Before you go

CLIMATE AND WEATHER

Jordan experiences a warm and arid climate characterized by lengthy, hot summers and brief, cool winters. The geographical location of Jordan, situated between the dryness of the Arabian desert and the humidity of the eastern Mediterranean area, greatly influences its climate. The temperatures in Jordan can be high with minimal rainfall, reaching extremes during the summer months from May to August. Conversely, in the period from November to March, especially in the desert, nights can be notably chilly, with temperatures dropping to 5°C or even lower. Surprisingly, even during the hot desert months, the nights can sometimes become cold. The optimal times for visiting Jordan are spring and autumn when daytime temperatures are generally warm to hot, and nights are cool to mild, with low humidity and little to no rainfall. Winter months, from December to February, bring very cold mornings and evenings, accompanied by fog and freezing temperatures, making it essential to have warm clothing during that time.

WHAT TO TAKE AND NEED

Although Western clothing is widely accepted, Jordanians typically adhere to more traditional clothing styles. To show respect for the local culture, it is advisable to dress modestly, avoiding sleeveless or low-cut tops. Shorts are generally acceptable in major tourist areas. Women should cover their heads, arms, and legs when entering religious structures. In desert settings, especially during nighttime or open jeep rides (particularly from October to March), temperatures can unexpectedly drop, so it's advisable to pack warm and windproof clothing. Given the frequent movement during the trip, it's recommended to pack as lightly as possible, aiming for around 10 kg (22 lb). Suitcases are discouraged for our excursions. This packing list serves as a reference, offering suggestions for items you might want to include.

CLOTHING

• Walking shoes or strong trainers (all purpose wear)
• Stuitable sandals
• T-shirts
• Long sleeved shirt
• Long casual trousers
• Shorts/short trousers
• Tracksuit bottoms or similar (optional)
• Fleece or sweatshirt
• Thick fleece (winter only)
• Lightweight wind/waterproof jacket
• Warm jacket (winter only)
• Warm hat and gloves (for winter in desert)
• Swimwear and sarong
• Sunhat (styled to cover face, ears and neck)

EQUIPMENT

• Soft-sided bag 
• Lightweight daypack
• Sleeping sheet/liner (optional for Wadi Rum camp)
• Sunglasses
• Camera, memory card(s)
• Plastic bags are useful to guard camera against dust in the desert.
• Passport
• Cash, credit/debit cards, money security belt/pouch
• Insurance documents
• Trip information and itinerary
• Universal travel adapter
• Personal first aid kit
• Towel

 CHECK LIST

• Travel documents: valid passport, visa & travel insurance
• Health requirements arranged
• Money: cash & credit cards are accepted ; you can pay in US dollars and Jordan Dinars
• Money pouch
• Your personal hygiene kit

HEALTH AND SAFETY

• Vaccinations are recommended against Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Polio and Diphtheria. Please consult your doctor or a travel medical centre for further advice. We recommend you pack some dehydration salts and remember to drink LOTS of water every day; to avoid stomach upsets do not eat anything uncooked and wash your hands regularly, some antibacterial hand wash gel is very useful.
• Jordan is generally considered to be a very safe country however we recommend that you bear the following in mind when visiting: Be sensible how you store or carry around your passport, wallet and any valuables. During some parts of the trip you will be given some free time to explore around on your own, relax or explore at your own leisure; at these times we recommend that you use your good judgment as to what activity(s) you choose to do. Our drive / guide will be ready at all times to help you decide how you spend your time.

LOCAL CULTURE

Jordan is an Islamic nation and tends to be quite conservative so you should dress accordingly. As a general guideline, shoulders and knees should be covered at all times. The wearing of shorts is not allowed away from the beach or pool as it will restrict your entry into buildings of a religious nature and family homes. Jordanians are typically very friendly and welcoming of foreign guests, especially in rural areas and villages, and it is not unknown for a Jordanian to invite a foreigner he has just met into his home.

VISAS

Our most tours will be including meet and assist by our office representatives with Jordan visa upon arrival at each arrival point, as per tour itinerary. Most nationalities are able to obtain a single-entry visa at the airport, land borders, or port in Aqaba, valid for 14 days and costing JOD40. In any case, please make sure to consult your nearest Jordanian embassy for any visa requirement that you may be subject to.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE AND SPENDING MONEY

• The unit of currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JD). It is connected to US$ as US$1 = JD0.708. We are increasingly advising against the use of Travelers’ Cheques due to the widespread number of ATMs. Credit cards are readily accepted in banks and larger hotels, and some souvenir shops, but not in the desert camp. We recommend that you change at least some money at the banks.
• Each traveler has his or her own spending habits and we recommend that you consider yours when allowing for all the daily expenses you will be incurring i.e. drinking, eating, shopping etc.

 TIPPING

Generally, Jordan is a tipping country. It is recognized part of life and although at your discretion you will be expected to reward good service. It should be remembered, however, that over-generosity could lead to jealousies in poor countries. Please remember that all tips should be a way for individuals to thank staff for good service. As a guideline each person should allow as minimum of 15 US$ per day, per person to cover the tips for local service providers…