Enchanting Jordan: Complete travel guide with curiosities, tips, things to do and NOT to do

Curiosities, tips, things to do and NOT to do during your trip to Jordan.

Cradle of the first human civilizations, Jordan is one of the most complete travel destinations not only of the Middle East, but also of the world. There are plenty of things to do in Jordan. Whether through a trail in the Wadi Rum desert, a history lesson in Petra, the connection with spirituality in the shallow waters of the Jordan River, the aromas and flavors of the streets of Amman, a mud bath in the Dead Sea, or admiring the beautiful corals in the depths of the Red Sea, one thing is certain:

The diversity of landscapes and experiences found in Jordan embrace and surprise all types of travelers.

In this guide, we will bring curiosities and important information to help you prepare for your trip. We will share tips not only on things to do in Jordan, but also on how to practice sustainable tourism, being environmentally friendly and respectful of the local culture.

If you wish, go directly to the topic of interest:

Where is Jordan

Jordan is part of the Asian continent and is located in the Middle East, close to Israel, Egypt, Jerusalem, and Saudi Arabia, on the east bank of the Jordan River.

See where Jordan is located on the map:

A journey through history

Traveling through Jordan is like traveling back in time. In this open-air museum you will find traces of the world’s first civilizations, when people from the Neolithic period settled in the region, approximately 7,000 BC.

Here you learn about when the Roman Empire conquered the Nabataean Kingdom in 106 AD, about the Crusades between the 11th and 13th centuries, or the Arab-Israeli conflicts that occurred throughout the 20th century – among them the Six-Day War, when in 1967 the territory called the West Bank was occupied by Israel and ceased to belong to Jordan.

Great biblical events were also recorded on Jordanian soil, a territory formerly known as “the plains of Moab” in the Old Testament and “Perea” in the New Testament. One of the most visited spots for those who practice religious tourism in Jordan is the Jordan River, the place where Jesus was baptized. Among the leaders who passed through here are Jesus Christ, Abraham, Job, Moses, Ruth, Elijah, John the Baptist, and Paul.

In Petra, you will be surprised by the entire water channeling system developed more than 2,000 years ago and by discovering that around 80% of the city carved into rocks is still buried, so, the country still has a lot of history to tell.

An interesting fact is that the official name of Jordan since its independence in 1946 is the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The term Hashemite refers to the direct descendants of the prophet Muhammad – the founder of Islam. It is no surprise that King Abdullah I (the first king of the monarchy) was part of its 38th generation, while King Abdullah II (current) is the 43rd generation. Interesting, right?!

Culture and lifestyle

One of the delights of hitting the road is coming across the unknown and Jordan is one of those places that awaken different emotions and sensations in us.

You will notice the cultural difference right after arriving at the airport as you see signs written in Arabic. Through the immigration process, instead of taking a photo of the tourist’s face, they capture the image of the iris of the eyes. After all, as this is a region where the predominant religion of the countries is Islam, it is common for some women to wear the niqab – a veil that covers the entire face leaving only the eyes visible.

How to dress in Jordan

A basic conduct of every conscious traveler is to respect the culture of the destination visited. As in every Muslim country, an extra care is necessary when dressing, especially in small Bedouin villages where the most traditional cultures are preserved.

If you, like me, enjoy adventures, know that hiking clothing is well accepted and even necessary. Clothes with UV sun protection and medium-high boots make all the difference on moderate or strenuous hiking levels. One question I had was whether I could wear shorts on those times, and the answer is yes!

Tourist places like Petra and Wadi Rum tend to be more flexible when it comes to tourists’ clothing, but common sense must always be present, right?! I personally chose to wear comfortable pants with sun protection from Columbia Sportswear in Petra, convertible pants on the hike and rappel in Wadi Hora, and shorts on a walk in the Wadi Rum desert.

It is always good to check this information with your local tour guide, as they will be able to answer more precisely what type of clothes fit or not according to the places you will visit.

Did you like our outfits? Find available Columbia promo codes and much more here.

Warning: Painting your nails and wearing sandals are not a problem, but if you are thinking of wearing clothes with camouflage prints, it is best to leave them at home. Although it is not prohibited by law as it is in Saudi Arabia and Oman, in Jordan the use of these prints may not be considered good manners.

