Become mesmerized by Jordan! This guide will help prepare you for your incredible adventure. Please read this carefully, and if there is anything we have not addressed, feel free to reach out at meetuptours@sofetravel.com. Can’t wait to show you this amazing country.
Things to Expect
Physical level
Despite the ‘off-the-beaten-path’ nature of this trip, it can be enjoyed by anyone who is reasonably fit. Please be aware that any visit to Petra requires a fair amount of walking. The amount of energy you expend there is largely up to you. We include an incredible hike up through the desert mountains and to a Bedouin family home for lunch along with a visit with a female shepherd. This hike is moderate in difficulty with some steep parts in the desert sun. Please feel free to skip the hike and explore Petra on your own if you feel it will be too challenging. Your guide can give you more information.
Inclusions
exclusions
Itinerary
Your general Jordan itinerary can be found here or on the Jordan Meetup Tour webpage. Daily schedules will be given by your guide when you arrive in Jordan. Because the seasons, operating hours of inclusions, traffic, and many factors can affect the daily schedule, specific timing will be determined by your guide to give you the best possible experience. If you have questions about when to wake up, how long you will spend at a particular site, etc. please feel free to ask your guide at any time.
Welcome to Jordan! Our driver will meet you at the airport with a sign and a smile to bring you to the hotel to meet the rest of the group. We’ll pick you up from the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman anytime today according to your arrival time, but we recommend arriving before 4pm. In the evening, your guide will take you to dinner at a local restaurant for your first introduction to delicious Jordanian food. Meet your fellow travelers and talk about the adventure ahead! Meals: dinner
This morning, we will walk around the old city of Amman with our expert local guide. Marvel at the Citadel, The Roman Theatre, and the Jordan Folklore Museum. Explore one of Amman’s oldest neighborhoods, Jabal al-Weibdeh, known for its stunning architecture, art galleries, and handcraft shops. Then we will visit a women’s cooperative where you can learn a local craft practice while sharing lunch together. You’ll have free time in the evening to explore Amman’s markets or sample some local restaurants specializing in Jordanian cuisine. Meals: breakfast, lunch
After breakfast, we’ll drive south to explore a town half as old as time -The Red Rose City of Petra. Transport to another era exploring the many caves and tombs of this “lost city”. Walk through ancient Nabatean, one of the modern 7 wonders of the world. Our guide will walk with us to see Qasr Al-Bint or the Royal Tombs. Meals: breakfast Drive time: approx. 3 hours
Get ready for a very special day. In the morning, we will meet with the family members of a Bedouin female shepherd as they lead us on a desert hike to High Place of Sacrifice and Al Khubtha mountain. Along the way, we will also stop at a remote section of Petra called the Treasury to get the most Instagrammable shots of this Wonder of the World. Today’s hike is strenuous at times but the secluded mountain scenery makes it worth the effort! We will meet a Bedouin family who will tell us about their lives and serve us a traditional Bedouin meal. Then the female shepherd will walk with us toward Petra herding her flock along the way. Meals: breakfast, lunch
Head into the desert today as we drive 2 hours to Wadi Rum. This otherworldly red desert will blow you away with its natural beauty as you take a jeep tour through the sand. Along the way, we will visit the Disi Women’s Cooperative, whose aim is to revive Bedouin culture through authentic cultural experiences. If you’re up for a little exercise, join on a short hike through Barrah Canyon, the most beautiful canyon in Wadi Rum. Rest after a great day at our glamp site under the stars! Meals: breakfast, dinner
Wake up early for sunrise in Wadi Rum to catch a truly spectacular array of colors. If you’re not an early riser, sleep in enjoying the silence of the desert. After a leisurely morning at camp, we will drive approximately 3 hours on the Jordan Valley Highway until we reach the Dead Sea. This is the lowest point on earth and the brined waters are well-known for their healing properties. Spend your free afternoon floating in the sea, booking a spa appointment, or applying some healing mud for a full body mask. Meals: breakfast, dinner
Relax with a leisurely morning at our Dead Sea resort. If you haven’t had time to book a treatment at the spa or soak in the salty waters, now is the perfect time. We will depart back to Amman in the early afternoon. You’ll have a few hours to walk around Amman on your own before the group’s last night together. Test your skills in the kitchen with a cooking class with at a mother + daughter cooking school. Learn classics like tabbouleh, flat bread, and lentil soup from recipes created many generations ago before sitting down to eat your delicious creations for dinner. We’ll also share a wine tasting from a local winery, a perfect way to end the week together. Meals: breakfast, dinner
After breakfast, we can help you organize a ride to the airport or choose continue the adventure with us to Egypt! Meals: breakfast
Itinerary Disclaimer
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Jordan Traveler Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travelers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour.
