Scenes from a Jordanian Road Trip
While I’m not so big on the act of driving, I love a good road trip. Setting off with friends, good music, and letting the road unfold in front of you — what could be better?
It turns out that Jordan is an excellent place for a road trip. The roads are safe and mostly empty, the drivers aren’t nearly as insane as other countries (I’m looking at you, Vietnam), the scenery is diverse and will blow you away, and driving allows you to see attractions at your discretion without booking an organized tour.
Were there crazy moments? Oh my GOD, yes. This short video, taken while driving through Wadi Rum, was probably the most insane 30 seconds of my entire week in Jordan. It’s probably the best example of how NOT to drive in Jordan. Behold:
So, what are the kinds of things you see when you road trip through Jordan?
Yes, you get that cliche but lovely moment of driving off into the sunset. This was outside Ajloun.
This part of northern Jordan, not far from Ajloun, is known as the greenest part of Jordan, and looked different from everywhere else in the country.
Roadside stands were something to behold. Check out the size of those radishes!
A major highway runs along the Dead Sea, so you can stop for amazing pictures like this!
We stopped for tea at a roadside shack and had the opportunity to play with some kittens.
Music videos were on in the background, and a Ne-Yo video began playing. ”This man, he thinks he is Michael Jackson,” Ibrahim said, deadpan, cracking me up.
I then tried my hand at a traditional instrument.
(Funny story. When I asked about the music, Ibrahim told me it was called ‘Ud. ”‘Ud Music of Egypt?” I said automatically, wondering why that phrase was entrenched in my mind. Then it hit me — back in the day, ‘Ud was the very first entry in Microsoft Encarta 1996!)
It wouldn’t be a road trip without road snacks! In Jordan, that means you stop for falafel with the hottest, freshest pita bread you’ve ever tasted.
You might pass the occasional desert castle as well.
As you get into more rural areas in the south, keep your eyes peeled for goat crossings!
Feel like off-roading? Wadi Rum is tailor-made for that, provided you’ve got an off-roading vehicle. (See my video at the top for just what can happen in situations like these.)
And then the road REALLY changes when you approach Aqaba. With palm trees spring up and the sapphire-like Red Sea, it looks like the view you’d see from the balcony of Oahu hotels. In a single glance, you can see Jordan, Israel, and Egypt simultaneously. On a clear day, you can even see all the way to Saudi Arabia!
One of the best things you can do is stop by the side of the road and visit with a nomadic family. It’s eye-opening that people live their entire lives this way.
Shawerma from the side of the road — easily the best thing I ate in Jordan. I inhaled two of these faster than any human being should.
“There’s a bridge just like this in Boston,” I said to Ibrahim as we crossed the Abdoun Bridge in Amman. It reminds you of the Zakim Bridge, don’t you think? Proof that the more you travel, the more connections you find around the world.
Anyone who has taken a road trip knows that the trip is only as good as the people on it. Well, I majorly lucked out in that I had Ibrahim and Rami with me! I love these two guys — they made me crack up throughout the week, they drilled me in Arabic nonstop, they let me have the front seat whenever I felt sick, and they indulged me when I was burned out and just wanted to stop talking for a while.
These two could not be better, and I’m so lucky I had a chance to get to know them.
I took another video in which I talk about road tripping through Jordan. Check it out:
So — would you like to plan a road trip through Jordan anytime soon?
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At age 26, I quit my job to travel the world alone. I spent six fantastic months in Southeast Asia and turned my travel blog into a full-time business. Today, I travel full-time, going anywhere that sounds wacky or beautiful or interesting. My goal is to show YOU how you can travel the world on your own -- easily, safely, and adventurously. 
YES!
I have been loving your posts from the Middle East. I am dying to go there but I was never sure it was safe for a single girl to travel alone there. It seems as if you have had guides through your whole trip. Would you recommend booking guides? If so, how can I book them?
The music that is playing in the car is so up my alley. I love that type of music.
I can recommend you my guide Ibrahim. He was fantastic. Just email me if you’d like his information.
I’m with you I hate driving, but love road trips. This looks like a road trip we’re going to have to take! Thanks for sharing the pictures and that video is hilarious, they seem like the perfect road tripping companions!
Your posts are really inspiring. I hope to take a trip to the middle east soon. Your time in Jordan looks great!
Thank you, Lauren! You’d love it.
Nothing like a good road trip…or off road trip as the case may be:) Another great one from Jordan..
I feel the same way about road trips, but Jordan is such a great place to take one. The landscapes are really worth seeing from the road. I’m glad you had a good time!
It looks AMAZING! That water is begging me to come swim in it.
This looks like an awesome road trip! Never would of though Jordan would be a great place to road trip but these pictures are great!