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    Home » Travel

    Travel to Jordan

    Published: Mar 25, 2025

    travel to Jordan cover photo Petra

    Your Ultimate Jordan Travel Guide for Traveling around Jordan like a local! If you're not a fan of big tour groups or fighting through the touristy masses, then this is the Jordan travel blog post for you!

    I traveled to Jordan from America in October 2023 and it is still one of my most favorite places to travel! Jordanians are incredibly hospitable by default, more generous than you can imagine, and put family above all else. Oh and did I mention the food? It is mouthwateringly delicious!

    We travelled to Jordan with our 2 year old and it was the best experience for all of us! Read on to find out the how to travel around Jordan, where to stay, what to eat, what to wear, non touristy things to do, and some Arabic phrases you can use in Jordan!

    IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO JORDAN RIGHT NOW (2025): It is safe to travel to Jordan from America now. Jordan is considered the safest Middle Eastern country for Americans to travel to.

    Always check the travel advisories website before you book flights anywhere!

    sunset in Amman
    Sunset in Amman on our first night in Jordan

    BEST TIME OF YEAR TO TRAVEL TO JORDAN

    The time of year to travel to Jordan from America (and other countries) really depends on what you are looking for. So I'm going to guide you through traveling to Jordan for each season, and you can pick which one suits your needs!

    Summer (June through August). Summer is the busiest and hottest season in Jordan, this is for you if you are working around school breaks. There will be a lot more tourists in the summer time and the weather can feel near extreme for some people as Jordan is a desert climate.

    Fall (September through November). Fall is a great time to visit Jordan, it is less hot and much less touristy since the kids have gone back to school.

    Winter (December through February). Winter is the coldest and rainiest time to visit Jordan, but if this doesn't bother you, then it is an excellent time to see Jordan without the tourists.

    Spring (March through May). Spring is considered the most beautiful time to visit Jordan because the weather is warm but not yet hot, and all the trees are starting to flower.

    WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO TRAVEL TO JORDAN?

    In my personal opinion, the best time to visit Jordan is in March and April, when the tourists have not yet started their summer travels yet, the weather is starting to warm up, and the trees are blooming with flowers. March and April are not unbearably hot like some of the summer months. You'll get to experience a lot of the tourist areas, without the tourist masses.

    The absolute least touristy time to visit Jordan is December through February. These winter months are the coldest months in Jordan, between 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit. I wouldn't recommend going during these months. While 30-40 degrees doesn't seem that cold to a New Yorker like me, 30-40 degrees in Jordan feels a lot colder because Jordan doesn't have good heating systems. Plus, if by chance it snows, even 1 inch, the whole country will shut down. Jordan just doesn't have the resources to deal with cold winters and snow.

    HOW TO TRAVEL TO JORDAN

    There is really only one way to get to Joran if you're coming from the USA, and that is by flight into one of the main airports. Most people fly into the most popular Jordan airport, which is Queen Alia International Airport in Amman.

    There are no trains that connect into Jordan, so catching a flight to Europe and taking the train from there isn't an option. And as far as busses go, there are busses that come out of Jordan into close by countries, but these are typically only used by locals and is not a good way to get into Jordan efficiently.

    You can drive in from close by countries, but if you're choosing this option, it is likely you are with a local and they know the area. I wouldn't suggest to drive into Jordan, because there are less stable countries you would have to drive through to get in. Once you get into Jordan, you can definitely rent a car to drive around.

    To visit Jordan, you'll need a passport and a visa. If you're coming from the America, the visa process is very easy. You can do it right when you arrive to the airport in Amman. This is what we did and it was very easy and simple. You can also apply for your visa on line before traveling to Jordan.

    If you do plan to stay in Jordan for more than 30 days, you will need to apply for a visa before arriving for the extended stay.

    DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO JORDAN? Yes you will need a visa to get into Jordan from the USA.

    Types of Visas for Visiting Jordan:

    1. Single Entry Tourist Visa: best for most tourists. It allows you to enter Jordan and see the country for up to month.
    2. Visa on Arrival: this is what we did and Jordan allows visa on arrival from certain countries like America, Australia, New Zealand, China, Canada, most European countries, and all South American countries except Columbia.
    3. E-Visa: to speed up your time in the Jordanian airport when you arrive, you can apply on line for a visa before you leave for Jordan.

