Week eight of my loopy 52 nations in 52 weeks journey took me to the Center Jap gem of Jordan, the most affordable flight out of Budapest. Now don’t get me fallacious, I really like European cities, however after two months straight of church buildings, castles and outdated cities I used to be SO excited to be heading someplace fully totally different to the primary a part of my large journey.
Jordan jumped onto my bucket listing a few years again after seeing pictures of the beautiful Petra ruins on Instagram, however as a result of it’s notoriously costly to get to, and nonetheless not simple on the pockets when you’re there, I hadn’t managed to make it there simply but. However now after spending per week exploring all of the nation has to supply, I can say with certainty that it’s completely definitely worth the cash!
Listed below are 5 the reason why you might want to go to Jordan and the place it is best to go, plus a information on tips on how to get round when you’re there.
1. The folks
Jordanians have been a few of the most welcoming folks I’ve ever met. After experiencing the craziness of souks in Morocco and bazaars in Istanbul, the place ladies are pulled into outlets and yelled at (“Spice Women! Girl Gaga! *Insert different western celeb right here*!), I used to be completely ready for a similar in Jordan. Seems that was pointless!
Whereas shopkeepers nonetheless vye for your enterprise, I discovered that buying in Jordan was way more pleasant than doing the identical in each Morocco and Turkey. I wasn’t touched as soon as, most shopkeepers say a well mannered ‘howdy’, may present you a few specialities after which depart you to browse for some time, and whereas there have been individuals who stared, particularly in downtown Amman, I by no means felt like I used to be being focused or pressured.
The taxi drivers I had have been all so pleasant (together with a feminine driver who picked us up from the airport, a pleasing shock to begin our journey!), waiters have been at all times very happy to assist translate menus, and there was a gaggle of college women at Ajloun Fortress who have been all determined for selfies with us simply because we seemed totally different, they usually then sang completely satisfied birthday to my pal! Lovely folks, stunning moments.
2. The traditional ruins of Jordan
Other than the folks and the meals, the apparent subsequent cause to go to Jordan is due to the unbelievable historic ruins it’s dwelling to.
The apparent chief of the pack when it comes to Jordan’s must-sees is the magical historic metropolis of Petra, one of many New Wonders of the World. The town is greater than 2000 years outdated, was rediscovered in 1812 by a Swiss explorer disguised as an Arab scholar, and now sees nearly 1,000,000 vacationers go to every year.
Probably the most well-known a part of Petra is Al-Khazneh, the Treasury, which featured in 1989’s Indiana Jones and the Final Campaign and is now one of many major vacationer sights in the whole Center East area. It’s truly regarded as a king’s mausoleum from the primary century, and you may see bullet holes on the facade from tribesmen attacking the constructing lots of of years in the past on the lookout for (and failing to search out) treasure.
One other worthwhile web site to see in Petra is the Monastery, though the trek isn’t for the faint-hearted. You’ll must climb 800 uneven steps to achieve the Monastery which may be robust in the summertime warmth (I went in August, wouldn’t advocate), however you’ll be rewarded with shut up views of this magnificent third century BC tomb. It’s an analogous type to the Treasury however it’s even larger, measuring 50m vast and 45m excessive.
And for some very totally different but in addition tremendous spectacular ruins, it’s value heading simply north of Amman to the Roman ruins of Jerash. These ruins are a few of the best-preserved ruins I’ve ever seen, and there’s a colonnaded major road that’s nonetheless acquired the unique stones so you possibly can see the place the chariots used to trip over them.
3. The meals
My abdomen is rumbling simply eager about Jordanian delicacies. Native dishes are fairly much like different nations within the area, with enormous mezze platters, hearty meat dishes, infinite falafel and sugar-soaked desserts as staples on restaurant menus.
