JORDAN
WOMENS EXPEDITION

Yes. At Adventuress in the Wild we work with tour operators who are providing trips for anybody who identifies as a woman. We have found that women are more likely to step out of their comfort zone and try new activities when they are surrounded by other supportive women. All of the tour operators we work with believe that adventure is for every woman no matter your background, ability, body type, or orientation.

Discover the lesser-known side of Jordan on this woman-only expedition. Visit women-led cooperatives and support local female businesses. Hear the story of a local female chef and taste authentic family recipes.

Float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea – once believed to have mystical healing powers.

Experience the majesty and mystery of ancient Petra taking a glimpse at the Treasury from the narrow path of the Siq.

Drive into stunning desert landscapes at Wadi Rum and take a peek behind the curtain at the hidden lives of Bedouin women

A lot of walking is involved so a reasonable level of fitness is expected especially in Petra and Wadi Rum. Be prepared for the sun. There is often no shade. You’ll need a hat, sun protection and comfortable walking shoes.

Wadi Rum camp is rudimentary but memorable. There are tents and shared Western bathroom facilities. Although very hot during the day, the temperatures drop at night. We recommend warm clothes and a sleeping bag if you are travelling outside June-August.

If you would prefer not to share a room a single supplement is available excluding Day 3 at Wadi Rum Camp. For further information speak to your Adventuress Travel Mentor.

This trip starts in Amman on Day 1 at 5.30pm

WHEN IS THE FINAL PAYMENT DATE?

This adventure can be booked with a £200 deposit. The remainder of the balance will be paid 70 days prior to departure. If booking within 70 days prior to departure then full payment will be required.

WHERE DOES THE TRIP START?

The Art Hotel
30 King Faisal Street Downtown Amman JORDAN
Phone: +962 64611287

Instructions

We can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport. Please enquire with the Adventuress in the Wild support team and advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure.

After clearing customs you’ll be met at Amman’s international airport (AMM) by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. The driver will wait a maximum of one hour from the time the plane lands. In case of any difficulties with your flight into or arrival at AMM please contact :+962 79 7 999 393. Payless, our transport provider has an airport desk if you need assistance. Our local operations team is available on +962 79700 4051 for further assistance if you require it.

There is also the taxi option. It is a 45 min journey from the airport, depending on the traffic, and costs approximately JOD25. Only authorised airport taxis are recommended

WHERE DOES THE TRIP END? 

Finishing point

The Art Hotel
30 King Faisal Street Downtown Amman JORDAN
Phone: +962 64611287

Alternate finishing point

For trips departing on the following dates, use this finish point.
02 Sep 2024 (EESF240902), 16 Sep 2024 (EESF240916), 07 Oct 2024 (EESF241007), 28 Oct 2024 (EESF241028)

Mariam Hotel
Aisha Um Al Mu’meneen St Madaba JORDAN

Description

This laid-back hotel in a quiet residential district is an eight minute walk from the Basilica of St. George. Free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and safes are as standard, and some enjoy balconies with pool views. Facilities include a top-floor restaurant, an outdoor pool and a relaxed eatery with a screening room and a poolside shisha bar.

Instructions

We can assist with pre-booking a departure transfer to the airport. Please enquire with the Adventuress in the Wild support team and advise your flight details at least 14 days prior to the start of your trip.

For confirmed departure transfers your leader will advise your pick up time the day before your trip ends. For any changes or concerns please contact the transfer operator directly: +962 79 7 999 393. You can also reach our local operations team on +962 79700 4051.

A taxi from to the airport is approximately 45 mins, depending on the traffic, and will cost approximately JOD25. Please ask your leader or hotel staff for assistance in arranging a taxi. We recommend using only authorised airport taxis.

ACCOMMODATION 

Hotel (6 nights), Desert camp (1 night)

Occasional Alternative Accommodation

It is possible that alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability in our usual accommodation. Similar standard accommodation will be sought when necessary.

Accommodation Style

Accommodation in the Middle East (with the exception of Israel) may differ to same-star facilities in some western destinations. The rooms will be clean and comfortable but if you notice that maintenance issues have been overlooked, please let us know so that your operator may follow this up. Alcohol is often not available for religious reasons or due to local laws. Breakfast is included in 95% or our hotels, please refer to our daily itinerary for general meal inclusions throughout the trip.

Twin Share / Multi Share Basis

Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multi-share basis.

