Is Jordan even safe for solo female travelers?
Jordan is the perfect place to start off your solo travel adventure in the Middle East. It has a pretty straight forward tourist trail and it’s full of world wonders to discover, from Petra to the Wadi Rum Desert! In this article, I’ll be running you through all things solo female travel to Jordan and the safety tips you need for that bucket list trip of a lifetime!
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Is Jordan safe for solo female travellers?
This is a question I spent hours googling during the lead up to my trip. The answers were usually yes! A few negative experiences from solo females also came up on my social media feed – one even recommending I didn’t enter the desert on my own. Now I’ve been myself, I can say that yes, Jordan is safe for female solo travellers. I believe we need to look at the difference between feeling safe and being safe. I have to admit that I didn’t feel safe for the first couple of day because of negative experience that I had read about. I was on high alert and mindful of all the possible risks. But was I safe? Yes.
In the Travel Ladies App, Jordan is ranked number 37 safest country for solo female travellers. It’s also considered to be the safest country in the Middle East for solo female travel.
Things about Jordan that made me feel safe
The JETT buses which are specifically for tourists and run between Amman (the capital), the Dead Sea, Petra and the Wadi Rum Desert. You really can’t go wrong with the stops and you can meet other travellers!
A lot of police presence in Amman, and the tourist towns. It just feels secure!
Meeting lots of other female solo travellers on the trail in Petra! You won’t be the only one 🙂
Being able to conveniently and affordably catch Ubers in Amman.
My overall experience with the locals – I found them to be friendly, hospitable and willing to help.
The best time to go for a solo female
The best time to go is from March to June when the weather is sunny and high tourist season is in full swing. I went in February during the low season – this combined with the atrocities unfolding in Gaza has meant that there were less tourists in general since October 2023. I have to admit that the low number of other travellers in Jordan was something that I was initially concerned about. I was nervous about entering the Wadi Rum and being the only one in the camp – thankfully everything was just fine and there were two other travellers there!
What to watch out for
You’re probably wondering what the negative experiences I read about were all about? They were most related to sexual harassment and catcalling. My response was to be reserved in my interactions and dress until I felt out the situation for myself and felt comfortable enough to act otherwise. I also made sure I checked that my accommodation had enough positive reviews (8.0 or above) – bonus points if solo female travellers had recently stayed there and had a positive experience.
What to wear
Jordan is a popular tourist destination which is home to world wonders such as Petra, the Wadi Rum desert and the Dead Sea, so the country is used to welcoming tourists for all over the world. Many westerners do dress as they would at home on a hot summer’s day, however, it is recommended to dress modestly – especially when travelling to Jordan as a solo female. This will significantly reduce the unwanted attention in the form of catcalling.
Well, what do you mean by modest dress? I hear you! Go for long and loose fitting dresses, skirts, trousers, kimonos or abayas. They will be part your packing essentials and are so comfy and fun to wear – be sure to embrace it during your trip to Jordan!
Top tips for a safe trip
Jordan is generally a safe country to travel to as a solo female and the following tips will help you stay extra safe:
1. Check reviews and research other travellers experiences before booking any hotels, hostels, camps, guides, transport or anything in this case.
2. Consider visiting the sites a part of a group or tour. You can find affordable and reviewed options here. I didn’t but they are advised if you want to take extra safety precautions. You can meet other travellers by staying in a hostel. People usually get together and hire a trusted driver to take them to the popular tourists spots – not only does this make for a safer trip, you get to meet new people and save money on transport!
3. Modest dress – cover up to avoid unwanted attention. The more modestly you dress, the more you’ll blend in, and the less problems you are likely to run into.
4. Ride in the back seat of the taxi. This is a sign of respect. Greet the driver with Salam O’Aleikum (it quite literally means peace be upon you).
5. Avoid entering a cave for tea with a male Bedouin* if you are exploring Petra alone and you get singled out. DO NOT agree to attending a “special party”, dinner or spending a night in a cave. Unauthorised overnight camping actually isn’t allowed in Petra, so don’t take the risk no matter how exciting it might sound.
*Bedouins are the nomadic people of Jordan who use nature and livestock and live simple lives in caves and tents. Be sure to learn about the culture and history- it’s super interesting!
6. Share your location and camp details with someone you trust when spending a night remote at the Wadi Rum Desert. Be sure to buy a sim card with data and calls at the airport or Orange shop when you get to Jordan, or arrive ready and get an e-sim here.
7. Avoid walking around by yourself at night. This goes for solo travel in every destination and isn’t unique to Jordan.
Final words
My experience as a solo female traveller in Jordan exceeded my expectations and couldn’t have gone any smoother. This destination is a special one with its otherworldly landscapes and bucket list adventures. From exploring one of the 7 wonders of the world in Petra to getting a taste of Mars at the Wadi Rum Desert to floating in the dead sea, your solo travel experience to Jordan will stand out as one of the best! Enjoy and keep me posted <3
