We put a
call out to our Journeywoman membership asking women who've
been to Jordan to share their female-centered travel tips.
Their emails arrived from Canada, United States, New Zealand,
United Kingdom, Israel and Saudi Arabia. Each bit of advice
we've included in this article mirrors their women-centered
sensibility and experience. We think you'll find them very
helpful.
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I recommend
this guide...
Having returned from a 6-day trip to Jordan we are very
pleased to recommend the services of Bashar Herzallah
as a driver: Email address: bashar_herzalla@yahoo.com
Bashar is very professional, he has many years of experience
in his line of work and in dealing with international
customers. He is clear to specify that he is not a guide,
but his insight and contribution in making the trip
enjoyable and interesting turned out to be even better
than having a guide. The facts and figures of a country
can be researched and read in books and travel guides,
but getting the real insight from the locals and interacting
with them is what makes the difference between a regular
and a special trip. His recommendations ranged from
a particular mountain to climb in the middle of the
desert (he even accompanied us), a restaurant to have
a delicious Jordanian meal, the perfect place to get
free internet connection, a highway that would provide
a better view and ride to our next destination and even
the right steps for a Bedouin dance.
Sibilam, Toronto, Canada
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I have a guide to recommend,
too...
My traveling pal and I (two 50-something women) would
like to recommend Bassam Al Bouz as a driver and guide.
We were allocated Bouz through the Hertz desk at the
Movenpick Resort and Spa Dead Sea in Amman. Bouz was
full of interesting information including the history
of the places we saw, knew all the best places to stop
and went out of his way to make sure we saw the real
Jordan. Even on the way to the airport he went off the
highway to a side road so we could see the olive groves
and grapevines. We think he did a good job. You can
contact Bassam Al Bouz in Jordan, tel: +962797206028,
email: bassamtrans@yahoo.com
Jeny, Wellington, New Zealand
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 Four
tips for you...
When I went to Jordan, I was nine years old. It was one
of my most memorable childhood experiences, and I can't
wait until I can return as an adult. Thinking back this
is what I would advise other women travellers to do: (1)
You will be in the desert. Be prepared for heat like nothing
you've ever experienced. (2) Some home-made rehydration
solution might be handy, especially if you're travelling
with kids. (3) Since your water can be warm and unappetizing,
some sort of flavouring might make it easier to drink
the large amounts of water that you need. (4) Pack bubble
wrap, even if you're just out for the day. You can often
buy souvenir glass bottles of colourful sand (especially
in Petra), but often the artists who make them don't have
anything to wrap them in safely for the trip home.
Leah, London, England Editor's
Note: Here's an emergency rehydration
remedy that uses ingredients found in most parts of
the world. Eat bananas (to replace potassium). Drink
cola to replace glucose. Eat dry chips to replace salt.
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I recommend
a hotel and a driver...
I have been to Amman many times and have tired several
local hotels -- but my favorite hotel
is the 5-star Amman
Marriott. As a woman traveling alone on business
I felt very safe at this hotel. The Marriott is centrally
located, has a friendly, observant staff, lovely rooms,
quick room service, good food, a lively bar, internet
service, and a quiet pool area. There is a taxi driver
at the Marriott by the name of Wael Farid. I highly
recommend him for any sight-seeing jaunts or as a business
driver. He is honest, funny, patient, knows how to treat
and entertain foreigners, and knows where to take you
for the best souvenir deals. His cell # is 079-6l0 287.
But you can ask the Marriott taxi service for him or
the front desk at the hotel.
Pat, San Francisco, USA
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Photograph
street signs...
I spent a month in Jordan several years ago. If you
stay in one of the larger hotels, the cab drivers will
often speak English and you can arrange to go almost
anywhere in the country with them. Carry a guide book
with photos and you can show the driver where you want
to go. I took a photo of the street signs where I was
staying in case I needed it for any return trips from
downtown. It is also good to have a notebook where you
can write down the arabic numbers and the corresponding
numerals. Shop owners will often (but not always) give
you prices in U.S. dollars or Euros.
Petra is a must see. I would not recommend
taking the horse and buggy ride there. It's too short
a ride and does not save that many steps. There is an
evening tour with candlelight that is magical but don't
miss going in the day time as well. Bring water with
you and wear good shoes. We had a toddler with us and
it is a bumpy ride even with a good stroller.
Kathy, Winnipeg, Canada
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