Check-in Time

Sometimes immediate check-in at some hotels will not be possible. Instead, your operator can store your luggage and so you can explore the new destination.  Standard check-in time is 1400 hours.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation

You may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation if you’ve purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation.

Showers

Some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times, you may need to speak to reception.

Heating and Air-Conditioning

Winter months (December-March) can be very cold. All accommodations provide suitable bedding, and simple light bedding is provided during camping activities. Most clients find that what is provided is adequate. 

If you are particularly sensitive to the cold you might consider bringing your own sleeping bag and some extra warm clothing. Some of our guesthouses/hotels don’t supply heating as this would be a financial and environmental strain. 

Summer (June-August) can be very hot and quite uncomfortable if you are not used to the heat. Hotels do not always have air-conditioning, and when they do, it doesn’t always work.

Room Issues

Please speak to the hotel and your group leader or local representative promptly if you have any issues with your room so that the problem can be addressed without delay.

ITINERARY DISCLAIMER 

Itinerary Changes
Itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may differ from when you first booked your trip. We advise that you review this information to have the latest updates. Due to local conditions changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway.

Optional Activities
Popular activities are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn’t an exhaustive list and prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available, so some pre-planning is advised. When pre-booking is recommended to look for a note in the Special Information section of the itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested in the Welcome Meeting.

Where activities are considered medium or high risk, the operator works with operators whose safety and credentials they have sighted and assessed. Medium and high-risk activities not listed have not been assessed and as such the group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with these activities. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own risk.

• Petra – Petra By Night – JOD17

PASSPORTS, VISAS AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 

Passport
Most countries expect your passport to have 6 months validity remaining as a minimum. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Take a copy of the main passport pages and any other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or friends.

Visas & Entry Requirements

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. As entry requirements can change at any time we recommend checking the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time.

Drinking Water
We recommend you don’t drink tap water, even in hotels, as it may contain much higher levels of minerals than you are used to. For locals this is not a problem as their bodies are used to it but for visitors drinking the tap water can result in illness. Generally an upset stomach is the only symptom, but it can spoil a couple of days of your holiday. Safe drinking water is often provided at hotels and lodges, and bottled water is another alternative. Water consumption should be about two litres a day. Rehydration salts, motion sickness tablets, and diarrhoea blockers are available from many pharmacies – please bring them with you from home.

Food and dietary requirements

Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip for meals that are not included, allowing for more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. 

Your group leader or local representative will endeavour to cater to specific dietary requirements where possible, and vegetarianism and gluten intolerance will be catered for in most instances. There are some meals and activities that are fixed in advance and therefore cannot be modified to suit dietary requirements.

Please notify your booking consultant of any dietary requirements at the time of booking. For those suffering from particular food allergies, your group leader or local representative will endeavour to disclose to their fullest knowledge the main ingredients in dishes being consumed. It is, however, your personal responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any foods to which you are allergic.

Transport

Private Vehicle, Jeep

MONEY MATTERS 

Spending Money
Every traveller is a little different and you know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget accordingly. Read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included and what you may need to pay for on top.

Tipping
Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. Known as ‘baksheesh’ in the Middle East is not only for foreigners, locals are subject to ‘baksheesh’. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be.

Optional Tipping Kitty

On Day 1 of your trip, your group leader or local representative may discuss with you the idea of operating a group tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and your group leader or local representative distributes tips for drivers, local guides, hotel staff and other services included on your trip. This excludes restaurant tips for meals not included in your itinerary. The group leader or local representative will keep a running record of all monies spent which can be checked at any time, and any funds remaining at the end of the tour will be returned to group members. This is the easiest way to avoid the hassles of needing small change and knowing when and what is an appropriate amount to tip. Participation in this kitty is at your own discretion, and you are welcome to manage your own tipping separately if you prefer. Please note the tipping kitty excludes tips for your group leader or local representative.

Optional tipping kitty for this trip: US$40 per person (can be paid in local currency).

Your Group Leader or Local Representative

You may consider tipping your group leader or local representative for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference however as a guideline 4-7 USD or EUR per person (in a currency relevant to your destination), per day can be used. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip.

Credit Card, ATMs and Money Exchange

You can use your credit/debit card in ATMs, which are common throughout the Middle East. Credit and debit cards are the best way to access money throughout most trips. Credit cards can generally be used in tourist shops and restaurants. Visa and Mastercard are generally preferred over American Express, Diners, etc. Before leaving home, check with your bank regarding fees you may be charged for using your card overseas.

