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Jordan

Getting Started & Practical Information

When to Visit

Jordan's weather varies based upon the seasons and location you are within the country. Due to differing elevation changes, from the lowest spot on earth (the Dead Sea) to the higher land in the north-central part of the country conditions can be quite different.

The winter months, from December to February are warm to hot along the Red Sea coast and at the Dead Sea, with average temperatures of about 70˚ F (21˚ C) however Amman and parts of the desert, including Petra can get below freezing and can even encounter snow with a daily average of about 45˚ F (7˚ C). The summer, on the other hand is hot throughout the country (with average highs of about 85-100˚ F (30-38˚ C) and it can also be humid, especially along the Red Sea coast and at the Dead Sea.

Most tourist sites aren't as busy during the summer or winter months as they are during the late spring and early fall (autumn) months, but Petra is busy year-round and the number of tourists at the Red Sea coast can grow during the winter months.

The springs and falls are the best time to visit since the Red Sea and Dead Sea aren't yet overly hot, but the north-central highlands around Amman, the deserts, and Petra tend to be the most comfortable. Unfortunately, this is also the tourist high season, but the greatest threat you'll encounter is more people at the beach or more bodies ruining your perfect picture of Petra's Treasury.

Travel plans can also be disrupted if you haven't booked ahead during local holidays, especially during Ramadan (ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which rotates every year compared to the Gregorian calendar). This month also tends to close shops, restaurants, and coffee shops.

Weather

Although weather can be generalized based upon years past, for more up to date weather patterns and predicted future weather patterns, visit weather websites like weather.com; many local news sources also have information for international weather forecasts.

Tours & Cruises

If you're looking for a pre-arranged trip, that involves little effort on your part, then you should consider going on an organized tour or cruise. Organized tours and cruises vary from all expenses included to only daily tours and perhaps hotels included in the price, but all the options below will help you arrange all the details so you don't have to worry about finding the best deal or right hotel.

Gap Adventures: Known best among young adults, Gap Adventures provides local transportation, housing, and food, which cuts costs and introduces the local culture, but can also be challenging for those seeking luxury.

Intrepid Travel: Boasts more "off the beaten track" destinations; do your research though since some tours are very adventurous and involves camping and local hotels.

Kensington Tours: Only offers personal tours for you and your family/friends, which allows greater flexibility, but also means slightly higher prices.

Road Scholar: For older adults, Road Scholar offers tours with an educational emphasis; formerly known as Elder Hostel.

Guidebooks

If you are just traveling on business and have little free time or are already familiar with Jordan, you may not need anything more than SafariTheGlobe.com's Free Mini Guide to Jordan! However, if you need more detailed and up to date information, there are a number of great country-wide, region-wide, and city-wide guidebooks available for travel in Jordan.

Lonely Planet: Great maps and updated often with comprehensive housing information, restaurants, & transportation options. Backpackers and adventurers love these guidebooks.

Rough Guides: Cover various aspects of travel from culture to getting by on the cheap.

Visas

Many foreign nationals need a visa to enter Jordan, however the requirements for citizens of different nationalities varies. To learn more about who need visas, what type of visa is needed, what requirements are needed to obtain a visa, and visa costs, please visit Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Official Website (in Arabic only).

Health & Insurance

Every part of the world has different health concerns and diseases, including Jordan. Before traveling, consult with a physician to learn more about your destination and what steps you can take to prevent illness. At the time of writing, Jordan didn't have any health immunizations that are required prior to arrival, although a number of immunizations are strongly recommended.

Many health insurance providers don't cover health care that is provided outside your home country. Before going abroad check with your health insurance to see if they cover international care. If not, consider purchasing an international medical insurance option, preferably from a company that specializes in international medical insurance.

Transportation

Unless you're on an organized tour or working with a travel agent, you will have to arrange some transportation. The below links can greatly help you start your planning, first by finding a flight to Jordan, then with domestic airlines and car rental agencies. If you don't know where to begin, try the "Flight & Rental Car Search Sites" to learn competitor's prices during your trip.

