If you are a solo traveler with a limited budget, then you are in the right place. Jordan is a fascinating country with a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and friendly people. With some tips and tricks, you can enjoy your trip without breaking the bank.
Let me tell you about my impressions and experiences in the hope that they inspire you and give you a better insight into this wonderful country. Perhaps you will soon embark on your own adventure in Jordan.
The best time to travel to Jordan is definitely in the spring when the weather is already warm and pleasant, but above all, it is not too crowded with tourists, and you can explore everything more relaxed. I started my trip in Amman, the bustling capital of Jordan.
AMMAN
(picture by Daniel Qura)
It's super easy to find inexpensive accommodations like hostels or guesthouses that allow you to meet other travelers and exchange experiences. Or do it like me and also use Couchsurfing (see blog - "the ultimate guide to travel the world").
The main attractions of the city, such as the Citadel and the Roman Theater, are mostly located in the city center and can be easily reached by public transportation or taxi. You can also walk, but Amman is not particularly pedestrian-friendly, and a walk through the downtown area is more like a hiking tour in the mountains and can make you sweat a lot (or maybe I'm just not fit enough, haha). Nevertheless, definitely worth it and even fun with the right company.
I like getting lost in the city without any time pressure or GPS. Even though I do visit some tourist attractions, I enjoy exploring my surroundings on my own, talking to locals, and often they give me recommendations on what to see and where to get the best food. I had the pleasure of meeting locals who invited me to show me "their" Amman and its countryside.
I had a lot of fun exploring the charming souks (markets), trying the delicious local cuisine, and visiting the impressive historical sites.
As a big city, Amman is unfortunately not the cleanest city, and even in the tourist areas, you will often see garbage lying around. It seems like the government doesn't prioritize cleanliness. However, I personally believe that cleanliness is primarily the responsibility of the locals and travelers, but we know how people like to blame others (the government) and deflect responsibility.
Many people will beg you and tell you how poor they are to get your attention and, of course, your money. But I was told that one should be aware that most people in Jordan are doing pretty well and their income is sufficient to support their lives, as the cost of living is generally lower. My motto is, if you can give, GIVE. No matter how much, a little is still better than nothing. But don't be surprised if they then cling to you.
In Amman, especially in "Downtown," you will find many cafes and restaurants. If you love Arabic food as much as I do, you don't have to search for long. You can also simply ask locals for recommendations; they are happy to help and might even show you the way personally if they have time and maybe even invite you. :) One thing most Amman residents agree on is that "Habibah is the place to be" when it comes to their national dessert Kunafa. Super delicious, super sweet, super sticky - you have to try it. There are two variants, and I recommend trying both. Enjoy!
The best Shawarma I had was at "Shawerma Reem." I treated myself to hummus and falafel at the Hashem Restaurant. So delicious!!! Of course, there are many more delicacies; I leave it to you to find your favourite spot.
JERASH
From Amman, it takes about 60 minutes by car to reach Jerash. It is definitely worth visiting the historical site there, and the admission is included in the Jordan Pass (see attachment). If you don't have one, the visit to the Roman ruins will cost you 12 JOD (approximately €15-€16). You can also find tours to Jerash online, but in my opinion, they are often overpriced.
Unfortunately, there are no buses or similar means of transportation available outside of organized tours from Amman to Jerash. So if you have the opportunity to rent a car (which is very affordable in Jordan), I would recommend doing so. Alternatively, try to arrange a shared taxi or check options on BlaBlaCar, which occasionally offers affordable rides. However, finding someone for the round trip might be a challenge, but not impossible. Try to plan ahead.
If you make friendly acquaintances like I did, for example, through "Couchsurfing" Hangouts or "Showaround," you might be able to go to Jerash for free or even with local companionship.
If you take your time and don't rush, the visit can easily last 2-3 hours. The ruins have spots where you can simply sit down and let the impressions sink in. It is impressive and larger than I had assumed. Wear your hiking shoes. :)
In the ruins, you will encounter locals who will try to trick you into giving them money. They offer illegal tours or want to take photos for you and then run after you asking for money.
