Planning a Jordan Family Trip
Plan a 7-day loop starting and ending in Amman, focusing on Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea to keep travel times under 4 hours per leg. Prioritize private transfers or a rental car over buses to maintain flexibility for snack breaks and nap schedules.
- Secure a Jordan Pass before arrival. Purchase the Jordan Pass online. It covers your visa fee (40 JOD) and entry to over 40 sites including Petra. Buy the 'Jordan Explorer' pass to cover 3 days in Petra.
- Choose your transport method. Rent a car at Queen Alia International Airport. Roads are well-marked and relatively safe. Avoid driving at night, as rural roads are often unlit and crossing animals are common.
- Time your Petra visit. Arrive at the Petra Visitor Center at 6:00 AM. Walking to the Monastery is long for kids; use the donkey or camel services only if they are licensed and treated well, or plan for a full day to walk slowly.
- Book kid-friendly desert camps. In Wadi Rum, select camps that offer 'Martian Domes' with en-suite bathrooms. This provides a private space for kids to decompress, which is vital after a dusty day in the desert.
- Is it safe to bring kids to Jordan?
- Yes. Jordanians are incredibly hospitable, especially toward children. Violent crime is extremely low.
- Do I need car seats?
- Rental agencies in Jordan rarely provide high-quality car seats. Bring your own travel-friendly seats if possible.