Tell your bank your travel plans to avoid your cards being blocked or cancelled if they suspect fraudulent activity. It is also worth bearing in mind that your withdrawal limit may vary in different countries and it can be as low as the equivalent of USD100 per day.

Shopping and Commissions

There will be plenty of time and opportunity to purchase souvenirs and handicrafts while on this trip. Although specific shopping excursions are not organised, there may be opportunities where your group leader or local representative can offer suggestions.

Contingency Funds

We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred because of the change of itineraries. These include but are not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). The recommended amount is listed in USD for ease of understanding however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

Commissions

Your tour operator understands that the receipt of commissions in exchange for recommending particular shops or services is ingrained in the culture of the tourism industry. For this reason, a centralised fund has been established for contributions from recommended suppliers so these can be collected and distributed back into the business. Travel is always an adventure so your tour operator cannot explicitly guarantee the quality of a product but aim to provide the best value trips in the market. 

Climate and seasonal information

The weather in Jordan can be extreme. It is usually hot during the day and cold at night with extremes of both in the desert. Winters can be bitter with snow-fall in some parts of the country. June-August can also be challenging if you are not used to the heat. We recommended spring and autumn for those who prefer to avoid the heat.

Consider your travel dates when packing and consider packing some thermals or additional layers if you feel the cold.

Ramadan

The important month of Ramadan or Ramzan in Turkey will be in progress from 23 Mar – 21 Apr 2023 and 11 Mar – 9 Apr 2024, with the Eid ul-Fitr festival (or Bayram in Turkey) will be held directly at its conclusion for 3-4 days. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. 

During Ramadan, business hours are shortened, including opening hours at some tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and many restaurants will be closed. While you should expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this unique period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken. 

Please note that although the Eid ul-Fitr festival can also be a fascinating time to travel, it’s a period of national holiday. Most government offices and businesses will be closed and some tourist site opening hours may be affected.

Ramadan month can differ from country to country and region to region, it can be a wonderful inclusion in your travels. If you have concerns about travelling at this time, please check with Intrepid or your Adventuress Travel Mentor before your departure.

SAFETY 

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. 

Please refer to our website’s safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip.

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, you will have free time to explore at your leisure and indulge in personal interests. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options please note that any optional activities you undertake that are not part of your itinerary, ourselves and the operator make no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. 

Please use your judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it’s deemed necessary.

Fire Precautions

Local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodations have fire exits, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.

Balconies

Some hotel balconies don’t meet western standards in terms of the width of the balcony fence being narrower than 10cm.

Traffic and Driving on the other side of the road

Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware!

Seat Belts

Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which is used is able to provide seat belts.

Pick Pocketing & Personal Safety

While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking at night and encourage you to walk in groups and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

Water Safety

Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water, where waves and currents can be unpredictable. It’s expected that anyone taking part in water activities is able to swim and have experience in open water. All swimmers should seek local advice before entering the water.

Travel Advice & Travel Insurance

We recommend that you check your government’s advice in relation to the areas you will be visiting for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers.

Women’s Safety

Women should exercise caution when travelling in the Middle East although risk of incident is low, here are some proactive steps you can take:

• Use your common sense and be attentive.  
• Respect local dress codes and customs, err on the side of dressing conservatively
• Avoid isolated areas when alone.
• We do not recommend accepting invitations from locals to guide you.
• Use a reputable tour operator for extra activities or trips booked. We do not recommend asking your hotel to book a driver for you and we encourage you to call our local operator for further advice on additional touring options.
• Request that staff access your room while you are out if it is necessary for them to do so, or wait at reception while they attend to any cleaning or repairs. Our leaders worldwide are not permitted to be alone in a room with a group member.
•  Always take a hotel card with you for contact details.
• Inform your leader straight away of inappropriate behaviour.
  

For further advice:
https://smartraveller.gov.au/guide/pages/female-travellers.aspx
http://www.gov.uk/government/policies/supporting-british-nationals-overseas/sup

Travelling on a group trip

We ask you to be understanding of the needs and preferences of your travel group – patience is sometimes required for everyone’s benefit. Please remember your responsibilities to the group too and don’t keep the rest of the group waiting if you have been asked to be at a certain place at a certain time. The best trips tend to be the ones where the group dynamics gel – this takes just a little effort on your part. 

Solo Travellers
Our style of travel caters to those travelling solo and who are keen to share experiences with like-minded people.

Rooming is on a twin-share basis and solo travellers are paired up.

