How Safe is Travel to Jordan, Really?

“I’m going to Jordan”.

Those few words that I shared before I left for the Middle East seemed simple enough to me, but shocked more people than not. I watched the faces of those with whom I shared my travel plans contort their faces, and ask the inevitable question: “But – that isn’t really safe, is it?”.

If you look at the news, you won’t hear too much about Jordan. The odd story from time to time (ahem, similar or, well really – much less than the stories in Canada and/or the US), but nothing more than what we experience back home.

Looking at Jordan from a purely geographical point of few, it seems right smack dab in the center of conflict and differing points of view. You’ve got Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Palestine. One is inundated with media updates and fear stories from these countries and the region in general. Jordan sits right there in the middle. I’d be lying to you if that doesn’t seem a bit scary at first glance.

I get it. No one likes sending a loved one to the unknown. It’s really too bad that I tend to do this to my family each year, pushing the boundaries a bit more (sorry guys!). I would never intentionally put myself in danger, nor would I go to a war zone willingly. I try, and I try to encourage all travelers to do their research and to not take what the media says at face value. I spent hours doing my research, reading travel guides and making sure that where I was visiting and what I was doing was both allowed and safe for foreigners. Especially as a solo female traveler. My research told me that I would be heading into a haven in the Middle East.

Will I lie to you and say that I wasn’t nervous at all? Absolutely not, but to be honest, I feel that way whenever I travel. Something could happen each and every day in any city or country that you visit. My advice to avoid that nagging feeling - you’ve just got to live your life and ensure that you are taking precautions and that's about all you can do!

Nerves aside, after landing in the incredible country of Jordan and meeting the truly hospitable and kind Jordanian people – I knew right away that the media and the stigmas had it wrong. I felt so welcome, so included and so comfortable exploring the country from the North in Umm Qais to the South in Aqaba. I know that you or your loved one will feel the same.

Just know - the Jordanian culture is one that welcomes guests into their homes, feeding them and literally giving them the shirts off their back. They abhor violence and want to ensure that all visitors feel the warmth and kindness of their culture.

Bottom line: Jordan is a safe country. If you or someone you know is considering visiting – don’t be afraid, be open to the experience.

Have you ever travelled somewhere where people didn’t want you to go? Consider this advice!

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