Discovering Jordan: A Family Adventure
When planning a family vacation, Jordan might not be the first destination that comes to mind. However, this captivating country has a wealth of experiences to offer. From its incredibly hospitable, humble, and friendly people to its breathtaking natural landscapes, Jordan is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. In this article, we’ll uncover three unique spots that make Jordan an ideal destination for a family trip.
Unforgettable Experiences in Jordan with Kids
Looking to venture beyond the usual tourist hotspots? Here are three must-visit locations in Jordan that will make your family vacation truly unforgettable:
Exploring Jordan with Kids: 3 Off-the-Beaten-Track Adventures
Experience the Dana Nature Reserve: A Night in a Tipi
The Dana Nature Reserve is a hidden gem often overlooked by tourists, despite its stunning beauty and tranquility. This peaceful atmosphere is largely due to the absence of crowds, so perhaps this tip should remain our little secret.
Access to Dana, a protected nature reserve, is somewhat restricted. We navigated a deserted sand road, struggling with the sparse signage (we took wrong turns twice) until we reached the small office at the park’s entrance. Just when we began to doubt our location, an employee humorously informed us that we were indeed in the wrong place and that the actual entrance was on the other side of a nearby mountain.
Following a 10-minute drive, we were transported by a truck down a steep road into the park. After a bumpy ride, we caught sight of our accommodation for the night – a tipi camp. “Yeah, a tipi!” exclaimed Philou. The unique appeal of Dana lies in its location. Our camp was perched on the edge of a gorge, reminiscent of a mini Grand Canyon. We spent the evening exploring the rocky terrain, watching the sunset, and savoring a warm cup of tea back at our camp.
Experience Petra Differently: Homestay and Avoiding the Crowds
The world wonder, Petra, is a primary attraction for travelers visiting Jordan. While most tourists enter the famous Siq and Treasury through the main entrance, we prefer a less crowded approach, entering through the back entrance.
Until recently, this entrance was easily accessible. However, recent changes have restricted access. We thought our chances of using this entrance were slim until we arrived at our homestay. After a long search on the internet, we discovered this hidden gem. Our hostess informed us that access through the back entrance was possible with a piece of paper bearing their names and phone numbers.
As you might have guessed, the next morning, armed with our piece of paper, we headed for the entrance and were granted immediate access.
Discover the Path Less Traveled in Petra
Unlike the usual tourist hotspots, here you’ll find only a handful of locals, journeying to the famous steps with their horse or donkey. These 800 steps lead to the breathtaking Monastery. The lack of crowds offers an unspoiled view of this centuries-old temple, rivaling the beauty of the Treasury.
Experience Authentic Local Living
The homestay is a highly recommended experience. In the evenings, the host family prepares delectable meals, while you can engage in universal pastimes, like playing Frozen games with the family’s daughter. It’s a reminder that some things are the same all over the world.
Experience the Magic of Wadi Rum Desert
While it may not seem like an off-the-beaten-track tip, most tourists only spend one night in the Wadi Rum desert. We believe this is a missed opportunity as the desert is truly magical. In our opinion, it’s the most beautiful place in all of Jordan, and we were thrilled to spend three days there. This extended stay allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the desert and marvel at the stunning starry night sky. Wadi Rum is a protected area with certain restrictions, so plan accordingly.
We stopped at the visitor’s centre to acquire an entrance pass and parked our car in the village of Wadi Musa, the gateway to the desert. The first thing that caught our attention was the red color of the sand road leading up to the village. We had only seen this once before, in the North-West of Australia. We spent our nights in a Bedouin camp, which we highly recommend for those visiting Jordan with kids. The camp organized a jeep tour for us through the desert, where we visited a massive gorge and rolled down the beautiful high sand dunes.
In our downtime, we enjoyed watching the many camels passing by. Their slow pace added to the serene atmosphere. It felt like we were in a scene from Aladdin, Lawrence of Arabia, or Indiana Jones.
Guest Post: Adventure Travel with Family
Today’s article is brought to you by our guest blogger, Ilona Annema. “Hello, I’m Ilona Annema, an adventure enthusiast who loves to explore the world with my husband and our four-year-old daughter. We embark on a journey every quarter, preferably off the beaten path and surrounded by nature. My most memorable travel experiences include a three-week camping trip amidst the wild animals of Uganda and a five-day hike through the mountains in Chile. However, I find just as much joy in camping on the Veluwe, a mere 10-minute drive from our home.”
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