This vacation was a a trip of a lifetime. No words can explain how wonderful this experience was. One of my friends met a Jordanian boy, fell in love, moved to Amman, and the rest is history. So, when she told me she was planning a wedding in Jordan, I was all in for packing my bags and flying across the word for her destination wedding. Any excuse to travel, and you can’t count on me! I planned this trip around the wedding activities but also wanted to make another trip beforehand with my husband, so we decided to do the first part of our trip in Istanbul and the later half of our trip in Jordan.

Getting to Jordan:

Airport - The major airport is Queen Alia International Airport, right in Amman and very easy to navigate through. From Seattle, the best options are to fly through Emirates with a layover in Dubai, or Qatar Airlines with a layover in Qatar. Since I flew from Istanbul, we flew Royal Jordanian Airlines. Going home we flew through Emirates and had a day to explore in Dubai (highly recommend it).

Travel Agent - Our friend helped arranged everything for us through a travel agent from Hajjat Tours (our agent was named Isabelle). She helped with our entire itinerary, all of the bookings for hotels/tours, and handling a partial of our payments.

Before Arriving - With COVID, everything is much more complicated. Make sure to check the requirements for travel beforehand since its always changing.

1. Health Insurance - You will need proof of insurance coverage for COVID. Most insurances will provide a letter for you if you call them, otherwise you can also purchase additional coverage through here ($20-$40).

2. Covid Test - Before take off, you will need a Covid Test 72 hours before your flight

3. Jordan Visa - Visas are mandatory when visiting and can be obtained upon arrival at Customs. When arriving at the airport, go through the non-immigrant section and you will need cash ($60). Our travel agent made this process much easier for a cheaper fee (only $40). Upon arrival, we were greeted with an attendant who walked us through the process, skipping the lines to get our visas and had all the paperwork ready for us.

Getting around - We were very fortunate to have our own separate drivers in luxury BMW and Mercedes cars arranged through our friend and travel agent. Unfortunately, I don’t know the name of the company but it was about $500 for the 5 days of the trip.

Things to Know:

1. Smoking is everywhere, and I mean everywhere. Its different traveling around the world and realizing that in most other parts of the world there are no designated smoking areas. Arabians also love hookah so its served at almost every restaurant or bar. Not the most ideal place for pregnant women.

2. Safety was a concern of mine before arriving. But I never once felt unsafe during the trip. Almost everyone we encountered knew some English and were extremely friendly.

3. Dress modestly, or you will be stared at. Women should typically cover shoulders and wear knee length dresses or skirts, and no crop tops or showing cleavage. I carried around a scarf to wrap around if I ever felt like I was being stared at.

4. Jordanians love to over promise. Whether its asking when your food will come or calling for a taxi, when they say it will take 15 mins, could take 30. Plan to account for extra time.

Day 1: Arrive in Jordan

Arrived at the airport in Amman and found our friendly driver who took us straight to the hotel.

Checked into hotel at the Grand Millennium. A great hotel, in a central location within walking distance to many restaurants and shopping center. The groom of the wedding works here, and highly recommends to stay here. This hotel has everything you need, see the review for yourself in the words of my friend Keiana (taken right off of trip advisor):

“I recently stayed at this hotel because my friend was getting married to the love of her life. I was fortunate enough to witness their union in the grand ballroom which overlooked the city of Amman. When I first arrived, I was greeted by the great views of the city and a bowl of assorted fruits and desserts which I very curiously tried all of. The décor was very modern with hues of red. I knew I would have a great night's rest there. Now for breakfast, the Buffet had everything you could possibly want. There were fresh omelets made to your preference, all sorts of meats (turkey, beef, chicken), beans, cucumbers and tomatoes, breads of different varieties, fruits, juices etc. The service was also impeccable. My water glass and coffee were constantly filled, Rami made sure of that. The concierge was constantly at my service with any questions or exchanges for currency that I needed to make. I also appreciated the security at the front of the building to help feel protected. I had no worries staying at this hotel because every detail was thought of. I highly recommend this hotel to anybody who is traveling to Amman. You will not be disappointed! I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and plan to come back and stay at this hotel again.”

Jubran - for dinner & drinks, walking distance from the hotel. However, I will warn you, its kind of a scary walk, crossing under freeway underpasses with no proper crosswalks or sidewalks for portions of it. This restaurant is located on the rooftop of the shopping area, The Boulevard. With lots of fun shops and restaurants below.

