About Your Journey
Your Health
Recommended inoculations for travel may change and you should consult your practitioner for current recommendations before your upcoming journey. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet all health entry requirements, obtain the recommended inoculations, take all recommended medication, and follow all medical advice in relation to your trip. Inoculation requirements can be found on the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website at https://www.cdc.gov/. Also check the World Health Organization (WHO) website http://www.who.int/ith/en/ before you travel internationally.
Medical supplies including CPAP machines for sleep apnea can be brought as an additional carry-on with most airlines. If you are traveling with a CPAP machine, please let Alexander+Roberts know in advance and consider bringing a backup battery in case of inconsistent electricity supply. Distilled water is available in most destinations. Make sure you have all appropriate adaptors, although newer machines have universal power supplies that can adapt to various voltages. Bring extra supplies (especially cushions) and replacement parts as repairing the machine while travelling may not be possible.
Physical Activity
Ancient sites worldwide were constructed well before building codes or the existence of safety and accessibility standards. And in order to maintain the architectural and historical integrity that attracts visitors in the first place, many of the sites have been intentionally left in their natural state. As such, you will encounter uneven terrain, irregular steps, and a lack of handrails, barriers, ramps and cautionary warning signs where you might expect them back home. Therefore, it is extremely important for you to take great care and caution when exploring these sites. Pay attention to all instructions and do not wander away from your guide, especially off designated paths into unmarked terrain. When exploring on your own, heed all regulations, be extra mindful of your surroundings and note any conditions that could increase the risks (poor visibility, wet slippery surfaces, etc).
For travelers with mobility issues or physical challenges, be prepared for less accessibility than we enjoy in the United States. Hotels may be limited in the provisions made for such travelers and some do not have elevators. Airports are not always fully equipped with modern jetways, and ramps for wheelchairs are often absent.
If your program includes “Petra by Night” (this experience operates Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and we have prepaid your entry if you are overnighting in Petra on these days), please note that this experience requires walking the Siq Trail (about ¾ of a mile) over dimly lit, uneven, and rocky terrain. Horse carts are not available, and it is not guided. You are not required to attend, and are encouraged to skip this evening excursion if you have mobility concerns.
Physical limitations requiring special attention and/or equipment must be reported when making reservations. We will make reasonable attempts to accommodate special needs but cannot provide individual assistance. Should issues become apparent on tour that impact other guests, we may require individual assistance be obtained or require the guest to return home early at the guest’s expense.
Your International Flights
If you have not already made your international flight arrangements, you should consider taking advantage of our excellent relationships with outstanding international carriers including Lufthansa, British Airways, United Airlines and Emirates. We can book your air in Economy, Premium Economy or Business Class with advice on seat availability - and even advance seat assignments on many carriers and routes. Booking your international air with A+R would allow us to directly assist you with any flight disruptions, delays or cancellations while on-tour.
A Word about Hotels
As in other parts of the world, check-in time for most hotels is around 3:00PM and check-out time is typically 11AM. Should you arrive early to find that your room is not yet ready, the hotel will likely be more than happy to store your luggage securely for a few hours. That leaves you unencumbered to explore a bit at your own pace - or to relax with a cup of tea or coffee either in the lobby or at a nearby cafe.
Similarly, if you have a late departure flight, hotels will store your luggage after you’ve checked-out, leaving you free to explore and relax until it’s time to go to the airport. Depending upon how busy they are, hotels may allow you to occupy your room for another hour or two without charge; check with the front desk to determine if this is possible for your day of departure.
If early check-in or late check-out is required, advance arrangements can usually be confirmed for the cost of an additional night. Please notify us or your travel agent if you wish to confirm either.
Climate
Jordan is blessed with a Mediterranean climate, making for pleasurable year-round travel. Amman is sunny and cloudless from May to October, with average temperatures around 90°F and very low humidity. Because of Amman’s higher elevation, evenings are cool (temperatures can dip into the 60s) and the city enjoys an outdoor dining/café culture. North to south, the desert climate (including Petra) means cooler nights, with September nighttime lows in the 70s and an average daytime high in the upper 90s. Regardless of the season, it’s important to pack clothing that can be layered as temperatures rise and fall throughout your travels.
