32 independent reviews for Jordan vacation, a week in Jordan

Reviews for Jordan vacation, a week in Jordan

SHOW
14
16
2
0
0

review 11 Mar 2023

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Two days exploring Petra, meeting Bedouins living there in caves. Camping in moonlight in Wadi Rum and riding a camel across the desert.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Go for it.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

We were supported by local services in every way. We were definitely good for the local economy. Our group put in almost £1000 for tips, which was distributed to everyone who assisted us. Several Jordanians (unconnected with our vacation) stopped in the street and thanked me for coming to visit their country. We were really made welcome. I felt completely safe walking alone in Amman, Petra and by the Dead Sea, when not with the group. We refilled our water bottles from a large container on the bus, reducing plastic waste and disposed of food packaging via the hotel. There was an enormous quantity of paper and plastic litter spread over the countryside.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Great

review 4 Nov 2022

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Many options but dinner around the campfire in Wadi Muss after our camel ride must rate high.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Have a look at a map of the region before you come - it will enhance your experience.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Jordan is well versed in tourism and we contributed to the incomes of a wide range of businesses and individuals. The water refill was a good idea.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Terrific, full-on trip - skilfully planned and guided.

review 11 Oct 2022

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

all the highlights were great in their own way Petra, Wadi Rum, the Red and the Dead Sea.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

our tour leader Muayad Mismar was very environmentally aware and definitely took us to local shops and eating places.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

it was a great trip.

review 16 Dec 2019

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

The first glimpse of the treasury at Petra

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Get to Petra as early in the morning as you can to avoid the crowds.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

It benefited local traders and the bedawin camps

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Excellent

review 25 Nov 2019

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Too many to comment each day was better than previous one.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Do it while your knees can go up, 800+ steps to the treasury. There’s a lot of walking.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Our guide took many opportunities to enjoy the locals.. eg special falafel shops .local food quite often. It was distressing to see so much plastic on road sides. Everything was sold in a plastic bag.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Great and 5 stars

review 7 Oct 2019

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

I liked the trek over the hills around Petra best - the back way to the high place of sacrifice. Michele liked the Bedouin camp at Wadi Rum.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Beach towels are provided -no need to pack any.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Helps provide income for local people. Local restaurants often used. Providing water to fill our own water bottles saved on plastic pollution. Tourism funds conservation of historic sites.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Very enjoyable. A lot of experiences packed onto one week.

review 24 Sep 2019

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

The 'new' Wonder of the World, the Treasury at Petra, and floating in the Dead Sea - both are unique. The Roman ruins in Jerash and Amman are also memorable, plus Mount Nebo and Madaba mosaics. Every day was special.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Be prepared for lots of walking, some of which is strenuous. And take some mosquito spray for the night in the desert camp (I forgot mine!). Finally, make sure your phone/camera has plenty of capacity as it is a picture paradise - I took over 900 photos.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes - tourism is the biggest source or revenue in Jordan, we shopped at lots of local vendors, and they are careful to make sure there is no environmental damage from the hordes of visitors. We also refilled water bottles on the bus rather than adding to the plastic problem by buying new bottles.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Fantastic - the most amazing country I have ever visited and the best vacation I have had in many years. Superbly organized, and the tour guide Ibrahim was simply brilliant (the bus driver was also great). Every day was a sensory overload of historic sites, scenery, interesting places and great restaurants or comfort stops. And I was lucky to travel with a great and like-minded group of 19, which makes a big difference as I was traveling solo. Wonderful all round.

review 19 Dec 2018

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Walking from Little Petra to the Monastery the scenery was beautiful

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

You need good boots as you do alot of walking

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

We had water available all the time on the coach so we could fill our water bottle's up any time. We stopped at Local peoples coffee and mint tea stops in middle of no wear

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

It was amazing in Wadi rum to sleep in the desert in secure tents watching the sun go down then get up the next morning to watch it come up very magical. You see a lot of Jordan lovely people always helpful.

review 23 Apr 2018

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Definitely walking into Petra for the first time. But there were so many other memorable moments such as the meals out in the desert, floating in the Dead Sea, visiting Mount Nebo. Petra itself is vast and two days is just enough time to get a sense of the place and see the main sights.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Be prepared to walk! Although this is labelled as a moderate to easy vacation, actually you do walk quite a bit. Also you don't get much time in Amman, so if you can book another day there. It is really worth it.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes I did feel the vacation put money into the hands of locally owned hotels, restaurants and traders. It was slightly disappointing to spend the final night at an Accor hotel. However the quality of the accommodation there was of a much higher standard! Sleeping out in the desert was no where near as basic as we imagined, we got proper beds with mattresses!

