Jordan (Asia)

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan offers a new horizon for travelers to the Middle East. It contains dazzling, unspoiled desertscapes and countryside and legendary lost cities from ancient times, but it's also an orderly country with a modern infrastructure and a population that has a long tradition of natural hospitality and courtesy. Since 1994, when Jordan and Israel signed a peace agreement ending a 46-year-long state of war, the Kingdom of Jordan has been host to a wave of international and Israeli tourists. The word is out that sights are magnificent, roads are excellent, and prices for lodgings and restaurants are far, far lower than in Israel.

Situated between Israel, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Jordan is unexpectedly peaceful amid the turmoil of its neighbouring countries and is a wonderful place to visit, made more so by its hospitable people whose immediate reaction to travellers is 'Welcome to Jordan'. With a reputation for being one of the most friendly countries on earth, it is sad that so few people dare to explore its immense sense of history, as well as two of the most magnificent sights in the Middle East: the ancient rock-hewn city of Petra and Wadi Rum's spectacular desert scenery.

Jordan is a kingdom layered in antiquity, from the work of Nabataean stonemasons to characters such as Moses and Lawrence of Arabia; from ancient cities and Biblical sites to desert castles, Crusader forts and Byzantine mosaics. This ancient culture belies the fact that it is also a modern country, with a good infrastructure, a thriving business and arts scene, and first class hotels, restaurants and shopping opportunities. The contradictions between the old and new are astonishing.

Jordan is a relatively small country of varied landscapes, where the fertile Jordan Valley, bordering the entire western side of the kingdom, is separated from the immense desert stretching to the east by the populated highlands. As part of the Great Rift Valley, the Jordan Valley incorporates the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the earth's surface and most famous for its heavy salt and mineral concentrations, while the main towns are strung out along the length of the highland plateau, including the friendly capital, Amman, as well as plenty of historical sites from ancient civilisations.

Home to breathtaking desert-scapes, colourful coral reefs that are unequalled anywhere else in the world, and sweeping vistas towards the Promised Land, Jordan is full of charismatic beauty, both in scenery and in the genuine Arabic welcome afforded to strangers. Welcome to Jordan.

Although the barriers to travel between Israel and Jordan have fallen, an excursion to Jordan still involves some amount of hassle. Border-crossing regulations and procedures (as well as fees) are still in the process of evolving: the rules constantly change. The country is at times overwhelmed by the numbers of international tourists and Israeli visitors. The touristic and ecological capacity of Petra, the most dazzling of Jordan's attractions, is being mightily taxed. Admission to Petra may have to be limited to 1,000 visitors a day or less.

Under these circumstances, many tourists find it best to book onto a tour of Petra that will guarantee admission, or book a guided tour of all the country's highlights. Although Jordanians are very helpful, many travelers will feel more comfortable on a tour, rather than having to contend with the megalopolis of Amman, and a transportation system in which even bus numbers may not be written in symbols an English-speaking person can recognize. For those booking tours from Israel, it is worthwhile to check out the better operators. We have reports that some bargain-tour operators, both in Israel and Jordan, are blatantly cutting corners on tours, guides, transportation expenses, accommodations, meals, and activities that were supposed to be included in packages.

Jordan, however, is a fresh, exhilarating destination, and the rewards and memories will far outweigh any obstacles.

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