Day 2: Wadi Rum (about 3.5 Hrs mins from amman)

Wadi Rum Jeep Safari - One of the major highlights of this trip. We caravanned in our luxury cars from Amman to Wadi Rum and arrived in the middle of the desert. Our tour guides greeted us at the entrance of Wadi Rum and we were escorted onto the jeeps for an excursion through the dessert. Although its called a jeep tour, you may not get a jeep, but you’ll be sitting in the back of a 4x4. All of our luggage's were loaded onto the cars, since this is the only way to get to our bubble camp hotel. The landscape is unlike anything I’ve seen in the world; with the camels roaming around everywhere, rugged mountains, lush canyons, natural rock bridges and sand dunes. After a day of exploring, hiking, and riding camels, we were taken to our camp to get situated in our bubbles and get ready for a delicious Bedouin dinner.

Aicha Bubble Camp - The perfect picturesque luxury camp situated right in Wadi Rum fit for Bedouin royalty. The décor is absolutely fabulous with stunning draped ceilings, metal light fixtures, and antique furniture. At night time, you get panoramic views gazing out at the stars from your glass bubble. We arrived right during golden hour as the sun was setting. The panoramic domes are situated right on the edge of the camp with nothing to look at besides the desert and stars. Customer service was phenomenal, but there is absolutely now WIFI or any signal here. It’s a true unplugged and unwind kind of stay.

Bedouin style dinner - For dinner, there is a large white tent at the top of the hill from our bubble camps with a traditional Bedouin style buffet dinner, hookah and a dance floor. There are endless salads, meats, starters, vegetables, and desserts to choose from (however no alcohol is served).

Day 3: Petra

The most famous and important historical site is Petra, the capital of Nabatean Kingdom. This ancient city was carved into red rocks and is incredibly preserved. Many famous movies have been filmed here, such as Indian Jones, the Mummy Returns and Transformers. Whenever you mention Petra, people instantly think of the façade of the the Treasury built within the orange canyon walls. However, there’s so much more to explore here. Petra is a huge archaeological site in Jordan, and is one of the seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was established in 312BC as the capital city of the Nabataeans, Arab people who inhabited the area, until 100AD Romans invaded it and took over Petra. In the 12th Century, it was abandoned and left to the local people. This place remained unknown to the western world until 1812, when Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt found it, calling it “the Lost City of Petra”.

Getting to Petra from Wadi Rum is about a 2 hr drive, and from Amman is 3 hrs. Entrance fee is about 50 JOD for day access. A group of us wanted to do the Indiana Jones Tour which included a guided horseback ride through the canyon, and a hike down to the treasury. This price is an additional to the entrance fee, and all depends on your skills of haggling. The other half opted for the walking history tour. My husband loves history so he did this tour, and he prefers to walk and learn.

Depending on the time of year you go, hours vary. Weather was extremely hot and scorching when I was here in early August. There is no dress code, since this is not a religious site, but wearing comfortable shoes, and carrying plenty of water is important. Prepare for a lot of walking (several hours of walking). Also beware, there’s so much haggling, and everyone you encounter will try to lure you to purchase something or demand more money for taking pictures. All of the picturesque spots have someone waiting to take your picture and the expect a tip after.

Attractions within Petra to see:

• The Siq - This is a 1.2km long canyon that starts just after the Visitor Center and leads all the way to the Treasury.

• The Treasury (Al Kazneh) - The most famous attraction in Petra, with a 40m tall symmetrical building carved directly into the rock. This was a tomb for a Nabatean King.

• The Theater - After walking out from the Treasury, there’s the theater with over 8,000 seats. A beautiful and ancient theater worth seeing.

• Royal Tombs- Shortly after the theater, there’s and elaborate façade carved into the rocks, with four of them one next to the other.

• Monastery - the furthest attraction within Petra, and is about a 3 hour walk from the visitor center. I unfortunately didn’t have the time to make the trek to the Monastery but everyone says its worth it, and is even more amazing than the Treasury.

Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea - After a long day at Petra, we hopped back in our cars and headed to the dead sea (3.5 hr drive). This hotel is located on the shore of the Dead Sea and offers all the amenities you need for a true resort-luxury experience. All of the restaurants were amazing, and breakfast buffet is included.

