A Week In Jordan

Clothing
Shorts are fine as long as they're down to your knees. Same with t-shirts - fine as long as shoulders aren't exposed. A light scarf is a good idea, as it guards against the sun when it's hot, and sand when it's windy. I had some shorts, canvas trousers and then just layers, so t-shirts, a couple of long sleeve tops and a warm jacket (it can get chilly cold at night). I didn't take full on walking boots, as it is really just one day when you are doing any real walking. Light walking boots or shoes are fine. I also had a pair of flip flops and some Converse trainers, as they are nice and light - but sandals are fine as well. No need for anything formal, you can dress as you like but generally people wore long trousers and a shirt at dinner (but t-shirt is absolutely fine as well!).

Covering up
You don't need to be too severe. As long as shorts come to your knees, you'll be fine. It's best to cover shoulders but you will see plenty of tourists with bare shoulders around the place. Tourism has grown quite a lot in Jordan, so they are used to seeing less conservative dress, but it's good to still be aware of local sensibilities.
At the end of the day, nobody will probably say anything to you but this doesn't mean they are the most appropriate or suitable.

Money
I changed Sterling cash when I arrrived (there's no real need to get Dinars in advance) and topped up with my ATM card towards the end. It's quite a safe country and, as long as you excercise the same degree of common sense you would at home, you shouldn't have any problems.

Extra expenses
I did Petra by night, which was amazing, and about £10. The camel trek in the desert is ok if you haven't done it before, but quite expensive for what it was, being led along by the owner. We also went to one of the private beaches in Aqaba and this was about £10 as well.

Equipment
A normal suitcase is fine, I just took my soft bag with handle and wheels. A shoulder bag or small rucksack is fine for the day, just to carry what you want like books, camera, suncream, wallet, phone etc. If you like taking photos and have an SLR camera, a polarising lens is a good idea as the sunlight can be quite strong.

Camping in the desert
The beds in the camp are basic and will have a sheet on the mattress, and some heavy blankets. The blankets just stay at the camp and probably don't go through a washing machine very often, so minimum you would need a liner between you and them.
It does get chilly and, while you'd probably be fine with the blankets, a sleeping bag would definitely be more comfortable but it depends on the time of year you're going. The sleeping bag is also good if you want to sleep around the camp fire, which people do sometimes. If you don't have one, you'll have to sleep in the beds, which are fine, but can't really be moved outside the tents.

Lyndal Montgomery - Sales

Yes, if you want a decent night sleep! Its gets cool in the desert and in winter, nights can be quite cold. The only other option might be a scratchy berber blanket, and we can't always guarantee availability or cleanliness of these ! You won't be carrying the bag around and can leave it on the bus the whole time until needed.

Rebecca Caldicott - Customer Operations

You should check out the Cave Bar at the entrance to Petra. It's a 2000 year old Nabataean tomb, transformed into a classy pub! This is an excellent place to wind down after a long day in Petra, sipping a beer, a cocktail or a sheesha. The place has daily live Bedouin music and also serves local style food.
Prices are high, especially by Jordanian standards, but even so it is worth it just for the experience!

Sharmil Goswami - Sales

It is great to go on a glass bottom boat ride when you are in Aqaba and the sea life is magnificent. You will have a chance to snorkel and see all the colourful fish for only 15JD!

Chloe Knott - Product Manager

Staff member Rebecca Caldicott travelled with Exodus to Jordan and you can read her article to get a personal viewpoint of the country and its highlights.

Sterling cash is best, and just change it locally when you arrive. You can arrange some local currency in advance but there is really no need and no advantage in doing so. ATMs are widely available as well, in case you need to top up towards the end of the trip!

Danuta Janik - Customer Operations

If you are on the group flights, and the group is 5 or more, then it is obtained free of charge. When the group arrive in Amman, a local representative will meet you before immigration and take you though the process. The tour leader will then meet you on the other side, once you are through. If you are not on the group flights, and are a British passport holder, it is still quite straightforward. The cost is approx 10JD (Jordanian Dinar).

Alessandra Van Dyk - Customer Operations

Jordan is fairly relaxed compared to other Middle Eastern countries and in the main tourist areas such as Petra there are no real clothing restrictions (within reason!). In the smaller villages it is advised for women particularly to be more conservative in their clothing.

Chloe Knott - Product Manager

In terms of shopping, there's lots of small souvenirs you can buy in most towns on the itinerary, but most people on my trip ended up with shisha pipes!

Kai Aylward - Sales

Please visit the Exodus Travel Guide to Jordan where you can find out what plugs they use, as well as more detailed Country information in the menu on the left of the page.

Please note that the holy month of Ramadan will take place from the 20th of July to the 18th of August 2012 (dates can shift slightly). This is a time when followers of Islam do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. This can sometimes affect the opening hours of certain tourist sites. However we will ensure that that the itinerary is affected as little as possible if you travel during this period. Food and drink is available to tourists during the day.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Middle Eastern food is delicious and you're in for a treat! Kebabs and grilled meat are ubiquitous and plentiful. Local salads are fantastically fresh, with lots of flavour. Fresh bread is provided with most meals, along with lots of nut/bean based dips and humous. Drinking water, in the form of cheap bottled water, is on sale everywhere. Enjoy!

Kai Aylward - Sales

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!