A post about tips for women travelers in Jordan can be of great help, because in this country with an Arab majority, the Muslim religion strongly marks its culture. And it is already known that, for women, many aspects of daily life differ from the Western world. These are recommendations that, in some cases, take into account the most extreme cases because, although there is a lot of progress to be made to eradicate machismo, the general situation is one of safety and respect.
Above all, caution and common sense
Jordan is a country that is fully open to tourism, so most of its population is used to dealing with people from all over the world, especially workers in the sector. In any case, the principle that should govern your behavior is that of common sense towards cultural aspects that may shock you, although that does not mean allowing disrespectful attitudes.
Surround yourself with people you trust
Many of the tips we provide here are aimed at women who organize their trip on their own or who travel alone. And that’s not the type of travel that Jordan Exclusive offers: our packages include an extensive escort service, either by private chauffeur, local guide and other professionals who may be needed. And those trusted staff we provide will make any woman feel more supported.
Discretion in dress and look
Another important tip for women travelers in Jordan is discretion, both in dress and look. Even if it’s hot, it’s best to opt for clothing that covers your shoulders and thighs, with thin cotton or another lightweight, breathable material being ideal. This, in addition, will help protect the skin from solar radiation and, in the case of having tattoos, that will also be an elegant way to cover them (remember that tattoos are not generally accepted due to the Islamic prohibition of modifying the body and figurative representation in art). As for the veil or hijab, it is not mandatory (and in fact, it is common to see Queen Rania without it), but it is recommended in places very close to tradition, and mandatory in mosques. Finally, it is also recommended to dispense with very tight garments that visibly mark the female figure.
Provision for intimate hygiene
Another aspect that can be a big change for women travelers in Jordan is intimate hygiene. In particular, the use of tampons, which is not widespread in Muslim culture, so itis not so easy to find these products in shops and supermarkets. Therefore, the ideal is to be well supplied with this type of item in case, in case of emergency, it is difficult to get hold of them. And the same can be applied to products considered contraceptives.
Distrust the ‘Romeos’
Years ago, there was an alert of the so-called ‘Romeos scam’. Although it is an absolutely infrequent phenomenon, it does not hurt to know about it to avoid it at all costs. This name is used to refer to supposed Bedouin guides, on horseback or camel in places such as Petra, which are notoriously physically attractive. Elegant, kind, polite and gentle, they seek the beginning of an affective relationship. And when it arrives, it turns into requests for money in exchange for coercion and various extortions. In any case, as we said above, this type of guide does not have to come into contact with the clients of Jordan Exclusiva, since all visits to monuments are carried out with our own guides and companions, always of total trust.
Beware of micro-machismos
Finally, women travelers in Jordan must arm themselves with strength against micromachismos that, although not exclusive to the Muslim world, can appear here effortlessly. Praying eyes, overconfidence, invasion of personal space or contempt on the part of men more anchored in the past are some examples. In view of this, sunglasses that interfere with eye contact are useful but also a firm attitude from the beginning: sharp but without brusqueness, serious but without offending.
