When you hear people talk about taking a relaxing, fun-filled family vacation, Jordan isn’t usually the first destination that comes to mind. A lot of the time, family-friendly trips involve amusements parks such as Six Flags or Disneyland or maybe tropical beach resorts.
But the tables are slowly turning, though, as more and more families are choosing Jordan for their next expedition. But why are families choosing to bring their children to the Middle Eastern country of Jordan?
From the natural beauty of its landscapes to its awe-inspiring historical sites, there are many factors that make Jordan a great alternative to the typical family vacation.
1. Natural Adventures
In today’s sterilized and risk-averse world, many children are missing out on valuable time spent climbing trees, building campfires, and hiking in the woods. When families choose to spend their vacation time in mechanized theme parks and antiseptic resorts, this only continues the nature deprivation that is spreading through modern society.
Traveling to Jordan can help to solve this problem by providing many opportunities for outdoor recreation. From scuba diving in the Red Sea to horseback riding to hiking in Wadi Rum, the open-air activities in Jordan abound.
There are also a variety of tours available for those who want to take full advantage of Jordan’s natural beauty, such as Tropical Desert and Discover Jordan. These tours are designed to get families out in nature while also providing educational value. Enjoy activities such as staying in Bedouin camps, rock climbing in canyons, and cooking dinner over dessert bonfires, all while benefiting from the extensive knowledge of trained tour guides.
2. Celebrate Diversity
One of the best learning experiences a child (or anyone) can have is exploring firsthand an unfamiliar culture. This helps to broaden people’s horizons and enrich their knowledge of the world around them. Plus, discovering other cultures is a great way to celebrate diversity and to instill a “unity in differences” mindset in future generations.
Jordan is widely celebrated for its astounding architecture, delicious traditional food, and welcoming people. Encountering these features in a foreign environment can help children understand that diversity can be a good thing.
3. Avoid the Crowds
One of the biggest pains about going somewhere like Disneyland is that it’s notoriously packed. Many people find that amusement park crowds can turn their relaxing vacation into a stressful nightmare.
Jordan, on the other hand, has large, peaceful natural areas, and privacy is easier to come by than in a congested theme park. Though there are other tourists and travelers, the atmosphere in Jordan is peaceful and there is space for people to spread out. Annoying and inescapable mobs is generally not something you have to worry about, making it an excellent place to relax and soak up the beauty of the surroundings.
4. Learn About History
One of Jordan’s standout features is definitely its magnificent array of historical sites such as Bethany Beyond the Jordan (the place where Jesus supposedly was baptized), the ancient city of Jerash, and the stunning 12th-century Kerak Castle. Seeing these marvels in person is easily the best way for both kids and adults to learn about ancient history.
Must-see museums include the Jordan Museum in Amman, the Umm Qais Museum, the National Archeological Museum, and the Petra Museum. Vacationing in Jordan allows families to take educational tours, view amazing architecture, and absorb knowledge about the breathtaking history of the country.
All of these points add up to make Jordan an ideal destination for modern travelers. If you want to break away from the stereotypical theme park trip and treat your family to a dose of nature, culture, relaxation, and history, vacationing in Jordan is the way to go.
We hope you’ll check out our resource — A Guide to Eco and Nature in Jordan — for an overview of the wonders of nature in Jordan and for advice on how to get the most out of your journey in Jordan.
