Planning a 10-Day Family Trip to Jordan

Focus your 10-day trip on a loop starting in Amman, moving south through the King’s Highway to Petra and Wadi Rum, and ending at the Red Sea and the Dead Sea. Hire a private driver for the duration to save time and reduce stress when traveling with children.

  1. Purchase the Jordan Pass before arrival. Buy the Jordan Pass online at least one week before you fly. It covers your visa fee and entry to over 40 sites, including Petra, which saves a family of four roughly $200 USD.
  2. Secure a reliable private driver. Do not rent a car if you aren't comfortable with local driving styles. A private driver costs about $100–$120 USD per day, including fuel, and makes the 3-5 hour transit stretches between cities much easier with kids.
  3. Structure the loop to avoid backtracking. Route your trip as: Amman → Madaba/Mt. Nebo → King’s Highway → Petra (2 days) → Wadi Rum (2 days) → Aqaba (2 days) → Dead Sea (1 day) → Amman.
  4. Book Petra and Wadi Rum in advance. For families, book a 'bedouin camp' in Wadi Rum that has en-suite bathrooms. For Petra, aim to enter the gates by 6:30 AM to beat the heat and the bus tours.
Is Jordan safe for a family?
Yes, Jordan is widely considered one of the safest countries in the Middle East for travelers, with very low crime rates.
Do I need to dress conservatively?
In Amman and tourist sites, modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) is respectful and expected. In resort areas like Aqaba or the Dead Sea, standard swimwear is perfectly fine.