Jordan Escapade: A Travel Guide for First-Timers

You might have read one or two positive or negative things about it, or perhaps not, but for various reasons, the former Hashemite Kingdom, is a country to include in your bucket list of places to visit for vacation. Jordan is a small, marvelous Asian country in the east of the biblical river Jordan banks, whose extreme beauty, exciting history, and rich culture make it a great tourist destination despite neighboring some of the most volatile nations in the middle east.

Talk about amazing open-air museums, awesome, beaches, and attractive ancient ruins that will perhaps bewilder you with awe and excitement… this is Jordan for you. You will gape in surprise to discover that Jordan is also home to some of the world's most delicious cuisines, a favorable climate, welcoming locals and a plethora of unforgettable experiences, which is why tourists around the world love it.

Before spilling all the beans, here are some things you want to know about the Arab country as a first-timer’s guide to enjoying a Jordan escapade.

By Tomobe03 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11714865

Know Where the Fun Is

Like any other country, the history of Jordan is well-documented, which you can read online from the comfort of your home. But one of the secrets you need to enjoy your experience in Jordan is to know where to find the country’s travel juice. For breathtaking attractions and city wonders, Petra, Amman, Jerash, and Aqaba are some of the most popular tour destinations in Jordan you may want to have a taste of.

Know Where to Stay

This will largely depend on your preferences when it comes to activities and places of interest. If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Jordan, there are plenty of good options in Petra, along with Amman and most of the other cities mentioned above. As a matter of fact, Petra is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and in 2007, got a spot in the 7 wonders of the world Vote. When choosing a place to stay in Jordan, the cities tend to be safer.

Learn Some Arabic

Most of whom are fluent English speakers, the Jordan locals are quite warm and welcoming.  However, you can’t run from the fact that Arabic is the Arab nation’s official language. To get the most out of your tour and stay there, it can be more convenient to learn at least a few basic Arabic language words and phrases such as salaam (hello), shukran (thank you), and Afwan (you’re welcome). To greet someone and ask them if they speak English, for instance, you just say, “Salaam, Ibtihki ingleezi or Salaam, hal tatahadath al'iinjlizia?”

Enjoy The Jordanian Cuisines

The food is great in Jordan. For just a 2-3 dollars, you’ll get your tummy full with amazing street bread and other amazing dishes such as ful, hummus, and falafel, just to name a few. Before you leave for the trip, be sure to conduct some research on these dishes and where to get the best servings in your particular Jordan destination.

Dress The Part

Depending on when you visit Jordan, the weather can be a hurdle. Basically, though, the temperatures are fair and favorable for visiting all year round. When it comes to travel clothing, however, you’ll want to get it right and arm yourself with warm clothing for the nights in cities such as Petra. Nonetheless, light clothing for the daytime will do the trick, at least for most cities in Jordan. In case you have to explore the deep interior regions that are somewhat religious and highly conversant (especially where they practice Islam, you might want to learn the appropriate dressing cultures, which include loose clothing that cover the legs, arms, and chest for women.

In summation, Jordan is full of things to do, see, eat, learn, and explore. It has everything you’ll only find in the middles east. Once you have the above tips in mind, you’ll only need to ensure your stay safe, remain vigilant, stay calm, and enjoy your vacation.