A Great Visit to Jordan

A Great Visit to Jordan

With just a population of nearly 10 million people, some people might not consider Jordan to be a perfect travel destination. However, people who have visited the country are amazed by the wonders that lie in the country awaiting discovery.

Jordan is an Arab country located in the Middle East bordering Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Syria. The country boasts of its rich cultural preservations, nature reserves, and resorts located by the sea.

How Safe is Jordan?

Most tourists fear traveling to the Middle East because of the constant wars and insecurity present. However, Jordan is considered the safest country among all the countries located in the Middle East. Be rest assured that you will not experience any wars or insecurities whenever you visit Jordan.

Points to consider when traveling To Jordan.

1.Visas

You need a visa to visit Jordan. The country is tourist-friendly and allows people from different nationalities to get the visa on arrival. Jordan issues its visa to over 130 countries. That is how tourist-friendly it is! You could get a visa for approximately $30 (20 Jordanian Dinars).

If you plan to stay in Jordan for more than three days, you should certainly buy the Jordan Pass, which costs approximately $100 (70JOD). Contrary to the visa issued on arrival, the Jordan Pass is only purchased online days before you begin your trip.

2. The Best Time to Visit Jordan

The weather should be the least of your worries when planning to visit Jordan. However, if you plan on having the best time of your life and enjoy the best that Jordan could offer, I would highly suggest that you visit the country around April and October. These are the months that the weather is perfect; warm but not too hot during the day and not too cold at night. The weather could get super-hot in summer and surprisingly cold in winter.

However, I would encourage those who do not mind extreme weather conditions to visit the country any time of the year. The beautiful landscapes and the country’s rich culture are worth experiencing at any time of the year.

3.How to Dress

Like any other Muslim country, Jordan is conservative in its dressing. When visiting Jordan, aim to wear clothes that do not reveal too many parts of the body. Most women in the country cover their hair, arms, and legs. You do not necessarily need to cover your hair, but wearing clothes that cover at least your shoulders and knees would be appropriate.

Another essential piece of clothing you should consider carrying is a scarf. It comes in handy on several occasions. When visiting a desert in hot weather, covering your head with a scarf will protect you from getting sunburns. Women could also cover their heads with a scarf when visiting religious sites.

4.The language to Speak.

The majority of people in Jordan speak English. However, knowing Arabic is an added advantage since you will be able to interact with people from diverse cultures. But do not let your lack of knowledge in the language prevent you from visiting the beautiful country. You could learn a few phrases while interacting with the local citizens.

5.Getting Around Jordan

Having a tour guide or a travel agency would be ideal for first-time tourists. Visits to the main tourist attraction sites can be done either through public transport or private cars. I suggest having a private car because it gives you more freedom to explore different areas in a short time, and you can easily access the areas that are inaccessible by bus.

Now that you are well aware of the major factors to consider when visiting Jordan, let us look at the best areas to visit in Jordan.

1.Petra City.

You should not travel to Jordan and leave without visiting the lost city of Petra, one of the New Wonders of the World. It is considered the best attraction site in the country. Petra is a historical and archeological city situated in the South of Jordan. The spectacular landmarks and ruins within Petra city are mind-blowing and breathtaking. If there is only one place you should visit when you visit Jordan, I would highly recommend the city of Petra.

2.The Dead Sea

Geographically, Jordan holds the lowest point on the surface of the earth; the Dead Sea. The high salt content on the sea’s water makes it impossible to swim or sink. Therefore, you will effortlessly float on the water. Also, consider slathering yourself with the natural mud, which is known for healing physical diseases.

3.The Beautiful Landscapes of Jordan.

It does not matter whether you love going on hikes or you fear climbing mountains. The incredible landscapes of Jordan will change your mind and turn you into an automatic adventurer. Northern Jordan is filled with beautiful green landscapes, while the southern part of the country has impressive deserts. The stunning natural views will leave you wanting to explore the country even more!

4.The City of Jerash.

Are you a huge fan of History? If yes, exploring the city of Jerash would be the perfect adventure for you. A high probability exists that you haven’t heard about the existence of the city. You definitely should include the city in your list if you want to see spectacular ruins. The city was once covered in sand, which explains its outstanding condition and preservation.

5.You Can Cover So Many Places in Jordan in Just One Week

Jordan is a small country that covers roughly 90,000 square kilometers. Navigating through the town and seeing new places is very achievable in just seven days. For example, driving from Amman, a town located in northern Jordan, to Aqaba, which is in the South, will only take you approximately 4 hours!

As a tourist, you can go hiking in Wadi Mujib, go to Madaba to see their magnificent mosque, climb Mount Nebo, and visit the Ajloun castle, all in less than a week. There is so much to explore and experience within the small country.

Other Useful Tips.

Jordan caters to everyone, regardless of their pockets.

It doesn’t matter how much you have or would like to spend on your visit; Jordan accommodates all kinds of tourists, from the high class to middle- and low-income levels. There are several 5-star hotels in the country with beautiful views and ambiance. These hotels, however, come at a high price. An average price of $180 caters for accommodation and food for only a night in most of these hotels.

Jordan also caters to the tourists planning to visit the country but do not want to break the bank. With a planned budget, you can get a hostel or a home house at an incredibly fair price.

Home for Tea Lovers.

Are you a fan of tea? If yes, then you will love your stay in Jordan. Tea is always readily available in Jordan. The extremely friendly and hospitable citizens of Jordan will be ready to offer you tea anywhere you go. The tea is served in small glasses, with mostly sugar and sometimes mint. Be ready to consume as much tea as you can.

Is There a Room for Vegetarians?

There is no doubt that Jordan accepts vegetarianism, and it is embraced in some cultures. However, vegetarians planning to visit the country should know that almost all meals prepared in Jordan have an animal product in one way or another. Vegetarians could be left with limited food options.

However, this should not discourage any vegetarian from visiting the country. You will still manage to eat good foods. However, do not be surprised if you are invited for dinner and the majority of the meals are meat products. It is also disrespectful in the Jordanian culture to act disgusted in a particular food. Act friendly and non-judgmental even if your food values are different from your hosts.

Are You a Smoker?

A majority of Jordan citizens smoke. Smoking is a custom accepted almost anywhere and everywhere in the country. You will see people smoking in taxis, balconies, on their way to the supermarket, and even in the shopping malls.

Ever heard of the hubbly bubbly? The smoking tool that is a favorite for most people globally. It is locally referred to as argelee in Jordan. Almost all cafes and clubs in Jordan have argelee. If you are a fan of smoking, request for your best flavor and smoke all your joys and troubles away!

Be Conscious of the Water You Consume!

Water scarcity is a major problem in the country. You cannot just drink water from anywhere in Jordan. Do not attempt to drink tap water. You can always buy bottled water in the shopping facilities or have them delivered to where you live. Generally, water is a scarce resource in Jordan, and it would only be noble for you as a tourist to use it sparingly.

I hope these tips have proven helpful to you and convinced you to add Jordan to your traveling bucket list. There is so much to seen and experienced in this wonderful country. I would highly recommend it to anyone planning to travel to the Middle East.