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About Travel to Jordan
Thanks to Sunny Land Tours' Jordan tours and packages, travel to Jordan has
never been simpler and more affordable. Sunny Land Tours has served
thousands of American travelers travel to Jordan and with tours to the the Holy
Land, so make sure you read the client
testimonials.
Here is some general information on Jordan:
The Flag of Jordan
The Jordan flag is a symbol of independence, freedom and integrity. Colors
are originated from the previous Historical Arab States, with the black
symbolizing Abbasides period. white related to the Ummayyad period, the green
for the Fatimide period, and the red crimson triangle joining the bands
represents the Hashemite dynasty. The seven-pointed Islamic star set in the
center of the crimson triangle represents the unity of Arab peoples in Jordan.
King Abdullah II:
His Majesty King Abdullah II is the 43 rd generation direct descendant of the
Prophet Muhammad. King Abdullah assumed his constitutional powers as King of the
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on February 7, 1999, the day his father, the late
King Hussein, passed away. Following in his late father's footsteps, King
Abdullah has placed great emphasis on improving Jordan's economy and
streamlining the government, which will lay the foundations to allow Jordan to
enter the next century with confidence
King Hussein:
His Majesty King Hussein bin Talal, the father of modern Jordan, will always be
remembered as a leader who guided his country through strife and turmoil to
become an oasis of peace, stability and moderation in the Middle East. Among
Jordanians, his memory is cherished as the inspiration for Jordan's climate of
openness, tolerance and compassion. Known to his people as Al-Malik Al-Insan
(“The Human King”), King Hussein established a legacy which promises to guide
Jordan for many years to come.
Geographical Overview of Jordan:
Jordan is a relatively small country situated at the crossroads of the Middle
East. Compromising some 92,300 square kilometers (57,354 square miles), it is
bordered on the north by Syria, at the east by Iraq, and by Saudi Arabia on the
east and South. Also, to the south one finds the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea,
while Israel and Palestine lie to the west. Jordan's diverse terrain and
landscape bely its actual size, demonstrating a variety usually found only in
large countries.
Population in Jordan:
Total population of Jordan 5,200,000 (2004). Jordan's strong rurally based
lifestyle, grounded in the nation's villages and deserts, has taken a slight
shift in recent years. The trend has been to urbanize. About sixty-four per cent
of Jordanians now reside in towns. However, the Jordanian cultural identity is
firmly rooted in rural and desert communities. Jordan's
stability in a turbulent region has attracted large numbers of refuges and
temporary residents from neighboring regions such as the West Bank, the Gaza
Strip and Lebanon. In recent years it has also seen tens of thousand of
Jordanian expatriates returning from abroad.
Jordanian Currency:
The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (symbol: JD), which is often called
“JD”. The dinar is divided into 100 piasters (pronounced “peeaster”) or 1000
fils (“fills”).
There are 5, 10, 20, and 50 JD notes commonly used, and you will usually ses
prices written as 4.750, that is 4 JD and 750 fils. Coins come in the following
denominations: 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 piasters; and in 5 and 10 fils. It is
useful to carry some coins and low denominations (1 JD notes).
Currency can be exchanged at major banks and at most hotels. Street
money-changers are best avoided. Exchange rates are set daily by the Jordanian
Central Bank.
Electricity in Jordan:
The electrical system is based on 220 AC volts, 50 cycles, and requires rounded
two-prong wall plugs. Visitors from the USA will need a transformer, which most
hotels can provide one.
Jordan Time Zone:
Jordan is 7 hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time. When it is 12 noon in
New York, it is 7 PM in Jordan.
Jordan Weather and Climate:
Jordan is blessed with a Mediterranean climate for pleasurable year-round
travel. Amman is sunny and cloudless from May to October, with average
temperatures around 73 F. Springtime brings optimal weather, lush with greenery,
and autumn is equally mild and pleasant. July and August are hot and dry but not
oppressive.
