, weaving, or handicraft-making.

  • Local Cuisine: Try street food like falafel, shawarma and manakish. Be respectful when dining at homes.

Unique Experiences

  • Nighttime Activities: Enjoy experiences like Petra by Night or stargazing in Wadi Rum.

  • Eco-Lodges & Cave Hotels: Stay in unique accommodations like cave hotels in Petra or sustainable eco-lodges.

  • Local Cuisine & Restaurants: Eat at local eateries for an authentic Jordanian culinary experience.

  • Spa Treatments at the Dead Sea: Enjoy treatments using mineral-rich mud and salt.

  • Special Experiences in Aqaba: Go diving, snorkeling, or enjoy beach resorts.

Nature & Adventure

  • Nature Reserves & Hiking Trails: Explore Wadi Mujib, Dana Biosphere, and Wadi Rum for outdoor activities.

  • Bird Watching & Conservation: Visit wetlands for bird watching and support eco-friendly tours.

  • Outdoor Adventure: Try rock climbing, canyoning, or desert camping.

  • Exploring the Dead Sea: Exploring the Dead Sea

Shopping & Souvenirs

  • Local Markets: Visit traditional markets (souks) for unique handicrafts and traditional souvenirs.

  • Bargaining: Don’t hesitate to haggle; it’s part of the shopping culture.

  • Support Local Artisans: Buy directly from artisans or visit workshops to see crafts being made.

Travel Logistics & Timing

  • Timing Your Visit: Visit popular sites early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.

  • Transport & Navigation: Use apps like Careem or Uber for city navigation, and research border crossing requirements if traveling between countries.

  • Wi-Fi & Connectivity: Many cafes and public areas in cities like Amman offer free Wi-Fi.

Family Travel & Child-Friendly Activities

  • Activities for Kids: Look for family-friendly experiences such as swimming in the Dead Sea or visiting local parks.

Respecting the Environment

  • Leave No Trace: Follow eco-friendly practices when exploring natural reserves.

  • Wildlife & Nature Conservation: Respect wildlife by observing from a distance and avoid feeding animals.

Exploring Jordan's Highlights

  • Amman:

    • Visit historic sites like the Citadel and Roman Theater.
    • Explore vibrant neighborhoods like Jabal Amman and Jabal Al-Lweibdeh.
    • Stroll through Rainbow Street for cafes, art, and street vendors.
    • Visit local art galleries and museums for contemporary culture.
    • Try the local food scene, especially in old markets like Al-Balad.
  • Petra:

    • Spend at least two days exploring Petra’s extensive archaeological sites.
    • Consider hiring a local guide to enhance your experience.
    • Visit Petra by Night for a magical illuminated view of the Treasury.
    • Hike the Al-Khubtha Trail for a panoramic view of the Treasury.
    • Explore the Monastery (Al-Deir), one of Petra’s largest monuments.
  • Wadi Rum:

    • Experience a jeep tour to explore Wadi Rum’s desert landscapes and iconic rock formations.
    • Spend a night in a Bedouin camp under the stars and enjoy traditional meals.
    • Try adventure activities such as rock climbing, sandboarding, and camel trekking.
    • Visit Lawrence's Spring, a natural water source linked to T.E. Lawrence.
    • Take a hot air balloon ride for a breathtaking view of the desert at sunrise.
  • Aqaba:

    • Go diving or snorkeling to explore the coral reefs in the Red Sea.
    • Take a boat trip or enjoy water sports such as jet skiing or parasailing.
    • Stroll through the Aqaba Fort and local markets for cultural experiences.
    • Relax at one of Aqaba's beach resorts with access to private beaches and pools.
    • Enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants, known for their Red Sea specialties.
  • Other Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations:

    • Visit the Ma’in Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in natural hot pools.
    • Explore Al-Salt, a historical town known for its Ottoman architecture.
    • Take a trip to Ajloun Castle and the surrounding forest reserve for hiking.
    • Visit Umm Qais for ruins with views of the Sea of Galilee.
    • Explore the ruins of Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities.
    • Discover the desert castles, including Qasr Amra and Qasr Al-Kharana.

Staying Informed & Connected

  • Local News & Apps: Stay updated on local events and news. Use travel apps for navigation and recommendations on attractions.

  • Public Wi-Fi Safety: Use a VPN for secure transactions and avoid oversharing your location on social media.

Relax & Enjoy

  • Stay Open-Minded: Engage with locals to make your trip more memorable.

  • Travel Journal: Document your experiences and reflections in a journal.

  • Flexible Plans: Be prepared to adjust your itinerary based on local recommendations and conditions.

Final Travel Tips

  • Volunteer Opportunities: Consider giving back by participating in short-term volunteer activities.

  • Celebrations & Special Occasions: Respect local customs if celebrating personal events like birthdays or anniversaries abroad.