I am a firm believer that if you go to another country and don’t make an effort to experience the culture, then you are missing out. That being said, there is a lot of culture to be experienced in Jordan. In fact, I would argue that Jordan has more culture than the US, which is not saying much at all. So when my friend asked me to help him plan a trip to Jordan, I was happy to oblige.
Visiting everything in Jordan on a minimum budget is challenging, as the country has numerous attractions spread across diverse landscapes. However, with careful planning and budget-conscious choices, you can make the most of your trip. Here’s a guide to help you visit Jordan on a tight budget:
- Plan Your Itinerary:
- Prioritize the must-see destinations and experiences in Jordan.
- Focus on specific regions to minimize travel expenses and time.
- Travel During the Off-Season:
- Visit during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) to take advantage of lower prices and fewer tourists.
- Budget Airlines and Transportation:
- Search for deals on budget airlines or compare prices on domestic flights within Jordan.
- Use public buses or shared taxis for inter-city travel, which are often more affordable than private transfers.
- Accommodation:
- Stay in budget accommodations such as hostels, guesthouses, and campgrounds.
- Consider Airbnb for affordable lodging options.
- Dining:
- Opt for local restaurants and street food stalls, which are usually more budget-friendly than upscale dining.
- Share meals to reduce costs and minimize food waste.
- Water and Snacks:
- Carry a reusable water bottle to refill from clean water sources and avoid purchasing bottled water.
- Stock up on snacks from local markets before heading to remote areas.
- Tours and Guides:
- Research and book tours and guides directly with local operators to avoid extra fees from intermediaries.
- Explore some sites independently, especially if guided tours are expensive.
- Jordan Pass:
- Consider purchasing a Jordan Pass, which provides entry to many popular tourist sites, including Petra, and can save you money if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
- Student and Youth Discounts:
- If you’re a student or under 30, inquire about student/youth discounts for entry fees and transportation.
- Hiking and Outdoor Activities:
- Enjoy the many free or low-cost hiking and outdoor activities, like exploring canyons, mountains, and natural reserves.
- Camping:
- Camping can be an economical way to stay in certain areas, particularly in Wadi Rum and Dana Biosphere Reserve.
- Local Transportation:
- Use public buses, shared taxis, and local transportation options when available.
- Souvenirs:
- Be mindful of souvenir shopping and limit your purchases to what you truly value.
- Haggle Prices:
- Don’t hesitate to negotiate prices at local markets and shops, as haggling is a common practice in Jordan.
- Travel Insurance:
- While not directly related to reducing costs, travel insurance is essential for unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies or trip cancellations.
- Language:
- Learn some basic Arabic phrases, as this can help with communication and potentially lead to better deals.
- Be Flexible:
- Be open to changes in your itinerary based on the availability of budget-friendly options.
Remember that Jordan offers a variety of experiences and attractions, and you don’t have to see everything to have a fulfilling trip. Prioritize your interests and allocate your budget accordingly to make the most of your visit within your financial constraints.
With Jordan Mw (Part of Trip500 Local Tour Operator), we’ve planned everything from start to finish, as our selective group packages will take you just right around almost everything throughout the country, for example if you book a thrilling tour or classic, both ways you’re going to pass the Country’s hot spots from up north all the way down south (Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum, Kerak, and Aqaba), so book this tour package with us and E-Mail us for any questions at info@trip500.com
He is a big fan of Jordan and wanted to see as many of the sites as possible, so I took his suggestions and added some things of my own. So here are 10 of my favorite things I saw while on my trip to Jordan.
The Dead Sea This may be one of the best things you can do in Jordan. Not only does the Dead Sea have amazing benefits for your skin and hair, it also is a great place to go scuba diving. It is the lowest point on the surface of the planet and is at least 2000 feet below sea level. I would say that most people don’t even know about it because there is no way to get there unless you take a boat or plane. It is located right in the middle of the country and is only about an hour from Amman. If you are interested in taking a trip, there are companies that can take you to the bottom.
There are hotels and other places for you to stay and even scuba equipment to rent. It is truly an amazing sight and is worth the trip.