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Very highly. Petra is a place we had looked forward to visiting for years and it did not disappoint. The vacation was well organised, everything happened almost exactly as described and the locations/hotels and restaurants chosen were good.

review 26 Mar 2018

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

A night in Wadi Rum, hosted by Bedouins, including a camel ride in the desert to see the sunset, an early morning sunrise experience and lovely local food. Equally wonderful was the trek on the back trails to the high sacred place.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Go with an open mind and the spirit of adventure to enjoy every experience.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Local economy would have been helped by our spending. Good that we refilled water bottles and hopefully that type of move will rub off on locals to reduce plastic waste.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Wonderful!

review 1 Oct 2018

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Petra and the dead sea

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Good footwear and to be aware there are many steps up to certain places in petra

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes I feel money spent in the country helps

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Very good

review 27 Apr 2018

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

The two days in Petra were wonderful. Petra had so many surprises for us. I had only ever seen photos of the Treasury, so was not prepared for the Roman town, the Monastery and the High Place of Sacrifice etc. The night in the desert was brilliant - really exciting. The visit to the Dead Sea was the least interesting part of the vacation. The beach was unattractive and the toilets and changing facilities were not good. Issa was a wonderful guide and looked after us so well.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Don't worry about getting dinars before you go. The Western Union gives a good rate and the ATMs dispense dinars though they do charge a commission. Don't change money at the airport as their rate is not as good as Western Union. Take warm clothes for the night in the desert and the meal outside as it gets really cold at night in April. Loose long sleeved tops are best for daytime. I wore sleeveless tops but I did get looks - from men and women! There is not much to see in Amman but we did spend an extra day there at the end of the vacation and really enjoyed going to the Mosques and the Dukes Diwan, the oldest house in Amman. Rainbow Street is a bit disappointing. Jordanian food is somewhat repetitive. Lots of hummus and falafel. Don't expect a culinary experience. But all meals are good value.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

The last thing our guide said to us was "Please be an ambassador for Jordan when you get home". They really need tourists as they have very little else. The Bedouins are wonderful people. They have brilliant English and work hard at selling their crafts. We bought as much as we could afford. All Jordanians are so friendly and they really want tourists to like their country. The fact that the coach carried drinking water for us was great. Meant we didn't have to buy plastic bottles all the time. The hotels provided water also.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

We loved the vacation. We didn't find our first Amman hotel, the Tilal Almadina Hotel, very good. It was very far out of town and was definitely not a 4 star. We loved the Meridien Hotel in Amman. A lovely breakfast and great staff. Unfortunately the outdoor pool wasn't open when we were there. I think it was going to open the following week. The Petra Hotel was good though the evening meal we had there was very poor. The breakfast and dinner in the desert were really good. The meal in Petra and the Oriental Restaurant was not good at all. We had a meal outside in a canyon one night but it was really cold and therefore a bit uncomfortable. Overall the vacation was brilliant!

review 9 Apr 2018

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Wadi Rum Desert Camping

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Don't forget your hiking boots!

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes. Tried to use minimal plastic (water bottles, carrier bags etc)

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Excellent trip covering plenty and great tour guide

review 28 Nov 2017

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

I really liked the variety. There were days visiting sites and museums, mixed with a couple of days at the Dead and Red Seas, together with a day in the desert. In particular I enjoyed the group leader, who clearly cared about giving us a good experience, and who entertained and educated us in equal measure.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

It's all there in the trip notes.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

I guess. I appreciated the group leaders attempts to persuade us not to buy bottled water.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Excellent. The only thing I think could improve it, would be to re establish the boat trip on the Red Sea.

review 12 May 2017

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Jerdash Roman ruins was quite intact and impressive. But the most memorable were Petra, the walk along the Siq, and seeing the Treasury, and the Monastery. They were fantastic. Hiking up to the cliffs of Petra and the views were outstanding.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Avoid bringing too much clothing. Bring only comfortable clothes and especially good broken in hiking shoes. Drink lots of bottled water. Bring tablets of Pepto-Bismol because you will be trying out new foods that may not suit your system. Bring your own toilet paper when walking around. Buy from the Bedouins or local small shops and not at the big retail shops. The shops at the places the bus stops for snacks are way over-priced. Spend the money on the camel rides. Don't be afraid to barter with the Bedouins. They respect you more for it and purchasing from them helps them out.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes, my hope that our visit benefited the people, especially the Bedouins. I believe that we could do better to reduce environmental impact by using less plastic. We supported conservation by helping out with degradation of the monuments by following the rules on entering historical sites and not taking pieces of them for souvenirs.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

