12 independent reviews for Tailor made vacations to Jordan
Reviews for Tailor made vacations to Jordan
Sue Cutler review 21 Nov 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Can’t pin it down. Jerash was a lovely surprise. Our local guide was amusing, knowledgeable and an interesting character. Petra, amazing, Wadi Rum spectacular, Dead Sea resort great fun. Learning about Jordan’s history.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go now. An amazing beautiful place, felt very safe. Take your time, especially Petra.There is more to it than you think. To do some of the view points go for at least two full days. Build in some down time to reflect on the experiences. Maybe squeeze in a visit to a Hammam. Take lots of small denomination US dollars for tips.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely benefitted local people. Went to some local restaurants, village shops, and Hammam. Jordanian guides and driver. They rely so much on tourism.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great, not only in terms of value for money but also in variety of periods of history, culture and scenery. The latter more than expected, especially for a desert country.Edith Hurst-Earl review 21 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
the drive in Wadi Rum and the site visit of Petra2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Amman was quite boring as a town as we were too far out of the main busy part of town3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
i a m sure it benefited local people (tips to guides, local shops, road side drinks...) not sure about the environment (a lot of plastic bottles of water consumed) and a lot of miles covered by car.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
a very nice break, total change of scenery, culture, food, and a lot of history. a very good mixHilary Aldred review 13 Apr 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Wadi Rum/Petra2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don’t bother with Aqaba, and bear in mind that they won’t let you in the Dead Sea in poor weather. So if it is only 1 night do it because if flights not for it’s own sake.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not particularly. The country is not geared up to support conservation and eco lodge we visited wouldn’t let us walk. I think it probably did support the Bedouin.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Mixed.Lucy Jordan review 5 Mar 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There were many memorable great things about this vacation. Petra is amazing, especially the back door hiking trip in. The Dana biosphere was beautiful hiking also. Wadi Rum is also spectacular, and the stargazing excursion we booked while there was a big highlight. A small family owned restaurant in Madaba was such good food, we made a detour to go back on the way to the Dead Sea-which was also a great way to spend the last 24 hours. The hotel in Petra, the Hayatt Zaman was really lovely too.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
1. Get some sense about tipping norms so you can plan in advance how much to bring for tipping. We wished we had asked RT about this advance to have some ballpark ideas for it. 2. Skip Aqaba-unless you have some pressing reason to go there. We would have chosen to spend that one night just about anywhere else. The best thing about Aqaba is shopping for spices, nuts and local sweets (I guess alcohol too -but not relevant for me as I don't drink). 3. Petra at night is not a must so don't plan around it.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Some aspects yes, some others, not so sure. On the positive side, we had very local guides in Petra and Dana Biosphere. Private individuals offering guiding services. These were amazing. Our driver and main guide was amazing also. The restaurant we went to in Madaba was locally owned and we met the woman who owns it. The cooking class in Petra was not as we expected, it was a large group, and there was one what seemed like 1 ceremonial woman, and all the other workers were men. It was billed as woman-centered, so we found this disappointing. It also did not have the local touch feeling to it at all. The restaurant owner in Madaba runs a class which could be much better option for local experience. Overall, the Jordanian women were quite invisible during this trip, so a question would remain about whether and how they could be more included? The camp at Wadi Rum did not seem to be very sustainably minded (all single use plastic for water for example, and there was zero water available not for purchase which seemed a bit odd for a desert camp, and also no way to reuse containers). There are many camps at WR, and from a distance it seemed that some others might be more eco-minded and could be considered for future excursions. The Dana biosphere guest house is much more sustainably minded than the Sun City Camp we stayed out. I would say the main driver guide really matters as we were able to get some more localized information from him, so this was lucky.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was an amazing vacation. I would use RT again, and also take more active role in planning. Basically, I abdicated most responsibility for planning, but in retrospect wish I had been a bit more proactive. I made assumption that some of the responsible travel aspects would be a bit more vetted than they seemed to be (especially the Petra Kitchen, the Wadi Rum camp, and the missing female gender aspect) but also recognize that I did could have been more proactive in planning. The reasons I did not rate 5 are as follows: Aqaba was big disappointment, and the hotel especially do, and since it is really all there is there (no access to the sea from the hotel) the disappointment was bigger. Nothing about Aqaba felt responsible or sustainable regarding travel. It would have been big help to have some guidance about tipping norms for better planning and execution. For the Vacation Inn at Dead Sea, suggest to let clients know if they hope to use spa to make an advance booking, and either offer to book or provide follow up details for clients.Peter Aylmer review 10 Apr 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Petra, in particular the 'back door' hike to the monastery.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
At least two days for Petra! We spent the third morning at the museum, but with even more time would happily have gone back for other walks around the site.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, given that tourism was at a low ebb in the country - such a shame, because the people are so welcoming. But there's always the downside of the flight to get there.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
One of the best vacations we've ever had.Yvonne Brown review 1 Nov 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We had several memorable parts to our vacation - Petra has to be a highlight we feel very privileged to have made the visit and would like to return, Wadi Rum and the desert is absolutely extraordinary the scenery is amazing and the our desert accommodation fantastic.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't try to pack too many activities into your day and don't worry about taking children we had three aged 4, 6, and 8 and they have all taken away good memories and experiences3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not really except that we provided a financial input through tourism4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
An exceptional and varied vacation with plenty to interest a family groupRobert Bulloch review 24 Mar 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We enjoyed everything, but particularly Petra and Wadi Rum. All the hotels we stayed were excellent, although the Vacation Inn at the Dead Sea was rather cold and impersonal with a number of very indifferent staff - which we did not encounter anywhere else. Our driver, Mr Khaled, was exceptional and the best I have every encountered. His care and attention was outstanding. I did pass this on to the agent in Amman during a telephone conversation when at the hotel in Aqaba. The organisation in Jordan was very good indeed, and the the other drivers, guides and representatives were very good indeed. I have nothing but praise for them.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I was impressed by the country and everything we saw. I would definitely recommend a short stay in Amman as the rest of the country is much more interesting, in my opinion.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope that it benefited local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The vacation was exceptional. I regret to say that after two years of dealing with the operator, they fell down badly in the last few weeks. I felt that as they had had our money for the last 2 years, anything would do. I was appalled at their attitude when I informed them that my baggage had not been included by Royal Jordanian and I had had to pay extra to include. They more or less said this was impossible. I assure you that it was not! This matter has not been sorted out by them and I have asked them NOT to contact me ever again. You may be assured that I will never book with them again and I am afraid that this sheds a very poor light upon yourselves. Very sad after a very enjoyable and well organised vacation, but it leaves an extremely nasty taste. Nevertheless, that it how it is.Read the operator's response here:
We are so pleased you found the vacation exceptional. We’ve done a thorough investigation with our flight consolidator on the issue around the baggage and explained this. The tickets to Jordan included one suitcase per client but unfortunately an extra bag was booked when checking in on line and was charged.