Joining Point
La Locanda Boutique Hotel
52 Al-Ba’ouniyah Street, Jebel Al Weibdeh
Amman 11191 Jordan
Joining Description
Fly into Queen Alia International Airport (code: AMM). You will look for your driver holding a sign with the SoFe logo and your name on it in the arrivals hall. The driver will take you directly to our first hotel to check in. Airport pickup is included if you arrive any time on Day 1 of the tour. We recommend scheduling your flight to land before 3:00pm on Day 1 so that you’ll have time to get refreshed before your welcome meeting at 6pm. The transfer from the airport to the hotel is about an hour long.
If you can’t find your driver in the arrivals hall in the airport: please keep looking for a sign. In case you don’t spot it, please head to Starbucks (only a few meters away) and contact +962 79 002 62 91
An airport pickup is not included if you arrive a day or two before the tour begins, but we can arrange one for you at an extra cost.
Finishing Point
La Locanda Boutique Hotel
52 Al-Ba’ouniyah Street, Jebel Al Weibdeh
Amman 11191 Jordan
Finishing Point description
Depart from Queen Alia International Airport (code: AMM). You can depart anytime on our tour end date, but we recommend staying for breakfast and departing around check out time (12pm).
Departure transfer is not included, but your guide will be happy to help you arrange this.
Problems and emergency contact
While we always endeavor to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognize that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction – if this is the case, please ask the leader to speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still traveling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.
For general contact details please use the following page: https://thesolofemaletravelernetwork.com/contact-us
For airport pick up updates and issues, please contact our emergency phone numbers:
+962 79 002 62 91
+9627 99 88 06 77
Payment schedule
You are required to pay a non-refundable $500 deposit at the time of reservation. This non-refundable deposit confirms your Meetup Tour booking and you will receive a confirmation email detailing the terms of your reservation. Once the confirmation email has been sent to you, a contract will exist between us from the date we issue the confirmation invoice.
Please refer to your booking confirmation for specific dates, deadlines and details regarding final payments for your Meetup Tour. For standard Meetup Tours, the program fee balance payment is due 90 days before the departure date. SoFe’s payment system allows you to input the dollar amount for each payment you submit, so you are welcome to make as many payments in any dollar amount as you prefer before the final payment is due.
The final payment deadline is 90 days before the Meetup Tour start date, with the exception of Antarctica and Polar destinations.
If you have not paid the full balance, requested a cancellation and/or transfer by the final payment deadline, your credit card on file will be automatically charged the remaining balance of the Meetup Tour program cost. A $100 late payment fee will also be levied. Additionally, SoFe reserves the right to treat your booking as cancelled.
Feedback
Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travelers like you. Share your experience with us by emailing meetuptours@sofetravel.com!
Before you leave
Important notes
Food and dietary information
Your group leader or representative will endeavor to cater for specific dietary requirements where possible, and vegetarianism and gluten intolerance will be catered for in most instances. Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for any included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own.
For those suffering from particular food allergies, your group leader or representative will endeavor to disclose to their fullest knowledge the main ingredients in dishes being consumed. It is, however, your personal responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any foods to which you are allergic.
Money Matters
Spending money is a personal choice, and everyone will have different spending habits and needs. It is best to budget a reasonable amount for things like meals not included, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. It’s always better to bring a little more than you think you’ll need. Please have a thorough look at the itinerary and at what is included so you will be prepared for what isn’t included. Our Meetup Tour is very inclusive, however some meals and extras are not included. This guide should make budgeting a little clearer.
There are many opportunities to purchase souvenirs and handicrafts while on this trip. Popular purchases include: gold and silver jewelry, mosaics, dead sea products, local embroidered items and general souvenirs.
While we do not make arrangements for specific shopping excursions due to our customers feedback, there may be opportunities where your trip leader can offer suggestions if you are interested.
ATMs are widely available in major towns and cities throughout Jordan. Credit and debit cards are the best way to access money throughout most trips (note though that charges are made for each transaction). Credit cards are generally available in tourist shops and restaurants. Visa and Mastercard are generally preferred over American Express. Smaller venues take cash only.
Check with your bank before departure that your card is accepted in Jordan. Also ensure your bank is aware of your travel plans as – suspecting fraud – they may cancel your cards after the first few international transactions.
Be aware that your withdrawing limit may vary from country to country (regardless of your withdrawing limit in your home country) and it can be as low as the equivalent to USD100 per day.
If you want to bring cash from your home country and exchange it, the best place to do this is at the airport. We can not guarantee that there will be time to visit a money exchange place on the tour. The best way to get local currency is by using an ATM with a debit card.
Tips are included covering hotel staff, included experiences, included meals, and the people who will take care of you during your travels.
This amount does not include a tip for your leader or driver, so you may wish to set aside some funds for this. It may not be customary to you, it’s 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.
