You know those moments when you’re visiting somewhere extra special? When, through the stress of travel and everything that comes with it, you realize that you’re doing something amazing – seeing, tasting, and doing things that before were merely dreams – and you remember how lucky you are? When that happens, it almost always comes with thoughts of I wish I could stay here forever. Jordan is one of those places.
While travellers often make the mistake of visiting Jordan for a day or two, a stopover in a larger trip to see the ancient city of Petra and then leave, Jordan is a place that leaves a permanent mark on its visitors. Before you plan your trip to the Middle East and realize you’ve budgeted far too little time to fully experience Jordan, we’re here to explain why you need to spend at least 10 days here.
This story was created in partnership with: The Jordan Tourism Board
Best time to visit Jordan
While you may picture Jordan as a vast, sweltering desert, that’s not always the case! In the summer months, between June and September, it’s true that temperatures can climb to over 40°C, especially in the Jordan Valley (travellers visiting during the summer should also look out for wind storms). However, in the winter months of December through February, things cool down and it’s not unheard of to see some snow.
In the spring, the Jordan Valley fills with lush greenery and wildflowers, and autumn is the perfect time to go diving and get to know Jordan’s abundant undersea life. Long story short, there is no “best time” to visit Jordan – it just depends on what you’d like to experience!
Travellers visiting during the summer should also look out for wind storms! However, in the winter months of December through February, things cool down and it’s not unheard of to see some snow. In the spring, the Jordan Valley fills with lush greenery and wildflowers, and the autumn is the perfect time to go diving and get to know Jordan’s abundant undersea life. There is no “best time” to visit Jordan – it just depends on what you’d like to experience!
Why you should spend at least 10 days in Jordan
You can check more off your bucket list
The ancient city of Petra ranks extremely highly on bucket lists for millions of travellers, and it’s easy to see why! Once the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom, Petra dates to around 300 BCE and contains stunning temples carved into the sides of sandstone cliffs, which gives the whole place a mystical pinkish hue. However, Petra isn’t the only bucket-list destination in Jordan: the country is also home to part of the Dead Sea! This body of water’s extremely high salt content means travellers are able to float effortlessly. Perfect for relaxation and that perfect social media post alike!
You’ll be able to enjoy unrivaled natural beauty
Jordan is home to some seriously incredible natural diversity. Whether you want to spend your time here trekking through the desert or relaxing by gorgeous beaches, you can find the perfect vacation for you. Of course, if you spend at least ten days in Jordan, you’ll be able to fully explore and appreciate each and every aspect of the natural beauty this country has to offer.
Check out Wadi Rum, a vast desert landscape where towering sandstone formations pierce the sky, hike to the top of Mount Nebo in Madaba, or really get back to nature and visit Wadi Ghuweir, a stunning nature preserve that will have you feeling like the last person on earth. We often forget to take moments for ourselves to breathe and appreciate our journey while we’re travelling – Jordan doesn’t let you forget it.
Get fully immersed in Jordanian culture
Another amazing benefit of spending at least 10 days in Jordan is the ability to experience Jordan as a local rather than a visitor. Rather than taking quick journeys that can border on the superficial, spending longer periods of time somewhere as magnificent as Jordan means getting a chance to know the locals, to visit their favourite spots, and learn what life is like day-to-day. Travelling like a local is guaranteed to make your trip more memorable, fun, and enriching – instead of leaving with a suitcase full of souvenirs, you become the souvenir!
One of the more enriching cultural experiences a traveller can have in Jordan is an encounter with the Bedouin. These nomadic desert dwellers are infamously friendly and kind, and it’s not uncommon to be invited into homes for meals or asked to participate in cultural events and customs. This kind of local experience can really only be enjoyed if you commit to a longer stay!
You’ll be taking the road less travelled
Overtourism is becoming a serious problem in popular destinations around the world. While countries attempt to safeguard their natural resources and landmarks, outside of Petra, Jordan remains often overlooked when travellers are deciding where to go next. This may be especially surprising when you realize how safe the country is – often, travellers opt against a visit to the Middle East in fear that conflict will deter their plans or put them in harm’s way, but Jordan has garnered a reputation as one of the safest destinations in the region.
Aren’t you tired of seeing the same countries all over your social media? If you’re looking to explore a country before all of your friends do – and support a local economy while you’re at it – you need to spend some serious time in Jordan and kiss the usual sights goodbye.
So, are you convinced yet? We’ve only just scratched Jordan’s magical surface. Between learning about new and unique cultures, trying amazing new food, and experiencing things you’ve only dreamed about, we promise you’ll savour every second of your time here. For more inspiration, travel tips, and, of course, the best deals on enviable touring experiences, make time for Jordan and head over to TourRadar.
What would you most like to see in Jordan?
