Petra & Wadi Rum Trek

Clothing 

Shorts are fine, as long as they're down to your knees (although I can't imagine you'd have anything too revealing!). Some days I also walked in light canvas/ cargo trousers as well. A light scarf is also a good idea, it guards against 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 gets cold at night).
 

Insects
I don't think I had any problem with bugs or got bitten along the way and don't think I saw anything more exotic than flies. I didn't have any bug spray and didn't have any problems. I wouldn't bother with a mozzie net as when you're in your tent, just keep it closed. Some of us slept around the camp fire a few nights but no problems with bugs then either.
 

Money
I just took sterling cash and we changed it in Jordan before leaving the city. I think I changed about £200 and that did me pretty much all the way through. You could take an ATM card to top with as well. When you're out in the desert, there's really nothing to spend your money on, so it's just Petra and a night in Amman.
 

General 
If you like taking photos, or have an SLR, a polarising lens is a good idea as the sunlight can be quite strong. There's no alcohol in the desert or Petra, but you can buy beer in Amman.

 You don't need walking poles as it's all flat.

 
It's a great trip, and Wadi Rum was much more impressive than I expected!

Brendan Phelan - 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

Comfortable walking boots or shoes are best, and make sure they are well broken in before coming! Sandals may get uncomfortable to wear during the day, as sand will get into them but will be great for the evenings when you want to relax.

Sharmil Goswami - Sales

If you are used to walking with poles then you can take them with you. They are not essential though and the walk is manageable without them. It is personal preference but do remember to pack them as part of your main luggage to be stowed in the hold.

Sharmil Goswami - Sales

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

You can view the Grading System for our Walking & Trekking programme online.

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!