Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
November to mid-February) can be freezing cold and many activities are either restricted
or it's too cold to be enjoyable. The risk of flash floods in wadis is an added anxiety.
Coping with High Temperatures
At any time of year, temperatures are high in parts of Jordan, particularly around noon.
Trips to Petra and Wadi Rum involve long periods of sun exposure and it's not always
easy to find shade. This doesn't mean that it's impossible to go; it's just advisable to plan
your visit around early mornings and late afternoons. You can follow local custom and
take a nap after lunch to avoid the worst of the sun.
Avoiding Sickness
To prevent stomach complaints, children should stick to bottled mineral water, which is
readily available, and avoid peeled fresh fruit and washed salads.
Fresh and powdered milk is available but it is worth checking that fresh dairy products
(such as milk, cream, yoghurt and cream cheese) are made with pasteurised milk. Unhap-
pily for the kids, ice cream is usually best avoided in rural areas where the electricity sup-
ply is often unreliable, leading to frozen goods defrosting and refreezing.
General hygiene may not be the priority it is in many Western countries; carrying hand
sanitisers is a good idea in case the local water supply is suspect.
Nursing Infants
Breast-feeding in public is culturally acceptable providing you are reasonably discreet
about it. Carrying an extra garment, like a shawl or a cardigan, to tuck around you and the
babe may help keep male curiosity at bay.
What to Pack
Disposable nappies are not readily available outside Amman and Aqaba. Come prepared
with plastic bags to avoid contributing to Jordan's ubiquitous litter problem.
Mosquito nets and repellent are handy in the warmer months; malaria is not an issue in
Jordan but itchy bites can easily become infected in the heat.
Car seats are not a big thing in Jordan so bring one with you. Pavements, or lack of,
will be challenging for most prams but the locals seem to cope with them!
Jordanians are tolerant of Western norms but you will earn local respect if the kids
dress appropriately. This is particularly the case with teenage girls: provocative clothing,
however fashionable elsewhere, will bring unwanted attention and stares.
