Jordan

Introduction

Welcome to Jordan!

Jordan is home to stunning natural landscapes, world-renowned historical sites, and fascinating religious monuments.

Countless countries and empires have crossed this land and left their mark. In Jordan, you can find remnants of the Romans, the Crusaders, and the Ottomans. A trip to Petra, one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

The jaw-dropping landscapes of Wadi Rum will spark excitement in anyone. These unique red sands have earned the nickname of The Valley of the Moon.

Due to the high visibility and abundant marine life, get out on the waters of the Red Sea to discover a world-renowned destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.

If the sites and landscapes don’t impress you, then the people definitely will. Jordanian people are among the most hospitable people in the world. You will be amazed at how many invitations you receive to sit down and enjoy a cup of tea.

Duration: 8 days & 7 nights

Start: Please meet at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) at 4:00 p.m.

Finish: The trip ends in Madaba, but there will be a group shuttle to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) at 11:00 a.m. 

We suggest booking your departure flight a few hours after this to allow time to check in, go through security, and run any airport errands.

Airfare booking details will be sent after registration--please wait to book your flight until you receive further instructions.

What's Included

  • 8 days & 7 nights shared accommodations in hotel rooms with 2 nights in a traditional Bedouin tent at a desert camp
  • 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, & 4 dinners
  • Guided walking tour of the Citadel in Amman
  • Four-wheel drive safari in Wadi Rum
  • Access to a private beach in Aqaba
  • Guided tour through Petra
  • Guided hike along the back-trail of Petra
  • Opportunity to float in the Dead Sea
  • Visit to Mount Nebo in Madaba
  • Private airport pick-up upon arrival
  • Private airport drop-off upon departure
  • Over30Experiences Trip Leader
  • Personal recommendations for optional activities
  • The chance to meet some kick-ass people
  • Access to the Over30Experiences Community
  • Taxes always included, never hidden fees, & NO blackout dates

Travelers are responsible for international airfare to and from Jordan.
Public transportation and optional activities are not included.

Highlights

  • Float in the Dead Sea
  • Four-wheel drive adventure through Wadi Rum
  • Experience the ancient tombs of Petra
  • Camp under the stars
  • Visit the ancient Citadel in Amman

Is this Trip for You?

Are you ready to be wrapped up in a culture that values history while embracing modern advancement? Jordan is for you!

Take in the fast city life of Amman. Experience the serene and humble lifestyle of the Bedouins in the desert of Wadi Rum. Relax on a beach at the Red Sea in Aqaba. Be amazed by the ancient city of Petra, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. 

If you want to experience one of the safest and most forward-thinking countries in the Middle East, explore Jordan with us.

The temperatures in Jordan often reach the high 90s Fahrenheit (30s Celsius) and days are humid. Expect to sweat a lot. If being hot makes you uncomfortable, this trip may not be for you.

Some drives are long, and you will experience lots of curvy, narrow roads. It is common for travelers to experience motion sickness. If you struggle with motion sickness, please prepare and bring along medication to help the challenges of this drive.

Alcohol sales are limited in Jordan. If you want a trip with multiple nightlife options, our Jordan experience may not be for you.

-Age requirement: 30s & 40s

-Group size: 16 max, average 13

-Physical rating: Moderate. Some activities include physical activity like hiking.

Travel Community

Travel connects us. Community keeps us connected.

Before your trip, you'll have the opportunity to join a custom WhatsApp Group and connect with others members of your group. Many travelers meet in the airport, or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Others coordinate plans to stay in a country after their trip.

During your adventure, our Trip Leaders do their best to foster an open, supportive environment, where people feel safe to truly be themselves.

After your trip, you'll be an official O30X Alumni, and part of our larger online Travel Community where you'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We are constantly hosting meetups that range from simple happy hours to hikes to outdoor movie nights.

More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with friends.

Itinerary Disclaimer

Travel can be unpredictable. Our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.

While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into it and on occasion, it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Meals

Sample Breakfast Menu: European breakfast in the hotels (omelette, cheese, jam and butter).

Sample Lunch Menu: Beef or chicken shawarma or falafel sandwich dipped in hummus.

Sample Dinner Menu: Traditional meals of rice, vegetables, beef or chicken, and green salad.

One of Jordan’s authentic meals is maqluba, a dish that literally translates to “upside down”. It’s a hearty casserole with rice, vegetables, and chicken that is cooked, flipped, and served with either yogurt or an Arab salad with tahini.

