Flights to Jordan

Highlights of Jordan

Jordan, roughly the size of the state of Indiana at about 36,000 square miles, is a country bordering Palestine, Israel, Syria and Iraq. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan combines many ancient wonders with a rich history and modern development. As such, it is truly one of the great gems of Middle Eastern tourism, responsible for thousands of travelers entering the country each year. The legendary city of Petra, named one the new "seven wonders of the world," houses some of the most incredible ruins on earth. The capital city, Amman, in addition to being home to two million people, is also home to The Citadel which houses the National Archeology Museum where pages from the Dead Sea Scrolls are stored. If you are a nature lover, there are plenty of opportunities for camping, hiking, bird watching and snorkeling - not to mention the gazelles! As a shopping destination, Jordan rivals Europe and the United States. The Dead Sea shoreline is the lowest place on earth at just over 1,300 feet below sea level. From here you can visit the hiking trails and springs of Ein Gedi National Park, where you may find a pleasant respite from the frequently visited tourist attractions elsewhere. Mt. Nebo is a 'must-see' destination. Imagine standing on the site where Moses looked out over the Promised Land! Finally, don't miss Madaba. The most prevalent Christian center in Jordan, this is a mellow, small town that proffers wonderful Byzantine-era mosaics and a host of day trips. You can even take a taxi directly to Madaba from the Queen Alia International Airport.

Getting to Jordan

Probably the easiest, cheapest, and most direct way to gain access to Jordan is by flying into Queen Alia International Airport. Named for the former Queen of Jordan, this notable airport is located approximately 20 miles south of the capital city of Amman. The airport services are generally thought to be very good. There is a help desk for tourists and decent facilities for disabled persons. Queen Alia International also boasts duty-free shopping, wireless Internet access for business travelers, restaurants and bars. Avis and Hertz also offer car rentals at this airport. Both bus and taxi service are available and are relatively inexpensive. As a plus, this airport demands no departure tax. Queen Alia International serves as a regional hub for many airlines worldwide.

Airports

Jordan has three international airports, two of which are in Amman. Queen Alia International is the most common and boasts duty-free shopping, wireless Internet access for business travelers, restaurants and bars. Avis and Hertz also offer car rentals at this airport. Both bus and taxi service are available and are relatively inexpensive. As a plus, this airport demands no departure tax. Queen Alia International serves as a regional hub for many airlines worldwide. Marka International, a.k.a. Amman Civil Airport was the main airport in operation until Queen Alia opened in 1983. It is now used primarily as a domestic regional airport servicing Jordan and nearby international destinations. The third international airport is Aqaba Airport, a.k.a. King Hussein International. Its unusual location places it within 15 miles of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Airlines

Some of the airlines offering cheap flights to Jordan include Royal Jordanian Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Air France, Air India, Turkish Airlines, Iberia, KLM, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Thai Airways. Other regional hubs include Beirut International in Lebanon and Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel. Israel, a big tourist destination in its own right, is very close to Jordan, and since the 1994 treaty between the two nations, travel between them is easier than ever. Courageous tourists looking for a more scenic adventure might consider flying into Tel Aviv and then taking a bus or car from Israel into Jordan, or flying into Damascus and riding the Hajiz railway into Amman.

Other Money-Saving Tips

High summer will most likely be the least costly time to travel to Jordan. During July and August, the heat and humidity is oppressive in the Jordan Valley, while the desert is fiercely hot, though it is a dry heat and easier to deal with. It is also recommended not to travel during holy day celebrations. The month of Ramadan, the holiest Jordanian holiday, is set on the Islamic Calendar, which is a lunar calendar, meaning that the month of Ramadan migrates through the seasons. Do your research online prior to travel to Jordan so as to avoid holy days. Ramadan, in particular, restricts smoking, drinking and eating during daylight hours from dawn to sunset.

In Closing

Most visitors begin or end their Jordan visit with the ancient city of Petra. Recently declared one of the seven new wonders of the world, Petra's lost city is a site to behold that will leave you in awe. But, don't miss out on the other memorable sites to see, including desert citadels, Crusader castles, and ruined Roman cities. See the brook where Jesus was baptized and the fortress where Herod beheaded John the Baptist. There is no shortage of culture or history in Jordan!