Located in the Middle East, Jordan is close to several conflicts. With Syria to the North, Iraq to the East, Israel to the East and Saudi Arabia to the south, the region is active. However, Jordan is often a peaceful escape in the middle of noisy neighbors. Jordanians often accept refugees from other regions. Hospitality is a very important part of their culture and part of their national identity. To have a great trip, research and planning are key. Here are what to know for your trip to Jordan.
Is Jordan Safe?
According to the U.S. State Department, “While Jordan itself is relatively stable, due to high tensions in the region, the security environment remains complex and can change quickly.” Follow the U.S. State Department for up-to-date information.
Its official US State Department Travel Advisory Level is 2: Exercise Increased Caution. This is the same level as some EU countries like France and Germany.
It is advised to stay away from the Syrian border. This includes within 3.5 km of the Jordan-Syria border and east of the town of Ruwayshid in the direction of the Iraq border due to terrorism and armed conflict, according to the U.S. State Department.
You can also register for its STEP, Safe Traveler Enrollment Program, which sends out text alerts if the conditions change on the ground. Traveler insurance is always a good idea at any time, especially for international trips.
How Long Should I Stay?
My trip is probably like your trip. I explored Jordan for 8 days with a full travel day on both ends, which was 10 days total. Even with that amount of time, I didn’t see everything, and the pace was brisk.
I visited Jordan in October, though spring is another desirable time to visit. Both are the high seasons for Jordan. With winter’s bitterly cold desert temperatures and summer’s brutal heat, I would avoid those seasons.
I flew into and out of Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport. During my visit, I explored Jordan’s top attractions.
Petra
The Dead Sea
The Wadi Rum
Dana Preserve
The Red Sea
Jerash’s Roman Ruins
The Holy Sites in Jordan
Where to Stay in Jordan
I enjoyed a combination of 4 and 5-star hotels and resorts in Amman, Petra, the Dead Sea and the Red Sea. I mainly stayed at Marriott properties and found them to cater to Western travelers.
In the Wadi Rum, I enjoyed some Arabian Glamping. I also spent a night at a world-renowned ecolodge, Feynan Ecolodge, in the Dana Reserve.
What to Eat in Jordan
I am a super fan of Greek food and I found similar dishes in Jordan. I enjoy meat, though vegetarians have lots of options. Some of my favorites:
- Hummus
- Tabbouleh
- Falafel
- Moutabel—similar to Baba Ghanoush
- Manalush—or Arabic Pizza seasoned with Zatar, a thyme and sesame spice blend
- Shawarma
- Shish Kebabs—especially in lamb
- Zarb—Bedouin underground BBQ
- Baklava—Jordanians include pistachios
Drinking in Jordan
Only water that’s labeled drinking water is safe to drink in Jordan. I drank bottled water during my visit.
All of my 4 and 5-star hotel rooms included at least two bottles for drinking and making tea or coffee in the room. The other lodging offered drinking water in carafes or drinking water dispensers.
I always pack my water bottle to refill when I see a fountain. However, in Jordan, I didn’t find a lot of drinking water fountains, so fill up at the hotel.
Muslims typically don’t drink, so I enjoyed cocktails at hotels that cater to Western guests. Even then, the hotel bars had a limited selection.
Books About Jordan
Since it was my first trip to the Middle East, I started reading. I’m a reader so I bought some books to prepare for my trip to Jordan. Articles provided useful tidbits, though I needed more detailed information.
I’ve used Lonely Planet guides since my first trip to Europe years ago. I appreciate the honest and useful advice.
I read Lonely Planet Jordan cover-to-cover. Packed with tons of useful information, get the book and read it. All of it.
National Geographic Atlas of the Middle East
I will admit it’s been a while since I studied geography so I needed to study up on the Middle East. Sure, I knew the major countries, but I didn’t know much else.
Along with the maps of individual countries, I learned about water and oil issues. Jordan is water-poor, actually one of the poorest in the world. Water conservation is important so I kept my showers short.
Walking the Bible by Bruce Feiler
An authoritative book that looks at geographic and biblical clues to provide insight into today’s Holy Land. A must for people wanting to visit Jordan’s holy sites.
Since the book covers the entire Middle East, read the introduction and the chapter detailing the sites of Jordan if you’re short on time.
Leap of Faith by Queen Noor
Written by the former Queen of Jordan, an American who married King Hussein. It’s as much a book about recent Middle Eastern history as a book about women’s issues.
Movies to Watch Before Visiting Jordan
An easy and painless way to research for a trip. I watch movies as a bonus, movies add drama and excitement ahead of your trip.
This is the best one since it won the 1963 Academy Award Winner for Best Picture. If you visit the Wadi Rum, tours discuss the Arab Revolt.
It tells the true story of TE Lawrence, a British soldier dispatched to Arabia to find Prince Faisal. Then, leads a group of warring tribes to run the Turks out of Arabia during the Arab Revolt.
Filmed in Jordan, the shots of the Wadi Rum desert are stunning. Then, I downloaded the soundtrack and listened to it during my flight to Jordan.
Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade
Another movie to watch before heading to Jordan, especially Petra. Released in 1989, this movie piqued my interest in Jordan as a teen.
I got goosebumps when I walked along Petra’s Siq, and a sliver of the Treasury came into view for the first time. It was just like the movie, and I felt a little like Indiana Jones.
What Should I Wear in Jordan?
I did a little research since it was my first trip to the Middle East. I didn’t want to offend anyone, yet I wanted to stay comfortable.
My itinerary included lots of outdoor exploring, so I packed for that. Channeling a safari look, I relied on cotton khakis and long-sleeved cotton shirts with a couple of long skirts for dinner. I would be swimming. Also, I was limited to 50 pounds of checked luggage plus a carry-on.
3 Pairs of Cotton Hiking Pants/Cargo Pants
I wore each pair twice, using the dirtiest pants at Petra and the Wadi Rum. I wore dirty pants on the animals; then, they were retired for the trip.
6 Long-Sleeved Cotton Button-up Shirts
Since I was working, I needed a polished look. When I packed, I rolled up my shirts and had no wrinkles. I packed several white cotton shirts that pulled double duty, wearing them once paired with maxi skirts for nice dinners. Then I wore it again for a full day.
2 Maxi or Boho Skirts
I found a couple of inexpensive skirts that I wore several times for dinner paired with sandals and a woven leather belt. It’s an easy international look.
1 Fleece Pullover
I usually pack one for layering. I used it several times.
1 Down Vest
I wore it in the desert in the evening. I packed it in a compression bag, which didn’t take up much room.
Scarves
I packed several to coordinate with my outfits. I used them for dust and sun protection.
It also can be used on your head for walking into mosques.
2 Pairs of Sunglasses
I will break or lose at least one pair on every trip. I leave the expensive ones at home.
1 Foldable Sun Hat
I wore my sunhat constantly. I use a hat clip to attach it to my daypack
1 Packable Day Pack
I use my packable day pack for every trip. I fold it up in my carry-on and then bring it out when I arrive. It acts like a purse, and I carry a water bottle in it.
Shoes for Jordan
What to wear in Jordan on your feet? This is what I packed.
Hiking Boots
I wore my hiking boots in Petra since it was rugged hiking for the day. I also wore my hiking boots when I was riding an animal.
Hiking Sandals
I wore my hiking sandals the other days I was exploring. I even wore them into the Dead Sea at the end of our trip.
Then, I had to put them into a gallon-sized plastic bag for the trip home. They didn’t dry out in time.
Casual Sandals
I wear sandals comfortable enough to walk in that dress-up outfit, too. Sometimes, I pack espadrilles, other times I pack flats.
Flip-flops
I always pack my flip-flops for the pool. They also work for the spa since I don’t like to use the communal shoes.
ProTip:
Before my trip, I struggled to keep my luggage under the 50-pound limit. I suggest you weigh your toiletry bag and take only the necessities. Eventually I had to edit odd-and-ends out of mine; it made a noticeable difference.
I always use packing cubes to keep myself and my luggage organized. During my trip, I moved hotels every day of a trip.
Top Things to Do at the Dead Sea
Swimsuits for Women
I’ll be honest here: I hadn’t even heard of a burkini before this trip (the swimsuit that covers everything from head to toe). What to wear in Jordan while swimming was a concern before I left.
My itinerary included excursions to the Dead Sea and the Red Sea, so I needed a swimsuit. Since my itinerary was tight, I packed two. I’m glad I did. My first suit didn’t dry out.
Since a float in the Dead Sea is tops for most travelers, I hesitated with my tankini. I found the Dead Sea area one of the most cosmopolitan parts of Jordan. In fact, all I saw were Western bathing suits, including bikinis, at the pool and the beachfront.
During my visit, I stayed at the Marriot Dead Sea Resort and Spa and visited the hotel’s beach. I read that the Dead Sea mud might discolor swimsuits. It didn’t when I washed my suit with detergent at home as usual. However, I would wear an older suit, just in case.
For the Red Sea, I stayed at Kempinski’s Aqaba Hotel and did see several burkinis but saw cheeky bikinis, too. I wore another tankini at the pool and a t-shirt dress cover-up through the lobby. I didn’t feel uncomfortable.
Note for Male Travelers
All adults in Jordan covered their arms and legs, not just the women. So men wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. It’s considered impolite for men to show their furry legs to women. It was quite common to see people with their shirt sleeves rolled up on hotter days.
While snorkeling in Aqaba, our male boat captain and crew wore western board shorts and tank tops. For men, a swimming shirt would be ideal as it protects the wearer from the sun. Overall, the people were less reserved in the resort destinations of Jordan.
Other Important Stuff I Packed
I packed an empty Nalgene bottle since I was visiting Bethany-upon-Jordan, the baptism spot of Jesus by John the Baptist. I found a font of clean water, and I brought home 16 ounces of River Jordan water for a family who requested holy water.