    The cost of a single entry visa in Jordan is 40 JD (Jordanian Dinars), which is approximately 56 USD.

    Jordan Travel Pass- do you need it? Well it depends on what you want to see, but for a first time traveler to Jordan who wants to see the popular destinations like Petra, Wadi Rum, and Jerash it is a great option. It includes access to over 40 sites in Jordan including historical museums in Jordan.

    The Jordan pass is 70-80 JD. 70 JD for 1 day in Petra, 75 for 2 days, and 80 for 3 days. I'm not sure why anyone would want to go to Petra for 3 days, as it can be seen in ½ day, so I'd opt for the 70 JD Jordan pass.

    If you pay for all Jordan destinations separately, you'll pay 40 JD for your visa and 50 JD to get into Petra, so already you've saved money with the Joran pass here. But it is up to you, we actually did not buy the Jordan Pass when we were in Jordan, but if I were to go again, I would definitely buy it.

    HOW TO GET AROUND JORDAN

    Now you've arrived in Jordan, yay! Get ready to experience a country like no other! Traveling to Jordan from America for the first time is an incredibly unique and eye opening experience. Middle Easterners are incredibly friendly, warm, and hospitable, and will lend a helping hand where ever they can! They would literally give you the shirt off their own back.

    Once you get through border control and customs, head down to collect your luggage from the designated baggage claim area. Most airports are very similar and have many signs to get around in English, and Amman airport is very easy to figure out.

    After gathering your bags, you can step right outside of the airport's front doors and there will be cabs waiting to take you to your hotel or apartment.

    One thing to note is that cabs are getting more expensive in Jordan, and some cab drivers are picky, like they will only drive men or only drive women. Some cab drivers will only drive certain distances, and some cab drivers will only cover small areas of Amman!

    The best way to get around if you're not renting a car is using the Uber app. It is very safe, inexpensive, and reliable in Amman.

    Now if you are going outside of Amman, you can take tour busses with other tourists to Petra, Wadi Rum, and other popular stops. They are very easy to book at travel agents, right inside Amman.

    However, if you want more of a local experience when traveling to Jordan, I highly suggest renting a car. Not only can you stop at anywhere you like along the way, like if you spot a little roadside vegetable stand, but you can also travel at your own pace.

    4 ways to travel around Jordan:

    1. Taxi
    2. Uber
    3. Tour bus
    4. Rent a Car

    HOW DO TOURISTS GET AROUND IN JORDAN? Most tourists choose between taxi cabs, uber, and tour organized busses to get them to further out destinations when traveling to Jordan.

    driving in Jordan

    WHERE TO STAY IN JORDAN

    Two options for stays in Jordan:

    1. Hotel/Resort
    2. Airbnb

    When we traveled to Jordan, we spent most of our time in an Airbnb apartment on the outside of the city of Amman. The other part of the time we spent at families house in Madaba, a weekend stay in the Dead Sea, and a weekend stay in Wadi Rum.

    I loved having the apartment in Jordan because it gave us the freedom to have a home base to come and go as we wanted, with privacy.

    There are so many different styles, sizes, locations, and prices for Airbnb as well as hotels in Jordan. If you don't have a car, your best option is to get a hotel or Airbnb in downtown Amman. Downtown Amman is more beginner tourist friendly, and you can easily get help and get a cab somewhere.

    IF YOU DO HAVE A CAR IN JORDAN

    If you do have a car, I would highly recommend picking the Airbnb or hotel that you absolutely love! There are tons of Airbnb options on the outer sides of the city of Amman that have breathtaking views, especially at night.

    You can drive your car to all the locations for day trips, like Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash Ruins, and the Dead Sea.

    Or, you can leave your Airbnb and book a 1 or 2 night trip in Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea and then come back to your Airbnb with all your luggage still there.

    When we were in Jordan we kept the apartment in Amman for about a month, and then spent 1 weekend in Wadi Rum and 1 weekend in the Dead Sea. During the week we came back to the Airbnb. It was really great to use as a home base, especially on days we just wanted to have a low key evening and cook, or have takeout at home.

    MUST TRY FOODS WHEN YOU TRAVEL TO JORDAN

    In my opinion, Arabic food is by far the best food in the world, especially the countries of the Levant Region! I used to be all about Italian food, until I discovered the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cooking.

