With concern for safety and the worries of instability in the Middle East, many travelers and tourists have been avoiding this area, and it’s not surprising. Whilst the countries that border Jordan, such as Syria, would not be an advisable holiday destination, Jordan is a country which is considered stable and peaceful and faces a decline in tourism because of its neighbors. Jordan is a country which deserves attention and should not be forgotten just because of its location.
Is Jordan Really Safe?
Current terrorist threats and recent tragic events make safety a big concern when planning travels to foreign countries. It is important to keep up to date with current affairs and travel advice given by officials, to keep an eye on the situation before you visit anywhere. It is not advised to travel anywhere within 3km of the Syrian border, but that should not stop you visiting the beautiful tourist spots that Jordan has to offer. Jordan is a safe and peaceful country, and whilst it is better to avoid any political protests or events, the people of Jordan welcome tourists and Western travelers with friendliness and respect and are happy to have you in their country. The local people work hard to give people a positive impression and whilst they hold their culture and values as important, they are progressive and open to others, taking care to keep up the stability and peacefulness of their country.
Of course, whilst they welcome visitors, it is still important that you give them respect just as they respect you. They are not strict in their views but are more conservative by Western standards. Dressing appropriately shows your respect for their country as a visitor, but also protects your skin from the sun too. Whilst you may be happy in short shorts and a vest top on your own turf, it is respectful to abide by the customs of the place you are stepping into. Loose fitting clothing in breathable fabrics work best, and in hot, dry climates it is much better to wear longer clothing to keep you more protected from the sun.
Why is it Worth Visiting?
If you are not familiar with Jordan, then doing a little research will open your eyes to the wonders that it has to offer. There are plenty of guides that offer info, tips, and advice if you would like to learn more about a particular location. Petra is definitely one to add to your list; Any fans of Indiana Jones may recognize this location for it’s beautiful carved out rock face in rose-colored stone that is truly awe-inspiring to look at. With temples and tombs carved into pink sandstone, this is a stunning place to explore and a truly unique location. If you want more beautiful ruins and wondrous landscape, then you should also check out the Greco-Roman arches and columns of Jerash or the protected wilderness of Wadi Rum for an Arabian desert experience. If you want to visit the lowest point on Earth, then at 408m below sea level, the Dead Sea is the perfect location – no floaties required. With such high levels of salinity, this beautiful body of water has high levels of buoyancy, so no swimming is necessary to enjoy this experience. It is also a popular spa destination, with mineral-rich mud rubs and salt scrubs that boast countless healing properties, so you can truly reap the benefits of nature.
How to Start Planning
Firstly, you need to decide what time of year you would like to travel. The weather is cooler between December and February with temperatures of around 50°F (10°C), whereas summer months can reach 88°F (31°C). Between March and May is the most popular time to visit, as typically you get warm days and cool nights, so it’s an ideal balance. The climate is very hot and dry, but temperatures do drop at night, so it isn’t too uncomfortable as far as weather goes.
Once you know what time of year you would like to travel, make sure you have a list of places you definitely want to visit. There is of course lots of things to see and do, so it’s a good idea to check out the different package deals and Jordan tours that are available. Of course, you can plan and book everything yourself, but it is often easier to let the experts handle things to make the planning a little less stressful. Good tour guides and packages include the most popular locations and you should take note of what is included. It also helps to know where the best places are to eat and the easiest routes to travel if you plan on exploring without pre-planned excursion booked.
There is a lot to think about when booking any holiday, but it is all worth it when you have a wonderful experience and come back with lots of happy memories. If you feel inspired to take a trip to the Middle East, then Jordan is a safe and exciting place to visit with lots to offer (see Jordan Tours), so it is absolutely worth considering as your next holiday location.