Transportation

You will be traveling by private, air-conditioned ground transportation throughout your trip.

Private ground transportation to and from the airport (included).
Public bus and taxi around Amman (not Included).
Some optional activities do not include transportation.

There are long drives on this trip. On day 7, you will encounter windy, narrow roads on the drive to the Dead Sea. Motion sickness is common. If you become uncomfortable on curvy roads, please prepare accordingly and bring motion sickness medications.

Accommodation

You will be staying in shared hotel rooms with two nights camping in the desert. Tents will be double occupancy.

Laundry service is available at some of the hotels for an additional fee. Ask your Trip Leader for details.

Accommodations may vary but will be the same quality. Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same gender. Private room options are available upon request subject to hotel availability for an extra charge.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance with at least 200,000 USD in medical coverage is required to participate on our trips. This must include coverage for repatriation.

Please note that travel insurance covers trip-related issues such as trip interruption, lost luggage, theft, etc. Travel medical insurance covers things like repatriation, medicine, ambulance rides, and hospital visits/stays. 

We strongly suggest that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment,  loss of luggage, and personal effects. Please ensure that all of the activities you plan on participating in are covered by your travel insurance.

Here are a few options for travel insurance that meet our minimum medical coverage requirements: Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads. Some plans do not cover certain “high-risk” activities. Please make sure to read your plan’s coverage and make a selection based on your planned trip.

Wanderwell donates at least one percent of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, selected by Over30Experiences.

We receive a fee if you purchase products through links on this page at no extra cost to you.

We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Cancellation Policy

Very Flexible

Give us at least 30 days’ notice and you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.

If you have an emergency cancellation that is less than 30 days before your trip, please refer to your travel insurance company as they may cover you for some expenses. We are not able to transfer trips or hold experience credits within 30 days of the trip because we have already secured reservations on your behalf.

Trip Leader Expectations

All Over30Experiences trips are accompanied by experienced Trip Leaders.

The goal of the Trip Leader is to facilitate an awesome experience and help our travelers have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.

You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

Tipping Trip Leaders: Gratuities for Trip Leaders aren’t required on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you are happy with the services provided, a tip is an appropriate way to thank them. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations. We suggest around 3-5 USD per person per day for Trip Leaders.

Packing List

When visiting local places please cover shoulders, knees, and cleavage.

Please be eco-friendly!

  • Bring a reusable water bottle to refill from the tap.
  • Bring a reusable straw to limit the use of single-use plastic waste.
  • Use as little plastic as possible by declining straws and plastic bags at restaurants and when shopping.
  • Please avoid aerosol bug sprays as they negatively affect the environment.
  • Bring "reef safe" sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate because they kill coral.

We recommend using a travel backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. As a note, the towns you will be visiting are quite old and you will encounter a decent amount of big stairs. Traveling with suitcases on wheels can be challenging in these towns.

A daypack is  essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.

Below includes our staff picks of the best items on the market that we travel with. All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and are organically inspired when possible.

Do not forget a water bottle, sunscreen, sandals, beach towel, waterproof rain jacket, sunglasses, and a hat!

Some links on this page are affiliate linksat no additional cost to you. Over30Experiences will earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Passport & Visas

Guidelines for U.S. Passport Holders:

A visa is required to enter Jordan and can be obtained upon arrival at Amman Queen Alia Airport. Visa costs are approximately 60 USD (credit cards are accepted).

Make sure you have an updated passport with you. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the last date of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State with any more questions.

Make sure there is no damage to your passport. Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn-out visa pages, a hole punch, or other injuries.

Health & Insurance

Check out our Travel Alerts Page for up-to-date COVID requirements.

The tap water in Jordan is safe to drink, however, it is advised to drink bottled water. Please bring a reusable water bottle and join us in our efforts to be environmentally friendly and keep Jordan beautiful.

Our suggested travel insurance vendor is World Nomads and has a minimum of 200,000 USD coverage.

Please consult with your doctor before traveling regarding physical activity and vaccinations.

No inoculations are required to enter Jordan from the United States but the US Center for Disease Control suggests vaccinating for Covid-19, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B. 

More specific Health information for Travelers to Jordan can be found at the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Money & Currency

We suggest bringing 350 USD in cash to be used at establishments that do not accept credit cards.

This is not a total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.

