Why Jordan for a Honeymoon
Jordan delivers the drama of a once-in-a-lifetime trip without the long overland journeys some destinations demand. Petra alone justifies the flight. The ancient Nabataean city spreads over miles of canyon, with tombs and temples carved into cliffs that change color through the day.
The country then adds variety. Wadi Rum offers a desert night that feels like another planet. The Dead Sea lets you float in salty water and spend an afternoon at a spa. Aqaba gives you coral reefs in the Red Sea. And the Roman ruins at Jerash, north of Amman, are among the best preserved in the Middle East.
It also works for couples on different budgets. Luxury resorts line the Dead Sea, but simple Bedouin camps and family-run guesthouses offer warm hospitality at modest prices.
Safety First
Check the current US State Department advisory for Jordan before you book. Read the notes on specific areas as well as the headline rating, since advisories can single out particular parts of a country and can change quickly.
Most honeymoon routes stick to the well-traveled sights: Amman, the Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba. Many couples drive south on the King's Highway or the Dead Sea Highway.
Jordan has been stable through a turbulent region, but nearby conflicts can affect flights and moods. Enroll in STEP so the embassy can reach you and buy travel insurance that covers cancellation.
Best Time to Visit
Spring, from March to May, is the best season. Days are warm, wildflowers appear in the north and Petra is comfortable for long walks. Fall, from September to November, is almost as good, with clear skies and pleasant evenings.
Summer is hot, especially in Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea basin and Aqaba, where temperatures pass 100°F. Petra is a bit cooler because of its elevation, but shade is scarce on the trails.
Winter, from December to February, splits the country. Amman, Petra and Wadi Rum can be cold and rainy, with occasional snow. The Dead Sea and Aqaba stay mild, which makes them good winter escapes.
Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier each year and falls mostly in February in 2027. Sights stay open, but restaurants may close by day outside hotels.
Where to Go
Petra is the heart of any Jordan honeymoon. Give it at least two full days. Stay in Wadi Musa, the town at the gate, so you can enter early and leave late.
Wadi Rum is about 90 minutes south. A night or two in a desert camp gives you jeep tours through red canyons, camel rides and a sky full of stars.
The Dead Sea is under an hour from Amman. Its resorts are the place to float, cover yourselves in mud and recover in a spa.
Beyond those three, Amman has good restaurants and the hilltop Citadel. Jerash has a Roman forum, theater and colonnaded street. Madaba and Mount Nebo sit near the Dead Sea road. Aqaba is the place for snorkeling. The Dana Biosphere Reserve offers dramatic hiking and the eco-lodge at Feynan.
Sample 10-Day Itinerary
This route uses a rental car and avoids backtracking.
- Days 1–2: Arrive in Amman. Visit the Citadel at sunset and spend a morning at Jerash.
- Day 3: Drive to Madaba for its mosaics and Mount Nebo for the view, then continue to the Dead Sea.
- Day 4: A full day of floating, mud and spa time at your resort.
- Day 5: Take the King's Highway south, with stops at the Wadi Mujib viewpoint and Kerak Castle. Overnight in Wadi Musa.
- Days 6–7: Explore Petra, including the Monastery climb, the Royal Tombs and Little Petra. Catch Petra by Night if it runs on your dates.
- Day 8: Drive to Wadi Rum for a jeep tour and a night in a desert camp.
- Day 9: Continue to Aqaba for an afternoon of snorkeling in the Red Sea.
- Day 10: Drive back to Amman on the Dead Sea Highway, about four hours, for your flight.
Budget and Costs
Jordan is moderately priced. These ranges are approximate and for two people.
- Mid-range hotels in Amman or Wadi Musa: about $80–$200 a night.
- Dead Sea resorts: roughly $200–$500 a night at peak times.
- Wadi Rum camps: from about $80 for a simple tent to $300 or more for a luxury dome with dinner.
- Car rental: around $40–$80 a day.
- Meals: local restaurants under $15 a person, hotel dinners with wine $100 or more for two.
The Jordan Pass is the best value purchase. Depending on the version, it costs roughly 70 to 80 dinars and includes entry to Petra for one to three days plus dozens of other sites. Since a single day ticket to Petra already costs around 50 dinars, it pays for itself quickly. Tip guides and drivers; it is expected.
Getting There and Around
Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) is about 18 miles south of Amman. Royal Jordanian runs nonstop flights from New York and Chicago. Its schedule has also included Detroit, Washington Dulles and Dallas. Many couples instead connect through a European hub, Istanbul or Doha.
Renting a car gives you the most freedom. Roads are generally good, signs are in English and Arabic and distances are short. Driving can be aggressive in Amman, so pick up your car as you leave the city. Speed bumps appear without warning in towns.
If you prefer not to drive, hire a private driver for the whole trip. It costs more but removes the stress. JETT buses link Amman with Petra and Aqaba for budget travelers.
Aqaba has its own airport with some flights from Europe, which can work if you want to start in the south.
Culture and Etiquette
Jordanians are famously hospitable. Accept tea or coffee when it is offered, even if you only take a sip.
Dress is more relaxed than in the Gulf, especially in Amman, but modest clothing is still the norm outside resorts. Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites and in rural areas. Women should carry a scarf for mosques.
Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Holding hands is fine, but save anything more for your room.
Alcohol is legal and served in hotels, bars and many restaurants in Amman and Madaba. Jordan even produces its own wine. Drinking in public is not appropriate.
Friday is the main day of prayer, when some shops close in the morning. Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and Bedouin families.
Quick tips
- Buy the Jordan Pass online before you fly; it bundles entry to Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash and dozens of other sites.
- Book Petra for at least two days and enter at opening time to see the Treasury with few people.
- Pack warm layers from November to March; Petra and Wadi Rum nights can drop near freezing.