Be cautious and ignore them. If you want a professional tour guide, you can book one at the Visitor Center at the entrance. My advice is to take your time because it's worth it.
DEAD SEA
Let's continue with the Dead Sea, a unique place where you can effortlessly float on the water due to its high salt content. There are many public beaches where you can enjoy this experience for free. Make sure to bring enough sunscreen or spray as the sun in this region can be intense. It is about 10 °C warmer than the surrounding areas, and at nearly 430 meters below sea level, it is known as the lowest point on Earth. In case you didn't know, the Dead Sea got its name because the salt concentration is so high that no organisms can survive in it, not even microscopic ones. No life present = dead.
Apart from the fact that the Dead Sea has healing properties, I must say that you are better off visiting a resort because outside the resorts, especially at the public beaches in the north of the Dead Sea, it is really dirty. People leave all their trash there, nobody cleans it up, and there is an unpleasant smell everywhere with flies being a real nuisance. To make matters worse, some locals appear offering to ride their skinny and poorly cared-for camels into the water. No thanks! I believe many tourists don't even see this side and embark on their vacation in blissful ignorance.
Inside the resorts, you won't see any of this, but I can't imagine that it doesn't affect the water quality. However, considering that nothing can survive in the Dead Sea due to the high salt content, not even bacteria likely stand a chance.
A day trip to one of the resorts to indulge in a mud treatment and then float in the Dead Sea will cost you around 20 JOD or more, depending on the resort you choose. If you are a guest at the resort and stay overnight, this is, of course, included.
No matter what applies to you, take your time and enjoy it. I recommend not shaving beforehand. The saltwater and minerals in the mud pack can be very unpleasant on freshly shaved skin and can leave a red, itchy rash. I speak from personal experience and have seen others struggle with it as well. So if you shave two days in advance, you should be on the safe side. Hehe
At the beach, you can already see where to get the mud. A crowd of people stands in front of a massive shallow tub and smears themselves with it...everyone looks dirty and happy, having fun smearing each other...then you gotta sit down for a moment to let the minerals work before dipping into the sea to wash it off and drift away. It's a somewhat peculiar feeling.
Information boards at the resort advise not to stay in the water for more than 15 minutes as it can harm the skin.
So, too much of a good thing is no longer healthy.
Afterward, your skin feels oily and soft. It is recommended to shower it off, otherwise, you'll end up with salt and sand sticking everywhere. ^^
(picture by Nils Adam)
If you drive about 30-60 minutes further south, you will reach the beautiful salt beaches, which definitely invite you to a photo session.
Again, the best, most comfortable, and flexible way to reach the Dead Sea would be by car. Taking Route 65 from Amman provides a direct route. It takes about an hour and allows you to enjoy the scenery along the way.
There are also regular bus connections between Amman and the Dead Sea, which will take you to the Sweimeh beach. Less flexible than by car, but more cost-effective. The buses depart from the Abdali Bus Station in Amman, and according to information, the journey also takes about an hour. However, don't be surprised if it takes 20-30 minutes longer, as Jordanians are not very strict with time.
And last but not least, there are, of course, organized tours if you don't necessarily want to take care of the logistics and all that yourself. However, for that, you will have to dig deeper into your wallet. Many travel operators offer tours tailored to your personal preferences. Personally, I don't stress about organizing everything myself. In the time it takes me to find a suitable travel operator and explain what is most important to me during the excursion, I've already organized everything myself, it's not difficult. However, for those who don't want to worry about it and just want to unwind, an organized tour is the best option, and you can fully enjoy the journey and the day at the sea without having to worry about details.
PETRA
An absolute highlight of my trip was visiting Petra, an ancient city carved into the rock and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. To save costs, you can take the public bus (Jett) from Amman to Petra. Allocate enough time to explore the various ruins and impressive rock formations. Don't forget to visit the famous Treasury Temple (Al-Khazneh), also known as "The Pharaoh's Treasure." You can't really miss it as it's located near the beginning of the main route through Petra.