The following amounts are based on local considerations and feedback from our past travelers:
Drivers: For your driver that will be with you for the entirety of the trip, $5-$8 per person per day is generally appropriate.
Your Group Leader/Guide: You may also consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $8- 12 per person, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip.
Tipping in local currency equivalent is perfectly acceptable and often preferred.
There may be times when you find yourself exploring solo. When you’re out by yourself and you’re happy with the services, providing a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate.
Restaurants: round up to the nearest figure or leaving the loose change is generally fine; Up-market restaurants, when checking the bill, if there’s an addition of 10% service charge, there’s no requirement for tipping. Otherwise, 10% of the total bill amount is appropriate.
The Official currency of Jordan is the Dinar referred to as the (JD). It is made up of 1000 fils. Try to change larger notes as often as possible. Most goods and services can be paid for using the local currency. The USD is also acceptable for souvenir type products. For the supply of everyday services like meals and general shopping we recommend the local currency.
Many meals are included in this tour, but some are purposefully left out so you can experience different restaurants and dishes to your liking.
Lunch at a local restaurant could cost between $10USD to $25USD. However, local street food is relatively safe to eat and is normally much cheaper.
Your leader and guide will help you find local options. Meals will cost between $15USD to $30USD, depending on the restaurant.
Food prices in Jordan range widely from cheap street food to fine dining. If you have a strict budget, be mindful of your choices and let your tour leader know the type of food you are looking for, so she can direct you to the best places.
Climate information
The weather in Jordan can get quite extreme. Overall, it tends to be hot during the day and cold at night (in desert areas, expect it to be extremely hot during the day and freezing at night). Yet during winter it can get bitterly cold, with snowfall occurring in some parts of the country.
Travelling during the summer months (June, July and August) can be challenging for those not accustomed to the heat, so visiting Jordan during spring and autumn is recommended for those who wish to escape the hotter temperatures.
Consider your travel dates when packing for your adventure. Whilst the camps in Wadi Rum do have blankets you may want to consider packing some thermals if traveling in the winter months.
passports, visas, and entry requirements
Most countries, including the USA, are able to visit Jordan with a tourist visa upon arrival. In fact, we recommend getting the visa on arrival because the process is straightforward and fast.
All you need to get a Jordanian visa on arrival is your passport and $40 JOD in cash, which can be withdrawn at the airport in Amman.
We recommend you check this information before arrival with the relevant embassy or consulate in your destination.
Please note that there are ATM’s available in Amman airport and also currency exchange facilities.
You need a valid passport to travel internationally. Most countries require that your passport does not expire for at least 6 months after the date you enter. We require your passport details 45 days before departure. When booking your Meetup Tour, please enter your name as it appears on your passport and contact us immediately if there are any errors.
We recommend taking copies of the main passport pages and other important documents with you as well as leaving copies at home with family or friends.
Packing
Our tours are comfortable and very inclusive with premium accommodations. This means you can pack a little lighter since the hotel will have a wide range of amenities. Since you will be carrying your own bags to the lobby or at the airport, we suggest packing in a way that is manageable for solo travel. You’ll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc. for day trips.
The following is a general list to be used as a guideline. If you think you need more items, pack them.
- Sunglasses
- Copies of your travel documents- passport, flight itinerary, travel insurance policy and contact info.
- A hat for the sun
- A light wind or rain jacket for winter months
- Bug spray
- A pair of breathable, solid walking shoes like Keens or Teva, our favorites.
- Loose-fitting pants
- A casual dress or nice outfit you can dance in
- Short sleeve tops, tank tops, at least one shirt that totally covers your shoulders
- A lightweight scarf to cover your head
- A sports bra, especially if you are riding the ATV
- A swimsuit and bathing suit cover-up
- Don’t forget underwear
- Earplugs and an eye mask
- Sunscreen
- Body soap
- Shampoo, conditioner, hairbrush
- Body wash
- Period essentials
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
For Jordan, there are five associated plug types C, D, F, G and J. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins, plug type D has three round pins in a triangular pattern, plug type F has two round pins with two earth clips on the side, plug type G has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern, and plug type J has three round pins. Jordan operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. We always suggest bringing a universal adaptor.
Jordan’s climate is considered subtropical arid, meaning it can be very dry with cold winters and sunshine-filled summers of low humidity. Do prepare for some rain between the months of November to April, with a peak in December and February. From May to October, expect dry and sunny days with next to no rainfall. Daytime temperatures during this period of the year rarely exceed 97°F (36°C) and average about 90°F (32°C), while nights are almost exclusively cool and pleasant. From November to April, the temperatures begin to dip with the coldest months being December and January where temperatures average about 55°F (13°C) and can drop to as low as 41°F (5°C). If you are particularly sensitive to the cold and traveling during Jordan’s winter months, we suggest bringing thermals, scarf, gloves and a warm jacket.
