Farah’s Journey Through Jordan
By Farah Kaba-Wright, Travel & Cruise ConsultantTravelled June 2024 · 5 min read
Quick takeaways
- See Petra twice: by day, and on select evenings by candlelight at Petra by Night.
- Ride a 4×4 through Wadi Rum, where the Dune films were shot, and spend a night in a desert camp under the stars.
- Snorkel or dive the Red Sea at Aqaba, home to a sunken airplane.
- Explore Amman’s souks and museums, and take a day trip to the Roman ruins of Jerash.
Marhaba!
I spent an amazing and unforgettable week back in June 2024 traveling to Jordan.
It was a trip that was a year in the making, a year of questioning is it happening or not happening. I am so glad that it did happen!! From the moment I landed I felt nothing but welcomed by the Jordanians.
Is it safe to travel to Jordan?
With all the uncertainty you may be asking why I went. Well quite simply Jordan has been at the top of my bucket list for a very long time. My decision to travel to Jordan was driven by this desire.
Jordan sits in the middle of a region that often makes the news, and it’s sometimes called the Switzerland of the Middle East. Don’t let its location deter you from visiting.
At no point during my visit did I feel unsafe. At times I felt safer walking in Jordan than I have in my own city.
Advisor tipBefore any international trip, check the Government of Canada’s travel advice for your destination at travel.gc.ca, and always travel with good travel insurance.
Breathtaking moments in Petra
When you visit Jordan, you must see Petra both during the day and at night. On certain evenings, the site is lit up by thousands of candles while local musicians play. It’s a truly breathtaking experience.
While you’re in Petra, stop and shop at the stalls of the Bedouin, a tribe that settled in Petra about 200 years ago. They no longer live inside Petra since it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but they still live on the lands nearby.
Thrills, sun and starry nights in Wadi Rum
For those seeking thrills and excitement, head to Wadi Rum, where many movies have been filmed, including the Dune films. Hop on a 4×4 jeep to journey through the desert and stop at amazing rock formations. You can even spend the night in a camp under the starry sky and enjoy a traditional Bedouin meal. You’ll still find traditional camps where tribes live today, as well as luxurious camps for travellers.
For ocean lovers, there’s amazing snorkelling and scuba diving in the Red Sea, with all sorts of marine life and even a sunken airplane!
Amman and Jerash
No trip to Jordan is complete without a stop in Amman. From souks to malls, art galleries and museums, Amman has the perfect mix of everything modern and traditional this country has to offer.
The city of Jerash makes a perfect day trip from Amman. It’s Jordan’s largest Roman ruins site, with ceremonial gates, colonnaded avenues, temples and theatres from the days of Roman rule.
Time to discover Jordan
I hope I have painted a beautiful picture for you about Jordan.
If you have been hesitant to travel here, do some of your own research on how safe and welcoming this land is.
I have fallen in love with this country and its people, and I can’t wait to go back and explore more. I hope you’re intrigued to learn more about the beautiful country of Jordan and explore it for yourself.
Planning your own trip to Jordan
Ready to see Jordan for yourself? Here’s what we tell clients who are planning a trip.
- When to go: spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) bring the most comfortable temperatures for exploring Petra and Wadi Rum. Summer is very hot, and winter nights in the desert can be cold.
- Get the Jordan Pass: buy it online before you go. It includes entry to Petra and many other sites, and covers the tourist visa fee for eligible travellers who stay at least three nights.
- Give Petra time: the site is huge and there’s a lot of walking, so plan at least a full day, plus Petra by Night on one of the evenings it runs.
- Getting there from Canada: fly into Amman, usually with one connection through Europe or the Middle East.
- What to pack: comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, especially in towns and religious sites.
- Add more to your trip: a float in the Dead Sea pairs beautifully with Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum and the Red Sea.
Advisor tipA private driver or small-group tour makes it easy to see Amman, Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba in one trip. Farah can put the whole itinerary together for you.
Ready to say marhaba to Jordan? Contact Farah to start planning your adventure.
FAQs
What is Petra by Night?
On certain evenings, Petra is lit by thousands of candles while local musicians play. Farah says you must see Petra both by day and by night.
Was Dune filmed in Jordan?
Yes. Many movies have been filmed in Wadi Rum, including the Dune films.
Can you go snorkelling in Jordan?
Yes. Jordan’s Red Sea coast has amazing snorkelling and scuba diving, with lots of marine life and even a sunken airplane.
What is the best day trip from Amman?
Jerash, Jordan’s largest Roman ruins site, makes a perfect day trip from Amman.
When is the best time to visit Jordan?
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) bring the most comfortable temperatures. Summer is very hot, and desert nights in winter can be cold.
Do Canadians need a visa for Jordan?
Canadians need a tourist visa, which can be bought on arrival. The Jordan Pass covers the visa fee for eligible travellers who stay at least three nights, and also includes entry to Petra.