    If you are a foodie, and want a truly unique food experience, definitely add Jordan to your travel wish list! Jordan is a paradise for meat lovers, with many delicious foods like fresh juicy kebab, meat slow cooked underground, and so much more.

    Here are 10 Street Foods/ Quick Foods that you HAVE to try in Jordan:

    1. Shawarma
    2. Falafel
    3. Hummus
    4. Labneh
    5. Arabic Salad
    6. Manakish
    7. Ara'yes
    8. Kebabs
    9. Sfeeha
    10. Arabic Tea
    shawarma in Jordan
    Shawarma
    smoothie in Jordan
    Arabic Smoothie
    Arabic coffee in Jordan
    Arabic Coffee

    And for your sweet tooth, make sure to try Knafeh and Baklava! Knafeh is a iconic Middle Eastern dessert made of warm stretchy cheese, crispy noodle like pastry dough and drenched in sweet orange blossom syrup. And we all know that Baklava is amazing, but it gets even more amazing served fresh in Jordan!

    Baklava in Jordan
    Baklava
    knafe in Jordan
    Knafe

    Here are 5 meals that you HAVE to try in a Jordanian Restaurant:

    1. Mansaf. Mansaf is Jordans national dish and is definitely a unique dish to say the least! Slow cooked lamb meat in a tangy yogurt sauce served over fluffy yellow rice and topped with crunchy almonds.
    2. Maqluba. Maqluba is an Arabic dish that is famous in the Levant region. If you can see this meal being served it is a show stopper! A big pot of flavorful rice layered with meat (chicken or lamb) and vegetables is flipped upside down to serve!
    3. Galayet Bandora. This is a famous meal in Jordan, typically served for breakfast, made of tender meat cooked in spices and tomatoes.
    4. Stuffed Grape Leaves. Real Jordanian stuffed grape leaves are a labor of love in cooking. Grape leaves take many hours to roll with Arabic spiced rice, and are then cooked in a big pot with tender fall off the bone lamb.
    5. Zarb. Zarb is an amazing Bedouin Jordanian food that you can't get anywhere else in the world! Meat is slow cooked in a deep hole in the ground for hours to create the most mouth watering smoky meat.
    Ouzi in Jordan
    Ouzi with Lamb
    Mansaf in Jordan
    Mansaf with Lamb
    mandi in Jordan
    Mandi with Chicken

    Make sure to try to eat Jordanian food with a piece of bread instead of a fork for a true local Jordanian food experience!

    And if you're now home from Jordan in America and already missing that delicious Jordanian food, make sure to try some of my authentic Jordanian recipes!

    • Jordanian Tea
    • Jordanian Ouzi Rice
    • Galayet Bandora
    • Shorbat Adas
    • Arabic Salad
    • Qatayef (Cream filled pancakes)
    • Basbousa
    • Baklava

    JORDANIAN FOODS YOU CAN COOK OR BRING TO YOUR AIR BNB OR HOTEL

    What I love about our travels in Jordan was that we rented this gorgeous Airbnb and could bring back Middle Eastern food to cook in the kitchen. When I travel abroad I absolutely love stopping at local grocery stores, I feel like grocery shopping in another country is an event in it of itself.

    Here are some fun things that you can find at local Arabic markets to eat at your Airbnb:

    1. Fresh fruit and vegetables! I know this one is so simple, but there are cheap roadside fruit and vegetable stands all over Jordan and I just couldn't resist. Plus, you're supporting a local to put food on their table for their family.
    2. Olives. Jordanians love to grow their own olive trees, and make their own olives at home! I loved buying the local olives and olive oil.
    3. Pickles! I know this one is strange, but there are so so many different pickle varieties in Jordan and I especially love the ones called wild cucumber pickles.

    And of course, buy whatever catches your eye! These are just the things that I wanted to bring back to my Airbnb. A lot of times we ate at the restaurant, or at families houses, so I didn't have many free evenings to actually cook.

    BEST THINGS TO DO IN JORDAN

    Jerash Ruins
    Jerash Ruins

    These are the top things that Americans like to do in Jordan! While my experience in Jordan as an American was different, you can definitely still have loads of fun.