I enjoyed our tour guide very much and the valuable history lessons at each stop. This was my first visit and was quite surprised on the splendor of the historical sites, such as Jerash, Petra, Mt. Nebo, Kerak, Dead Sea and Red Sea and the others I didn't mention. The driver and security were friendly and very good at their jobs. Food and lodging were good, especially the Bedouin Camp.

Read the operator's response here:

Dear Ferdinand, Firstly, thank you for your comments, we are delighted that overall you had a great trip. We would like to thank you for raising the issue of bottled water. We are actually in the process of starting a new initiative whereby all trips in Jordan will provide clients with drinking water from a large receptacle. 20ltr bottles will be employed and clients will be able to fill up throughout the trip. We are currently trialling this approach in India and South East Asia and it has been a great success. We regret that this wasn't quite ready for your trip but please rest assured that it is to happen soon as we take the reduction of our environmental impacts very seriously. We do hope that this explanation provides an adequate response to your review and offers you reassurance that we are continuously working on ensuring our trips are as responsible as possible. We hope to welcome you back to Jordan one day.

review 27 Feb 2017

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Petra (of course) and the camel ride at Wadi Rum (it is an optional but well worth it!).

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

To get lots of 1 JEDs (to visit loos / to buy water / to pay for cups of tea) - helpful also to have pockets full of toilet paper. Optional walks to view points at Petra for only to those with a good fitness as there would be plenty of walks ahead (not a good idea to get tired too soon - I managed one view point and am over 60). This vacation may not be for those expecting some lazy days and luxury hotels - BUT, for those looking for an interesting, varied and busy days ahead, then this vacation is certainly for them (I was a bit tired at the end of this vacation - nicely so - and I have more knowledge of muslim religion and history of Jordan - and feel motivated).

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

There are plenty of stops at government shops (for loos) and any associated purchase would go towards helping local people.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

My vacation was brilliant (I didn't mind of odd occasions not getting warm shower water in some hotels), our local tour leader was excellent (knowledge of history and kept us entertained during our bus journeys), the group blended well (the best so far), trips well organised and plenty of shopping opportunities.

review 24 Sep 2017

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Snorkelling in the Red Sea, floating in the Dead Sea, camel ride in the desert, picnics of pita bread/hummus/tomatoes/cheese/olive oil/falafel and Petra.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Bring your own goggles or mask for snorkeling because those provided don't always fit correctly--I spent too much time clearing the masks of water and exchanging them for others that might fit correctly. Also, it was not strictly necessarily to wear tops with shoulders covered as many women wore sleeveless tops in the very touristy parts of the itinerary.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Not necessarily. We were told to bring our own refillable water bottles, which all of us did. And that the tour would provide water for us to fill the bottles during the entire trip. This did not happen. We stopped nearly daily to buy bottled water at supermarkets.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Very good.

Read the operator's response here:

Dear Ellen, Firstly, thank you for your comments, we are delighted that overall you had a great trip. We would like to thank you for raising the issue of bottled water. It is a new initiative of ours to provide water in large containers and therefore reduce the amount of plastic waste generated on our trips. We were confident that this had been working well in Jordan and have received positive feedback from previous trips. I’m sorry to hear that this wasn’t implemented on your trip, we have followed up with our local partners and they have explained that on this occasion the leader was unaware of the necessity of providing water in a responsible manner. Making these changes sometimes take a while due to a difference in understanding as to the importance of such initiatives however we are doing all we can to ensure this is standard practice from now on. We do hope that this explanation provides an adequate response to your review and offers you reassurance that we are continuously working on ensuring our trips are as responsible as possible. We hope to welcome you back to Jordan one day.

review 25 Jul 2017

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

A night in the dessert at Wadi Rum

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Try to get some time alone from the group to enjoy local hospitality

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Excellent

review 11 May 2017

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Petra was the obvious highlight but we saw so many other unexpected monuments, ancient cities and fabulous landscape. Every day brought a new highlight.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