Clothing when Traveling to Jordan:
Leave your synthetics at home as they will prove to be too hot in summer and not
warm enough in winter - bring materials that breathe. It is advisable to wear
cotton in summer as the heat can be severe. In winter wear layers that can be
taken off during the heat of the day and put back on for cool evenings.
Wear loose and flowing garments, which are not only modest, but practical in a
hot climate. Have you ever wondered why the Bedouin wear layers of flowing
robes? Why they cover their heads and the back of their necks? Centuries of
living in desert climates have taught them that loose garments keep one cooler
and layered garments allow wind to circulate, creating a natural ventilation
system. Protecting the head and neck from loss of moisture prevents heat stroke.
Also bring comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking and temple
floors are far from even. In summer, wear a hat to protect yourself from the
heat of the Jordanian sun.
Even in summer, evenings can be cool, so a sweater or shawl is advisable.
Winters can be cold, especially in Amman and the east; you will need a coat.
Walking shoes are advisable since Petra and most of the archaeological sites are
unpaved and sandy.
Please keep in mind the cultural considerations... Jordan is primarily a Muslim
country. Muslim women's clothing often covers their arms, legs and hair. Western
women are not subject to these customs, but very revealing clothing is never
appropriate, and conservative clothing is advisable for both men and woman in
Amman and outside the cities. Shorts are rarely worn by either sex, and would be
out of place in the downtown area. Topless sunbathing is prohibited and
one-piece swimsuits are preferred, although two-piece swimsuits are acceptable
at hotel pools. Public displays of affection are rare; however, it is not
considered unusual for friends to hold hands, regardless of their gender.
What to Bring:
Travel light. Get wheels for your luggage and leave heavy items at home. You are
allowed to bring one piece of suitcase of maximum 45 lbs and a carry on bag.
Remember to take your passport and tickets (keep copies in a separate place),
your travelers checks and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express
are widely accepted). Remember also any medication you are currently taking or
you might need (along with aspirin, anti-diarrhea medicine, and motion-sickness
pills.
If you don’t bring a camera you will be sorry. You are allowed to bring in two
used cameras, and one used camcorder, and unlimited amount of film (given that
all are for personal use and not to be sold or given away as gifts). A hat and
sunglasses are a must as the sun can be very strong in Jordan. Remember to label
your cameras, purses, briefcases, and suitcases with your hotel and home
addresses.
Tipping in Jordan:
In hotels and restaurants, 10% may be added to the bill, but a small tip for the
waiters is appropriate. For hotel bellmen and porters, 2 or 1 JD, or US$ 2 is
customary. In taxis, pay the nearest round figure to the price on the
meter.
Sunny Land Tours uses highly skilled local tour directors (guides) and drivers.
Tipping of the guides and drivers highly recommended. Depending on your
satisfaction with their services, we recommend $3 to $5 a day per person for the
guides, and $1 to $2 for the drivers.
Jordanian Cuisine and Meals:
Arab cuisine is elaborated and sophisticated. Food is also an important part of
the culture and it is used to express hospitality and generosity. Jor danians are
exceptionally hospitable. The local cuisine includes a dizzying savory
variety of appetizers, called “mezzeh”, aromatic breads, wonderful sweets soaked
in honey, pistachios and others, and “mansaf”, Jordan's traditional dish of
lamb, yogurt sauce and rice. Sunny Land Tours' travel packages
outline the included meals in the itineraries. If a meal is not included
during touring a stop will be made in a location
that provides meals and snacks and sufficient time will be allowed. For a
list of popular Jordanian appetizers and main dishes
click here
The Black Iris, The National Flower:
The black iris is an elegant, endemic, perennial herb, with underground
rhizomes. Usually the leaves are much shorter than the stalk of the flower. The
flower is black-dark lilac, glossy, with transparent veins; large flower
segments have inn basal, black spots, and hairy area at white-green or brown
background. Habitat: marginal land and mountains around Amman, Madaba and
Kirak. F.1. April-Mary
Jordan Tours and Packages
To view all tour packages and tours to Jordan
click here.
Order a Free Brochure
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click here.
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