Exploring Jordan as a Solo Female Traveler

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Exploring Jordan as a Solo Female Traveler

Jordan, with its rich tapestry of history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, offers a plethora of experiences for the solo traveler. This guide will delve deeper into what makes Jordan a must-visit destination and how you can make the most of your journey.

Why Jordan?

Jordan stands out as a fantastic destination for solo female travelers for many reasons. Its rich history and stunning landscapes make it a captivating place to explore. From the ancient wonders of Petra to the serene Dead Sea, the country offers a wealth of experiences that are both safe and accessible. Jordan’s infrastructure caters well to tourists, including solo women, with many English-speaking guides and tour operators specializing in female-friendly tours.

Moreover, the Jordanian people are famously hospitable. This welcoming attitude extends to female visitors, who will find locals eager to share their culture and history. The country also upholds a high standard of safety compared to many other destinations in the region, which can provide peace of mind for those traveling alone.

Cultural engagement is another highlight. By visiting local markets, engaging in cooking classes, or even trekking through the desert landscapes with Bedouin guides, women can immerse themselves in Jordanian life in a respectful and meaningful way. Dressing modestly and adhering to local customs will enhance this experience, making it easier to connect with locals and enjoy the richness of Jordanian culture.

For those new to solo travel or looking for additional security, you can opt to do your trip with a local guide by booking one of these amazing trips or having one customised for you. This way you are combining the adventure of solo travel with the comfort of a guided experience. Before traveling, it’s wise to familiarize oneself with any cultural norms and travel requirements, such as visas, to ensure a smooth journey.

What you will find in this article

  • About Jordan
  • Travel Tips for Solo Female Travelers
  • Must Visit Destinations
  • Accomodation
  • Food
  • Getting Around
  • Connecting with Locals
  • Jordan Pass

About Jordan

Jordan’s history is deep and multifaceted, tracing back thousands of years to ancient civilizations including the Nabateans, who built the magnificent city of Petra. The area was later ruled by various empires, including the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. In the early 20th century, after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Jordan emerged under British mandate as Transjordan and gained full independence in 1946, becoming the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Jordan is renowned for its historical sites such as Petra, Jerash, and the Amman Citadel. It’s also famous for natural wonders like the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum, a desert landscape of breathtaking beauty. The country is a haven of stability in the Middle East, known for its hospitable people and cultural richness. The cuisine, particularly dishes like mansaf (the national dish of lamb cooked in fermented dried yogurt) and maqluba, adds to its appeal. Jordan continues to play a strategic and moderate role in Middle Eastern politics, maintaining peace treaties with neighboring countries and serving as a mediator in regional conflicts.

Travel Tips for Solo Female Travelers

For female travelers visiting Jordan, safety is a priority and can be managed through a few careful preparations and behaviors:

  1. Dress Conservatively: In both urban and rural areas, dressing conservatively (covering shoulders, cleavage, and knees) will help blend in culturally and avoid unwanted attention.

  2. Respect Local Customs: Understanding and respecting local customs and behaviors is crucial. This includes modest behavior and avoiding public displays of affection.

  3. Travel During Daylight: Plan your travel and excursions during daylight hours when it’s safer and easier to navigate unfamiliar areas.

  4. Stay Informed: Keep updated with local news and any travel advisories. It’s also beneficial to learn a few phrases in Arabic to communicate with locals if necessary.

  5. Use Trusted Transport: Opt for reputable transport services. Apps like Uber or Careem are recommended for safe and reliable rides. Always avoid isolated areas and walking alone at night.

  6. Secure Accommodation: Stay in reputable hotels or hostels with good reviews and security features like 24-hour front desk service and secure locks.

  7. Keep Valuables Safe: Keep your valuables secure and hidden; use a hotel safe for passports and large sums of money.

  8. Stay Connected: Have a local SIM card for easy communication and access to maps and services. Inform someone of your plans and check in regularly.

 

These tips can help make your travel experience in Jordan safe and enjoyable, allowing you to explore its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes with peace of mind. 

If you want an added layer of security, you could grab yourself one of these Birdie Safety Alarms that have been gaining popularity in the Solo Female Travel Community. 

You can also join our Female Travel in the Middle East Facebook Community.

