Useful Information for Backpacking Jordan

We have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old to join the tour. Group members aged 16-17 years old are welcome to join the tour but only with a family member that will act as their guardian whilst on tour. Aside from that, no age requirements at all! While our target age is 20-45, what matters most is mindset. If you’re looking for a backpacking-style experience, with hostel-style stays, local transport, and optional evening activities - you’re welcome to join us.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. You’ll need to show proof of your policy to your group leader upon arrival (on your phone or printed). You can get a quote and purchase your travel insurance here.

We highly recommend that you travel with insurance for complete peace of mind. Please click here.

Can’t convince your mates? No worries! Most of our travellers come solo, and it’s one of the best ways to experience a new destination.

You’ll join an instant crew, meet amazing people, and make new friends from day one. Plus, you can keep your travel plans flexible and fully your own.

Ready to roll solo? You won’t be alone for long.

Yes! Travel insurance is a must for all our trips. You’ll need to show proof (on your phone or printed) to your group leader when you arrive.

Need to grab a policy? Get a quote and buy travel insurance here.

We recommend using a Wise travel card. It works in most places and supports Apple Pay and Google Pay. ATMs are widely available, but some places may accept cash only, so it’s good to carry some local currency.

Absolutely. Your payment is secure. Backpacking Tours is a licensed tour operator in Thailand (TAT Licence No.11/12642), and we use trusted international payment providers. Your booking is safe, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Your passport must have at least six months’ validity and two blank pages. You should also have proof of onward travel.

Yes! One week before the trip, you’ll get a welcome email from us, including a WhatsApp group QR code and all the info you need. You can also join our Facebook group in the meantime.

Most trips to Jordan are trouble-free. Crime is relatively low, and Jordanians are famously welcoming to visitors.

Read the UK government's travel advice for Jordan before you book and again before you fly. As of September 2026 it advises against travel within 3km of the Syrian border, far from our route, and warns that regional tension, including Iranian strikes in the region and interceptions around Aqaba in early September, can cause flight cancellations and airspace closures.

We monitor the advice for every departure and will contact you if anything changes to your trip.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times: warm, dry days that suit walking around Petra and exploring Wadi Rum.

Summer (June to August) is very hot, especially at the Dead Sea and in Aqaba, where it often passes 40°C, though desert nights are cooler. Winter (December to February) is cool, with rain in Amman, occasional snow on high ground and cold desert nights. From November to March heavy rain can cause flash floods in the wadis.

Our Jordan weather guide goes month by month.

Jordan uses the Jordanian dinar (JOD), which is worth a little more than a pound. It is divided into 1,000 fils, and you will also hear prices in piastres (10 fils).

Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger shops in Amman, Aqaba and around Petra, but you will need cash for small shops, taxis, tips and in the desert. ATMs are easy to find in towns and cities, so withdraw what you need before heading into Wadi Rum.

Tipping is customary in Jordan. Many restaurants add a service charge to the bill; if not, around 10% is normal for good service.

Small tips are appreciated by hotel porters, drivers, local guides and the team at the desert camp. Keep some small notes and coins handy for this. Your group leader will suggest amounts as you go, so you never have to guess.

Tap water in Jordan's cities is treated, but most travellers stick to bottled or filtered water, which is cheap and sold everywhere. Many hotels provide filtered water for refilling your bottle.

Carry plenty with you on sightseeing days: Petra involves a lot of walking in the sun, and Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea get very hot, so it is easy to become dehydrated.

Jordan is a Muslim country and relaxed with visitors, but modest clothing is respectful and draws less attention. Loose clothes covering your shoulders and knees work well in towns and at religious sites, and they keep the sun off at Petra and Wadi Rum.

Swimwear is fine at the Dead Sea resorts and on Aqaba's beaches and pools. To visit a mosque, cover your arms and legs and take your shoes off; women also cover their hair, so a light scarf is useful.

Your phone will work, but roaming can be expensive, so most travellers buy a prepaid SIM from Zain, Orange or Umniah at the airport (bring your passport) or set up an eSIM before they fly. Data is cheap.

Coverage is good in towns and along the main roads, but it can be patchy in parts of Wadi Rum. Most hotels have Wi-Fi.

We cannot give medical advice, so speak to your GP or a travel clinic 6 to 8 weeks before you travel. They will check your routine vaccinations are up to date and advise on anything else you need.

The TravelHealthPro page for Jordan lists the latest vaccine recommendations, any certificate requirements and advice on food and water hygiene, which is worth reading before your appointment.