How many cities to choose: I would advise
three to four cities in a 7 to 10 day trip. Each large stop costs roughly half a day in transfers, and Jordan’s heat, steps and slow buses eat energy. Fewer stops mean you can walk at dawn, sit through a long tea, and still get to bed before midnight. More than four turns the trip into a series of bus stations. Two cities with a desert night between them gives a backpacker the most for the least strain.
Choosing between kinds of cities: There are three kinds: the
lived-in capital and northern towns, the
ancient-site towns, and the
desert-edge and coastal towns. If you travel for food, conversation and low costs, give the lived-in kind two nights or more, since a falafel breakfast costs around JD 1 to 2 (US$1.50 to 3) and a bed in a hostel runs JD …
read more 👉 How many cities to choose: I would advise three to four cities in a 7 to 10 day trip. Each large stop costs roughly half a day in transfers, and Jordan’s heat, steps and slow buses eat energy. Fewer stops mean you can walk at dawn, sit through a long tea, and still get to bed before midnight. More than four turns the trip into a series of bus stations. Two cities with a desert night between them gives a backpacker the most for the least strain.
Choosing between kinds of cities: There are three kinds: the lived-in capital and northern towns, the ancient-site towns, and the desert-edge and coastal towns. If you travel for food, conversation and low costs, give the lived-in kind two nights or more, since a falafel breakfast costs around JD 1 to 2 (US$1.50 to 3) and a bed in a hostel runs JD 12 to 25 (US$17 to 35). If ancient stone is your priority, spend your money there, because the premium is real: a Jordan Pass, roughly JD 70 to 80 (US$99 to 113) depending on the version, covers many entries and the visa fee if you stay three nights, and it saves money for anyone seeing the big site. If you want rest, the coast offers snorkeling and slow evenings, but it is hotter, more tourist-priced, and less local.
Budget: Plan JD 35 to 60 (US$50 to 85) a day on a tight but comfortable backpacker budget. That covers a dorm or basic room, street food, and shared transport. Add guides at JD 20 to 50 (US$28 to 70) for a half day, taxis at JD 5 to 15 inside cities, and intercity minibuses at JD 3 to 10 a leg. A per-visit total for the major ancient site, with ticket, guide and transport, often lands at JD 60 to 110 (US$85 to 155) without the pass. Pay a fixed price before you ride a taxi, or insist on the meter.
Safety and etiquette: Jordan is generally safe for visitors, with low street crime, but check travel advisories for border regions and avoid demonstrations. Dress modestly in towns: shoulders and knees covered is respectful, and women often feel more comfortable with a light scarf in the conservative areas. Accept tea when offered, use the right hand for eating and greeting, and ask before photographing people. Carry water, a hat and sunscreen, since shade is scarce. Persistent touts exist at the big sites, so agree on prices before you accept a ride or guide, and a calm “no, thank you” usually ends it.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.