Must-Visit Destinations

 

  1. Petra: Known as the Rose City, Petra is a stunning archaeological site with structures carved directly into pink sandstone cliffs.
  2. Wadi Rum: A breathtaking desert landscape popular for its dramatic sandstone mountains, ideal for jeep tours and overnight camping.
  3. The Dead Sea: The lowest point on Earth, famous for its buoyant waters and mineral-rich mud, used for therapeutic treatments.
  4. Jerash: Showcases well-preserved ruins of the ancient Greco-Roman city of Gerasa, including colonnaded streets and temples.
  5. Amman: Jordan’s capital, rich with historical sites such as the Citadel and Roman Theatre, alongside modern cultural venues.
  6. Aqaba: Offers beautiful beaches on the Red Sea, with superb opportunities for snorkeling and diving.
  7. Dana Biosphere Reserve: The largest nature reserve in Jordan, it features a range of ecosystems, perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting.
  8. Wadi Araba: A desert area located in the Great Rift Valley, stretching between the Dead Sea and the Red Sea, known for its scenic vistas and archaeological sites.

These destinations highlight some of the diverse attractions Jordan has to offer, from ancient cities and natural wonders to vibrant modern culture.

Accommodation

From budget hostels in cities to luxurious desert camps, Jordan offers a range of accommodations. From traditional bedouin camps in Wadi Rum to Luxury Campus like Memories Aicha for example, you can stay somewhere between 10 JOD up to 400 JOD a night. It all depends on what sort of trip you want. Consider staying in locally run guesthouses or eco-lodges to support community tourism and to have a much more authentic experience.

Traditional Food

Jordanian cuisine is a feast for the senses. It is rich and varied, characterized by its use of fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, and unique cooking techniques. Here’s a breakdown of traditional dishes:

  1. Mansaf: Jordan’s national dish, made with lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt called jameed, served over a bed of rice with flatbread.

  2. Maqluba: An upside-down rice dish featuring fried vegetables and meat, which is flipped before serving to display its layered contents.

  3. Falafel: Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, often served in pita bread with salad.

  4. Hummus: A creamy dip made from mashed chickpeas, blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.

  5. Kunafa: A sweet cheese pastry, soaked in a sugar-based syrup and often topped with pistachios.

  6. Zarb: A Bedouin barbecue dish where meat and vegetables are cooked in an underground pit, giving them a distinctive smoky flavor.

These dishes represent a taste of Jordan’s culinary heritage, showcasing the diversity and flavor of Middle Eastern cuisine.

Getting Around

Getting around in Jordan can be efficiently managed using different transportation options such as the JETT bus or hiring a local driver. JETT buses are a popular choice for longer distances between cities due to their comfort and affordability. They connect major tourist destinations and operate on a scheduled basis, making them convenient for planning day trips.

Alternatively, hiring a local driver can provide more flexibility and a personalized experience. This option allows you to explore at your own pace and access areas that might be difficult to reach with public transportation. Local drivers often also serve as informal guides, offering insights into the culture and hidden spots not covered by typical tours.

Connecting with Locals

Connecting with locals while traveling, especially through experiences like having a local Bedouin guide, offers a much deeper and more authentic insight into the destination’s culture, traditions, and daily life compared to standard tours or solitary exploration. Local guides like NomadNattie & Feras the Bedouin can take you beyond the typical tourist paths, sharing personal stories, hidden gems of the area, and traditional practices that you might otherwise miss. This not only enriches your travel experience but also supports the local economy and promotes cultural exchange. With a Bedouin guide in Jordan, for example, you might learn about traditional desert survival techniques, hear personal family histories, and experience customary Bedouin hospitality, adding invaluable depth to your understanding and appreciation of the region.

Jordan Pass

We highly recommend getting the Jordan Pass.

 

The Jordan Pass is a sightseeing package that offers great value for tourists planning to explore Jordan’s major attractions. It includes visa entry fees (if you stay at least three nights in Jordan), pre-paid admission to over 40 attractions including Petra, Jerash, and Wadi Rum.

The pass comes in three varieties, differing in the number of days you can access Petra. It’s highly recommended for simplifying travel and reducing costs, making it easier and more efficient to enjoy the highlights of Jordan. You can get it here. 

 

For more on traveling to Jordan, grab this Lonely Plant Jordan Travel Guide or download this free “What you need to know before you go to Jordan Guide“.

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