Jordan has been drawing in more and more travelers in recent years, and we can’t think of any destination more deserving of the attention. With centuries of history displayed dazzlingly throughout the relatively small nation, Jordan offers endless opportunity for nourishment, adventure, and enrichment of the soul.
There are so many reasons to visit Jordan. The country is home to stunning landscapes, friendly faces, and delicious cuisine. Jordan is truly a hidden gem – the calm eye in the storm of turmoil in the surrounding area. Visitors to Jordan are often struck by how safe, gracious, and beautiful the country is, and rewarded by all it has to offer. With all of that in mind, it won’t be long until the crowds get massive, so don’t wait to start planning your trip to Jordan!
Step into the past
Jordan is packed to the brim with relics and ruins of bygone eras. It’s entirely possible to travel back in time here, with traces of civilizations past sprinkled wherever you look. Whether you’re looking down at Amman from atop the Citadel or peering up at the impressive façade of the Treasury in Petra, the richness of history in Jordan is impossible to ignore. If you’re a history buff, Jordan will be everything you wished for and more. Visit Amman, the country’s bustling capital, to see the past and present standing side by side. The Citadel, with ruins of the Roman Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace, overlooks the city’s marketplaces and souqs, places of worship, and contemporary malls and art galleries. The city of Jerash is home to some of the most well-preserved Greco-Roman ruins in the world. Step into the past through Hadrian’s Arch and explore the ruins, among which you’ll find the Forum, the Nymphaeum, and the Temple of Artemis. And, at the top of your list, rose-coloured Petra is a must-visit. A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the ancient capital’s alluring pink hue and mesmerizingly detailed carvings of ancient Nabataea has a reputation around the world. Watch Petra’s iconic Treasury appear before you as you walk along the Siq, and go on hikes off the beaten path to catch a glimpse of it from above. While Petra is one of the more popular attractions in Jordan, crowds are still minimal – tourism to Jordan has taken a hit in past years due to many travelers associating the country with the ongoing conflict in other areas of the Middle East. However, as more and more travelers learn about how amazing Jordan is, the crowds will be on the rise, so make sure to visit soon!
Be one with nature
Jordan is not only home to incredible archaeological marvels, but to geological ones as well. If you’re in search of otherworldly natural scenery, Jordan will not disappoint. The rust-red desert dunes of Wadi Rum stand in stark contrast against the sky, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a clearer night sky under which to view the stars. Pleasant encounters with the Bedouin people might lead to you being invited to share a cup of tea and a friendly chat. Dana Biosphere Reserve offers amazing hikes with changing landscapes that you’ve never seen – its sandstone cliffs, wadis, and incredible biodiversity will not fail to surprise you at every turn. Spending time in nature can be a healing experience in itself, but take it to the next level at the Dead Sea, where, whether on a beach or in a resort, the healing powers of the salty waters and mineral-rich mud will pamper you.
Experience a culture of hospitality
Jordan is one of the safest, most traveler-friendly countries to visit, though sometimes mistakenly overlooked as a viable travel destination. Not only is tourism an important part of their economy, but Jordanians feel a cultural responsibility to ensure that any guest feels at home when they visit, whether it’s in their home or in their country. There’s a longstanding tradition of warmth and hospitality in Jordan, and you’ll feel it the second you arrive. Jordanians are wonderfully welcoming and respectful towards visitors, and you’ll often hear them welcome you when they recognize that you’re a foreigner. It’s not uncommon for them to invite you for a chat and a cup of tea. Due to its location, Jordan has been a meeting point for different cultures and religions for many years, and the country puts enormous effort into ensuring that all faiths are able to peacefully coexist there. It’s this tradition of mutual respect and understanding that makes for such a calm and welcoming atmosphere in Jordan.
Enjoy delicious cuisine
Jordan’s cuisine is a coming together of influences from all over the Middle East, exemplifying the country’s harmonious way of living. It’s reason enough to want to visit the country, especially Amman, the country’s food capital. The city offers a wide range of delicious food to try, from familiar on-the-go favourites like shawarma and falafel to mouthwatering desserts like baklava and kanafeh. But when in Jordan, you must try mansaf – one of the most popular dishes in Jordan, it’s a Bedouin specialty that puts rice, lamb, and jameed, a yoghurt-based sauce, together in a large platter that’s meant to be shared amongst friends and family. Every meal you have in Jordan, whether at a restaurant or in a Jordanian home, will feel home-cooked and prepared with care, and there’s no better way to get to know Jordan than through sharing a cup of sweet tea or strong coffee with a local.
Whether it’s through enjoying the food, exploring the open landscapes, stepping through history, or any amazing combination of things, a trip to Jordan won’t be something you’ll soon forget. If you still haven’t decided where your next adventure will take you, make sure you move Jordan to the top of your list!
Have you ever visited Jordan? Tell us about your experience!