Money Matters
The Jordanian Dinar (JD) is the official currency. American dollars, major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express), and travelers checks are all accepted in Jordan. Credit cards (Visa seems most widely accepted) can be used at nearly all hotels, restaurants and shops.
To change your US Dollars into the Jordanian Dinar, banks will provide the best exchange rate and generally do not charge any commission for the exchange of US cash for Dinars; there will be a fee for traveler’s checks. Also, banking hours are quite limited, generally from 8:30AM to 3:30PM. All banks are closed on Fridays and Saturdays. In the major cities, exchange bureaus keep longer hours, but rates are generally less favorable and all will charge a commission, even for cash. Major banks in Amman and other larger towns have ATMs (with English-language instructions) that will accept cards with the Visa, MasterCard, Global Access, Plus and Cirrus network symbols. If you plan on making purchases with credit cards, or changing traveler's checks into the local currency, you will need to have your passport with you. Otherwise, you should consider leaving it in the hotel safe.
We recommend that before you travel you inform both your bank and your credit card company which countries you will be visiting. It is also a good idea to inquire about fees for transactions abroad. Please note that many ATMs in Europe and elsewhere will not accept PIN numbers of more than four digits. Also note, if you use your credit card to get money from an ATM, you begin paying interest on the money from the moment you get it.
Tipping
For your on-tour convenience, we have included all gratuities except for your Trip Leaders or guides. This includes drivers, baggage porters and restaurant staff for all included meals; certainly, if any of these services are exceptional and go above-and-beyond, then feel free to tip additionally.
For your Trip Leaders or guides, many of our guests find it helpful to have some guidelines; in that spirit, we recommend tipping them $20 to $30 per person, per day.
Although not included in your Tour Fare, please remember that these gratuities are always at your discretion. They are appreciated as recognition for excellent service, but whether you tip, and how much, is entirely up to you.
When you’re out enjoying meals and activities that are not part of your A+R itinerary, here are tipping guidelines in accordance with local practices:
• Upscale restaurants: A service charge of 12% to 15% is appropriate. Some upscale restaurants now add a 12% service charge to your bill, in which case you can simply round up or adjust your tip accordingly if you wish.
• Spa Services: Add 10% to 15 %.
• Taxis: Tips are not expected by taxi drivers. When using a taxi, please make sure you ask the driver to turn on the meter before they drive away. All taxis are required by law to have a meter.
For any gratuities, we suggest you tip in the local currency. But if you only have US Dollars, they will be graciously accepted.
Electricity
Electric current is 230 V at 50 Hz AC and most outlets support two round-pin plugs. An adapter plug and a converter may be necessary to charge your electronic devices, and are usually available from the front desk. For more information on plugs and sockets, review the information at: www.iec.ch/worldplugs/map.htm. You may occasionally encounter British-style three-pronged outlets, particularly in southern Jordan and Aqaba.
Internet and Phone calls
If you plan to bring your cell phone when you travel, please check with your carrier to ensure that your plan covers international calls and/or mobile data from the countries you will visit on your trip and whether there may be money saving plans available from your carrier that can be arranged in advance. Alternatively, local prepaid SIM cards for your phone are usually available at the airport where you arrive and can be used to tap into local service providers. Wi-fi is available at many hotels either complimentary or for a fee. Waiting until you have Wi-Fi access allows you to use email and other applications without using mobile data. Check with the front desk upon check in regarding access details.
If you need to place an international call from your hotel room, please check first with the Front Desk about their rates. Hotels often contract with outside vendors to provide direct-dial service for overseas calls – and the rates can be unexpectedly high!
The dialing code for Jordan is +962, you will have to prefix the local number with this dialing code when calling from outside of Jordan.
Is the Water Safe to Drink?
We recommend that you drink only bottled water, which can easily be purchased in hotels and shops. In addition to avoiding tap water, it is also best to request beverages without ice cubes.
