How to Save Money on a Trip to Jordan
Jordan is a small country that boasts a rich history as it was a hub for several cultures. At the heart of the Middle East, Jordan is an ideal option for anyone looking to see this part of the world, offering heart-warming hospitality and friendliness to all visitors. Jordan has so much to offer, from ancient cities and world wonders to breathtaking desert landscapes.
Traveling costs money. We all know that, so it makes perfect sense that we look for ways to save money when traveling. We offer you some tips on how to make the most out of your trip to Jordan while saving money as you enjoy what the country has to offer.
The Jordan Pass
The best thing you can do to save money when planning to go to Jordan is buying the Jordan Pass (www.jordanpass.jo) online, which includes the cost of the tourist entry visa and the entry fee for more than 40 sites in the country, including Petra and Wadi Rum. The 3-day Jordan Pass costs around 110 USD and gives you a 3-day access to the sites at no further cost; this is crucial if you are looking to save some money because the entry visa to the country alone is around 55 USD and the entry fee to the Rose City of Petra is around 70 USD, so even if you are only planning to visit Petra, this will save you some money. If your trip to Jordan is short, you can instead pick up a 1-day or a 2-day pass for around 100 USD and 105 USD, respectively.
The pass includes access to many sites, such as Jerash, the Roman Theatre in Amman, and the Madaba Archaeological Park; multiple historic castles, such as Ajloun Castle and Karak Castle; and many museums around the country, including the Museum of Popular Traditions in Amman and the Lowest Place on Earth Museum.
Accommodation
An important way to save money on a trip to Jordan, or any trip for that matter, is choosing what hotel to stay in during your trip, and especially when in Amman. The House Boutique Suites is an ideal option for a luxurious stay in the center of the city. The House is the highest-rated hotel in Amman according to booking.com and it also boasts the best value-for-money as rated by users on the website. Book your room now!
Food
When it comes to saving money in Jordan, food can either put a big dent in your budget or help save you a little more money, depending on your choices. It goes without saying that you should have breakfast at your hotel if it is covered with your reservation. As for the rest of your meals, it is best not to rely on fancy restaurants and cafés, and instead opt for the many local eateries around town, which offer cheap and filling meals. For comparison, a meal for one person at a fancy joint will set you back between 15 and 30 USD, but having a similarly filling meal at a local eatery will normally cost around 5 USD, and often less.
Not only will this help you save a lot of money, but it will also give you the chance to try local delicacies, such as falafel, humus, and shawerma, and brush up and interact with the locals in a more genuine manner.
Another good way to save money is to bring your own water from outside when visiting historic sites and landscapes, such as Petra, because the prices of water at those sites tend to be a little high.
Getting Around
Public transportation in Jordan is not ideal, and it may be difficult and time-consuming if you choose it as your way to travel around town. Since Jordan is a small country and the cost of renting a car is cheap, renting a car is a good option to trek around the country. This, actually, may save you some time so you would be able to make your trip a little shorter, saving you more money.
If you choose to hire taxis to get around Amman, trips will normally set you back around 2-5 USD, but always make sure that the taximeter is on.
Sightseeing
A mentioned before, the Jordan Pass covers entry fees to more than 40 sites around the country, and visiting all these sites can take around 10 days, but there are other sites worth visiting that are not included, such as the Bethany Beyond Jordan, so you need to be prepared.
You can swim or “float” in the Dead Sea for free or at a very low price even if you do not plan on spending a night there. You can access the Dead Sea on one of the spots frequented by the locals, but if you book a room in a hotel on the coast, then you can enjoy the Dead Sea in a more private setting. Spending a night in the desert in Wadi Rum and experiencing the Bedouin lifestyle is another activity that may be worth spending more on.