Single supplement options are available on most trips during the tour if you prefer your own room. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation will be on a single room basis.

Some accommodations on a limited number of itineraries are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt). Where this is the case it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information.

Who is the guide?

The operator of this trip is Intrepid Travel

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. As a minimum you must be covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. 

For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number has been noted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank’s name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory but is highly recommended, Travellers declining travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

Packing as lightly as possible is recommended. You should check that you can carry your own luggage and walk with it for short distances. Our travellers have mentioned finding that the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip as they are not worrying about carrying heavy bags! Aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg.

We recommend that your bag has carry straps or handles so it is easy to handle when wheeling it is not possible. If you are taking overnight trains or using public transport, smaller luggage is easier to store while large suitcases may not fit at all. A lockable bag or small padlock is recommended for travel on public transport.

A day pack/bag to carry water, camera, swimming suit, waterproof pouch/bag for phone, hiking shoes and jacket etc is also required.

Due to the diversity and breadth of our trips, our ultimate packing list should be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list to suit every trip. What you bring will vary according to the trip style you’ve chosen, the countries you’re visiting and the time of year and the weather when you’re travelling. 

If you have any questions about what to pack, please get in touch with our team.

Travel documents

• Passport
• Visas if required
• Travel insurance policy
• 24 hr emergency travel insurance contact and policy number
• Flight e-tickets
• Your travel itinerary
• Photocopies of important documents
• A print out of your trip’s Essential Trip Information
• Spare passport photos
• Youth/student/seniors cards for travel discounts
• International driving licence if needed
• Diving licence if needed
• Cash/credit cards
• $500 USD contingency fund in cash
• Money belt or pouch

Luggage

On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage. Most travellers use a small, wheeled suitcase although the type of luggage most suitable will vary depending on your trip and destination. 

• Main luggage
• Daypack
• Padlocks & keys

Personal items

• First aid kit
• Personal medication/prescriptions
• Glasses & sunglasses
• Contact lenses and solution
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Insect repellent
• Antihistamine/insect bite cream
• Antibacterial gel/wipes
• Motion sickness tablets
• Travel vaccination certificates
• Aspirin and/or paracetamol
• Rehydration powder
• Anti-diarrhoea pills
• Toiletries
• Travel hair dryer
• Shaving equipment
• Small travel towel
• Small sewing kit and safety pins
• Consult your doctor for detailed advice on any medications

Travel accessories

• Electrical adapter for the country you are travelling to
• Camera and equipment
• Spare batteries/charger
• Local language phrase book
• Phone
• Portable games/playing cards
• Something to read
• Water bottle
• Pen/paper/diary
• Travel pillow
• Cloth/reusable shopping bags
• Torch/flashlight
• Water purification method
• Photos or postcards of your home country/family/pets to share with locals
• Binoculars
• DVT socks

Clothing

On some trips access to laundries may be limited so you may need to plan to hand wash your own clothes while on trip. For longer trips we recommend you choose clothing that is easy to wash and fast drying.

• Sun hat
• Windproof jacket
• Long-/short-sleeved shirts
• Jeans/trousers/shorts/skirts
• Socks/underwear
• Flip-flops
• Sleepwear

Cold weather

• Thermal underwear or base layers
• Warm hat
• Gloves
• Hand warmers  
• Waterproof boots
• Warm socks
• Scarf

Swimming

• Swimwear
• Beach towel
• Reef shoes
• Reef-safe sunscreen

Wet weather

• Raincoat/waterproof jacket
• Umbrella
• Waterproof bags for rain protection
• Waterproof trousers

Walking or hiking

• Walking/trekking shoes
• Trekking/leech socks
• Hiking poles/walking sticks

Camping

• Inner sleep sheet
• Travel pillow
• Camping mattress
• Sleeping bag
• Head torch/lamp

Water Bottle

Bottled water can be difficult to avoid when travelling, but please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation and bring your own water bottle to refill. You will be told whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination and when unable to avoid bottled water we recommend buying the largest available and decanting it. If you are walking or trekking you will need to carry at least 2L of water.

Let us know if you would like to pay for your trip in instalments. The first instalment will always be the required deposit amount. Instalments are only available if making payments before the trip’s final payment date. The entire balance must be paid on the final payment date. 

Contact us at info@adventuressinthewild.com for more information

This booking will be subject to Intrepid Travel’s Booking Conditions, and Adventuress in the Wild Booking Conditions