by Daniel S.
At the heart of the Middle East, Jordan offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that captivates visitors with its authenticity and charm. From the awe-inspiring rose-red city of Petra to the serene waters of the Dead Sea, Jordan is a destination that deserves attention.
OVERRATED (Be warned!):
– Jordan Pass. It is basically your entry visa to Jordan and its sites offered by the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Go on the Jordan Pass Official Website to find out more.
– Desert heat in all seasons. While Jordan’s desert climate is renowned for its extreme heat, some travelers might be surprised to find that even in cooler months, the daytime temperatures in desert areas can still be uncomfortably hot.
– Petra. White undoubtedly an incredible archaeological wonder, it should not be the singular focus as the highlight of all Jordan. There is more to Jordan than just Petra. Petra can get expensive and features numerous tourist traps. Be mindful when encountering locals who want to sell you donkey rides/horse rides/camel rides/shuttle rides/private tours. And certain locals will request payment for alternate shortcut routes that are both illegal and dangerous. Follow the official recommended trails as shown on the map. PACK COMFORTABLE FOOTWARE & PLENTY OF WATER. There will be a lot of walking on cobblestone and sand.
– “Petra by Night”. An evening event where the site is illuminated by candlelight, is often promoted as a mystical experience. However, some travelers might find that the crowded and commercialized nature of the event can impact the atmosphere.
– Dead Sea. Depending on which part of the Dead Sea you are visiting, be prepared for a pungent smell and noticeably hot climate. The water is steadily receding in an alarming rate due to over-exploitation and climate change, and thus the Dead Sea could potentially disappear in about fifty years. Whatever you do, do not get that water in your eyes! As for the Dead Sea products, they are certainly overrated.
UNDERRATED (Cool unknown facts):
– Wadi Rum. The surreal desert landscapes of Wadi Rum are breathtaking, with sand dunes and rock formations that honestly feel like another world. There are luxury Bedouin camps you can stay at, varying in size price and amenities. It is worth mentioning that many movies were shot here, including Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian, Dune, Prometheus, Star Wars…
– Warm hospitality. Jordanian hospitality is renowned; locals often welcome visitors with open arms, creating meaningful connections and insights into daily life.
– Diverse geography. Jordan’s compact size houses diverse landscapes, from the fertile hills of Ajloun, the stark beauty of the desert south, to the beautiful Red Sea at Aqaba.
– WiFi. There will be WiFi almost anywhere you go. Most tour buses also offer pretty good WiFi and even bedouin camps in Wadi Rum have WiFi.
– Sheesha. There are plenty of restaurants and coffee shops that offer sheesha, and there are sheesha drive-thrus for those who are on-the-go and prefer pull over and remain in the car while puffing on a fresh sheesha.
Have you ever set foot in Jordan? What did you make of the country and people and what do you think is overrated and what fellow tourists should be made aware of?