Meal Time!
Sampling the regional fare and dining in Jordan is a part of your travel experience. To start your day, the breakfast buffet included with your hotel stay will feature plenty of familiar items including fruits, eggs, breakfast meats and bakery goods. If you wish to eat as the locals do, you can try delicious freshly-baked breads, hummus (a cold dip of mashed chickpeas blended with lemon juice, olive oil, and spices), yogurt and olives.
When venturing on your own, falafel makes for a great lunch or mid-day snack. These are small meatball-sized rounds of chickpeas which have been mashed, seasoned and deep-fried. They’re often served sandwich-style in a pocket-bread with some lettuce and sauce. Similar sandwiches made from spit-grilled lamb or chicken are also delicious. In a fine Arabic restaurant for dinner, your meal will often start with a selection of mezze, small appetizer-sized portions of salads, olives, and other starter fare − much of it vegetarian. The main course is usually meat-focused, including grilled kebabs of chicken or lamb, and stew-like dishes cooked in earthen-ware pots. The local Jordanian spirit, similar to raki, is quite potent and certainly worth sampling. Your tour guide will be glad to provide suggestions and assist with your dining preferences.
Please note drinks are not included in the meals that have been selected for our itineraries and will be charged additionally onsite.
The Famous Siq Trail near the Dead Sea
If your itinerary includes the Siq trail near the dead sea, in the Wadi Al Mujib Reserve, please know that this is a water trail that meanders through a gorge filled with refreshingly clear, cool water. You may find yourself swimming short distances or wading through the natural pools. Please come prepared with a swimming suit, a change of clothes, waterproof container (if you are bringing electronics) and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.
This trail system is not available during November-March (due to safety concerns associated with flash-flooding), or during Ramadan, so as an alternative, you will be escorted along the Ibex trail which is a dry hiking trail that will still let you enjoy the unique landscape of this area.
An Important Sightseeing Reminder
Sightseeing included in your program is scheduled based upon opening hours of the included sights. Note that opening hours are subject to change and adjustment to your program may be made accordingly.
Border Crossings with Israel
When traveling to Israel from Jordan or reverse, your driver will take you to the border point but cannot cross with you to the neighboring country. On the other side of the border crossing point, look for your new national driver and/or guide holding a red Alexander+Roberts sign.
Jordan’s Famous Markets + Handcrafts
The artisan workshops, craft bazaars and markets that one sees in Egypt or elsewhere in the Middle East are much less prevalent here. Throughout history, Jordan has been at the crossroads of numerous trade routes, but its indigenous manufacturing was mainly limited to what was needed locally – and not made for export. Nevertheless, there are some unique and finely-crafted items made in Jordan that would make excellent mementos of your travels. Along the King’s Way especially there are several artisans’ cooperatives offering great shopping opportunities, including locally-crafted inlaid boxes, woodcarvings, gold and silver jewelry, beautiful paintings, hammered copper plates, pottery and more. Your local guides are the best source of information if you are looking for a specific memento of your trip.
Other popular locally-made items include hand-embroidered textiles, Bedouin-woven carpets and Bedouin jewelry, usually featuring silver beads and semi-precious stones. In addition, you can get good prices on crafts from other areas of the Middle East, including wood, glass and mother-of-pearl pieces from Bethlehem and Hebron. Note that various items for sale can originate from Turkey, Syria, India and other countries.
Enjoy your shopping, but keep a few precautions in mind. We recommend that you avoid objects that appear to be ancient artifacts. Many so-called artifacts are anything but old. In addition, the export of genuine ancient relics is strictly controlled so that cultural treasures do not leave the country. Animal skins, things made with tropical bird feathers, and similar items should also be avoided. Some could be made from endangered species and their export (and import into the US) is illegal. Buy only from reputable shops and if you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to ask your hotel concierge or our guide for advice. Should you purchase a larger item which the seller agrees to ship, we recommend that you take a picture of the item and make sure you have all the bills as well as the seller’s address and phone number should the need arise for you to contact the shop upon your return home. You may ask the merchant to provide shipment to the US, but be prepared to pay Customs fees on certain items. Those fees are assessed when the shipment arrives in the US and are collected from the recipient. They cannot be prepaid by the merchant.
