Tips on Traveling to Jordan
Ever since Petra became one of the New World Wonders, I know it has been on many Instagrammer’s bucket list. However, since it is right in the middle of countries like Israel, Syria, and Iraq, it’s often thought to be unsafe and dangerous. After my recent trip there, I can wholeheartedly say that is inaccurate! It’s actually safe, modern, and definitely a place you should consider going to in the near future. Although I 100% advise you to visit Jordan, there are a few things I learned during my stay that I would like to tell you about. Please read on to find out some important information to keep in mind.
1. Yes, Jordan has Uber! I was able to easily get Uber drivers from the airport and in the city, but it’s not exactly welcomed by the government. As such, there are a few strange things your Uber driver might do. For instance, the drivers won’t pick you up from the airport taxi center and instead will meet you in the parking lot. The drivers told me that sometimes airport security will fine drivers for picking up or dropping off clients, especially at the airport. Because of this, some Uber drivers will refuse to go. If they do decide to go, some will even ask you to sit in the front seat to seem like a friend. The good news is that eventually you will get an Uber driver that will take you, but it just might be a little harder if your destination or pickup is the airport. Regardless, I always found that the price was very cheap for a taxi and the drivers were always really friendly. You might even be able to find an Uber driver who you wouldn’t mind hanging out with, and they’ll even volunteer to drive your group around and show you cool spots in Jordan, like a beautiful restaurant called Oriental that overlooks Israel- Thanks Tahmer!
2. Smiling at others is not common! Unlike America, where you can (sometimes) give someone a warm smile without being considered crazy, it’s thought of as strange to do that in Jordan… And if you’re a female and smile at a man, it could be taken as flirting… He might even ask for your number if you smile at him, so be careful!
3. You will be doing A LOT of walking at Petra. The world wonder is definitely a must see, but be ready to hike a few miles, especially if you want those amazing, high views of the treasury. You’ll also need to do a little climbing as well, so be prepared… One thing I also learned by experiencing the area is that you should always follow the makeshift signs to “the best view in all of Petra”… You might even find yourself sitting in a cave with a beautiful opening that overlooks Petra while you are being given warm tea by the Bedouins and watching the sun set!
4. It’s very hard to find alcohol. There is a big tax on it, which is why most places don’t sell it. This is not where you want to go if you are just into drinking and partying… You will however be able to find it at very “touristy” locations like The Dead Sea, but be prepared to pay up… Unless you can find a spot with happy hour like my group did at the Dead Sea Spa Resort!
5. Jordan is expensive… It’s very near Western prices. I can’t complain because I am used to those kinds of prices, being that I am from the US, but I have to admit I was not expecting it.
Overall, Jordan, and Petra in particular, are wonderful places to visit. They are safe, entertaining, and rich in culture and history. Having now had the experience, I would highly recommend taking a trip there. I promise you won’t regret it! (If you have specific questions you would like to ask me about Jordan or Petra, please do not hesitate to reach out to me using the contact form on my website.)