The native hospitality flows proper by means of to the eating places, the place they serve gigantic meals that you just in all probability received’t have the ability to eat all of with out falling right into a meals coma. If small plates are an choice, it’s finest to get a few these to keep away from over-ordering, or when you’re travelling in a gaggle then go onerous and order as a lot as you need, sit round for a few hours to devour it, then tuck into some syrupy goodness like knafeh to wrap up a scrumptious meal.
Whereas Jordan is an costly nation total, when you’re on a price range you might undoubtedly stay off pita, falafel and hummus if it’s a must to (like I did!). I’d advocate trying out Hashem in Downtown Amman, one of many most-loved and most cost-effective falafel eateries on the town.
4. The pure landscapes
Jordan isn’t simply stunning because of people, its landscapes and pure phenomena are proper up there with the ruins on the perfect issues to see on this nation.
Wadi Rum desert appears like one other planet, a lot in order that it’s been a filming spot for The Martian, a Transformers film and Star Wars amongst others. It’s dwelling to huge dunes of purple sand, enormous jagged rocks and bedouin tribes who run stunning camps for travellers to expertise an evening within the desert.
For those who’ve acquired the necessity for pace then it is best to ebook a spot on a 4WD safari, the place you’ll hit the dunes onerous and quick sitting at the back of a 4WD jeep, or go for a dawn camel trip to see the desert in a extra calming surroundings. Be aware that camels ought to solely ever carry one individual, passengers shouldn’t be over 90kgs, and please report any mistreatment of the animals to the provider or native authorities.
Eager to get moist? Jordan’s one of many nations that borders the Lifeless Sea, a salty lake (sure, the identify is complicated) the place the shore is the bottom level of dry land on earth, at 432m beneath sea degree. The Lifeless Sea’s salinity is 33.7% (in comparison with the ocean’s salinity of three.5%) which suggests human our bodies actually can’t sink and simply sit on the high of the water. It’s a loopy sensation, you might want to strive it your self to imagine it!
For one more underwater journey the place you possibly can truly go underwater, head to Aqaba and dive within the Crimson Sea. The Crimson Sea is dwelling to vibrant corals, whale sharks, turtles and lots of extra sea pals, in addition to some unbelievable wreck dives.
5. The security
Jordan is definitely often called one of many most secure nations within the Center East, and the 40th most secure nation on this planet in response to SafeAround.com.
Borders with Syria and Iraq are notably harmful, however the remainder of the nation is seen as a little bit of a secure haven in an space that’s usually recognized globally for its instability. For those who’re eager to get a style of the Center East however you’re anxious concerning the political and questions of safety that sadly taint many different nations on this area, Jordan is a extremely nice choice for you and in my private expertise was fully secure even for feminine travellers*.
*A disclaimer on solo feminine security: Whereas I personally had no bother in any respect as a lady travelling in Jordan, you will need to observe that there have been cases of harassment of solo feminine travellers at some vacationer websites like Petra. Most consideration you obtain from locals (and when you look totally different, you’ll obtain consideration) is totally innocent and never meant maliciously, however when you do end up being touched, grabbed or adopted, it’s finest to keep away from contact, say or yell ‘depart me alone’ and get to an space with police and/or different vacationers.
The way to get round Jordan
One of the simplest ways to discover Jordan is by leaping on a small group tour. Not solely will you get a information completely clued up on native historical past, tradition, actions and must-sees, you’ll additionally get the security and safety of your journey being pre-organised, you received’t must cope with robust language obstacles, and also you’ll be hanging out with a ready-made group of journey buddies.
If a tour isn’t your factor, the opposite choices are to rent a automobile or rent a personal driver, as public transport in Jordan is extraordinarily restricted. Automobile rent begins at about £40 per day however you’ll want to know native visitors legal guidelines and be ready to cope with the language barrier, and personal drivers will set you again not less than £70 per day.
Tempted? Guide flights to Jordan and see all of our Jordan journey excursions.
If you wish to observe extra of my adventures you possibly can see my earlier journey guides for Paris, San Sebastian and Sofia or on Instagram to see what I’m thus far!