Jordan

[Dave]

Just got back from Jordan. Always interesting when you take a trip to the Middle East and tell your friends this information. The most common comment is “be safe” or “travel safe” – which is not something I usually hear when I tell them I’m going to Europe or other parts of the world.

Aside from that, Jordan is a fascinating country rich in culture and heritage as well as boasting an array of fantastic outdoor activities.

A few of my favorite spots are:
Aquaba (diving the red sea is highlight) – world’s most northern coral beds
Wadi Rum – breathtaking desert scenery
Petra – no explanation needed about this “wonder of the world”
Wadi Mujib – one of top travel experiences ever – wading, swimming while fighting up a steep narrow river canyon to waterfalls
Dead Sea – non swimmers can have fun here!

Regards,

Dave

[pvancouver]

Dave,
I would like to know how you afford to travel so much and keep a job? Also, do you have times of anxiety/uncertainty when in the Middle East?

Thanks,
Paul

[Dave]

Paul – fortunately my jobs are very flexible and while I have my own companies I also have setup sales jobs part time and ownership with several companies which allows me to work while at home/office as well as work overseas with my netbook. Alot of what I can do can be done abroad. I live very cheaply when I am at home.

I also go on Press Trips which cover all of my expenses, but in large part 90-95% of the trips which are the core to providing content to this website are paid out of my own pocket. I save money in part by often staying with locals for free (check out CouchSurfing.org) and many of the places I visit are fairly inexpensive compared to the states or Europe.

Regarding your question about the Middle East. Much of the Middle East is *extremely safe* – it is always important in any region of the world to follow any cultural rules and be respective of customs and traditions. I’ve been to a number of countries and haven’t felt unsafe. Perhaps I felt a little uncomfortable around them military presence at the Iraq border recently in an area known to have problems in the past. My next trip to the Middle East will be to Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Traveling between small villages and towns in northern and eastern Yemen with police chiefs (as well as spending several nights in the police chiefs
homes surrounding by their guns was certainly an experience)… but I never felt uncomfortable or in danger (Yemen is 2nd to the USA in gun ownership btw).

If you do it right I would consider going into Iraq and Afghanistan but being extremely careful and taking a low profile and be sure you are with a local you can trust and being extremely careful to avoid hot spots and or go with a group that specializes in select travels right now to these countries (and there are just a few hard core travel groups offering trips to these 2 countries).

But on the whole the Middle East is very safe and the people are extremely hospitable. If you are planning a trip there consider going first to some countries that are really setup for tourism – ie, Jordan.
Regards,

Dave

[advisor]

Jordan is very beautiful place. A tour of Jordan offers the visitor, the lush Jordan Valley, the stark beauty of Wadi Rum, the fortress of Ajloun and the Jerusalem mosaic at Madaba.

[sarasmile]

I have a friend who has done extensive traveling in Jordan. The first time she went she went without her husband. She was photographing a archeological dig. She had a few encounters that left her a little shaken. The Second time she went, she took her husband. I think he was more frustrated than she was when they got home as he was tired of strangers asking how much they could buy her for or how much she cost him. I don’t think they’ll be going back anytime soon.
Foreign countries may not always be dangerous but you often have to brush up on culture and custom before you go. 😀
2 weeks till I’m off to aruba!!!

Cheers
Sara

[Dina holmes]

The nearest land border crossing point would be the Yitzhak Rabin (Arava) Border Terminal which is located 3 kilometers north of Eilat. Visa may be obtained on arrival for Canadian tourists by paying the visa fee of 10 Jordan Dinar (~ CA$18)

[Agustin]

Jordan such a nice place for tourists.

I spend many time here with my wife.

[Dave]

Agustin – yes, I need to get back to Jordan and the Middle East – I’ve always enjoyed my trips to this part of the world -booked up for this year, but possibly next year 🙂 – any favorite places in Jordan?

~ Dave

[Author]

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