The Citadel in Amman, Jordan; courtesy: Terry Anzur

Jordan Tourism Board

Amman

• Amman Pasha Hotel roof deck for the best view of the Roman Theatre (and pet bunnies!)
• Al Quds falafel stand on Rainbow Street.
• In Amman, Terry stayed at the Toledo Hotel.

Umm Qais (Qays)

Petra

• The Cave Bar in the Petra Guest House hotel.
• In Petra, Terry recommends Mövenpick Resort & Hotel.

The Dead Sea

Wadi Rum Desert

Jerash

–>TERRY’S TIPS: Top 5 Reasons to Put Jordan on Your Travel Bucket List

Jordan’s main international airport is in the capital, Amman: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM).

Royal Jordanian or Turkish Airlines have frequent service.

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All major transportation options are available, including taxis, buses, car rentals, and cars for hire.

Cruise ships dock at the Port of Aqaba in Amman.

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The ruins in Jerash, Jordan; courtesy: Terry Anzur

Jordan has been called the Switzerland of the Middle East. But that doesn’t mean you’ll be spared the risk of traveling in the region. The U.S. State Department issued a travel warning for the country in December 2016.

Steer clear of political discussions and respect local customs by not showing too much skin. Women need not cover their hair unless visiting a mosque.

Except in some tourist hotels or designated beaches, swimming areas may be segregated by gender.

When spending the day in Petra, secure your valuables in a hotel safe.

It is strongly recommended that you hire an experienced guide and driver in Jordan, especially if you would like to visit Umm Qais near the Syria border. Having a local guide will help you navigate the military checkpoints in the border area with a minimum of hassle. You will need to show your passport.

Here are more tips worth noting, including currency, postal services, public holidays, electrical current, and useful words and phrases.

Some museums are free to visit, including the Mazar Islamic Museum, the Museum of Jordanian Heritage, the Petra Archaeological Museum, the Petra Nabataean Museum, and the Martyr’s Memorial and Military Museum. For a full list of free locations and fee amounts for the rest, click here.

Consider buying the Jordan Pass. It offers pre-paid entry to more than 40 attractions in Jordan, free digital guides for download, and a waiver for all entry visa fees if you buy the Pass before arrival and stay a minimum of three nights.

Foreign citizens staying more than two consecutive nights in Jordan whose travel was arranged through a Jordanian tour operator will have their visa fees waived. For more information, consult the Entry into Jordan page on the Jordanian Tourism Board’s website. Otherwise, for visitors from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, visas can be obtained upon arrival.

There is also a small exit service fee for land and sea border points.

The author in the back of a pickup truck, riding through the Wadi Rum desert; courtesy: Terry Anzur

For more in-depth—and often candid—travel advice when visiting Jordan, consider LONELY PLANET’S JORDAN guide on Amazon.com. Your use of our referral (“affiliate”) link helps support our journalism; thank you.

Terry booked her trip through Linda at A1 Super Cruises.