Jordan is one of the more popular places to visit in The Middle East, and yet, it still seems like a mystery on what to expect when visiting. After showing up on a whim, here are my top 10 tips on what to expect when visiting Jordan.
1. It’s Expensive
Yeah, that’s right. Jordan is f*cking crazy expensive. I had heard this, but was like, nah, I’ve been to Switzerland and Singapore and Dubai; I know expensive. No. Jordan is EXPENSIVE. The visa alone is approx. 60 USD, the entrance to Petra is 77 USD (which is a literal robbery), and rides to and from touristy spot to touristy spot (ie Wadi Rum to Petra, Amman to Petra, Amman to Wadi Rum) will cost you. You can, of course, take advantage of the daily bus that leaves literally 2x a day, but your best bet is to just hire a driver and eat the bill.
2. It’s Safe… Even For Women Alone
Here we go with the typical stereotype that solo female travel is not safe. But here we go even more with the typical stereotype that travel, at all, to The Middle East isn’t safe… ESPECIALLY for a solo female. Let me be, not the first, but one of the many, to debunk this myth. I hate using the word “safe,” but Jordan rightfully deserves that title. Jordan is super safe for women to travel alone to; I had no issues. I was asked if I was married a minimum of 200x in my 24 hours there, but does that make a place unsafe? Not necessarily. Sometimes I said yes just to avoid conversation, other times I said no to attain to my honesty. Either way, my response was met with curiosity (either “where’s your husband, then?” or “Well, how old are you?”). I never felt threatened and just mustered it up to cultural differences.
3. It’s The Size of Connecticut
Jordan is tiny; the size of Connecticut, in fact, but I guess you knew that from reading the title of this prong. But, just like the beauty that is Connecticut, despite its small size, there’s plenty of landscape to admire. Though I only spent about a day-and-a-half in Jordan, I was able to take in the glory of the Dead Sea, Petra, and parts of the capital, Amman. I could have seized the opportunity to eat dinner with a family but…
4. Be Prepared For Cultural Differences
Jordan might seemingly be a more touristy place in The Middle East, and a less conservative one at that, meaning you don’t have to cover your hair and shoulders (as a woman) and might even be able to get away with wearing shorts or a tank-top, but… you’re still in the Middle East, in a nation where progressive politics have not quite caught up yet. I by no means am an expert in Jordanian politics, but I can say that when I had hired a driver to get from Petra to Amman, I was told he married his wife when he was 31 and she was 14. He said this as if it was no problem, at all, and I was alone. I had the choice to be righteous, and condemn him for marrying a literal child, or to swallow my pride and understand that this was just… what it was. For context, abuse, grooming, child marriage, rape, none of it is to be pathologized: I am a fighter of many rights, but women’s and girl’s rights are at the very top of that list, and it took a lot of umph in me to STFU in that moment. But, it’s not my homeland, this person he married was now 32 (since it had been several years, apparently), and they had children together. It doesn’t matter. Me visiting a place for 24-36 hours is not going to change the course of one man and girl’s life. Some things are not up to you.
5. Plan More Time Than You Think
Jordan is small, but getting around takes a while since most major sights are geographically separated. Though you can see some of Jordan in just a short day, you’d be better off spending 4-6 days there instead. That way, you can properly explore the capital of Amman, spend a night at Petra, enjoy the Dead Sea, and have a camping, or glamping, experience in Wadi Rum, where you’ll sleep under the stars surrounded by otherworldly structures.
6. You Cannot Cross Into Palestine’s Land Border
If you’re a serious adventurer and country counter, you might be tempted to cross over when you see the sign that says “Palestine –>” closely situated by the Dead Sea. Palestine will literally be within eye’s sight, but crossing over via the land border is a big no-no! Because of political and religious conflicts between the two that I do not fully understand, and therefore won’t pose to be an expert, the only way to go into Palestine is from a direct bus from Amman airport.
7. It’s Not Scorching Hot Like You Might Think
When one looks at The Middle East, they might assume it’s hot with desert-like conditions all year round. This is not the case in Jordan. Though I cannot speak for the entire year, when I visited in March 2022, Jordan was freezing. It was so cold that I actually needed to borrow someone’s jacket! It was so cold that it snowed a little! So, definitely check the weather before you head out and go more prepared than I did.
8. Alcohol Is Available Within Limits
Traveling through the Middle East always leaves us with the question: is alcohol totally forbidden here? In Jordan, unlike some of its neighbors, it’s not completely forbidden, but it’s not readily available everywhere. Most restaurants and hotels will offer booze, but it’s not advisable to get totally sloshed while visiting Jordan, and definitely do not drive under any type of influence.
9. The Food Is Incredible
Jordanian cuisine is out of this world fresh and tasty. Expect to eat tons of homemade paper-thin bread, dips, and charcoal grilled and roasted meat such as lamb, often served over a bed of aromatic rice. The portions are large and can easily be shared with friends and family. When in Jordan, you must try bedouin tea, as well as mint tea and fresh pomegranates.
10. You’re Likely To Meet Jordanian Bedouin
The Bedouin are a nomadic tribe who reside in the Jordanian desert. There are about 4 million of them worldwide, with 1.3 million living in Jordan. If you’re visiting either Petra or Wadi Rum, you will encounter several bedouin and will likely be stunned by their incredibly accommodating hospitality. If you want to get to the top of Petra with the best views of The Treasury, tip a bedouin a few Jordanian dinar so they can help you hike upward, and enjoy a cup of tea at the top with them.
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