Generally drones are not permitted into any Middle East destination or they require registration and pre approval. Please refer to your airline carrier if you are considering taking a drone on your travels or check out drone laws by country on line.
We have had some reports of binoculars being confiscated or causing delay in customs if carried in hand luggage.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory on all our Meetup Tours. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are traveling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travelers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader.
If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank’s name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
We recommend that you check your government’s advice in relation to the areas you will be visiting for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers.
on the road
Group Guide
All tours with The Solo Female Traveler Network are accompanied by a guide who is with the group for the whole trip. The guide’s role is to be the local expert of the destination and coordinate a lot of the on the ground logistics. Premium leaders are SoFe’s most experienced, with in-depth knowledge and extensive local networks to make it a trip of a lifetime. Your guide 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 places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At SoFe, we aim to support local guides who have specialized knowledge of the regions we visit. When not already included in your trip, your leader will be able to recommend a local guide service who can share more detailed or specialized information at specific sites should you be interested in delving deeper.
Optional Activities
During this tour, there may be times when you are offered a selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travelers. When we do offer optional activities, prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. When it’s recommended that travelers pre-book an optional activity, we will list them here. For most, they can either be organized independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist.
Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not operated by us is at your own discretion and risk.
Transportation
Private air-conditioned vehicle.
a few rules
Safety
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while traveling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewelry at home – you won’t need it while traveling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you’ll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your SoFe itinerary, and SoFe makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it’s deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
Seat belts are always provided and must be worn in accordance with local law.
While most of the tour, especially in major cities, will be with your guide and the group, petty theft is common in any tourist area. Do not walk around alone at night if it can be avoided and hold your belongings close on public transportation. Your local guide will give you some safety tips throughout your tour, and we suggest heeding this advice.
As suggested earlier, please do not bring valuables. Use a TSA approved luggage lock to secure your luggage and belongings throughout trip.
We suggest checking your government’s advice in relation to the areas you will be visiting for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers.
When not with your guide, we recommend the following:
- Do not walk in isolated areas or at night by yourself
- If hotel staff need to enter your room, arrange to be either on tour or in the lobby, so you are not alone.
- Respect the local customs.
- Do not hire a driver or guide for tours from the street. Always go with a reputable company or ask us to help you arrange any pre or post experiences.
- Do not accept any invitations for anything from random people on the street.
- Always carry your tour guide’s contact information and hotel address with you during solo time.
- Alert your guide of any inappropriate behavior or perceived risk to your safety
Jordan is one of the safest places for women to travel around in the Arab world. Nevertheless, harassment is possible. Here are a few tips for responding to any unwanted attention:
- Ignore. Don’t even bother smiling. Just keep about your business.
- Wear sunglasses to avoid eye contact.
- Ignore. We mean it, so we said it twice! Ignore them but also ignore your internal commentary on it all. Let it roll off your back and walk on focusing on all the amazing things around you.
- Dress respectfully to the culture and you will find both men and women will respond to you in a more respectful manner.
- While it very unlikely to happen, do feel free to stand up for yourself if you feel threatened. Jordanian men you do not know should not be touching you at all and if you’re in public, people will come to your aid if you make a fuss.
For both modesty and to better manage the heat, we suggest loose fitting clothing that protects your skin from the sun. Long flowing skirts are comfortable and respectful to the culture. At religious sites and when entering family homes, we will be required to cover our knees, shoulders, and potentially our heads. Feel free to dress however you like when at our hotels in Petra, the Dead Sea, Amman, and Wadi Rum. Swimsuits are, of course, appropriate when participating in water activities. Short skirts, plunging necklines, and tight clothing should be avoided.
Please do not enter the water without a life vest and a buddy if you are not an experienced swimmer. Alert the leader and guide to your ability level before participating in water activities. Lifeguards are not on duty and our staff are not trained in water rescue.
phone and internet access
There is wifi available in most of our accommodation, but it is not always the most reliable, especially in more rural areas. We suggest purchasing a prepaid sim card at Queen Alia International Airport. This option only works on unlocked phones. You’ll find booths on the main floor of the airport just before the exit. The three most reliable mobile phone providers are: Zain, Umniah, and Orange.
Plans and prices can change but expect to pay between 12-14 JOD for a plan that will provide you 4-6 GB of data. You may need your passport to purchase and register your new sim.
Alternatively, ask your home service provider for international plans.
medical and health
All travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the opinion of our group leader or local guide any traveler is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements as they may not easily be obtained while traveling.
While it is technically safe to drink the tap water in Jordan, we do advise that you stick to bottled water as much as possible. All of your accommodations will have drinkable water, sometimes for purchase and sometimes provided with your room, as most 4 and 5-star hotels in Jordan have installed water purification systems.