Note: For security purposes, I labeled my water container before I left and packed it into my checked bag.
Jordan Packing Notes
After looking over the itinerary, washing out clothes seemed impossible. Guest laundry services are not the norm in the Middle East, so I packed a bit heavy.
Since I was wearing long sleeves and long pants, I didn’t use much sunscreen. I just sprayed down my ears and neck. Of course, I applied lots for the boat cruise and beach days. I packed two 3-ounce containers.
Top 22 Things to Do in Petra
Make an Appointment at Travel Clinic
I reviewed the CDC.gov website for Jordan travel information, including required immunizations. My family practitioner advised me to make an appointment at a travel clinic.
At the travel clinic, my nurse practitioner advised a Typhoid vaccine, along with hepatitis A and a booster vaccine for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis since it had been five years since my last.
Along with vaccines, she discussed traveler’s diarrhea (TD). She advised I start taking probiotics before and during my trip. I also drank a dose of Emergen-C daily, especially after long international flights. I packed some over-the-counter medications for TD symptoms since it’s the most common illness during travel.
Fear of TD–Traveler’s Diarrhea
I have a fear of TD, who has time for that. I didn’t want to find a Jordanian pharmacy, so I packed all the supplies I might need. Here’s what the CDC recommends.
- Antiacid—like Tums
- Pepto-Bismol tablets
- Imodium tablets
- Oral Rehydration Salts—available at REI
- Prescription Antibiotics—Prescribed by a doctor or nurse practitioner based on your itinerary.
First Aid Supplies
Accidents happen, so pack a basic first aid kit to be prepared, even for minor scrapes and blisters.
Pain reliever
Motion Sickness pills, like non-drowsy Dramamine
Cough Drops
Cold Medication—I prefer a separate Day and Night version.
Anti-Histamine Pills—like Benadryl
Triple Antibiotic Cream—like Neosporin
Anti-Itch Cream
Assorted Bandages
Anti-septic wipes
Sunscreen
Inspect Repellent
Restroom Supplies
When traveling in developing countries, pack some restroom supplies. You will need them outside restaurants and hotels.
Toilet paper, off the roll in a plastic bag
Hand sanitizer: I used two small bottles during my trip.
Wipes: I used two small packs for hand washing and refreshing.
Bleach wipes
Note: I left all medications in the original container to avoid issues with security or customs.
Jordanian Money
The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JD). So, I learned a lesson here: it’s considered exotic money. It requires submitting an order ordering a week in advance and shipping the currency to your home or office.
Tourists will need 40 JD for the required 30-day tourist visa. I found ATMs inside the Amman International Airport. There is also ATMs at most larger hotels.
During my trip, I used my credit cards and cash equally. Smaller sums are nice for tips.
Language
Jordan uses Arabic. The signs will most likely be in Arabic, especially the road signs. During my trip, I had a guide and a driver.
I found most Jordanians working with travelers speak English. Most tourist destinations had signs in English as well. It is helpful to know a few phrases of Arabic for your trip. A language app is another option before your trip.
naäam = Yes
laa = No
min faDlik = Please.
shukran = Thank you.
äafwan =You’re welcome.
aläafw = Excuse me.
Top Things to Do in the Wadi Rum
How to Get to Jordan
I flew Royal Jordanian Airlines from New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Royal Jordanian flies out of Detroit as well.
Royal Jordanian uses Boeing 787 Dreamliners for the 11-hour flight and offers two-class service, economy and first-class. Dreamliners are the way to go for international travel, so it pays to research which routes and carriers use them.
As a former flight attendant, I might sit in coach, though I want to feel like first class. To do that, I pack an in-flight amenity kit.
A Flight Attendant’s Make-at-Home First Class Amenity Kit
I usually wear a large scarf that I use as a thin blanket. Sleeping on airplanes is hard for me, so I pack several blow-up pillows with fleece covers. One for my neck and one between my hips and the seat.
Since I travel for work I usually meet a PR representative or tour guide when I disembark. I wear dressy jeans and a casual but comfortable long-sleeve T-shirt year-round. I hit the restroom as soon as I cleared customs to freshen up.
Compression socks—Put them on before your first flight of the day
Wipes
Bottle of water
Hand sanitizer
Hand lotion
Lip balm/gloss
Pain Reliever
Sleep Aid
Tea Bags
Ear plugs
Eye patch
Deodorant
Travel toothbrush and paste
Mouthwash
Hair brush or comb
Hair tie
Mascara
Concealer
Blush
All over face powder
Atomizer with water
DIY a Jordan Trip?
I was part of an organized press trip with an English-speaking guide. I would recommend taking a tour and not renting a car and driving yourself around Jordan.
The traffic seemed chaotic at times, and I never saw any lanes separating the cars. Rugged landscapes to traverse and road signs in a foreign language seemed another reason to leave this trip to the professional tour operators. I have driven in England and Ireland before to add perspective.
My trip was sponsored by the North American Jordan Tourism Board to promote tourism in Jordan. My opinions are my own. This post includes affiliate links.
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