Let me tell you, Petra is definitely a challenge. Here too, I recommend wearing hiking shoes, as you will need them. Personally, I spent about 9 hours there...uphill, downhill...endless steps, in the scorching heat.
The fact that I encountered older people (at least 60-80 years old) along the way, fresh and lively, motivated me to keep going even when I was completely exhausted.
Get a map of Petra from the Visitor Center for better orientation. Google Maps can also be somewhat helpful.
Don't let the locals deceive you here either. They will tell you that only they can provide you with an authentic tour of Petra and offer to ride their horses and mules "for free." In the end, they will ask for money. Their services in Petra are illegal, and they use your money to expand, litter the place, and contribute nothing to the preservation of the historical site. They only collect money from you without providing much explanation, show you the same things others see but faster, and don't give you time to pause and explore everything at your own pace because they just want to quickly get your money.
Then they also offer to take photos for you, which of course comes at an additional cost. ;) If you don't mind that, agree on a price with them in advance so you won't be unpleasantly surprised later.
Please also consider that they don't treat their animals particularly well. Often, the animals appear neglected and undernourished, which makes you wonder where the money they earn with their animals goes. However, being a big cat lover, I couldn't resist this little rascal and bought a freshly squeezed juice from an older gentleman who seems to live at the viewpoint of the Treasury.
I also recommend getting a licensed tour guide at the Visitor Center; they won't rip you off. You can find them where you purchase your tickets. They are very flexible and adapt to your preferences, with no hidden extra costs.
Along the way, you will find several rest stops where you can buy refreshing drinks or food. Card payment is possible. In other places where they offer souvenirs, you can only pay in cash. Why? Again, these are locals working there illegally. And it's not cheaper than at the Visitor Center. In the end, it's, of course, your decision; I'm just giving you the information. ;)
Petra is beautiful and definitely worth seeing. Let yourself be enchanted by this ancient city.
If you arrive early in the morning, it won't be too crowded, and you may have better luck taking nice photos without other tourists in the frame. Additionally, it has the advantage that it's not as hot in the morning, and you can see much more in one day, relaxed and without time pressure.
WADI RUM
If you're heading to Petra and you're a nature lover, it's worth taking a trip to Wadi Rum. It's also known as the "Valley of the Moon," is the largest valley in Jordan, and is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
You can participate in organized Jeep tours to explore the red sand dunes, rock formations, and historic petroglyphs. Alternatively, you can also stay overnight in a Bedouin camp and experience the breathtaking silence of the desert.
At the beginning of your trip, you will first arrive at the Visitor Center in Wadi Rum Village, where they will ask you about your reservation and tickets. If you don't have them, you'll need to get them there before they let you proceed. It's also recommended to have a "Jordan Pass" here.
Once that's taken care of, a tour guide will be assigned to you, and after a short wait, you'll be on your way. You cannot drive through Wadi Rum in your personal car; only residents of the valley who offer tours are allowed to drive there. I was told that everyone living there (about 2,500 inhabitants) is related in some way. It's like one big family. They all know each other.
Your tour guide will drive you around in their modified pickup truck to different viewpoints, and if you're lucky, they may even share historical facts with you. Some climbing is required, and you can't avoid getting sand in your shoes.
Since I had walked for over 9 hours through Petra just a day before and my feet were pretty battered (open blisters on my heels), unfortunately, it wasn't possible for me to enjoy the whole experience pain-free, but I persevered.
(Be sure to pack band-aids for your heels and toes, just in case you have a similar experience to mine. :D
I recommend arriving in Wadi Rum no later than noon if you want to explore everything on the same day and then enjoy the sunset in the desert. The whole experience takes about 5 hours and ends at one of the camps if, like me, you have an overnight stay planned.
It's soooooooo beautiful and peaceful there (absolutely no service and no internet reception).
You might come across a small group of camels grazing near the camp. They are mostly shy but lovely to see.
In the camp, I had a tent/cabin with a comfortable bed and lighting. A few tents away, there was a sanitary facility with toilets and showers. Please don't expect luxury; it's practical and mostly clean.