    1. Wadi Rum. Wadi Rum is literally like going to Mars on earth. Stay outside at night to see truly breathtaking views of the stars and galaxies.
    2. Petra. Petra is one of the 7 world wonders and the top tourist attractions in Jordan! It is an ancient city carved into the side of a cliff. You walk through gorgeous twists and turns of colorful caverns high as the sky.
    3. Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is another must sea because it is incredibly unique to Jordan! The salt in the dead sea is so dense that you literally can't put your feet down and you will float. Plus all those skin healthy benefits!
    4. Aqaba. I did not go to Aqaba, but it is a very popular relaxing spot in Jordan next to the Red Sea. Most Jordanians don't actually go to Aqaba, so you'll mostly see tourists here.
    5. Hot Springs. This is a fun day trip or overnight trip where you can go into hot springs in Jordan! The water is so warm and therapeutic and the views are great!
    6. Jerash Ruins. Jerash Ruins is a must sea in Jordan because it really gives you a glimpse into how widespread Roman history was. It feels like you are stepping back in time here.

    NON TOURISTY THINGS TO DO IN JORDAN

    If you're like me and my husband, than you're always looking for where the tourists aren't. There are so many things to do in Jordan that are not filled with tourists! And honestly, the only super crowded touristy place in Jordan was Petra.

    Take a day trip to Madaba and visit a local coffee shop like this one, called Kawon, which is one of my most favorite days I spent in Jordan. They have a cute little book shop with kittens that they rescue poking out to say hi here and there.

    coffee shop in Madaba Jordan
    coffee shop in Madaba Jordan
    coffee shop in Madaba Jordan

    If you're also in Madaba, they are known for their mosaic stone work so visit a local artist and they'll tell you about where they source the stones from! I found it so interesting that all of the stones colors are naturally occurring. I took home that pretty tree wall hanging on in the picture below to gift my mom.

    local Jordanian artist

    Arabic cooking is something you can only learn from a local! There are so many delicious Arabic foods, and it is so hard to find good restaurants back home. So why not take a cooking class while you're in Jordan! Here I'm making dawali, or stuffed grape leaves, which is my all time favorite Arabic food!

    Arabic cooking class

    And lastly, while you're in Jordan, make sure to go to a supermarket! I know it sounds silly, but going grocery shopping in another country is so fun! I bought some Arabic coffee and sugar and made Arabic coffee at my Airbnb.

    Arabic coffee

    WHAT TO WEAR IN JORDAN

    This is one of the biggest questions on people looking for in a Jordan travel guide is: what to wear! And an even bigger question if you are a woman traveling to Jordan.

    Jordan is a conservative country and predominately Muslim, so be prepared to dress modestly, even if it is hot! When you go to a new country, the best thing to do is to respect the local culture and blend in rather than stick out like a sore thumb.

    Jordan is mostly Muslim, however, the next biggest faith is Christian, making up only about 3%. Even Christian Jordanians dress modestly. While Christian Jordanian women don't wear a head scarf, they typically wear long sleeves and always long pants. Over 96% of Jordanians are Muslim!

    Now, you do NOT HAVE to dress conservatively, you can come to Jordan in a tank top and short shorts and no one will kick you out. However, every one and I mean everyone will stare at you. And honestly, it is totally disrespectful to all the locals.

    So, what to really Wear in Jordan?

    Wear loose flowy pants, especially if you are going in the summer made out of natural and breathable materials like cotton or linen. Wear loose flowy shirts that at least cover your shoulders, but preferably come past your elbows.

    If you have light skin, the sun is hot in Jordan and could burn you, so you can bring a hat to shield your face. Most Jordanians don't wear sun hats, but if you burn easily this is a good option.

    Make sure you bring comfortable shoes, whether they are sneakers, hiking boots, or hiking sandals like Teva's.

    Bring a light scarf if you are a woman and you plan to visit mosques and other Islamic religious sites as you will be required to wear a scarf in the mosque.

    Jordanian men- typically wear long pants and a t-shirt, or long sleeved shirt.

    Jordanian women- wear long looser pants, long sleeved shirt that covers your behind, and a head scarf that covers your neck. A lot of women also wear an abaya (a long sleeved dress that is loose and covers you up from top to bottom).