This is a busy vacation with a lot of walking on some days. Good footwear and a good camera.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

There were lots of opportunities to buy locally produced souvenirs and the desert camp was with local Bedouin.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

An excellent trip that visited as much of the country as possible squeezed into a week. Good value.

review 27 Feb 2017

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Trying to stand up in the Dead Sea it is nearly impossible for your feet to find the bottom so you end up bobbing like a cork! Walking down the canyon to Petra but also going up on the long way to the place of sacrifice. The amphitheatre in Amman. The call to prayer echoing across the city from the mosques is a wonderful musical recitation.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

If going at this time of year - February - be prepared for the cold especially at night. Take clothes for the cold as well as the warm. Make sure any electrical apparatus like a travel kettle is in your suitcase. Security at Amman is very thorough - which is good - and some items are suspect when in hand luggage. It is a safe country despite conflicts in neighbouring countries.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

It certainly brought money into the country which is suffering from the conflicts in the region with few visitors going there and I hope that helps with employment for some people. Water is a scarce resource and visitors need to remember that when taking a shower.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

In general excellent. Our guide Zuhair was really good - incisive, informative, passionate and a great performer. He made the trip very worthwhile. The people we met were friendly and very pleased to see us. That makes it memorable.

review 9 Jan 2017

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Petra. The wonder of the world.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Go with Exodus you are in good hands

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Definitely helped local tourism. Not sure if we impacted our environmental impact one way or the other. Walking among ruins has to have a detrimental impact. Then again tourism is against environment..

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

4 out of 5. Organization, info sharing, the guides etc great. Hotels promised were supposed to be 4 star. They were definitely 3 star minus.

review 1 Nov 2016

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Visiting Petra and having two full days to explore, half that time being without the guide so we could go where we pleased.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Try to get away from the group sometimes. Jordan is a safe and welcoming place and the time we spent on our own was very enjoyable. For women take plenty of loose, long sleeved tops. It's hot and modest dress is important.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

On the whole, yes. Although obviously we flew to Jordan and drove whilst there. In the desert one member of our group did a litter pick and a young local joined her after watching a while. Maybe the message that throwing rubbish into the landscape is not a good thing. Jordan has an appalling litter problem with plast bottles and bags everywhere.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Good but marred by a bored, bossy and patronising guide, especially towards the women members of the group.

review 5 Apr 2016

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

The walk into Petra is just breathtaking and there is something new to see every time you turn a corner. The whole site is amazing and I was glad we had 2 days to see it all. Enjoying a cool beer in the Cave Bar after two full days of trekking was also memorable!

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

If going early in the year, pack a few jumpers for chilly nights in Amman and the desert. But don't forget the sun cream for during the days! As you'd expect, prices for stuff at the hotels are high but there are lots of cheap supermarkets around.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Apparently money from the Petra entrance fee goes to local Bedouin people.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

If you want to see the main sights of Jordan quickly crammed into 1 week, then this is the way to do it. Everything is taken care of and you don't have to lift a finger. And the sights are truly awesome. (If you want to go at your own pace, however, then maybe this isn't the trip for you.)

review 2 Nov 2015

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Floating in the Dead Sea, snorkelling in the Red Sea, Petra.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Start taking a probiotic before you leave and continue while on the vacation. Keep in mind that 500ml of water is provided daily by the tour operator and that the bus has a fridge to keep water cool.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes, absolutely so.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

A great adventure.

review 2 Nov 2015

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

There were many memorable parts for me; floating in the Dead Sea, snorkelling in the Red Sea, visiting Jerash and Petra plus the camel ride and overnight stay in Wadi Rum.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Read the joining instructions given by the tour company which were accurate and detailed.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

I believe this vacation will have benefited local people, the tour companies, restaurants and particularly the Bedouins in the camp. I feel there could be more effort on recycling waste, particularly plastic bottles.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Excellent - achieved all I wanted to see and do!

