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Original poster

Would you go to Jordan right now?

84 replies

BackT · 17/10/2023 21:39

My mum is due to go on a long awaited tour of Jordan and the Dead Sea on Thursday.

She's with her friend and a tour group of older people.

I'm worried but I also don't want to say don't go. She was in a controlling relationship for years and she's an intelligent educated adult.

Would you go?

OP posts:
Youneedtobelower · 19/10/2023 09:27

BackT · 17/10/2023 22:03

I'll speak to her tomorrow. I think she'll go. She's fearless. I've been to the region a few times and I know how highly they value their tourism but it's still a volatile situation.

Thanks for all the replies.

If it helps, she's not British and will be with a mixed Scandinavian tour group so no chance of being mistaken for being American.

Weren't two Scandinavian people shot in Brussels two nights ago? Not sure it helps to not 'look' American.

I wouldn't go I must say but hard to stop someone else definitely.

Immajaz · 19/10/2023 09:31

Baroda32 call your tour company and have a chat to them. I lost my flight money by cancelling but have a credit for the cost of the tour as as a company they had decided that they would allow people to back out and book elsewhere. So worth asking.

Tartareistasty · 19/10/2023 09:33

We went few months after Syrian Civil war kicked off and the security was good. It was really amazing trip and we kept away from border, registered with embassy etc.
It's a beautiful place. Have been back few times

Disturbia81 · 19/10/2023 09:46

I used to live there and was always aware of unrest in nearby countries plus it was when ISIS were around, I always felt safe. Nothing ever happened to me or any of the expats and we lived there years, some 40+.
I always had in the back of my mind that a random stray could get in and do an act of terrorism but nothing ever happened.

Hbh17 · 19/10/2023 09:48

If the FO has no specific advice, of course I'd go. Jordan & similar places will need the tourists at the moment.

MrsSkylerWhite · 19/10/2023 09:50

No, I wouldn’t.

BeBraveLittlePenguin · 19/10/2023 16:02

Immajaz · 19/10/2023 09:31

Baroda32 call your tour company and have a chat to them. I lost my flight money by cancelling but have a credit for the cost of the tour as as a company they had decided that they would allow people to back out and book elsewhere. So worth asking.

Who were you travelling with, if you don't mind saying?

DemBonesDemBones · 19/10/2023 17:21

Not a chance.

Peony15 · 19/10/2023 21:00

No way would I go , the whole area is a tinder box , waiting to erupt.
People get out of the middle east by which ever route heading west.
Situation can change by the hour.
Way , way too close to Israel/Gaza.
Avoid. Literally NOT worth any risk heading that way at all.

MrsWimpy · 20/10/2023 22:34

My mum is there now. Seems to be fine. I wasn't keen on her going but I wouldn't stop her.

BeBraveLittlePenguin · 21/10/2023 12:44

We were due to fly out Monday. Cancelled yesterday, with credit for the non-flight element. It got to the point where I wondered what we were trying to prove by taking DS to a tinderbox. I'd probably have gone if it was just the two adults, but not with a kid.

Gobleki · 21/10/2023 12:50

Very laid back traveller but no I certainly wouldn’t. Tension is at boiling point.

Silkiefloof · 21/10/2023 13:01

No I wouldn't, looks far too volatile and fast moving in that region atm.

Original poster
BackT · 21/10/2023 13:33

She went! It was all very last minute. So far all ok. She is at Petra today.

I agree with everyone about it being a tinderbox but i couldn't have stopped her

OP posts:
Paperbagsaremine · 21/10/2023 13:48

We were there a couple of years ago and TBH my takeaway was it was almost as if everyone had been sat down individually and told how important tourism was to the economy - we have no oil, do NOT piss off the tourists.

Tartareistasty · 21/10/2023 13:55

What's their itinerary?
Petra is lovely, I am assuming they will do Wadi Rum as well so stay around Aqaba for few days then head to Dead sea and Amman?

Babyenroute · 21/10/2023 14:16

I probably would. Then again I lived in the Middle East for years and there was regular conflict

Silkiefloof · 21/10/2023 14:17

Hope she has a lovely time and is safe. I did watch 48 hours in Jordan on Netflix last night and looked very interesting and different but wouldn't be brave enough to go myself atm.

Tartareistasty · 21/10/2023 14:23

@Silkiefloof when it calms down, easyjet flies sometimes cheaply to Aqaba. Worth a trip to see one of the Wonders imho

SiouxsieSiouxStiletto · 21/10/2023 14:23

I've always wanted to go to Petra. I hope your DM is enjoying the trip and she gets home nice and safely.

She has probably gone because she might not get a chance again.

PauliesWalnuts · 21/10/2023 19:23

If anyone does go and gets the chance to camp out at Wadi Rum - oh my goodness the stars! Makes you realise just how bad the light pollution is here in the UK.

Gingeranimals · 21/10/2023 19:28

We are on holiday in Jordan right now with our toddler. It is full of American/European tourists and appears completely normal. Petra is fantastic and the people are incredibly friendly.

StillWantingADog · 21/10/2023 19:37

Op I hope your mum has a nice time. I know it’s close to where awful things are happening but that doesn’t mean it’s not safe.

we hope to go to Jordan one day.

notimagain · 23/10/2023 21:39

The portion of that article that references flights etc has the potential to be a bit misleading...just to fill in some gaps:

Despite any overflight agreements since the conflict started most (?all) airlines mentioned in the piece have been avoiding Israeli airspace and using extended routeing via Egyptian airspace.

The international aviation group mentioned is much more of an internet chat group than an official aviation body such as the CAA/FAA/EASA.

HTH