In Jordan we support the Jordan River Foundation which is a wonderful charity helping vulnerable women and children. The Jordan River Foundation is a non-profit organisation which was established with a vision to ensure the wellbeing of children by engaging Jordanians to overcome social challenges, namely child abuse.
During this tour you will have enjoyed an evening at ‘The Petra Kitchen;’ a truly Jordanian experience with local women and authentic furnishings, all crafted by the Women’s Co-operative and Jordan River Foundation.
Established in 1995 by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, since its launch, the foundation has initiated women’s projects to provide employment and enhance their livelihoods making women empowered. This project was much needed in Jordan which continues to generate income for vulnerable families, of which there are many in Jordan.
Nicola Wildman review 9 Mar 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Visiting Petra2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do not stay at Harir palace in Amman. Double check paperwork from the operator3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefitted local people4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had an amazing time. With hindsight, we would have upgraded our accommodationDorothie Jones review 31 Mar 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Petra, despite the hailstorm! Petra kitchen Wadi Rum including the bubble tent for stargazing2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Get to all the tourist sites as early as possible in the day. Especially Petra 7.00am latest! Try to get a Wadi Rum driver who's English is better than rudimentary! Look up what you want to see and make sure he knows.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefited local people yes as tourism is Jordan's major economy. You do need to tip, but not extortionately. Environment and conservation. Certainly if you stay at Feynan Eco lodge or one of the Dana lodges. Jordan has several nature reserves and is doing it's best to preserve the environment. However inevitably there are environmental costs to all the road travel, aircon in hotels etc. Single use plastics still in evidence and recycling not always possible. Solar and wind power is on the increase however.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Brilliant! Such a diverse country and lovely people. Our driver/guide was fantastic but you could easily drive yourself.Hazel Parker review 13 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Tour around Petra & hiking away from the crowds2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Appreciate hotels no matter what star are quite slow in service & maintenance doesn’t seem to be thought about3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great experiences. Just let down by quality of hotel rooms & serviceScott Cupp review 18 Mar 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Interacting with the people of Jordan will be the first memories we keep. The beauty and majesty of the country, combined with the living history was exciting to experience. From the green fields of the north to the southern desert, preserved roman Jerash to Nabatean Petra, all beautiful to see.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don’t be in a hurry, absorb what comes your way. Take time with the daily interactions (skipping over the souvenir sellers though) and enjoy the genuine hospitality. The history has many layers, so try to relate to the history, past and that in progress.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The vacation benefits the local populace in two ways, first by staying in the preserves and in the Wadi Rum camps, jobs are created where none existed a few years ago. Second, many of the shopping opportunities are at sites created to benefit the Queen Noor foundations employing and giving skills to locals that do not have traditional schooling opportunities or good jobs in remote locations. So skip the cheap imported goods and buy the hand crafted items where many times you can meet the artist too.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Extremely satisfying. We found what we were looking for. A great diversity of locations and activities allowing personal interaction with many of people of Jordan. In eight days we ranged the length of the country, visited many interesting sites, yet never felt rushed, allowing us to linger and enjoy each moment.Louise Carrier review 16 Apr 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There are so many... Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum, Feynan Ecolodge... but most of all it is the friendliness of its people that made the biggest impression.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
1) Book an extra day in Amman... we were so busy everyday that in the end we didn't have time to visit Amman itself. 2) If you like to do some hiking book an extra day at Feynan Ecolodge to fully make the most of it. 3) We could have used an extra day in the desert to do some camel riding. The days are so busy that although the possibility is there with the travel time from one place to another we ran out of time. 4) In Wadi Rum, choose a Bedouin camp that is smaller rather than large. Captain' s Camp could accommodate over+ 120 guests at a time (read busloads); there are smaller camps. We were lucky as we were only five guests on the night we stayed but i could see how overwhelming it could get... In summary, 8 days may not be enough to fully enjoy Jordan! If you can ask for a specific driver we were very please with our driver Mr. Jihad Jaber.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes I do believe in eco tourism and Jordan is in great need of our help to support conservation efforts. I was very impressed by the Feynan Ecolodge and its staff!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had a wonderful time, felt very welcomed and secure. We unfortunately lost our driver mid week (unforeseeable interruption); he was very knowledgeable about his country and had a great personality. He was a great fit with our small group.Holiday Reviews
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