5 WAYS TO EXPERIENCE JORDAN BEYOND PETRA

Jordan is a country that exceeded my expectations.

It is easily ranked as one of my top 7 destinations so far. Jordan is a place I have been wanting to visit for years and I was so excited to have finally made it. The number one attraction that brings tourists to Jordan tends to be the UNESCO site, Petra. However, after spending a week in this beautiful country, I found many more ways to experience the country to its full extent beyond Petra.

As much as I loved Petra, despite the long hours of hiking, I had a better time at some less-crowded places. Below, you will find 5 ways to experience Jordan, the same as I did.

1. Sleep under the stars in Wadi Rum.

You can't miss out on booking a night at a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum! It is one of the most unique and most beautiful places to go stargazing. 

A night in the desert, disconnected from the world makes for the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

This experience has gained popularity over the years, especially as a lot of Bedouin camps offer bubble tents, which allow you to experience the magic of the night from the comfort of your bed. Wadi Rum is approximately a 4-hour drive from Amman or about an hour away from Petra but is an essential stop on any trip to Jordan.

2. Go on a food tour in Downtown Amman.

Spoiler alert: the food does not disappoint!

We did not come across one bad meal when in Jordan. There are many vegetarian options, which makes it easier to find alternatives according to your diet. Some not-to-be-missed Jordanian dishes you must try on your trip include mansaf, kunafa, makloubeh and falafel.

Regardless of what you choose to eat, you will quickly find that everything is delicious! Having a sweet tooth will come in handy, as the many dessert shops will have you tempted.

Aside from the amazing food selection you will find, the city has a special charm and personality. From the chaotic traffic to the landmarks, the city was worth exploring.

As we had a Jordan Pass (which also waived our visa fee), we decided to visit some of the sights in the city that were included, such as the Amman Citadel and the Roman Theatre.

3. Give back to the community.

As Jordan is home to many refugees, what better way to make your trip more rewarding than giving back to the community, knowing that whatever you give is going directly to people who need it most? You can visit a charity center and donate clothes, food, money, etc. The center I went to was recommended to me by a friend. It was a little harder to find on Google Maps, as it is written in Arabic, however, I was glad to have found it. People in the community come by with their kids to pick up during operating hours. The center also offers other services for the people who use it, such as dental care.

4. Book a relaxing getaway at a resort.

Another popular sight when visiting Jordan is the Dead Sea. You will find many resorts and hotels by the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth.

Our day trip turned into a one-night stay, where we decided to relax, enjoy the resort, and enjoy the sunset.

While many come to float in the Dead Sea, I also found that there were other things to do in the region, such as visiting Wadi Mujib Canyon, the Zara Cliff Top Walk, or the Panorama Dead Sea Complex Lookout.

5. Visit Aqaba to enjoy some waterworks and challenge yourself to something new.

You can also go on a cruise to soak in the views of the city, go swimming, and enjoy a nice meal cooked on the boat for you. Aqaba was not a place that we originally planned on stopping at, but decided to check it out since it was on our way.

We took a relaxing boat tour at sunset and it was the perfect way to unwind. We also visited the Aqaba Fort in the city, but ultimately I would recommend visiting if you are looking for something more laid-back and water sports.

Regardless of how you decide to spend your time in Jordan, I hope these tips help you plan the best trip. I can't believe that I went to Jordan with only a to-do list of restaurants I wanted to try (as recommended by a friend). I left the country, with a piece of it in my heart. From the fascinating places, and the hospitality of the people we crossed paths with, as well as the mouthwatering food, Jordan is a country I would go back to in a heartbeat.

Have I convinced you to add Jordan to your list yet?