    WHAT TO WEAR IN JORDAN AS A WOMAN

    what to wear in Jordan as a woman

    If you are a woman traveling to Jordan, it is most appropriate to dress modestly. By modest I mean, no tight clothes, no showing curves, no bright colors, and covering your skin up.

    Remember you are traveling to Jordan to see THEIR culture, not expect it to have the same standards and rules of your own.

    Most Jordanian women are Muslim, and even Muslim women who don't wear a hijab (head scarf), will typically cover everything except their face, hands and feet. If you see some people wearing more revealing clothes, these are likely tourists.

    Do I have to wear hijab in Jordan? No! Hijab (head scarf) is not required, but If you want to wear one to blend in more, you absolutely can!

    I choose to wear a head scarf while in Jordan to blend in with the local culture and be able to really see Jordan through my eyes, without being seen as a tourist everywhere I go.

    what to wear in Jordan as a woman

    What to shop for (or choose from your closet) as a woman traveling to Jordan:

    1. Maxi dresses with sleeves (no plunging necklines or leg slit).
    2. Long sleeved shirts with a high neckline, and long enough to cover your backside. Think "oversized fit."
    3. Wide leg and flowy pants. Make sure they're not see through in the sun!
    4. Scarves in light flowy materials.

    And if you are shopping on line, abayas are an excellent easy and comfortable option for women who travel to Jordan! You can wear them by themselves, or you can throw them over your outfit to provide more modesty when needed.

    Here are some of the outfits I wore in Jordan!

    what to wear in Jordan as a woman
    what to wear in Jordan as a woman
    what to wear in Jordan as a woman

    VISITING JORDAN AS A WOMAN

    IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO JORDAN AS A WOMAN? Yes! Jordan is very safe for women travelers.

    IS JORDAN FRIENDLY TO AMERICAN TOURISTS? Yes! Jordan is friendly to Americans, especially families that travel because Jordan is extremely family oriented.

    TRAVEL TO JORDAN WITH KIDS

    As a world traveler, Jordan is currently the most family friendly that I have ever visited! Jordanians are family oriented by nature and absolutely cherish children.

    One thing that I need to note that you will most definitely notice if you are a mother is that the children do not ride in car seats in Jordan. Not even babies. You will see cars passing you on the road with mothers holding there babies in their arms in the front seat, and the backseat packed with unbuckled children. They don't have car seat safety rules like we do, and don't think anything of it!

    So if you do have a baby or toddler, make sure to double and even triple check with the car rental company about the car seat. The car we rented technically had a car seat when we picked it up... but no buckles! Honestly the best thing to do is to just bring your car seat or booster seat. I know its a pain to bring it on the airplane, but that one is guaranteed.

    SIMPLE JORDANIAN PHRASES FOR TOURISTS

    Even though a lot of people in the bigger cities like Amman speak English, you will get a lot more respect if you at least try to speak some Arabic. Even as simple as saying thank you in Arabic!

    Here are 10 phrases that will help you a lot when traveling in Jordan!

    1. "Salam" or "Salam Alakom" means peace be upon you. But it is used to say hello, especially when entering a place. You can reply with "Walakem Salam" or simply "Salam."
    2. "Ma Salam" or, "Salam" can also be used to say goodbye.
    3. "Shukran" means thank you.
    4. "Ya teek il afeyeh" means may God give you health. But it is used to say thank you when something is given to you. It shows a lot of respect for the culture when you use this phrase.
    5. "Afwan" means you're welcome.
    6. "Asef" means sorry.
    7. "Yallah" means come on or let's go. This is one of the most commonly used words in Jordan.
    8. "Wen hamaam" or "Wen toilette" if you need to find a bathroom.
    9. "Naam" or "Ah" for yes
    10. "La." for no

    These are very common phrases that you can use in Jordan as an English speaker. If you do know a little about Arabic, you know that the words change depending on if you are speaking to a man or a woman.

    The phrases above can all be spoken to a man or woman, and do not need to be changed. However with one exception, "ya teek il afeyeh" is to a man. "ya teekee il afeyeh" is to a woman.

    If you're looking for more Jordanian Arabic phrases to keep in your pocket when traveling, I'll be writing an even more detailed Jordan travel blog post on those.

    JORDAN TRAVEL GUIDE FOR 7 DAYS

    Here is a simple breakdown of my Jordan travel guide for 7 days!