Typical Jordanian food

I have a spoiler for you: what you’ll do most in Jordan is to eat very well! The Jordanian people are extremely welcoming and one of the ways they show their affection is in the kitchen. If they invite you to eat, it’s a sign that you’re truly welcome, so accept it and be prepared for an explosion of flavors.

One of Jordan’s most traditional foods is mansaf – a dish made with lamb meat, rice and jameed (goat’s milk yogurt). According to Jumana, a Jordanian who guided us on a food tour in Amman, King Mesha (of the Kingdom of Moab) created the dish in the year 851 as a way of expressing his bad relationship with the Jews, who according to the Law of Kashrut cannot eat the mix between meat and milk.

Just like in other Middle Eastern countries, here you will also find shawarma, falafel and falafel sandwiches. You should definitely try the manouche (also spelled manakish, manaeesh, manakeesh, man’ousheh in Arabic). It is a simple dough made with water, flour and salt covered with zaatar or other ingredients such as halloumi cheese. I loved the zaatar manouche so much that I took a cooking class so that I could recreate a taste of it again later back home.

In addition to coffee with cardamom, other typical Jordanian drinks are Shaneeneh (salted goat’s milk yogurt) and arak (a spirit made with grape and anise). Something that I found curious is that natural juices sold in the country tend to be 100% fruit, with no added water. Cool, huh?! I ordered Egyptian mango juice in Amman and it was as if I were drinking the fruit itself, it came with all the pulp, almost a full meal. Adding ice to the drink also doesn’t seem to be a common thing.

For dessert, the baklava (made from puff pastry with nuts) and kanafeh (prepared with goat cheese and pieces of pistachio) are the highlights.

At local markets, such as the Sugar Market in Amman, we find typical items from the region such as pomegranates, dates and olives.

Fox’s Tip 🦊: Don’t forget to do the Amman Food Tours that takes you to the best of Jordanian cuisine while you’re in the capital. We did the 3 hour tour which included 10 tastings. Price: US$120* for adults and US$50* for children up to 12 years old. Booking via the website.

You’ll probably notice that Jordanians don’t have much variation between what they eat for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or that bread is always on the tables.

And speaking of bread, did you know that studies show that bread was created in Jordan? During excavation work at an archaeological site more than 14,500 years old in the northeast of the country, scientists found what would be the world’s first bread crumbs. Throughout the territory you will find bread made with water, flour and salt baked in different ways, ranging from ash on the floor to the traditional taboon oven.

If you, like me, love hummus, you will notice that it is also easily found in the country. Did you know that in Jordan they have a habit of adding more tahini to their hummus? In addition to making the hummus creamier, according to old-timers, the more tahini a family puts in their hummus means the more financial status they have. Curious, right?!

Visa

See below how to obtain a tourist visa in Jordan.

Important! Remember that you need to bring a passport with at least 6 months validity.

1. Visa for those traveling independently

Citizens of different countries traveling independently (without an agency/tour operator) can obtain an electronic visa to enter Jordan. You must submit your request through this website and make the payment for the type of visa required, with the right to one or more entries into the country. The minimum fee is $40* Jordanian dinars (approximately US$57*). Check the updated list of countries that qualify for this modality here.

Fox ‘s Tip 🦊: If you stay at least four nights in Jordan and purchase the Jordan Pass (which gives access to 40 tourist attractions in the country), you will be exempt from the cost of the electronic visa. There are three pass options, prices start at $70* Jordanian dinars.

2. Visa for those traveling via local tour agency/operator

If you are traveling through an agency, the best is to check with them what is the step-by-step process for obtaining a visa. Initially, the information is that you can get your visa at the airport for free.

Travel Insurance for Jordan

Having a travel insurance is mandatory for entering Jordan, and it is extremely important to ensure peace of mind and safety during your adventures. It’s worth remembering that Jordan is not a cheap country and it is quite far from our home, imagine what the repatriation costs would be like? 🥵

With good insurance, you will have coverage and assistance in case of medical emergencies, accidents, and other unforeseen events during the trip.