At the other end, there was a communal tent with tables, benches, and chairs, as well as a fire pit and a counter where meals are shared with other guests, and possibly some locals. In the camp where I stayed, we had a cook who apparently also lives there. Traditionally, grilling was done under the sand. It's hard to describe; you have to see it.
I already knew it from my time in the United Arab Emirates, and yet I was fascinated. It was super delicious and plentiful for everyone.
To wrap up, we sat together with tea and coffee and chatted with the other guests and locals before we fell into bed exhausted.
The next morning, an Arabic breakfast was served, not a wide selection, but still more than enough for everyone. And then we were picked up and driven back to Wadi Rum Village, from where we continued our journey.
If you're not in a hurry and have the opportunity to spend a night in the desert, do it. It's a great experience. I will definitely not forget it.
AQABA
The last stop on my tour through Jordan takes me to the far southern tip of the country, to Aqaba. After all the wonderful impressions and experiences, I personally found it quite boring. There's not much to see; it's more of a vacation spot for relaxing, spending some time at the beach, maybe taking a tour on a glass-bottom boat, or doing some shopping and eating in Ayla (a very new and modern part of the city right on the border with Eilat, Israel).
I didn't find the beaches in Aqaba inviting at all; they appear neglected, poorly maintained, and unclean. You won't find tourists there, only locals trying to sell you a boat tour on their rickety boats.
I spared myself from going further south to South Beach. The locals told me that the beaches there are much nicer, but I heard from other travelers that the beaches there are "super dirty and unkempt," even in the resorts, there's not much improvement, with trash, glass, and rats everywhere. However, it would be worth going there for diving or snorkeling because the underwater world is beautiful. It's definitely time for me to get my diving certification.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Get the Jordan Pass before your arrival in Jordan. It's only available online and cannot be purchased at the airport. The Jordan Pass allows you to visit many attractions without standing in line to get tickets. Plus, it saves you a lot of money. And another important point is that your visa is included in the Jordan Pass. So it's an all-inclusive package for your Jordan trip. https://jordanpass.jo/
As a solo female traveler, it is generally advisable to develop a thick skin when visiting Arab countries. I recommend adapting to the cultural norms and dressing moderately. This is not only respectful towards the culture but also says a lot about oneself and provides some protection against unwanted attention. What do I mean by dressing moderately? Try to avoid wearing belly-free or shoulder-free tops, as well as deep necklines. Dresses, skirts, and pants should cover the knees. Ultimately, no one dictates how you should dress, but it is simply a matter of respect towards the culture, people, and religion.
However, if, like me, you stand out no matter how modestly you dress, well, learn to politely but firmly say NO. And keep moving. Sometimes you may need to be a bit assertive, but please avoid being offensive. In general, people in Jordan were respectful, and a short but firm "NO, thank you" often sufficed. (Tip: avoid eye contact and excessive politeness; otherwise, you risk them following you) Practice makes perfect, some can be persistent, so stay cool and make it a fun game. Talk to them the way they talk to you. It often worked for me because they then realize how ridiculous they actually sound, and they feel embarrassed or laugh along.
To save money, you can use local public transportation such as buses and shared taxis to travel between different cities. Also, negotiate prices, especially for souvenirs or taxi rides, as this is common in Jordan.
If you have a slightly larger budget and enjoy organized tours, here are three travel agencies that can help you book your personally tailored tour:
Jordan Direct Tours https://www.jdtours.com/
Zaid Tours & Travel https://zttint.com/
Jordan Inspiration Tours https://jitours.com/en/
Remember that it is important to always keep an eye on your budget and track your expenses. Eat at affordable restaurants or try popular street food such as Ka'ak, Hummus, Fuul, Falafel, Turmos, Shawarma, and more. Many attractions also offer discounted admission prices for students or special day passes, in case you haven't obtained a "Jordan Pass" in advance.
Jordan offers unique experiences for travelers on a limited budget. By planning carefully, using local transportation options, and spending your money wisely, you can fully enjoy this wonderful country. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Jordan!
Comentarios