    Day 1: Arrive in Jordan. Direct flights go out of JFK airport overnight, and you will arrive the next afternoon in Jordan. You will be jetlagged, so plan for your first day to be an easy relaxing day. Check into your hotel, and if you are feeling up for it, walk around to explore a little bit, but mostly plan to just acclimate on day 1.

    spice shop in Amman
    Spice shop in Amman Jordan

    Day 2: Explore downtown Amman and the Roman Theater. Amman has so much to do and so many eateries to try! You can either book a food tour for this day, or pop into any shop that looks fun to try! If you don't know a local, I would highly recommend going for the food tour guide- they will show you a lot of great Jordanian food.

    cake from downtown Amman
    Chocolate cake we found in downtown Amman

    Day 3: Madaba and Mount Nepo. Madaba is about 1 hour drive from Amman and Mount Nepo is close to Madaba. Shop in Madaba, try local knafe, and visit the beautiful Mount Nepo.

    Mount Nebo
    Mount Nebo

    Day 4: Wadi Rum. Wake up in the morning and drive to Wadi Rum from Amman. You should check out of your hotel or Airbnb this day and stay the night in Wadi Rum.

    Wadi Rum
    Bubble Tents in Wadi Rum

    Day 5: Wadi Rum, Petra, Dead Sea. Leave Wadi Rum and stop at Petra on the way to your next destination. You don't need whole day for Petra, so it is good to stop there on route. Arrive at the Dead Sea by the evening. Be careful on the steep roads into the Dead Sea!

    Petra
    Walk into Petra Ruins

    Day 6: Dead Sea. Spend 2 nights relaxing at a Dead Sea Resort. You can float in the Dead Sea, go to the spa, and enjoy delicious dinners.

    Dead Sea
    Dead Sea Resort

    Day 7: Dead Sea and Airport. Check out of your hotel at the Dead Sea and drive to the airport to leave!

    seating area in Dead Sea Resort
    Breakfast Area at Dead Sea Resort

    HOW MANY DAYS IN JORDAN IS ENOUGH?

    We stayed in Jordan for about 3 weeks, but we were also visiting family. So I honestly think you can see most of Jordan in about 7 or 8 days. Amman needs a day or two to try the food and see rainbow street. Roman Theater is close by too.

    Madaba and Mount Nebo can be seen in one day, and are about a 40-60 minute drive from Amman.

    old church in Madaba
    Church in Madaba
    mosaic in mount Nebo
    Mosaic in Mount Nebo
    mount Nebo
    View in Mount Nebo

    Wadi Rum is fun for 1 or 2 nights. There is not much to do during the day at Wadi Rum so I'd air towards arriving at Wadi Rum in the afternoon, getting checked in, relaxing a bit and having dinner right before sunset. After sunset is really what makes Wadi Rum magical. It is a feast for your eyes when you can see so many stars and galaxies. Most Wadi Rum stays make amazing food!

    Drive to Wadi Rum
    zarb at Wadi Rum
    Underground Cooked Meat

    You can stop at Petra on your way out of Wadi Rum. Petra is very touristy so you won't want to spend more than a half day there. But you do have to see it because it is one of the 7 world wonders and absolutely gorgeous!

    Petra one of 7 world wonders
    Petra Ruins in Jordan

    The Dead Sea is a good destination for two nights. You can float in the salt water, get a spa treatment, and relax by the water. I think the dead sea is the best spot to end your Jordan travel trip and head to the airport from there feeling totally relaxed.

    sunset over the dead sea
    Sunset over the Dead Sea
    floating in the dead sea
    Yes you really float!
    mud from the dead sea
    Dead Sea mud for you!

    WHAT TO BRING BACK FROM JORDAN

    When we come back to America from traveling to Jordan, we always bring spices from us! An any time we know family is going to or coming back from Jordan we ask for spices! The spices you can get in Jordan are so fresh and unlike the spices you get here in the States.