Customs + Traditions
An important thing to bear in mind regarding local customs is your attire. Quite simply, you’ll probably feel much more at ease if you make a conscious effort to dress modestly. An outfit that wouldn’t warrant a second glance in an American office or shopping mall can still raise some eyebrows here in the Middle East, especially with the older generation and outside of the major cities. Even at the peak of summer in the desert, it’s unusual to see local men wearing shorts. As an international visitor, you’ll be treated politely in long pants or shorts, but understand that your exposed knees and calves will probably be noticed. Wearing lightweight pants is the best approach and shows respect for local culture.
For women, modest dress is equally important. But know too that Jordan is a very modern country where women attend university at nearly the same rate as men, and you find women in all careers, including the government, military and the corporate world. Regardless of the season or activity, you’re always best off covering your shoulders and avoiding shorts and short skirts. A short-sleeve blouse and loose comfy skirt that comes to your knees or long pants is a fine outfit for touring or dining out. When visiting a mosque or important religious site, choose tops that cover your shoulders and upper arms. A final note: If you do try the local dishes and wish to eat in traditional style with your hands, be sure to use your right hand – and never your left!
Travel in the Middle East requires patience, an open mind and a willingness to have your pre-conceived conceptions challenged; above all, however, it is a richly rewarding experience.
Conversing with the Locals
Arabic is Jordan’s official language. However, English is widely spoken but any effort to speak a few words of Arabic with the locals will be well rewarded.
About Photography
Some sights and museums restrict photography, in particular the use of flash, and some may require a modest fee to purchase a so-called camera permit. Check with your tour guide or site officials when in doubt. It is common courtesy to ask permission before you photograph local residents.
Local Time
All of Jordan is 7 hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time (e.g., if it is 2:00PM in New York, it is 9:00PM in Jordan).
Packing Advice to Get You Started
Easy-to-care-for clothing with mix-and-match separates are ideal to prevent the need to bring a lot of clothes. To accommodate the variable weather, you should pack an all-weather jacket, a hat and a scarf. You will want to bring a swimsuit, sun hat and comfortable shoes.
Consider an easy-to-carry traveling bag
It’s good to have a small bag to carry your daytime needs with you while traveling; a backpack is used by many travelers for this purpose. A water bottle is always handy to have in your traveling pack.
The Essentials
Hotels are well-equipped with tissues and toilet paper; however small packets of facial tissues and a small bottle of hand-sanitizer can be handy. Please bring your own lotions, contact lens solutions, cosmetics and feminine hygiene products. Bring extra prescriptions (packed partially in your hand luggage) as well as cold medicine, aspirin and cures for intestinal troubles. You should also bring a good sunblock lotion with you since high temperatures can intensify the impact of the sun. We recommend 30+ SPF.
Seeing + Capturing your Experiences
Make a complete check of your camera equipment before you leave and make sure you have replacement or rechargeable batteries and additional memory cards.
Camera drones are not allowed for use on our tours as they can detract from the experiences of your fellow travelers. If, however you plan to bring a drone for use in your free time, please pay close attention to the local aviation laws. Most historic sites and national parks explicitly prohibit the use of personal drones, so it is your own responsibility to acquire any necessary permission and adhere to local laws should you plan on traveling with a drone.
On-Tour Hunger Pangs
High-protein snacks are good for both the air trip as well as for your activities while traveling: nuts, raisins, granola bars and peanut butter are popular with many of our travelers.
A Few Final Tips
Some handy items we recommend include: an extra pair of glasses, an alarm clock, zip-lock plastic bags and a bottle opener.
Reminders about Your Baggage
Baggage restrictions vary by airline, and we ask you to review the airlines on your itinerary and review baggage restrictions on their website to determine the maximum number of bags and weights that are allowed. In Economy, passengers are limited to one bag. Keep in mind that the flights that are included on your tour are in Economy and are limited to one checked bag with weight limits. So when packing for your trip, consider the bag and weight restrictions on all of your flights, not just your international arrangements.