We currently use SafetyWing travel insurance due to its competitive price (in the case of long-term trips) and excellent coverage, including adventure sports. See more information about the policy on the website.

The fox alerts🦊: Regardless of which insurance you choose, remember to read the whole policy to avoid surprises. Each individual may have different needs depending on the sport activities they will practice or even in relation to their health conditions before the trip.

What you need to know before traveling to Jordan

Language: Arabic is the official language of Jordan. In some places like Amman, it is common to find people who speak English.

Voltage: 230V

Outlets: The sockets used in Jordan are type C and G. It is recommended that you take a universal adapter to ensure that all your electronics are charged during the trip.

Currency: The official currency is the Jordanian Dinar. $1 dinar is approximately US$1.41*.

Capital: Amman.

Religion: More than 92% of Jordanians are Muslims. Approximately 8% are Christians.

Day off: Friday is considered the holy day so many people are off, some establishments close and the city center becomes busier.

Population: Over 11 million people, of which 2.3 million are registered Palestinian refugees. It is estimated that approximately 50% of the population are Palestinians and their descendants.

Flag: See below what the Jordanian flag looks like. The colors black, white and green represent Arab caliphates: Abbasid, Umayyad and Fatimid. The red triangle represents the Hashemite dynasty and the Arabian Revolt, while the seven-pointed star represents the seven verses of the first sura in the Quran, and also represents the unity of the Arabian people.

Time zone: GMT +03:00, 8 hours ahead of New York and 3 hours ahead of London.

Access to internet: Internet access in Jordan can be very restricted in some regions, so we recommend downloading maps (such as Google Maps) so that you can have offline access.

Drone: Although it is possible to enter the country with a drone with prior authorization, there are so many rules, costs and procedures required that its use is not recommended for travelers and content creators.

Tips: Tips are appreciated. In general, 5 to 10% the price of the service is expected.

Tourist Police contacts in case of emergency: 117777 or +962 7 7099 1814 (WhatsApp)

Interesting facts

Some interesting facts about Jordan:

• Jordan’s political regime is a constitutional monarchy. In many establishments and homes you will find images of King Abdullah II, Queen Rania Al-Yassin, Prince Hussein bin Al Abdullah and even his wife, Rajwa Al Hussein, who is from Saudi Arabia.
• Taking photos of government buildings is prohibited.
• In the hotel room, you will always find some indication of the direction to Mecca.
• In hotels it is not common to use a top sheet, just the bottom sheet and a blanket or duvet with a cover.
• It is prohibited to drink alcoholic beverages in public spaces.
• Only a few establishments are authorized to sell alcoholic beverages, and they are owned by Christians, since alcohol is prohibited in Muslim culture.
• During Ramadan, alcoholic drinks cost approximately three times more.
• You will see a lot of stray cats.
• There are many immigrants living in the country and a lot of Jordanians are children of couples from different countries. This certainly influences the country’s more “open” culture.
• Throughout Jordan it is common to find fossils that are millions of years old, both of birds and marine life.

How to get to and around Jordan

There are different ways to get there and get around the country, find out which one makes the most sense for you according to your plans:

How to get to Jordan

From New York City (US) there are direct flight operated by Royal Jordanian. The average duration of the flight is between 10:40hs and 11:50hs and the round trip costs around US$1,340*. Flights with one stop in Istambul takes around 14hrs each way and issues more carbon footprint. On the other hand, the roundtrip costs drop to US$850*.

If you are flying from London (UK), you can find direct flights with Royal Jordanian that takes only about 5 hours to arrive in Amman for US$485*/round trip. A low cost company also runs this route for an approximate cost of US$190*/round trip.

Fox’s Tip 🦊: Considering the distance from the Americas, it’s worth combining a trip to Jordan with destinations like Israel (as soon as the conflict with Palestine ends), Egypt, Turkey, or even the Maldives. Take the opportunity to make a stopover and explore the city where you will connect.

How to get around

Choosing the type of transportation will depend on your goals, what you want to do in Jordan and the desired level of comfort. In general, you can:

Get an Uber or a taxi

These alternatives work best for short journeys in cities with greater infrastructure such as Amman and Aqaba.