Largest International Airlines: Air France, American Airlines; British Airways; Cathay Pacific; China Southern Airlines; Delta; Emirates; KLM; LAN; Lufthansa; Qantas; Singapore Airlines; United Airlines.

Largest Jordanian Airline: Royal Jordanian

Largest Rental Car Agencies in Jordan: Alamo; Avis; Europcar; Hertz; Payless; & Thrifty

Flight & Rental Car Search Sites: Expedia.com; Farecast.com; Kayak.com; Orbitz.com; & Travelocity.com.

Housing

Housing options are numerous in most tourist destinations, but every individual seeks out something different when it comes to housing. The below links should help you get started, with low- to high-end hotels, hostels, and camping options.

Popular International Hotel Conglomerates: Accor Group (various price ranges); Choice Hotels (low- to mid-price range); Hilton (various price ranges); Hyatt (high-end to resorts); InterContinental Group (mid- to high-price range); Marriott Family (various price ranges); Starwood Hotels (high-end); Wyndham Hotels (low- to mid-price range).

Hotel Search Sites: Expedia.com; Kayak.com; Orbitz.com; & Travelocity.com.

Hostels: Although there are many hostel websites, some of the most popular and reputable include hostels.com, hostelworld.com, & hostelbookers.com.

Camping: Camp sites in Jordan are sparse at best and dangerous at the worst (particularly along the Israeli border and in the deserts). Camping is best avoided in most parts of the country, although some organized tours offer desert camping, particularly in the area around Wadi Musa, but this is desert country and should be avoided without a knowledgeable local guide.

Opening Hours, Expenses, & Tipping

Jordan's schedule is about the same as in Europe or North America, but hours are less consistent. Places tend to open at about 8:00-9:00 am, but close anywhere from about 2:00 pm to as late as 8:00 pm during the week. Weekend (Friday-Saturday) hours are even more inconsistent.

The one time of the year that shops and restaurants are closed more often than not is during Ramadan (ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which rotates every year compared to the Gregorian calendar), when fasting is required from sunrise to sunset. Due to this Islamic requirement, most shops close down and it can be difficult to find an open restaurant anywhere outside major hotels catering to tourists.

Jordan is one of the most expensive countries in the Middle East, yet for many people it's a must see country due to some of their sights, which include the Dead Sea and Petra. Admission fees to the most popular destinations alone, including Petra and entrance to a beach at the Dead Sea will cost over 50 dinar ($70), excluding transportation, food, and housing. Despite the outrageous entrance fees to the better known sights, ruins in Amman cost as little as 1 dinar ($1.50).

Fortunately, public transportation options are numerous and reasonably priced, although taxis can be expensive. Housing prices vary drastically and budget accommodations can be difficult to find in many places, but Amman and Wadi Musa have a number of great options from hostels (10-20 dinar ($15-30) to high end international hotels (starting at about 100 dinar ($140)) catering to business and governmental affairs. Likewise, food prices vary from 1 dinar ($1.50) for street food or a stop at a local market to well over 20 dinar ($30) for a sit down meal.

Tipping in Jordan is common and expected in nicer restaurants and hotels. Rates are roughly equivalent to Europe: up to 10% for food service, about 1 JD ($1.50) per bag for a bell hop, and to taxi drivers round up.

Crime & Safety

*NOTE - Jordan's political situation is currently unstable as protesters have taken to the streets. Although there is little violence, all travelers should look into warnings posted by their home government prior to departing for Jordan.

Jordan is typically a very safe Middle Eastern destination. The biggest threats are usually hawkers and pick pocketers at major tourist sites like Petra and the Dead Sea. Single women traveling alone may also find single travel restricting and uncomfortable, although they are rarely in danger.

This page was last updated: August, 2011