The Jerash Archaeological Site This is one of the oldest continuously occupied cities in the world. It was built around 50 BC and lasted until 636 AD. The site has been restored to its original state and is an excellent place to visit. You can see the remains of a Roman amphitheater, an Egyptian temple, a Greek theater and other buildings that are still standing. You will see many beautiful sculptures and murals that are still visible. It is easy to get to and is about an hour from Amman. There are lots of places to stay in the area and also restaurants. It is definitely worth the trip.
Petra is another ancient city that is just over 2 hours from Amman. There are many ruins in this area and you can see the Treasury. This is where the treasures of King Solomon were kept and is now on display at the museum there. It was built as a trading post and a stopping place for caravans. It was later occupied by the Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders and Ottomans. It has stood the test of time and has been beautifully restored. I would recommend staying here for two nights.
Wadi Rum You can see a lot of this in the movie “Lawrence of Arabia”. This is the place where Lawrence of Arabia lived and worked as an adviser to the King. The wadi is an incredible place and is still an active desert. The views are amazing and it is definitely worth the trip. There is a lot of great hiking and camping to do there. It is a lot of fun and takes about three days to drive around. I would stay here for a week if I had time.
Aqaba One of my favorite cities in Jordan. It is located on the Red Sea and is famous for its night life. If you have never been there, it is definitely worth a visit. It is beautiful and has some of the best restaurants in the country. There are lots of places to stay and is easy to get to from Amman. It is only about a 4 hour drive. This is a city that is full of life and there is always something going on.
Aqaba, Jordan, is a popular destination for water sports and outdoor activities due to its location on the Red Sea. Here are some sport activities you can enjoy in Aqaba:
- Snorkeling: Explore the vibrant underwater world of the Red Sea by snorkeling in Aqaba’s clear and warm waters. Many tour operators offer snorkeling trips to coral reefs where you can see a variety of marine life.
- Scuba Diving: Aqaba is known for its excellent scuba diving opportunities. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, you can explore coral gardens, shipwrecks, and a wide range of fish species.
- Windsurfing: Aqaba’s consistent winds make it a great place for windsurfing. There are rental shops and schools where you can learn or improve your skills.
- Kiteboarding: Kiteboarding enthusiasts can take advantage of Aqaba’s windy conditions. Lessons and equipment rental are available for all levels.
- Jet Skiing: Rent a jet ski to enjoy some high-speed fun on the Red Sea.
- Parasailing: Get a bird’s-eye view of Aqaba and the surrounding area by going parasailing. It’s an exhilarating experience that offers stunning panoramic views.
- Fishing: Join a fishing tour to try your hand at catching some of the Red Sea’s abundant marine species.
- Sailing: Take a sailing excursion on the Red Sea, either on a traditional dhow or a modern sailboat, and enjoy the sea breeze and coastal views.
- Banana Boat Rides: For a fun group activity, hop on a banana boat and ride the waves while trying to stay on the inflatable banana.
- Beach Volleyball: Many beachfront hotels and resorts have volleyball courts where you can enjoy a game with friends or fellow travelers.
- Cycling: Explore the Aqaba coastline or nearby desert trails on a bicycle. There are bike rental options available in the city.
- Hiking: Although Aqaba is known for water sports, there are hiking opportunities in the surrounding desert and mountains. Consider taking a day trip to nearby nature reserves like Wadi Rum or Dana Biosphere Reserve for hiking adventures.
- Fitness Centers: Some hotels in Aqaba have fitness centers with modern equipment for those who want to keep up with their workout routine.
- Golf: Aqaba boasts a golf course, Ayla Golf Club, where you can enjoy a round of golf with beautiful views of the Red Sea and surrounding mountains.
- Relaxation: While not a sport, relaxing on Aqaba’s beautiful beaches, taking in the sun, and enjoying the calm waters is a popular pastime.
Remember to check the availability of equipment rental, lessons, and tours, and ensure your safety by following the guidance of experienced instructors and guides when participating in water sports and outdoor activities in Aqaba.
Jerash This is a city just south of Petra. It is a bit more touristy than Petra but has a lot to offer. If you want to see some amazing Roman ruins, this is the place to go. There are two museums there and many ruins to see. The site was built by the Romans as a garrison city. It was later occupied by the Byzantines, Saracens, Ottomans and Israelis. The city lasted until the 1950’s when it was destroyed by an earthquake. It is a lot of fun to visit and you will have a great time.
