I’ve always been fascinated by Jordan - the mix of ancient history and landscapes plucked straight from a storybook. It had been sitting on my travel wish list for years. So, last March, I finally booked it. It felt like the perfect place for my first adventure in the Middle East and the timing was right - a short, active break with an itinerary that packed a lot into a few days.
We kicked things off in Madaba (the city of mosaics), a small, quiet town full of history southwest of the capital of Amman. Then it was on to Dana Reserve for our first hike. The scenery completely blew me away - wild, rugged, peaceful.
Endless dunes, dramatic red rock formations, a magical sunrise and a sky packed with stars.
That night, we drove to a Bedouin camp near Little Petra, surrounded by the sound of traditional music and the smell of incredible food. Then came the big one: hiking the back door trail to Petra. I had high hopes, but nothing prepared me for how massive, majestic, and mysterious the site felt in real life. And just when I thought the trip had peaked, we arrived in Wadi Rum. Endless dunes, dramatic red rock formations, a magical sunrise and a sky packed with stars.
Jordan stole my heart. It’s one of those places that stays with you. But like any new destination, there were a few things I wish I’d known before going. So, if you’re thinking about visiting (and you absolutely should), here are six things travel tips to help you make the most of a visit to Jordan.
It’s now less crowded - and still safe
One of the first questions I got when I said I was going to Jordan was: “are you sure it is safe right now?” A lot of people are hesitant because of the ongoing tragic conflict in nearby Israel and Palestine. But in reality, Jordan felt completely safe the entire time I was there. It’s politically stable, locals are incredibly welcoming, and at no point did I feel uneasy.
Jordan felt completely safe the entire time I was there.
International arrivals here have sadly dropped by around 70%, mostly due to concerns about its location on the map. For the communities that rely heavily on tourism - especially in more remote areas - this is a tough situation.
For travellers, this quieter time offers something incredibly rare: the chance to have Petra and Wadi Rum almost entirely to yourself. In Petra, we saw a few dozen tourists all day. In Wadi Rum, it was just our group and the local Bedouin team. No crowds, no queues. Hopefully, tourism picks up again soon, because the country and its people deserve it. If you need a draw to go back in the meantime, it's there - experience Jordan’s legendary beauty spots in peace.
Hike to Petra from Little Petra
Before visiting Petra, I had no idea how big the site really is. It spans over 23 square miles (60km2), with tombs, temples, homes and palaces carved into red sandstone. Our guide explained that most day trippers enter Petra through the main visitor centre and follow the same out-and-back trail to see the Monastery and the Treasury, but this means walking the same way twice and often bumping into the busiest parts of the site at peak time.
The trail continues one-way through Petra’s main sites, all the way to the Treasury, which feels like a real reward after hours of hiking.
We followed the trail in from Little Petra - and it was a total game changer.
The anticipation builds for the site as you wind through quiet sandstone canyons, giving you spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and mountains that you wouldn’t see otherwise. The first big reveal is the Monastery, which is honestly as jaw-dropping as the Treasury (the most recognisable part of the site).
From there, the trail continues one-way through Petra’s main sites, all the way to the Treasury, which feels like a real reward after hours of hiking. Because you’re not retracing your steps, the day feels like a proper journey. By the time we reached the end, I was tired and dusty but absolutely blown away. If you’re visiting Petra and want to experience it in the most immersive way – hiking in from Little Petra is the way to go.
Wadi Rum will stay with you forever
I’ve travelled to over 60 countries, and I can confidently say that Wadi Rum is one most beautiful landscapes I've ever seen. Nothing quite prepares you for the beauty of this desert; the endless red sand dunes, towering sandstone mountains and the changing colours of the landscape throughout the day. It felt like stepping onto another planet (fitting, given it was a stand in for Arrakis in Dune).
One of the highlights was exploring the area by 4x4, bouncing through the vast, open valleys and natural rock formations. We also hiked up Jabal Umm ad Dami, the highest peak in Jordan. It was a steep but manageable scramble, and the views from the top were unreal – 360° of jagged mountain peaks and open desert, with Saudi Arabia visible in the distance. In the evening, we climbed up a nearby rock formation next to the camp to watch the sunset and later that night, went stargazing under a sky free of light pollution. Just magical. If you’re someone like me who loves epic scenery, raw natural beauty and photography, Wadi Rum is the kind of place that stays with you forever.
Desert camps are way more comfortable than you’d expect
One of the things that really stood out to me on this trip was the incredible Bedouin hospitality. The Bedouin are the indigenous nomadic people of the desert, and their culture is a huge part of the Jordan experience.
We were lucky to spend time with locals throughout the trip, and it added so much to the whole adventure. In both Little Petra and Wadi Rum, we stayed in fixed desert camps, and they were way more comfortable than I expected. Think proper beds inside large canvas tents, warm blankets, and clean shared facilities (hot showers and flushing toilets included). Towels were provided, and there was even Wi-Fi, which felt pretty wild given how remote we were in Wadi Rum.
The communal lounge areas were cosy too - cushions, colourful rugs, and traditional decor, making it a great spot to relax and chat after dinner.
What made it really special, though, was the people. Our Bedouin hosts were welcoming, funny, and incredibly kind. Just a small tip: desert nights can get really cold, especially in spring and autumn. While warm blankets are provided, I was glad I brought some extra layers and a sleeping bag liner just in case. It made a big difference when the temperature dropped overnight. Overall, this felt like five-star hospitality, just with a lot more heart.
The food alone is worth the trip
I’m Italian, so I don’t say this lightly... but Middle Eastern food is hands down my favourite cuisine. Jordan absolutely delivered. The flavours are fresh, comforting, and full of variety, with loads of vegetables, dips, and spices. I think I could eat houmous every day (and pretty much did). A few meals were included, and when they weren’t, our group leader always had great local recommendations.
We tried Maqluba - a traditional “upside-down” dish made with rice, vegetables and chicken, and in Wadi Rum, we were treated to Zarb, a Bedouin-style barbecue cooked underground in the sand. It was a total standout for everyone.
If you’re vegetarian, you’ll be in heaven. There are options with aubergine, fresh tomato dips, falafel, salads, and endless mezze-style plates to share. Alcohol isn’t always easy to come by, especially in the more remote spots, but I didn’t miss it. That said, the cold beer we found after the big Petra hike never tasted so good!
I roamed the souks in Amman on my final night. The nuts and dates I found there are some of the best I’ve ever tried — and they make the perfect souvenir.
Travelling as a woman in Jordan was easy and welcoming
Our group was coincidentally made up of 12 women, most travelling solo - and I can honestly say I’ve rarely felt so safe and well looked after on a trip. Whether we were roaming the streets in Madaba, hiking through remote areas, exploring Petra or staying overnight in Wadi Rum with an all-male crew, the whole experience felt incredibly respectful and comfortable from start to finish.
Our group was coincidentally made up of 12 women, most travelling solo - and I can honestly say I’ve rarely felt so safe and well looked after on a trip.
There was no hassle, no awkwardness, just genuine kindness, hospitality, and a sense that we were really being looked after. The local guides were professional, warm, and often made us laugh with their great sense of humour. It’s something I really appreciated and definitely don’t take for granted when travelling. If you’re thinking of going to Jordan and wondering what it might be like, especially as a female traveller - I’d say go for it. You’ll be in good hands.
Inspired? Check out our range of adventure holidays in Jordan now. Marta travelled on our Adventure Hiking in Jordan trip!