A small nation that is massive on hospitality, historical historical past and tradition – with quite a few Unesco World Heritage websites – Jordan provides limitless alternatives for journey.
From afar, it’s typically unfairly lumped in with regional battle and, as such, neglected by timid vacationers. However in actuality, it’s a welcoming and peaceable vacation spot to not be missed. Don’t hesitate to ebook your journey, pack your luggage and take a look at this stuff all first-time guests ought to know earlier than they journey to Jordan.
Jordan is a protected place to go to
Regardless of being situated in a area with a historical past of battle, Jordan is the “quiet home within the noisy neighborhood,” a pleasant oasis that’s open and welcoming to guests. Hospitality reigns supreme, violent crime is extraordinarily uncommon, and Gallup’s 2022 Law and Order Report ranks Jordan within the high 10 for international locations the place individuals really feel protected strolling alone at night time. When you ought to take the standard precautions you’d wherever – buy journey and medical health insurance, don’t carry giant sums of money, preserve valuables locked in a protected – concern shouldn’t be a think about planning a visit to Jordan.
Hospitality is a deeply rooted custom
Don’t let the “Jordanian frown” idiot you. Though you could be met with furrowed brows and what look like unfriendly faces, you’ll rapidly study simply past the robust exterior of a resting frown face sometimes lies a fun-loving angle and a deeply rooted custom of hospitality that may be traced again to Bedouin tradition. It’s not unusual to be invited for tea or perhaps a meal by shopkeepers and strangers you meet. “Ahlan wa sahlan'” (welcome), locals will say. “The place are you from? Welcome to Jordan.”
When greeting somebody, observe their lead
You’ll see individuals of the identical gender greet one another with handshakes, hugs and even a number of air kisses beside every cheek. However for those who put your hand out for a shake or lean in for a hug, you could be left hanging. Out of respect for his or her faith and partner, some Muslims won’t contact individuals of a unique gender until they’re associated by blood. Don’t take it personally; be ready and open to studying the native traditions. When assembly somebody, you may stand, say good day, smile after which allow them to take the lead. In the event that they prolong a hand or lean in for a hug, you are able to do the identical. In the event that they preserve their palms at their sides or put their proper hand over their coronary heart moderately than reaching out, that’s their means of acknowledging you.
It’s not at all times sizzling and sunny in Jordan
A typical false impression about Jordan is that it’s at all times sizzling, dry and sunny. Whereas which may be the case for those who go to between Could and September, Jordan does have a winter season. From November to February, the nation receives quite a lot of chilly and cloudy days, rain and even snow, sleet and hail from time to time. Temperatures can hover within the single digits Celsius through the day and drop to freezing within the night time (32ºF), so for those who’re touring from mid-October to mid-March, make sure you pack a water-proof jacket and heat layers and monitor the climate. Flash floods are extraordinarily harmful, and even Petra is thought to shut throughout inclement climate.
Alcohol is authorized, however closely taxed
Should you’re in quest of sundowners, you’ll find alcohol at quite a lot of eating places, bars and, in fact, liquor shops within the bigger cities like Amman and Aqaba, in addition to Christian cities reminiscent of Madaba and Fuheis (the place you’ll discover Carakale, Jordan’s first and solely craft beer microbrewery). St George and Jordan River additionally produce their very own wine within the nation, however be ready to pay a reasonably penny to your libations – though authorized, alcohol tends to hold hefty taxes.
Keep in mind that Muslim-owned properties and Islamic holidays might have an effect on how readily alcohol is on the market. For instance, it’s unlawful to promote alcohol wherever within the nation throughout Ramadan (except some high-end resorts), and most camps in Wadi Rum don’t serve alcohol in any respect (however you may typically convey your personal). Name forward to inquire on availability and any restrictions, and for those who do drink, be aware of your hosts and devour carefully.
Gown respectfully
Jordan is a Muslim-majority nation, however Christians, Jews and folks of assorted beliefs additionally coexist peacefully right here. There is no such thing as a legislation requiring girls to put on hijab, however there may be an expectation to decorate respectfully – it’s greatest to keep away from low-cut and shoulder-baring tops, brief skirts, and shorts. Should you plan to go to a spot of worship, each women and men should cowl knees and shoulders, and girls are sometimes anticipated to cowl their hair, chest and neck.
However protecting up doesn’t imply dressing down: Jordanians are typically fairly image-conscious and well-dressed. Some eating places even implement a complicated costume code, significantly in Amman. Preserve that in thoughts when loading up your suitcase and be happy to flaunt your private type (respectfully) for those who’ll be spending time within the capital.
Smoking shisha and cigarettes is frequent
Alcohol could also be in considerably brief provide, however there may be argeeleh (shisha) aplenty. For higher or worse, smoking shisha is a nationwide pastime, and also you’ll discover argeeleh cafes throughout the nation. Cigarette smoking can also be extensively accepted – in most eating places, cafes, resorts, houses, outlets, taxis and even some hair salons. Vacationers who smoke will probably be in good firm, however the smoking tradition in Jordan can show difficult for nonsmokers and people with well being circumstances. When reserving rooms, excursions, eating places and transportation, ask whether or not non-smoking choices can be found.
Convey a reusable filtration water bottle
Faucet water just isn’t drinkable in Jordan, and environmental schooling and recycling amenities are scarce. Sadly, you will note plastics and different garbage littering the in any other case pretty landscapes. Native companies and organizations with an eco-aware method and plastic-free insurance policies like these of Feynan Ecolodge, the Jordan Path and Eco Hikers are working to show and encourage locals and guests with their environmental initiatives. Vacationers to Jordan might be a part of the answer by supporting these eco-minded companies and carrying their very own reusable filtration water bottle (reminiscent of GRAYL) and reusable utensils.
Jordan is proof that massive issues are available small packages
Jordan is smaller than Portugal or the US state of Maine, however inside its borders you’ll discover limitless journey potentialities, historical historical past and tradition, nature reserves, community-based immersive experiences (reminiscent of these offered by Baraka Destinations, Engaging Cultures and Experience Jordan) and 5 Unesco World Heritage Websites, together with the architectural wonders of Petra and the expansive deserts and towering rocks of Wadi Rum.
Should you’re eligible for a visa on arrival to Jordan, buy the Jordan Move to realize entrance to among the greatest websites, castles and museums together with Petra, Wadi Rum, the Temple of Hercules in Amman, the Roman ruins at Jerash and Ajloun Citadel. Take into account that though Jordan is small in measurement, the terrain is various, roads could also be tough and site visitors can delay your plans. Touring to websites might take extra time than you anticipate, so plan accordingly and check out to not schedule each second of your itinerary. Immerse your self within the experiences and permit time for the sudden.
You’re going to fall in love with Jordan
Perhaps it is going to be the second you go to sleep below a blanket of stars or stand in awe of huge historical stones. Or maybe it is going to hit you while you attain the height of a mountain and take within the view, far-off from the frenzy of the town. It could be the laughter and tales you share together with your new Bedouin mates. Or the style of tea brewed with sage and sugar over a campfire. It might be within the recent mansaf (the Jordanian nationwide dish of lamb, rice and yogurt sauce) made with love by your hosts and eaten together with your palms. Or it might be while you hear the muezzin’s name to prayer whereas watching birds dive and swoop in opposition to a sundown sky.
There will probably be a second – or extra seemingly, many moments – when the magic of Jordan seeps into your soul. Jordan will welcome you, problem you, and it could very nicely change you. And also you’ll end up planning to your subsequent journey earlier than you even end your first.