Rent a car

If you want to create your own itinerary for Jordan and feel free to explore the country’s tourist attractions on your own time, renting a car can be advantageous, especially if you can share the expenses with more passengers.

The downside of this alternative is that traffic rules are not always respected here – which can cause a lot of stress, and in case of accidents high fees can be applied. Another point is that some places require a 4×4 vehicle, and it is only advisable to drive in the dunes if the driver has a lot of experience in this environment.

Limited internet access and cell phone signal can also make travelers more vulnerable in the event of an emergency. As already mentioned, it is recommended to download the offline map in advance.

Book a tour

This is our main recommendation, especially if you are traveling solo. Each tourist spot or attraction has its peculiarities, and by hiring a private driver or a tour with transfer included, you will have more security and less chance of getting into trouble.

Fox’s tip 🦊: We did our tours to Petra, Wadi Rum, Al Karak and Aqaba with B Adventure and we highly recommend it! We have negotiated a 5% discount with them for our followers and readers. To get this benefit, simply mention that this was a recommendation from Elaine from Live More, Travel More.

Private transfer

To move from one place to another combining autonomy, exclusivity, agility and safety, another good option is to hire a private transfer.

Fox’s Tip 🦊: A tip for those who need a private transfer in Jordan is to hire Hasan. He was recommended to us by the people at Feynan Ecolodge, located in the Dana Biosphere Reserve. It was Hasan who took me and picked me up (it cost US$85*/way), offering an excellent quality service. One of his differentials is that he speaks English.

Bus

From my research, the JETT company seems to be the most reliable for intercity transport. I didn’t get to test it and I didn’t even meet anyone traveling this way. If you find out more information on this topic, please leave it in the comments, so we can continue to help each other. 🤗

By walk

It may sound crazy, but there is a route called the Jordan Trail that allows you to walk from the north to the south of the country. The complete trail called “Thru-hike” involves approximately 675km and lasts 35 to 41 days. It is also possible to choose just a specific section of the route, as detailed on the map below. You can find more information on the Jordan Trail Association website.

Sustainable Tourism🍃: This is the most sustainable way to discover the charms of Jordan. In addition to not leaving such a carbon footprint, during the journey you have more direct contact with the communities, being able to have a richer cultural experience and at the same time financially support the natives of each city you pass through.

Climate and best time to visit Jordan

Find out what the weather is like and the best time to visit Jordan is according to what you plan to do during your.

Climate in Jordan

The climate in Jordan is arid and the average annual temperature is 17°C (62.6 °F), which may vary depending on the region you are visiting. During summer, between June and September, it is not recommended to travel around the country due to the high temperatures, which can reach 35°C (95 °F) in Wadi Rum and 37°C (98.6 °F) in Aqaba.

For reference, see the table below with the average monthly temperature in the capital Amman.

Note: Our visit took place in October 2023, with dry weather and pleasant temperatures, varying between 17°C (62.6 °F) and 27°C (80.6 °F).

When is a good time to visit Jordan?

To avoid intense temperatures (winter or summer), plan your trip for autumn or spring. In general, the best time to visit Jordan is in October and November.

If your main goal is to hike the Jordan Trail, the months of February, March, April and November are the best. If your goal is diving in Jordan, although it is possible to dive in the Red Sea (in Aqaba) all year round, the months of September and October have a greater variety of marine life as well as a pleasant temperature.

Traveling to Jordan during Ramadan (which usually takes place between March and April) can bring more challenges for travelers, especially when it comes to eating, as most of the population will be fasting most of the time. At this time of year, many businesses close early, around 2pm.

Main tourist attractions in Jordan

The list of tourist attractions in Jordan is certainly long, but to make things easier, we have listed the main ones:

1. Dead Sea
2. Jordan river
3. Amman Citadel and Roman Theater
4. Wadi Rum Desert
5. Red Sea
6. Mount Nebo
7. Petra
8. Ruins of Jerash
9. Dana Biosphere Reserve
10. King Abdullah I Mosque
11. Aqaba Castle
12. Madaba Archaeological Park and Museum
13. Roman Ruins and Archaeological Museum of Umm Qais

Things to do in Jordan

There is no shortage of tips on the top things to do in Jordan. Below, we highlight some of the main destinations for you to include in your itinerary.

