Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Prices are highest during the two peak seasons, which are from September to October
and from March to mid-May. Holiday weekends are also peak times in Aqaba and at the
Dead Sea resorts.
High inflation and rises in taxes continue to contribute to escalating prices. Although
accurate at the time of writing, expect significant increases in the cost of accommodation.
WARNING - PRICE RISES
If there is one bone of contention between our readers and those involved with tourism in Jordan, it is the issue of
prices. Many travellers expect to find prices exactly as quoted in this topic and become suspicious of landlords and
taxi drivers who charge more. By the same token, many service providers in Jordan feel frustrated when travellers
insist on prices that may be unrealistic even a relatively short time after printing.
There are many reasons why prices in Jordan rise quickly. For the past five years, for example, volatile oil prices,
instability among neighbouring countries and continued immigration have all contributed to high inflation. Not sur-
prisingly, the number of people visiting Jordan also makes a difference. For some, a slump in tourism - such as that
witnessed after the Arab Spring in 2011 - means there is no option but to put prices up. For others it means being
forced to offer unrealistic discounts.
In summary, while every effort is made to ensure that our published prices for entrance fees, tours, accommoda-
tion, restaurants, food items and private transport is accurate at the time of writing, this topic is only a
guide
to pri-
cing, not a definitive statement of costs.
There is one piece of good news for those trying to estimate the cost of their trip to Jordan. Public bus prices,
which are heavily subsidised by the government, have only minimally increased from the last edition to this edition
and there is no suggestion of an imminent price hike in this sector.
Camping
For many people, spending a night under the stars - or at least under canvas - is a high-
light of a trip to Jordan. One popular option is to sleep in a traditional 'house of hair' at a
Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum. Facilities in these goat-wool tents are basic but it's a great
experience.
Camping with your own tent is permitted in a few places in southern Jordan, especially
in the desert surrounding Wadi Rum. Camping 'off piste' in the north is more problematic,
not least because you'll have competition for the best spots from the Bedouin and it's sur-
prisingly hard to find a secluded place to pitch a tent.