    There are a lot of fresh spice shops in Amman like this one below, where you choose your spice and pay by the weight. It is an excellent deal and very high quality. If you love to cook Arabic food, make sure to ask for "Maqluba Spices," "7 Spices," and "Cajun Spices." These are the 3 that I use most in my Arabic cooking at home!

    spices in jordan

    One of the other things we always bring back is chocolates! Chocolates are different from Jordan and are filled with delights like knafe dough, baklava, and many kinds of nuts. It is a great gift and little taste of the Middle East to bring your family!

    chocolates from Jordan

    DO'S AND DON'TS JORDAN TRAVEL GUIDE

    Jordan has a very high population of Muslims, so please be respectful to the religion! If you are a woman and you want to see the mosque, please bring a scarf to cover up before you enter. If you see someone praying, be mindful not to pass Infront of someone whose praying.

    Jordan is also a very conservative country, so dress modestly if you can! I know it is also very hot most months of the year, so try to wear light loose flowy natural fabrics that cover most of your skin. Public displays of affection are considered to be inappropriate in Jordan, so please respect this culture and norm as parents are also trying to teach their kids this.

    You will find that Jordanians are some of the most hospitable people in the world, so take your time to be polite back! You may find that dinners might be slower paced, as meals are meant to bring people together and enjoyed for awhile. There is no such thing as full in Jordan so if you empty your plate don't be surprised Jordanians will try to give you more food!

    Jordanians are very relaxed about time, so don't be bothered if things are running behind schedule or even late, that's just the culture!

    Above all, come to Jordan with an open mind to see their culture and expect things to be quite different from back home.

    THINGS TO BE AWARE OF WHEN TRAVELING IN JORDAN

    Alcohol is very taboo in Jordan, so don't try to find it. Most stores that sell alcohol are not good stores and should be avoided. Resorts like the ones in the Dead Sea and Aqaba will probably sell alcohol and is safe to drink because they cater to mostly tourists.

    If you are driving a rental car please drive carefully! Driving in Jordan is VERY different from America as there are not many traffic signs and people tend to be much more relaxed about staying in the lanes. Also beware of other cars and do not drive too closely to others. There are military checkpoints along the roads so if you get stopped this is totally normal for everyone and nothing to worry about.

    You may find that you get the travelers bug in Jordan, and I did get it quite badly. It is similar to the one you get when you go to Mexico from America with diarrhea. My main tip on avoiding it is wash your hands as much as possible! If you end up with the travelers bug diarrhea in Jordan, just stop at a pharmacy and they will know exactly what to give you (anti diarrhea and probiotic pills).

    My husbands aunt made me this amazing sage tea the first couple days I had the travelers bug and it worked for a couple hours after drinking the tea, but nothing worked as well as the medicine from the pharmacy.

    travelers bug tea in Jordan
    Traveler's Bug Tea in Jordan

    You will see a LOT of stray cats and dogs around Jordan. Stay away from the dogs because a lot of them have rabies. But the cats are totally find and so friendly! We fed these little kittens our leftover pasta (yes pasta!) in the Dead Sea.

    cats in Jordan
    Feeding hungry kittens in the Dead Sea

    DO I NEED VACCINES TO TRAVEL TO JORDAN?

    There are not any special vaccinations required to come to Jordan as an American. Some travel advisories will say you might want to consider a rabies vaccination, but this is just because there are a lot of stray dogs. Just don't try to approach any stray dogs, especially at night.

    Other than that, you will be all set with the vaccines you get in America.

    If you have any questions about my Jordan Travel Guide, please let me know your thoughts by leave me a comment below! 

    Enjoy you trip to Joran and above all else, always say yes to the tea.

    Arabic tea in Jordan

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Annie

      March 26, 2025 at 1:12 am

      This is so well written and includes every question I had and even more that I wouldn’t think of! You can really tell that you’ve got the true locals experience and I can’t wait to get to Jordan next year! It’s been on my travel bucket list for years and years

    2. Rosemary

      March 26, 2025 at 1:33 pm

      I can't wait to hear about your travel experience! Hope you have a safe trip and wonderful time

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    Rosemary Squires registered dietitian of the hint of rosemary blog

    Hi, I'm Rosemary, a registered dietitian and proud mom to a lively toddler. Back in 2015, I launched Hint of Rosemary to share my genuine passion for delicious and enjoyable healthy eating.

    In our home, I celebrate the delightful fusion of American and Jordanian cuisines, drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of Arabic cuisine, and striving to create a harmonious blend of cultures. My hope is that you'll find inspiration here and, above all, savor every bite.

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