Amman

Passing through the capital of Jordan is a must. Take the opportunity to visit the Citadel, the Roman Theater and the King Abdullah I Mosque. Of course, visit museums and make the most of the gastronomic scene. We recommend taking the Amman Food Tours, which takes you to discover the main typical Jordanian foods, the most traditional restaurants and even a street fair, called Sugar Market.

Where to stay in Amman:

• Budget: Battuta Hostel
• Comfort: Arab Tower Hotel
• Luxury: InterContinental Jordan
• Near the airport: Caprios Motel

Petra

Known as the “Pink City”, Petra is considered by UNESCO a World Heritage Site and one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. This city was carved into rocks more than 2,000 years ago and was part of a sacred route that connected Asia, Europe and Africa and had a commercial center and water supply points. Without a doubt, the ruins of Petra are one of the country’s main attractions and the Petra Back Trail is one of the best things to do in Jordan.

Where to stay in Wadi Musa:

• Budget: Twilight Hotel Petra
• Comfort: Petra Plaza Hotel
• Luxury: The Old Village Hotel & Resort

Madaba

In addition to the Byzantine church of Saint George which houses a mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, one of the highlights of Madaba (or Medeba in the old testament) are the Park and the Archaeological Museum. Take a mosaic class or live one of the experiences offered by Carob House, whether a delicious dinner or practicing regenerative tourism by contributing to the planting of the Carob farm.

When visiting the city remember that you are close to Mount Nebo, the location where the Bible says that Moses saw the promised land.

Where to stay in Madaba:

• Budget: Moab Hotel & Restaurant
• Comfort: Mosaic City Hotel
• Luxury: Mount Nebo Hotel & Restaurant

Umm Qais

Formerly called Gadara, the city of Umm Qais (or Qays) was ruled by the Romans and features biblical events in its history, such as the episode portrayed as “Jesus exorcising the Gadarene”. Among its main tourist attractions are an archaeological museum full of Greco-Roman ruins.

Where to stay in Umm Qais:

• Budget and Comfort: Beit Philodemus
• Luxury: Beit Al Baraka

Jerash

After Petra, this is one of the main destinations for history lovers, after all, Jerash is the best preserved Greco-Roman city in the entire Middle East. Here you will see Jordan’s tourist attractions such as Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Artemis, visit the Archaeological Museum and the fountain where the Bible says that Jesus turned water into wine.

Where to stay in Jerash:

• Budget and Comfort: Black Iris
• Luxury: Dream House Hotel Jerash

Wadi Rum

The setting for many movies due to its similarity to Mars, Wadi Rum has an enchanting landscape from sunrise to the appearance of the moon. You can stay in both Bedouin camps or luxurious domes. We hiked to the top of Burda Mountain, which has a natural arch. You can also take a hot air balloon ride in Wadi Rum, go on a bike trail through Jebel Al Hasch, or climb Jordan’s highest mountain, Jabal Umm ad Dami.

Where to stay in Wadi Rum:

• Budget: Luxury Bubble Camp
• Comfort: Panorama Wadi Rum
• Luxury: Dome at Wadi Rum Aviva Camp

Karak

Karak is locally known as Al-Karak. If you love adventures, it is certainly worth including in your Jordan itinerary. In this region we hiked and rappelled into the Wadi Hora canyon and got to know the beautiful work of the Bine Association, created by a lady called Hana with the aim of promoting knowledge and empowerment for women. We did the entire tour with the company B Adventure.

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A post shared by Elaine Villatoro 🇧🇷 · Turismo Sustentável / Sustainable Travel (@livemoretravelmore)

Where to stay in Karak:

• Budget: The Old House
• Comfort: Horses House
• Luxury: Bubble Castle House

Aqaba

With excellent visibility, vivid corals and underwater museums, the Red Sea offers magical moments for both snorkelers and certified divers. There are also attractions outside the water: you can visit the Aqaba Fort (built in the 16th century) or watch a beautiful sunset by the sea.