Dinner at Rehan Lebanese Cuisine - Lebanese dinner located at the hotel with gorgeous views of the dead sea and amazing food. I suggest getting the lamb and grilled halloumi.

Day 4: Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is the lowest place on Earth, at 423 meters below sea level. Perceived as one of the natural wonders of the world, with its spectacular and spiritual landscape, richest sources of natural minerals and ozone rich air which complement its therapeutic waters, the Dead Sea is believed to have been home to some biblical cities and recognized by Cleopatra as the oldest natural spa.. Floating in the dead sea bucket list-worthy and you will come out with glowing radiant skin. The best time to go is early in the morning or during sunset because it is the coolest hour to soak, you’ll quickly learn that the temps at the dead sea is much more hot and humid. It’s best to soak first, come out and apply the mud mask all over, and dip back into the sea. Be careful not to taste it! I accidentally had some drop from my hair into my mouth and it tastes like poison…. yuck!

Breakfast at the hotel - Try not to sleep too much and miss breakfast because it is to die for. With so many local dishes and fresh choices, everything was phenominal. I went back for 2nds and 3rds, and grabbed the muesli they had for breakfast, paired with croissants and other Arabian choices.

Lounge at the pool and drinks at Akkad Pool & Grill - The day was spent lounging and relaxing by the pool with some drinks and food.

Sumerian Terrace for Dinner- Nothing beats a sunset dinner our on the terrace, accompanied with Arabian music and belly dancers.

Day 5: Amman Henna Party

It was the last day at the Dead sea, we checked out in the morning after breakfast and made the drive to Amman back to the Grand Millennium Hotel for our final stay of the trip. In the evening, the girls had a traditional Henna Party for the Bride and most of us got Jordanian dresses to wear to the event. My driver was so helpful, he took me shopping and offered to be my translator and haggler. to help me find a Jordanian dress. I only had about 40 mins until we had to get ready to leave for the henna party and he took me there, haggled, and came back in less than 20 mins.

Henna Party- Its tradition to have a henna party for the bride with friends and family to paint intricate patterns on the hands of the bride and all of the girls. There was LOTS of dancing, like 4 hours of nonstop dancing! I don’t know how the bride does it, but she powered through and danced a lot, had many outfit changes and it was a fun night.

Groom’s Shower Night at a Turkish Bath - This typically takes place before the wedding where closer relatives and friends of the groom gather to prepare him for the wedding by going to a Turkish bath. Obviously, I didn’t attend this one, but my husband did as the girls were at the henna party. He had a different experience than he was used to, he’s not a pampered spa type of guy at all. He enjoyed it, and never had such soft skin before!

Day 6: Day of the Wedding in Amman

After all the wedding festivities build up, we’ve finally reached the main event of the wedding party! On the day of the wedding, the family and friends of the groom gather and parade to the brides’ house with joyous cheering, a traditional band playing Arabic drums and MORE dancing. The henna party was just a preface to the day of the wedding. I wish I could've understood all of the songs and chants, but being a part of the wedding was so much fun to experience a different culture and it’s traditions. After a few hours of dancing, we all caravan to the wedding venue, which was at the Grand Millennium Hotel.

At the venue, the bride and groom make a grand entrance with more Arabic drummers and loud music. The dancing continues for a few hours before dinner is served, very different from an American wedding where you would typically do cocktails hour. The food at the wedding was by far the best wedding food I’ve ever had. It may be because we’ve had enough dancing and were starving, that everything in the buffet area was mouth watering. There was SO much amazingness of traditional meat and rice dishes, and tons of dessert (my fav of course).

Day 7: Last Day in Amman

Amman Citadel - The citadel is a historic site located right in downtown Amman. The Temple of Hercules towers high above the city. Occupied since the Bronze Age, the Citadel is one of the most striking sights of old Amman, with the famous twin pillars forming part of the Temple of Hercules date from around 161AD.

Roman Theater - Visit the Roman Amphitheatre located in the eastern part of Amman built in 138-161 CE. This large theater could seat about 6,000 people and is built right into the hillside

Rainbow Street - This is the entertainment central in Amman, and where' you’ll find all the trendy cafes, bars, clubs, art galleries, and cute shops for souvenirs.

Vinaigrette - We ended the night having dinner with friends here for sushi, since most of us were really craving seafood and sushi. This restaurants has a panoramic view of the city, located on the 7th floor. I wouldn’t say its the most amazing sushi, but it’s the best you can get in Amman.