JordanJordan, is an Arab country in Southwest Asia spanning the southern part of the Syrian Desert down to the Gulf of Aqaba. It shares borders with Syria to the north, Iraq to the north-east, Israel to the west, and Saudi Arabia to the east and south. The official name for Jordan is Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Arabic is the official language in Jordan, with English and French being somewhat of secondary languages

There is so much to see and do in Jordan - ruined Roman cities, Crusader castles, desert citadels and powerful biblical sites: the brook where Jesus was baptised, the fortress where Herod beheaded John the Baptist, and the mountain top where Moses cast eyes on the Promised Land. Biblical scenes are not just consigned to the past in Jordan; you'll see plenty of men wearing full-flowing robes and leading herds of livestock across the timeless desert.

Jordanians are a passionate and proud people and the country truly welcomes visitors with open arms. Despite being squeezed between the hotspots of Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Israel & the Palestinian Territories, Jordan is probably the safest and most stable country in the region. Regardless of your nationality, you'll be greeted with nothing but courtesy and hospitality in this gem of a country.

How to get there

Most visitors to Jordan go as part of a trip around the Middle East. Amman the capital of Jordan, is well connected with most cities in the Middle East and Europe, but you will find no airline has any direct flights between Amman and Canadam Australia or New Zealand and you will also find very little direct services between Amman and the USA. The overland borders between Jordan and Israel and Jordan and Syria are populat and generally trouble-free.

Places to Visit in Jordan

The Dead SeaOne of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities in the Middle East is Jerash, this should be on the top of your list while visiting Jordan. You can also stand on the site where Moses looked out over the Promised Land, Mt Nebo. Other places of interest would be the Dead Sea at an elecation of 400 m below sea level, the Dead Sea shoreline is the lowest dry real estate in the world. Make sure you do the obligatory float. Don't miss the ruins at Masada which is probably Israel's most enigmatic attraction. though not as well frequented by travellers, the hiking tracks and springs of Ein Gedi National Park also merit some exploration. Aqaba is Jordan's only resort, with some great diving and snorkelling just metres from the beach .

Petra, the city carved into the rock walls is famous not only because of its prominent feature in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade", but mostly due to its immense historic value.

Shopping In Jordan

Shopping in Jordan can be a lot of fun, and may turn into something of a social occasion - in small shops, particularly, it is not unusual to be offered a cup of coffee or tea before getting down to business. Jordan offers a range of bargains that include Bedouin rugs and tapestries, brass and copper goods, ceramics and embroidery. Other good buys include gold, silver and amber jewery, rugs, wooden boxes, furniture inlaid with mother of pearl, leather items, olive wood items and copperware. All at reasonable and affordable prices.Fresh Fruit Market in Jordan

When to go

Climate in Jordan is conditioned partly by altitude, with the lowest areas such as the Jordan Valley and Gulf of Aquba suffering from the worst summer heat and humidity. The higher central and northern areas, in contrast, can be quite cold in winter (November to February). The best time to The best time to visit Jordan climate-wise is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the daytime temperatures aren't too extreme. April is probably the best month, when temperatures are warm and wildflowers are in bloom. March can be cold and rainy in the north but is balmy by the Gulf of Aquba and the Dead Sea. In high summer (July and August) the weather in the humid Jordan Valley is extremely oppressive - it feels like you're trapped in an airless oven - with suffocating daytime highs well in excess of 36°C. The tourist authorities usually plan festivals (such as the Jerash Festival) for the summer period. If you do visit in summer, go well prepared with a hat, sunscreen and protective clothing.

Jordan is not the cheapest country in the area to travel around, but it is possible to get by on a tight budget and, if you spend wisely, good value can be found all over the country.

Budget travellers and backpackers are spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting a place to stay. Accommodation ranges from a mattress on a flat roof, camp sites and shared rooms to basic but clean and comfortable rooms with facilities. Prices are as low as a couple of dollars per night. Comfortable guest houses and hotels falling into a mid range of prices are also widely available but when it comes to travellers demanding the very best that money can buy the bad news is that there is considerably less to choose from. The good news is that what is available is World class.