Jordan was on my bucket list for a long time but it was definitely a different experience as a solo female traveler.

The sights were beautiful and the people were always ready to help you but they could get a little over-friendly at times which could be overwhelming for a solo traveler.

Since this country is much less populated than its neighbors, it is important to stay careful when traveling around.

With a few careful steps, you can have a wholesome experience in this marvelous country.

So, if you are planning a solo trip to these countries, then here are a few things to keep in mind.  

Pre-Trip Preparations

Make sure to research the destination a little before you plan your trip to Jordan. This way, you will be aware of the local customers and cultural norms and can avoid unintentional disrespect.

Travel Insurance: Always carry travel insurance to an international destination so that you have your medical emergencies, theft, and trip cancellations covered. 

Emergency Contacts: Keep the contact details of the Indian embassy in Amman and share your itinerary with family or friends back home. 

Packing Essentials: Bring a portable phone charger, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle. These items are essential for staying connected, protected from the sun, and hydrated during your travels.

Choosing the Right Entry Point

Queen Alia International Airport: This is the main airport, well-connected to Amman, and the one I would recommend. 

From the airport, you can get public transportation or taxis on Careem and Uber that are reasonably priced. 

If you aren’t sure about booking taxis via the apps, then you can also ask your hotel to pre-book a cab for your pickup. This would be cheaper than trying to find a cab at the airport and negotiating the price with the driver.

King Hussein International Airport: This is the main airport in Aqaba and is a little away from the city. Ride-hailing apps don’t work in Aqaba so your only option is to pre-book a taxi which can be expensive here.

This is why I would not recommend taking a flight to Aqaba unless you have a friend or relative staying here who can pick you up.

Stay Connected At All Times

Local SIM Card: Make sure to purchase a local SIM card from providers like Zain, Orange, or Umniah at the airport to stay connected and use navigation apps. This is crucial for communication and accessing maps during your trip.

International Plans: Alternatively, enable international roaming plans with Jio or Airtel. This can be a convenient option if you prefer not to change SIM cards.

Currency and Payments

Withdraw Jordanian Dinars (JOD) from ATMs available at the airport and in cities, or exchange currency before departure. 

Having local currency on hand is essential for making payments to taxi drivers, and vendors, and for small purchases.

Accommodation Choices

Stay in reputable hotels or hostels located in safe and central areas, such as Amman and Petra. 

Reading reviews on platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb can help ensure you choose safe and comfortable accommodations. 

Central locations also offer better access to public transportation and amenities.

Look for accommodations that have good security measures, such as 24-hour reception, secure entry points, and positive reviews from other solo female travelers.

If you are planning to stay in Wadi Rum, then choose a location close to the village as you get network there to call or message. The deeper you choose the camp in the desert, the more secluded it will be for you.

Interacting with Locals

When you are exploring Jordan, locals will take an interest in you at times and offer to show you around. 

Be wary of such offers and always opt for licensed tours and guides if you do need them. 

Never tell anyone you are traveling alone and always say you are meeting up with a friend or partner later. This tends to discourage them from speaking to you further. 

approached by men on the street, remain polite but firm. A simple “No, thank you” is usually effective in ending unwanted interactions. 

You can also walk away to avoid further pestering by the local men.

Dressing Appropriately

Dress conservatively to respect local customs and avoid unwanted attention. 

Long sleeves, long skirts, and scarves are advisable. This helps you blend in and reduces the likelihood of being targeted for harassment.

Choose clothing that is comfortable for walking and exploring. Layers can be useful for adjusting to different temperatures throughout the day.

Jordan is a bit modern though so you can relax in swimwear at the beaches and can wear shorts in the cities like Amman and Aqaba, as long as you are not entering a place of worship.

Health and Safety

Hydration and Sun Protection: Drink bottled water, eat at hygienic places, and use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect against the sun. Dehydration and sunburn can be common issues in Jordan’s dry climate.

