Top Jordan hotels
Sponsored Links
In Petra it gets very hot so remember and take your suntan lotion with you . Also take bottled water as water in the area of Petra can be expensive . The area is hard to walk on in parts so wear walking shoes.
Amman is spread among and in between several hills and plains, so moving around can be quite tiresome and maps are deceiving, as you can look at them and think that something is pretty close, and it might be that way...but horizontally, as many times the point one is looking for is just one block away horizontally and 150 meters up vertically. This means to go up and down staircases and streets, or catching taxis to go just two blocks away (I'm an experienced mountaineer, but walking like that lumbering a 28-kilogram backpack, plus a 17-kilo camera pack around a CITY is exhausting).
It's a suggestion that you try and use two passports or have your entry/departure stamps on a loose piece of paper when travelling in and out of Jordan, as a Jordan stamp can cause problems when visiting other countries. I'm lucky enough to have two, but found this so when leaving Israel ('why had you been to Jordan?!') and, funnily, when leaving Peru (no problem arriving...). I do have two passports and didn't heed my own advice!
Beware of taxi drivers...not only do they enjoy ripping off new arrivals (see story below), but also they like to drive dangerously fast. Once I took a shared taxi from Petra to Ma'an, and on the way the driver decided to show off by driving at unimaginable speeds. So what happened...we crashed! It wasn't serious, as he had slowed down by the time we crashed, but he wasn't paying attention to the car in front and ploughed straight into the back of it. Of course it was the traffic lights fault, because it did not change to green when he was ready to move off! The crash brought most of the locals from their houses to inspect the damage. Interest was increased when two foreigners emerged from the back seat (me, and an American tourist). The police had to come and investigate, even though the only damage caused was to the cars, and it was not heavy damage...but it was a traffic accident, so...
I think I can say Jordan is a pretty safe country.Its much more dangerous being in a big western city.I found people in Jordan to be very friendly and I had a great time going around with a taxi that I hired for the day. The taxidriver was a very friendly guy and told me about Amman and Jordan like the best guide could have done.
Don't drive at night. This was the warning that the Australian couple I met received from their embassy. During my taxi drive at dusk from Aqaba to Petra, what I saw was this: the Jordanians don't turn on their headlights until it is dark, the headlights don't work very well (they are very dim), the roads are poorly lit, the drivers rend to be a bit reckless on dark, curvy roads.
Jordan is extremely safe. There is hardly any criminality in the country. This does not mean of course you should not take care of your belongings!Though most tourists don't get ill from the food, I did once, so be carefull with that!
HelloKeep in mind that there are only two border crossings from Israel to Jordan. Be prepared for at least one hour of going through the border and you should exchange money there, but not too much if you are with a tour group, as most expenses are covered.Tour buses come with security personnel and I haven't heard of any problems with tourists being harrassed. However, I was there in May 2000, before recent events may have changed some attitudes towards Americans and perhaps foreigners in general. I'm not trying to discourage going there, but I would read up on the web to find out what the current social/political climate is just to be on the safe side. Not passing judgement on the kind people of Jordan... just a suggestion.Have fun!
DO not photograph embassies We had a little delay when we drove past the American embassy. One member of the group was filming through the window and was seen and the guards came after the bus she had to go with him and the part of the film with the embassy on it was erased.
Beware of Jordanian cab drivers who insist that you name the price ... invariably it will be MUCH higher than the real cost - determine the price before you set off, and know your distances and average prices! I also ran into several cab drivers in Amman who told me they came from Iraq, and these men were very aggressive and invasive about why I was a woman travelling alone, and assumed I desired their company. It was the only time I felt nervous in Jordan.
Petra Movenpick Petra
10 Reviews and 581 Opinions Called one of the most notable hotels in the Middle East. Lovely hotel, lobby and lounge areas, and...
Four Seasons Hotel Amman Amman
4 Reviews and 172 Opinions We stayed overnight at the Four Seasons, on our return trip home to Australia. We were warmly...
See all 86 Hotels in Amman
Wadi Rum Zeltcamps Wadi Rum
2 Opinions
Reviews and photos of Jordan attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Jordan sightseeing.
More Cities in Jordan
More Regions in Jordan
Q: I am considering booking a Thomas Cook trip to Aqaba jan 7th. The main purpose of the trip is sunbathing, but we also would like...
A: Personally, I would miss out the Dead Sea and do both Wadi Rum and Petra. However, if you are set on the Dead Sea, then Petra is the other choice. I cannot see that...
Read 6 Replies
Sponsored Links