At your group meeting, your Trip Leader may discuss the idea of running this kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount, and someone pays the tips as you go. Expect to contribute approximately 70 USD to this group tipping kitty.

The official currency of Jordan is the Jordanian dinar (JOD).

Remember to call your bank and credit card company to let them know you will be traveling overseas.

For an up-to-date exchange rate, download the XE Currency Exchange App.‍‍

Please be advised that US dollar notes that are slightly torn, heavily marked, or faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100 USD.

Safety & Security

Always carry a copy of your travel insurance, health insurance, vaccination card, and passport with you. A photo of these items on your phone is also a good backup.

Keep your passport and any valuables locked in the safe at the hotel.

Don’t leave valuables unattended.

Leave flashy jewelry at home.

US Citizens please consider registering with the US Department of State “SMART Traveler Program” who can contact your family in case of emergency.

Make sure you have the address of your hotel in the event that you're separated from your Trip Leader.

Weather

Jordan is a very sunny country, with over 310 days of sunshine a year. The weather is almost exclusively dry and sunny from May to October, where there is barely any rainfall. Jordan’s climate is usually subtropical arid, with quite cold winters due to the altitude, and sunny summers, which are hot.

In Jordan's capital, Amman, the climate is overall mild and dry. Temperatures range from 47 Fahrenheit (~8 Celsius) in January to 80 Fahrenheit (~26 Celsius) in July and August. 

Petra has a desert climate. Summer temperatures can reach over 100 Fahrenheit (~37+ Celsius)

You will sweat on this trip. Activities are operated through all times of the day, including mid-day when temperatures can be really hot. Please be mindful of this and stay hydrated.

cultural information

Important things to know

  • Amman is considered a modern city with vibrant life & lots of facilities, while Wadi Rum and Petra are more of closed communities where Bedouin families live.
  • Bedouins of Wadi Rum are more conservative and more traditional than Petra Bedouins who have been open to tourism for years.
  • People speak loudly and use their hands for normal conversations. 
  • Jordan is unique as many of the Jordanians are originally Palestinian, so Jordan is mix of two cultures and many foods.
  • The December to February winter months can be quite cold in the desert during the night, so be prepared for varying temperatures.
  • This trip spends two nights in Wadi Rum--which is a cultural highlight.
  • Any visit to Petra requires a fair amount of walking.
Tipping Customs

While tipping is not customary, it is certainly appreciated especially when you have received great service. Be sure to tip in the local currency (Jordanian dinar) to ensure the recipient does not have to pay additional fees when exchanging.

Key Phrases

  • Hello--Salam – Marhaba
  • Excuse me--Afwan
  • How are you?--Keef halak?
  • Thank you--Shukran
  • How much is this?--Bekam Hada? – Addesh Hada?
  • I don’t speak Arabic--Ana ma ba’aref ahkee Arabee
  • Tea/coffee--Chaï / kawa
  • I am hungry--Ana jirane
  • I am vegetarian--Ana nabati
  • Where can I find the restrooms?--Wayn twalet?
  • Have a nice day--Naharek mabrok

Optional Activities

Amman

  • King Abullah Mosque (entry fee) ~3 USD (JOD 2)
  • Jordan Archaeological Museum (entry fee) ~4.50 USD (JOD 3)
  • Roman Theatre ~3 USD (JOD 2)

Aqaba

  • Boat trip including snorkeling ~60 USD (JOD 45)

Madaba

  • Al-Maghtas Bethany Baptism site (entry fee) ~17 USD (JOD 12)

Petra

  • Camel ride ~35 USD (JOD 25)
  • Little Petra – Free

While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities available, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of the Over30Experiences itinerary. We offer no guarantees on the safety or standard of the activity.

General Rules

Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited to fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.

Do your best to keep yourself and fellow travelers out of harm’s way.

It’s important to obey local laws and customs while on our trips. This includes, but is not limited to wearing appropriate clothing while visiting certain communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, avoiding the use of illegal drugs, having weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re not sure about something, take time to educate yourself, or ask.

Travel involves contact with new cultures. When confronted with a different way of living than you’re used to, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different ways of life.

Know your limits! This applies to physical ability, emotional space, social situations, and alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.

Trip leaders are working in the travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something it’s not because they’re tyrants, but because they want you to have a good time!

Lying or withholding information about any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any of the activities may be grounds for removal from your trip with no refund.

Staying longer or arriving early?

Extend your stay in Amman at Sulaf Hotel.

Still need to book your flight?

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