First Aid Kit: Carry basic medical supplies and any necessary prescription medications. This ensures you are prepared for minor health issues that may arise during your travels.

Food Safety: Choose restaurants and street food vendors that appear clean and have good reviews. Eating at popular and busy places can reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. 

Alternatively, you can order food from the Food apps and eat at your hotel if you are unsure of venturing out at night for the meals.

Avoiding Scams

Scams are quite common in Jordan as well especially the inflated prices for food, drinks, and tours.

In Petra, almost all places will sell you food and drinks at a higher price than the other cities so, it would be better to fill up your water at your hotel and order food there. 

You will find lots of tour guides and shops selling you services and goods at a higher price. So, I recommend you explore around a bit before deciding on where to buy the souvenirs from.

To avoid paying high prices for taxis, use Careem or Uber and always check the appropriate payment amount from your hotel in advance. 

Pre-Booked Tours: Consider booking tours and activities in advance through reputable companies to avoid being overcharged on the spot. Do check with your hotel also the cost before making your plans.

Planning Your Itinerary

Amman: I spent a few days exploring Amman. It’s generally safe, but there were a few incidents of locals trying to show me around which made me feel uneasy a bit.

This is why I think if you are a solo female traveler in Jordan, you should join group tours or plan day tours with other travelers while in the city.

Petra and Wadi Rum: Of course, both of these sites are a must-see in Jordan but they are also prone to tourist scams and harassment. 

I faced a little bit of catcalling and locals asked for my phone number at Petra but it was easy to ignore and explore as there are plenty of tourists around here. 

Make sure you don’t go to any secluded place with anyone while exploring these places and book reputable tour guides and camps for your safety. 

Start Petra early in the morning and if you do visit Petra at Night, then stay close to the other tourists.

For Wadi Rum, you can choose to spend a night here in a camp closer to the Wadi Rum village or just do a day tour.

Dead Sea: The Dead Sea is a popular destination for its unique floating experience. Do check with hotels about the day pass in advance and when on the beach, be cautious of slippery surfaces.

Aqaba: Aqaba offers beautiful beaches and snorkeling opportunities. It is generally safe, but as with any coastal area, be aware of your surroundings and belongings.

Final Thoughts

Jordan offers a wealth of historical and natural beauty, but as a solo female traveler, it’s crucial to stay informed and take precautions. 

Trust your instincts, connect with other travelers, and maintain a confident demeanor. By doing so, you can have a rewarding and memorable journey.

Here are some final tips for anyone considering a solo trip to Jordan: 

Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with travel advisories and local news as situations can change, and it’s important to be informed.

Join Travel Forums and Female Travel Groups: If you are unsure about a solo trip, you can always join travel forums to connect with other solo travelers in the area. You can also reach out to other solo travelers on the Female Travel Groups on Facebook and check if someone would like to accompany you or have any tips for you.

Plan a Trip With Reputed Company: Since catcalling and harassment of solo female travelers is a little prevalent in Jordan, I would suggest you reach out to travel companies such as Travel Lykke who can plan your trip and make sure you have an amazing experience here. They will take care of your safety and deter anyone who tries to bother you.

Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation. 

While Jordan is not the safest country for solo female travelers, it is possible to have an amazing time here if you follow the above-mentioned safety tips!

If you want to book a trip with Travel LYKKE, then use my code ‘RACHITA‘ to get a discount on your next vacation.

For any queries, you can reach out to holidays@lykke.travel

About the Author – Rachita Saxena is an IT Engineer turned full-time travel blogger who left her job in 2018. Since then, she has traveled to over 20+ countries including Seychelles, Turkey, Jordan, and more. Over the years, she has worked with multiple tourism companies to share travel experiences with her followers. She is a qualified PAD Rescue Diver and has explored quite a bit of the underwater world. You can follow her journey on different social media platforms and her website MeanderWander.