Where to stay in Aqaba:

• Budget: Al-Amer Hostel 1
• Comfort: BRATUS Hotel Aqaba
• Luxury: Al Manara

Dead Sea

At the lowest point in the world you can have a fun and healthy experience, with the minerals present in Dead Sea clay, which are beneficial for the skin. Located between Israel, Palestine and Jordan, this is the perfect destination to relax in one of its resorts and float in the salty waters.

Fox’s Tip 🦊: Once the clay dries, remove it in a freshwater shower at the resort. Also, don’t stay more than 15 minutes inside the Dead Sea. Because of the salt, you can become dehydrated very quickly. Watch this video so you don’t make the same mistake I did 😅.

Where to stay in the Dead Sea:

• Budget: Dead Sea 2 Bedroom Apartment
• Comfort: Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa
• Luxury: Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea

Dana Biosphere Reserve

The valleys and mountains of the Dana Biosphere Reserve guarantee trails full of beautiful landscapes and deep cultural immersion. In this region is located a leading sustainable accommodation, the Feynan Ecolodge. In partnership with the NGO Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, this solar-powered hotel, which operates by candlelight after sunset, employs local residents and supports small Bedouin villages through community-based tourism. Among the experiences offered are cooking classes, demonstrations of how Bedouins make coffee and bread traditionally, and even stargazing – which includes observing planets through a telescope.

Where to stay in Dana:

• Budget: Al-Nawatef ECO camp
• Comfort: My Grandfather’s House
• Luxury: Feynan Ecolodge

How many days do you need in Jordan

With a 7-day itinerary through Jordan you can get an overview of the country, but 2 weeks is the perfect duration. Our trip lasted 13 days and I would say that with 2 more days I would have also been able to explore a little of Madaba, Jerash and go to the Jordan River.

Jordan Itinerary

Here are some suggested itineraries to Jordan:

3 to 5 days Jordan Itinerary: There are 3-day tours that are extremely exhausting and that briefly introduce you to Amman, Madaba, Petra and even Wadi Rum. However, we recommend that you travel slower and have at least 1 full day to discover Petra, 1 full day in Amman, and 1 in Wadi Rum. With 4 or 5 days it is possible to include the Dead Sea, Madaba and/or Jerash.

6 to 10 days Jordan Itinerary: We recommend the adventure tourism itinerary offered by the company B Adventure. They take you to rappel in Al-Karak, a trail passing through the main tourist attractions of Petra, climb a mountain in the Wadi Rum desert and float in the waters of the Dead Sea. I made an itinerary very similar to this one, but it had been customized for my group during the AdventureElevate Near East organized by the Adventure Travel Trade Association. With more than 6 days you can add 1 day to dive in Aqaba and 2 days to visit Madaba, Jerash and Mount Nebo. You would also have more time in Amman.

11 to 14 days Jordan Itinerary: In addition to what was recommended in the previous item, it is worth visiting Umm Qais, Jordan River, having 2 days in Petra to live the experience called “Petra by night” and going to the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Note that it is always worth having free time in Amman, there is a lot to do there.

Fox’s Tip 🦊: Regardless of your itinerary, leave a few extra hours to buy your gifts/souvenirs in Amman. It’s MUCH cheaper!

How much is a trip to Jordan in 2024

Determining the total cost of a trip is always a challenge, after all, each traveler has a different lifestyle and there are endless offers for accommodation, food, etc. However, it is still possible to make some estimates. After some research, we have prepared a calculator so you can estimate how much it costs to travel to Jordan in 2024, depending on your travel style. Check it out!

In summary, considering the values we have collected in January 2024, an 8 days and 7 nights trip to Jordan can cost approximately US$1,800 per person* for ultra-economic travelers who tour on their own and stay in shared rooms in hostels. For those who book a complete 1-week group package and seek minimum comfort, US$2,300*. In the case of a luxury trip as a couple consider US$5,000* per person with an economy class ticket.

Flight tickets to Jordan

As you can see, traveling to Jordan is not cheap. After all, only the cheapest roundtrip ticket from New York City to Amman costs about U$850*.

While you plan your itinerary for Jordan, create a flight alert on Skyscanner, you might get a good deal.

Traveling independently?