review 30 Apr 2015

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Cannot separate the majestic desert scenery of Wadi Rum from the exploration of the lesser known areas of Petra. Both stunning and comparable to the best experiences anywhere.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Exploring Petra particularly for more than one day and off the obvious main route can be more demanding than the literature suggests. Good footwear,ideally light boots and a decent level of fitness is required to enjoy it. I am 66 and lead walking groups at least twice a week. The week is fully programmed and intensive so expect little downtime. Use the arranged group meals in restaurants, the food is excellent, ok for those who do not like to be too exotic, its great for group relations and cultural ambiance.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes cash spending in local businesses must aid tourist spending dispersal. Compared to other places tourist numbers are not overwhelming but must increase demand on water and supply chains but in Jordan I suspect the demands of economic growth have a greater environmental impact. The "honeypot" nature of the key locations will increase pressures there but the economic value gained from caring for and conserving cultural and environmental attractions must aid their continued protection.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

For me 4 stars because I have had nearly 10 years of exciting travel and competition for top spot is high. Usually an independent traveler, the 10 minutes in the museum or 20 minutes free look round and back to the bus are not my perfect choice although the benefits of an excellent guide and a well planned program were palpable

review 17 Apr 2015

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

As all the key sites of Jordan are included in this one week tour there is not really any part which was not memorable. Although perhaps riding a donkey up to the high monastery at Petra would rate as the most unusual white knuckle ride ever!!

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

If you have ever fancied seeing Petra then go for it. The country is safe, the people are warm and friendly but not pushy, the sites brilliant, the food good and the hotels very comfortable.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Wherever possible concern and care was shown to people and places. Impact on things was to a minimum

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Excellent. Good value for money. Good group to travel with. No problem being a single traveler.

review 12 May 2014

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

The walks through Wadi Rum - and the climb up a mountain. Epic scenery, absolute quiet and amazing exercise.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

For the desert you need 4 things (other than usual packing): baby wipes, mosquito spray, suncream, water bottle

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Benefited local people - the local Bedouin were our guides in Wadi Rum. Was good to travel as one group to reduce environmental impact.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?


review 13 Oct 2014

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

The first glimpse of Petra has got to be up there as one of my most WOW moments of all time, not just on this vacation. The camel ride in the Wadi was my next most favourite part of the vacation.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

To note that although the walking in Petra is not difficult, the heat makes it much harder. Especially the optional walk up to the monastery.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

As it was all local hotels, transport, guides, etc then it does appear to benefit the local people.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Excellent. Would thoroughly recommend it.

review 27 May 2014

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

The most memorable part of the vacation for me was climbing up to the Treasury viewing point and the High Place of Sacrifice at Petra off the beaten track, quite a challenging route, but magical with no other tourists about.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Bring a sleeping bag or liner for the night in the Wadi Rum. The Bedouin supplied bedding is not great, so it was nice to have my own.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

I certainly felt that our vacation benefited local people as we bought gifts, ate in local places etc.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

I loved the vacation. It was well organised, our guide was fantastic; he was enthusiastic and evidently proud of his country which came across in the way he talked. His knowledge of all the sites we went to was extremely good, his timing excellent, suggestions for evening meals were very good too. He helped the group to gel and made the vacation special.

review 25 Apr 2014

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Petra was wonderful and on the second day some of the group went again at 7.30am and they said it was great to be there with virtually no other people there. For me floating in the Dead Sea was a tremendous experience.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Be prepared for the 'basic' conditions of the camp in the Wadi Rum.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

The local people benefited from our tourism as we spent money locally and bought their products.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Very good

review 3 Mar 2014

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

It's difficult to choose between walking and climbing around the awe inspiring landscape and buildings of Petra and the serene beauty of riding camels in Wadi Rum. Both places and experiences took our breath away. But every day had wonderful sights and experiences in store, and the whole trip showed us how amazing Jordan is.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

You need to be fairly fit to fully appreciate the potential of the visit to Petra, since there's quite a lot of climbing/walking which would be tough in the Summer months. We went in mid Feb. and the climate was perfect for us.. Also, we found there were quite a few extra costs to the vacation, to pay for meals, Turkish bath (not worth the 20JD!), and other add on experiences some of which were excellent, but it may be more helpful to be more up-front with them in the trip notes.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes. The Bedouin community in Wadi Rum must have benefited and the lunch stops for local food etc.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Excellent, one of the best we've had. We were a bit apprehensive joining a guided tour but we needn't have worried, it was fairly small scale and we had an excellent guide who enabled us to explore the country in a way we couldn't possibly have done independently.

Holiday Reviews

You can trust Responsible Travel reviews because, unlike many other schemes, reviews can ONLY be written by people who we have verified have been on the holidays. In addition, we don't run these holidays ourselves - our only interest is giving you the best independent advice.

Read our review policy