Hoping to explore Jordan on a shoestring? Here is our list of a few tips for first-time travelers:
While Jordan is not considered a cheap travel destination per se, a little planning and modifications to your itinerary will allow a traveler to see this phenomenal country without draining their wallet. Read on for a guide to Jordan’s low-cost attractions, whether you’re thinking about where to stay or which attractions to visit.
1. Get the Jordan Pass
If you plan to visit Jordan for more than three consecutive days and arrive with a visa on arrival, this pass is for you. Costing as much as Petra’s entry fee, it covers your visa plus entry to Petra for one, two, or three days depending on the pass, and about 40 sites around Jordan.
Jerash, Jordan
2. Travel During Winter for Discounts
While Jordan, especially its North part, has ‘winters’ from late November till February, it is rainy and cold with lower tourism demands that drop hotel and tour prices. Just expect that some activities may be canceled due to weather conditions and best to wear some warm clothes for hiking or a Bedouin tent in Wadi Rum, for example.
If you can help it, do not arrange a trip for the beginning of the year; January is the wettest and coldest month. For warmer winter destinations then Aqaba or the Dead Sea can be an option.
For those who are planning to join a guided group tour, check out Tour Radar student discount options for extra savings on your adventure.
Wadi Rum, Jordan
3. Avoid Chain Hotels
If you would like to invest less in your lodgings, there are hostels like Nomads Hotel (Am, Petra) or Carob Hostel wherein the price is computation is basic. Other sources of information include hostel staff as well as other travelers as they give directions on what better tour services or other attractions to take at a cheaper price.
Or opt for locally owned boutique hotels because they tend to be cheaper as compared to branded ones. And, perhaps, if you book it in person it is still possible to negotiate with them.
4. Explore Amman for Free
Amman offers plenty of free activities, including:
- Beginning a walking tour that starts at the front of the Pasha Hotel.
- Visiting a mosque.
- Lunching and strolling and just admiring everyone in Rainbow Street or Al Balad.
- Daily Trimming with Running Amman.
- Such activities make you feel that you are in the city, all without having to spend a single dollar.
The Citadel, Amman, Jordan
5. Take a Bus to Petra
The JTT bus is cheap and comfortable, air-conditioned transportation from Amman, to Petra, Aqaba, and Wadi Rum. Their daily trips to common attractions are way cheaper than taking a private driver or guide. Look up schedules online but purchase tickets in person because schedules may have changed.
Petra, Jordan
6. Dine on the Go
Jordanian markets and grocery stores provide very cheap and fresh foods. Fresh blended fruit juice for a few dinars and falafel as well some hummus and have a picnic. For some particular goods, it is preferred that they are not imported because they are usually expensive.
As the climate characterized by visits to restaurants is getting old, why not dine at Galsoum’s Kitchen in Umm Qais for JD15 per head Cooked food at home tastes different and it is less costly too!
7. Hike with EcoHikers
Avoid costly private buses for a vacation and opt for EcoHikers, a conservation group that offers those economical guided hikes. These trips include transportation, cleanup equipment a guide, and the opportunity to socialize with people of the place and other tourists.
8. Bring Alcohol or Go Dry
Beer in Jordan is relatively costly but passengers are allowed to import one liter of any alcoholic beverages from duty-free shops on first arrival or within fourteen days from the time of entry into the Kingdom. To get even better value, avoid alcohol altogether and take a dry holiday.
9. Select The Dead Sea Day Pass
Do not spend the night in Dead Sea hotels which cost JD85–JD380 per night, one day pass is enough. The cost varies from JD20 at the Dead Sea Spa Hotel to JD35 at the Holiday Inn Resort.
If you want to spend even less, then it is better to plan one-day trips from other cities like Amman or Madaba. If one is moving with a huge party, it could be cheap to hire a boutique hotel as opposed to an expensive one.
10. Create Your Souvenirs
Save money while having fun by organizing a handicraft workshop. These include basket weaving in Umm Qais, mosaics making in Amman, and pottery in Aqaba. At its end, you will have a memorable time, a great photograph to look back on, and a souvenir painted by you.
11. Simplify Your Itinerary
Jordan is filled with amazing things to see however attempting to cram all these places in might stress your pockets. Much better to have two or three absolute must-see sights and try to have the best of those.
- Daily Costs in Jordan
- Hostel Dorm Bed: JD18–40
- Basic Room for Two: JD75–150
- Self-Catering Apartment: JD45+ per night
- Coffee: Less than JD1
- Sandwich: JD1–6
Dinner for Two: JD20–35
By following these tips, one will be able to have a good tour in Jordan without feeling a financial pinch. Happy travels!