Highlights of Jordan holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends it's good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as experiencing new cultures.
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
Respecting the environment
We choose hotels, restaurants and suppliers with a positive approach to the environment. As laundry facilities may not be available at all hotels, we recommend bringing biodegradable washing detergent. Buying bottled water contributes to a huge global environmental problem. As well as the energy it takes to bottle the water and produce the bottle, a large proportion of the bottles also end up in landfill or discarded in nature. Avoid these negative environmental impacts by bringing water purification tablets or tincture of iodine to purify local water. We ask you to bring rechargeable batteries and a charger instead of using and discarding non-rechargeable batteries. These are extremely toxic and with many of the locations we visit not benefitting from proper disposal facilities, a real environmental hazard.
Supporting humanitarian, development and conservation projects
We support the non-profit Planeterra Foundation, which aims to make a positive impact for people and communities around the world. It supports both international and local charities and community projects.
Authentic accommodation
You will be staying in small, locally owned hotels or pensions. While they may not all have the facilities of larger, chain hotels, they more than make up for it in character. And you’ll be putting money back into the local economy by staying there, too. In Wadi Rum you’ll enjoy an evening under the stars around the campfire with your Bedouin hosts, and stay in traditional nomads’ tents.
Local flavours
Breakfasts are included, but the majority of other meals are unscheduled, giving you maximum flexibility to sample the range of local cuisine on offer. Your group leader will know the best places to experience genuine Jordanese flavours in family-run establishments. There is a particularly good selection of dining venues in Aqaba, where fresh local seafood is always on the menu.
Community
This tour uses local Jordanese guides, businesses, guesthouse owners, restaurants and other suppliers wherever possible. Group leaders and administrators also help local suppliers improve the quality of their services and develop their livelihoods. Jordan has a strong tipping culture - it is customary and even expected to tip small service providers such as restaurant and bar waiters, hotel staff, reception, cleaning personnel, bell boys, and taxi and van drivers. Tips are regarded as an essential means of supplementing income for those working in the tourism industry.
Local guides with a deep knowledge of Jordan’s culture and traditions are used wherever possible. They have built strong links with local communities, with many opportunities for travellers to interact with ordinary Jordanese people. Group leaders are also trained in low-impact travel practices and help source socially and environmentally responsible operators and community-based tourism initiatives to incorporate into our tours.
Travellers are encouraged to respect the local culture and sensibilities, and as a trip with a maximum of 15 travellers, groups have a minimal impact on the local culture. Outside of large cities and major tourist centres, local dress can be conservative, and travellers are advised to wear loose fitting modest clothing. When visiting mosques or other religious sites you should always dress modestly. Cover shoulders and don’t wear short shorts or skimpy skirts. Always ask before taking photos, and remember, taking photos of people’s children is unlikely to be appreciated