If you travel on your own and want to know if in your case it’s worth buying the Jordan Pass, see this list with the entrance fees to the main tourist attractions in Jordan.

Accommodation

A night in a comfortable and cozy hotel in Amman costs an average of US$160*, but you can find daily rates of approximately US$40* if you search well.

See below some hotels in Jordan.

Sustainable tourism

Our presence in destinations can be a positive factor for change or an aggravation of existing problems. Therefore, part of the planning of every trip needs to consider our environmental, social and economic impacts.

Did you know that Jordan is one of the countries that suffer most from water scarcity in the world? This means that the duration of our showers needs to be moderate.

When it comes to waste management and recycling, Jordan still has a long way to go. Unfortunately, you will notice a lot of trash on the roads and single-use plastic scattered everywhere. Anyway, that doesn’t stop us from being the best possible versions of ourselves and even serving as a good example for travelers around us, right?!

Tips to practice a responsible travel in Jordan

Here are some steps you can (and should) take during your trip to be part of the solution:

• Always carry with you a kit of reusable utensils such as a cup, bottle, cutlery and bag.
• Buy large bottles of water (5 liters, for example) and fill your reusable bottle daily. This way, you will be sure that you are drinking clean water without having to consume so much plastic.
• In hotels, see if they have a gallon/filter where you can refuel. It is common to have a water filter in the hotel gym.
• Bring your own hygiene items so you don’t have to use those hotel amenities that come in small plastic packaging. We highly recommend BOB brand bar products.
• Whenever you can, collect the trash you find on trails and hikes and dispose of it correctly.

Check out this article for more tips on how to reduce trash when traveling!

An essential point when we talk about good practices for sustainable tourism is respect for people and their lifestyle. Regardless of our personal beliefs, we must be open to new experiences, tasting new flavors and listening to points of view that may be different from ours.

Knowing that this is a country with muslim culture, our preparations begin from the moment we decide how to dress in Jordan and what to pack, and goes as far as being careful not to eat in front of others during Ramadan, a period in which Muslims fast from dawn until sunset.

It’s worth remembering that every decision matters! When it comes to eating, staying, buying gifts or booking tours in Jordan. Strengthen native-owned businesses, that employ women (this is the 16th country in the world with the highest unemployment rate for women) and natives, or that use natural ingredients in their products, for example.

Here are some of the beautiful projects there:

You can have lunch at Beit Khairat Souf in Souf, dinner at the Carob House in Madaba, taste the best of the Jordanian culinary with Amman Food Tours, or have a cooking lesson at Beit Sitti at the capital. Be enchanted with the Bedouin experiences offered at Feynan Eco Lodge in Dana Reserve, support a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum, or hire a native agency like B Adventure to travel and introduce you to the entire country.

Things NOT to do in Jordan:

• Taking photographs without asking people’s consent, especially in the case of Bedouin women.
• Riding a camel (many are mistreated and exploited, being forced to make several trips in a single day).
• Wearing low-cut or very short clothes.
• Passing in front of people who are praying.
• Wear camouflage clothing.

What to pack

Essential items to pack for Jordan:

• Cap/hat and sunglasses;
• Natural sunscreen;
• Scarf – it’s always good to have one for women to cover their shoulders;
• Hiking shoes;
• Hydration backpack or reusable water bottle to stay hydrated;
• Tissues and/or biodegradable wet wipes to use during bathroom stops and if you go camping.

Fox’s Tip 🦊: Columbia Sportswear is our inseparable adventure partner, due to its high quality and innovative technologies. It is our recommendation to accompany you on your trips too.

Now that you’ve realized that there’s a lot to do in Jordan, tell us, which adventure can’t you wait to experience?

🦊 Honest fox informs:

*All values reported in this article were collected between October 2023 and January 2024 and may have additional taxes and changes at any time.

** This beautiful trip was carried out at the invitation of ATTA – Adventure Travel Trade Association, but you can rest assured that all opinions expressed here are sincere and based on our experience 💖.

*** This post contains affiliate links, this means that when you purchase a product/service after clicking on our links, LMTM earns a commission that helps us maintain free content for all traveling foxes in the world✌🏽🦊 .

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