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Top 10 Jordan Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

It is your first visit to Jordan? You are going to have a trip that is filled with ancient wonders, adventures in the desert, and memorable cultural experiences. The ruins of Petra, the open spaces of Wadi Rum, or the calm waters of the Dead Sea, this Middle East jewel has everything to offer to a traveler. Adequate planning is everything and it is even much better when you want to have an organized and stress-free vacation using Jordan group tours.

Jordan is friendly and pretty easy to navigate, but that does not mean that there are a couple of things that can make your experience even better. Whether it is familiarizing yourself with local practices, or logistics of getting around, it is always better to know what to anticipate and feel more confident and prepared. This is a helpful and friendly advice on the 10 best tips to have a smooth, safe and memorable trip to Jordan.

Here are the Top 10 Jordan Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

1. Respect the Culture and Dress Modestly

Jordan is conservative in its approach to dressing especially in the rural areas. Modest dressing is also a sign of respect, women are advised not to wear revealing dresses and men are advised not to wear shorts in the streets. In religious places, one must ensure to cover their shoulders and knees. This does not only demonstrate cultural sensitivity but also makes you feel more welcome and accepted by the locals.

2. Plan Visits to Popular Attractions in Advance

To visit some of the best destinations in Jordan such as Petra and Wadi Rum, one has to plan ahead especially when it is the time of the year when most people are travelling. Advance booking of tickets and staying places guarantees a place and a better deal. You can also learn more about the history and meaning of these places with the help of guided options or local day tours.

3. Buy the Jordan Pass for Convenience

The Jordan Pass is a good choice in case you are intending to visit a number of historical attractions. It covers admission to more than 40 attractions and you can have your visa fee waived in case you spend more than three nights. You can buy it online in advance of your visit and it saves you time and money.

4. Prepare for the Climate and Stay Hydrated

The climate in Jordan can be very hot and dry particularly during summer. You should drink water all through the day by having a refillable water bottle. It is also important to ensure that you have sunscreen, hats and sunglasses to avoid the harsh sunlight. In case you want to hike or visit any outdoor location, begin early in the morning to avoid the heat and fatigue.

5. Explore the Local Cuisine

Jordan food is tasty and diverse. Do not forget to taste such traditional meals as mansaf, falafel, and freshly baked bread with zaatar. Small restaurants and street sellers usually offer traditional dishes which are cheap and good. Along with the experience of traveling, tasting the local food is a good way to get a tasty insight into the culture and hospitality of the country you are visiting.

6. Learn a Few Arabic Phrases

Although English is widely understood in tourist regions, a little bit of Arabic language will help you a long way in getting acquainted with the locals. Examples of such words include hello (marhaba), thank you (shukran) or please (min fadlak) which are welcomed and can make one day. The locals are usually friendly and would readily respond when you go to the extent of speaking their language.

7. Get a Local SIM Card

It is important to be connected in order to navigate, communicate and get updates on traveling. It is cheap to purchase a local SIM card at the local airport or in the city, and it will give you a good internet connection throughout your journey. Maps, ride booking, and communication with the travel companions or local guides are possible with mobile data.

8. Carry Cash for Small Purchase

Though there are several hotels and bigger stores, which accept cards, people continue to use cash in small markets, restaurants, and remote regions. You should carry small bills and coins to pay taxi, tip or souvenirs. There are ATMs in the cities, thus it is easy to withdraw the cash whenever necessary.

9. Confirm Taxi Fares or Use Ride Apps

Transportation in Jordan is easy yet it is crucial to negotiate with the taxi driver on the fares prior to beginning your journey in a case where no meter is in use. Instead, there is also a more transparent alternative of ride-hailing services, such as Careem, with fixed prices.

10. Check Local Schedules for Fridays and Holidays

Jordan observes Fridays as a holy day, thus several businesses, markets and restaurants might either open late or close down altogether. You should plan your activities around this schedule to ensure that you do not get disrupted. In addition, it is important to look in advance of the national holidays, when transport or tourist services are not available.

Conclusion

Jordan is a very beautiful and interesting country with rich history and welcoming people, and your first experience there can become quite a rewarding one. These basic pieces of advice will assist you to explore without fear and make the best out of your time in this beautiful country. Be it exploring old ruins or even dining with locals, a few preparations can go a long way in making your experience.

In order to have a smooth and well-planned journey, a number of tourists would prefer to be taken on well-designed tours to Jordan. The guided experiences provide the knowledge of the insider, comfort, and the potential of getting access to hidden treasures that may not be easy to find out on your own.