Most airlines charge travelers for additional bags and excess weight so we advise you to pack as lightly as possible. Most of our hotels offer laundry services.
TSA Packing Tips
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) publishes a comprehensive list of items that are Permitted and Prohibited in carry-on and checked baggage. You can find the complete list online at https://www.tsa.gov/travel.
For vacation travelers, the important thing to remember is that only one small bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes can be in your carry-on bag when you pass through security. Each item is limited to 3.4 ounces (100ml) - and all containers must fit inside a clear, 1-quart sized, zip-top bag. If you have containers that are larger than 3.4 ounces, they must go inside your checked baggage.
Medications, baby formula/food and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding the 3.4-ounce limit, and they do not have to be in a zip-lock bag. You should declare these items at the checkpoint, and keep in mind that TSA Officers may need to inspect them.
Other Recommendations:
• Jewelry, cash, tablet devices and laptops should be in your carry-on baggage. Tape your business card to the bottom of your laptop for easy identification if it gets separated for inspection.
• Avoid accessories and jewelry that contain metal as they may set off the metal detector at the check point. This saves having to take them off and put them back on as you pass through security.
• Wear slip-on shoes that can be easily removed and placed on the conveyor built to be x-rayed at the security check-point.
• If you wish to place a lock on your checked luggage, it must be of a make and model approved by the TSA.
• Do not pack wrapped gifts and do not bring wrap gifts to the security check point.
A Note about Traveling with Minors
Many countries currently require documentary evidence of a relationship between minors traveling with an adult. Although Jordan is not one of them, we strongly recommend that parents traveling alone with a minor carry a notarized letter from the absent parent authorizing the trip, regardless of whether the parent is married or divorced. Never-married parents, parents whose spouse has died, and parents who have been granted sole legal custody of children are encouraged to carry notarized proof of their status, including death certificate where appropriate. Grandparents traveling with grandchildren and adults traveling with children who are not their own should carry letters of authorization from both parents of the children. It is wise to also carry the child’s birth certificate with the original seal. Please visit the state department’s website travel.state.gov if you plan to travel with a minor.
A Few Words about Safety + Security
Traveling abroad is no different than visiting a new city in the United States: use common sense precautions to safeguard your person and your possessions at all times. Remember to wash your hands frequently.
• Do not go out and about with your passport unless specifically instructed to do so by your local guides.
• Keep your extra cash and passport in the in-room safe of your hotel. In the few instances where they are not available, then store these items in the safety deposit box at the front desk.
• Always make a copy of your passport, credit cards and e-tickets and keep them separate from the originals so that they can be more readily replaced if lost or stolen. Leave extra copies with someone at home who you can reach while traveling. Or consider scanning these documents and emailing them to an address that you can access while abroad.
• If you don’t already own one, consider investing in a money belt that can be concealed under your clothing. This is a good place to keep the cash and credit cards that you need for personal expenses while sightseeing, shopping and touring.
• Do not display large amounts of cash in public. Carry your purse with the strap across your chest, not dangling from your shoulder or arm.
These measures will save you countless time and trouble should your credit cards, airline tickets or passport be lost or stolen.
Some Helpful Web Links
U.S. Department of State
www.travel.state.gov
Travel documents and tips; State Department Travel announcements; Consular Information for countries you will visit
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
General health information for travelers and health information on specific destinations
Transportation Security Administration
www.tsa.gov (select Traveler Information)
Tips for travelers going through security at the airport
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
www.cbp.gov (select Travel)
Helpful information for returning U.S. citizens travelling abroad
Calling the U.S. from Abroad
www.att.com/traveler
AT&T’s USADirect service offers convenient telephone access to the U.S. from around the world
Currency Converter
www.oanda.com/currency/converter
Alexander+Roberts
www.alexanderroberts.com
For information about your tour: itinerary, customer reviews, visas, Travel Protection Plan, payment and cancellation details