Travelling solo in Jordan offers the freedom to explore at your own pace, from the ancient monuments of Petra to the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum and the Red Sea coast of Aqaba.
For women planning an independent journey, thoughtful preparation can make a meaningful difference. Choosing suitable accommodation, arranging reliable transport and understanding local customs helps you spend more time enjoying the experience.
This guide covers practical considerations for your visit, with links to tours and activities on Excursions Jordan.
Is Jordan Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
Women visit Jordan independently, but no destination or travel arrangement can guarantee personal safety. Experiences vary, and unwanted attention or harassment can occur.
Before booking, check your government’s current travel advice, including regional restrictions, and confirm that your insurance covers your itinerary and planned activities. Review updates again shortly before departure, as regional developments can affect transport and travel arrangements.
During your visit:
Use established transport providers and verify your driver.
Plan how you will return to your accommodation after evening activities.
Share your itinerary with someone you trust.
Keep your phone charged and save important contacts offline.
Avoid isolated places with people you have only just met.
Leave any situation that makes you uncomfortable.
You do not need to remain polite when someone ignores your boundaries. Move towards a staffed hotel, restaurant or other busy place and ask for help.
What to Wear in Jordan
Clothing expectations vary between city neighbourhoods, rural communities, religious sites and resorts.
Loose trousers, longer skirts and breathable tops covering the shoulders are practical choices for everyday sightseeing. Pack supportive walking shoes and an extra layer for cooler evenings.
Women do not generally need to cover their hair in public. A scarf is useful for mosque visits where head covering is required, as well as for sun protection.
Swimwear is appropriate at designated pools and beaches. Cover up before entering streets, shops or shared indoor spaces.
Dress can help you feel comfortable in a particular setting, but responsibility for harassment always lies with the person behaving inappropriately.
Choosing Accommodation
Look beyond attractive photographs and the room price. Read recent reviews, particularly those from women travelling alone, and consider the property’s location and practical arrangements.
Useful features to check include:
Reliable reception or an accessible host.
Secure room locks and clear check-in procedures.
Convenient access to restaurants and transport.
A well-lit entrance and straightforward arrival directions.
Clear arrangements for late arrivals.
In Amman, choose a location that suits your plans and check the immediate street rather than relying only on the neighbourhood name.
For Petra, staying in Wadi Musa can make an early start easier. Check the walking distance and hills between your accommodation and the visitor centre.
At Wadi Rum camps, confirm sleeping arrangements, bathroom privacy, staff availability and transport. Establish exactly where you will meet your host before entering the desert.
Getting Around Independently
Airport and Intercity Transfers
For your arrival, particularly late at night, consider arranging collection through your accommodation or an established provider.
Confirm the driver’s name, meeting point, destination and total price. If plans change, verify the replacement arrangements through your original booking contact.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
Check that the vehicle and driver match your booking. When travelling alone, sit in the rear seat and share your journey details with a trusted contact where possible.
Avoid unsolicited lifts and do not assume that someone offering transport is connected to your hotel or activity provider.
Shared Excursions
A shared excursion can be a useful way to meet other travellers and simplify a particular day’s transport. Check the group arrangements, guiding and return time before booking.
Browse Jordan experiences and transfer listings
Places to Include in Your Itinerary
Amman: Food, History and Neighbourhood Life
Explore the Citadel, Roman Theatre and downtown markets, then pause for local food or coffee.
A guided introduction can help you become familiar with the city before exploring independently. Keep your plans manageable and arrange transport back if you stay out late.
Jerash: Ancient Architecture
Jerash offers colonnaded streets, temples and theatres that reward an unhurried visit. Confirm your return transport before setting out, particularly if you are travelling without a car.
Petra: An Unforgettable Day on Foot
Allow enough time for walking, breaks and the return journey. Follow official trails and opening hours, and use authorised guiding services if you want a guide.
You can decline invitations to isolated viewpoints, unofficial shortcuts or after-hours visits. Ask visitor-centre staff if you are uncertain about a route or additional charge.
Wadi Rum: Guided Desert Exploration
Choose a provider with clear contact details, recent reviews and a defined itinerary. Confirm who will lead the excursion, whether it is private or shared, and what happens after sunset.
For remote hikes or technical activities, arrange expertise appropriate to the route rather than assuming every driver also provides specialist guiding.
The Dead Sea and Aqaba: Time to Unwind
An established beach facility, resort day pass or coastal outing can provide a relaxed break between sightseeing days.
Check facilities, transport and activity supervision. For snorkelling or diving, choose a reputable operator and avoid going alone.
Local Customs and Personal Boundaries
A friendly “Marhaba”—hello—and “Shukran”—thank you—can help start everyday conversations.
Some people do not shake hands with someone of another gender. A smile and verbal greeting are suitable alternatives.
Hospitality does not create an obligation. You can decline an invitation, a drink, a purchase or a photograph without explaining yourself. Likewise, you do not need to share your room number, detailed itinerary or whether anyone is expecting you.
Ask permission before photographing people and respect their answer.
Staying Connected and Getting Help
Arrange mobile connectivity that works for your phone and itinerary. Save your accommodation address, booking confirmations and key contacts offline.
Keep a trusted person informed of major changes to your plans, particularly before remote excursions.
Jordan’s emergency number is 911. If you feel threatened, seek help from police or staff at an established business. If an incident occurs, prioritise your immediate safety and contact your insurer or embassy for further support as appropriate.
Pack for Your Actual Route
Jordan’s weather varies by season, altitude and destination. Check the forecast for each stop rather than packing for a uniformly hot desert climate.
Useful items include comfortable footwear, sun protection, layers, a power bank and a small day bag. Carry reliable drinking water and any personal medication you need.
Leave some flexibility in your schedule so you can rest, change an arrangement or spend longer somewhere you enjoy.
Explore Jordan with Excursions Jordan
Travelling solo allows you to choose the balance of independence, social activities and guided support that suits you.
Excursions Jordan brings together activities from local providers across the country. Browse cultural visits, desert experiences, transfers and Red Sea outings, then review each listing’s arrangements before booking.
Ask questions about group size, collection points, guiding and inclusions so you can choose an experience that matches your preferences.
Discover tours, activities and local experiences with Excursions Jordan