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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
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Whether in swimming pools, rivers, lakes, the sea or the ocean, this icon indicates on which days you will have an opportunity to swim. |
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
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Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Back to topAccordingly you should allow approx 20JD for gratuitites for local staff per person.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Local Currency: Jordanian Dinar.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: Sterling and US$ are widely accepted though exchange rates tend to favour the US$. It is worth taking some money in cash. You may be able to order Dinars from your bank although the rate will usually be lower than purchasing currency in country.
Where to Exchange: Banks or 'Forex' offices in main towns/cities.
ATM Availability: ATMs are widely available, but do not always work.
Credit Card Acceptance: In hotels and some larger shops/restaurants.
Travellers Cheques: Travellers Cheques, although still the safest way of carrying money, are difficult to cash in Jordan. There are high commission charges on Travellers Cheques on a per cheque basis so if using them we suggest you take high denomination cheques. Proof of purchase may be necessary for encashment of Travellers Cheques.
Up-to-date information re:global exchange rates can be obtained at https://www.currencyexpress.com/explore/
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| UK | Jordan | |
|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | £1.00 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | £1.00 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | £1.50 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | £4.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | £10.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | £15.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | £20.00 |
| Breakfast | £5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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The following information relates to EU passport holders and those who are travelling on group flights arranged by Explore:
Subject to a minimum group size of 5 persons, free visas can be arranged on arrival for all clients if Explore receive your passport details a minimum of 10 days before arrival. Unfortunately we will not know until the commencement of your tour whether the minimum number is attained, therefore we recommend that you allow JD20 (approx £20) in case an individual visa will need to be purchased on arrival. Please note those on the group flight will be met by a Representative to take you through the immigration process. Due to the new security procedures in the aiport the representative may not be able to meet the group immediately, so please wait for the rep to come through and assist you with the group visa. This could take up to 30 minutes, perhaps longer depending on the number of tour groups coming through, so please be patient. If you proceed through without the representative, you may affect whether the group can still use their group visa and have to pay for your own individual visa, so please wait until the representative has been let through to assist you.
The following information relates to EU passport holders and those who are travelling on non-group flights or Land Only:
Those clients who are not on group flights, will be required to purchase an individual visa on arrival. Visas can be bought on arrival at Amman’s Queen Alia Airport or any border crossing point (current cost JD20, approx. £20).
The Jordanian government levies on all travellers a departure tax of 8JD per person. For travellers departing by air this is usually included in the taxes on the airline ticket and thus nothing will be collected from you at the point of departure. For those travellers departing by land, this will be collected by the immigration authorities at the port of departure from Jordan.
All nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Back to topNothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus infectious hepatitis and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to topSingle parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentation confirming that the individual has authority to travel with the minor. It is crucial that you contact the relevant country embassy for further information on exactly what may be required. These details can be found on the Foreign & Commonwealth Website under the appropriate country www.fco.gov.uk/travel
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topDuring April-November days are generally sunny and hot without rain (some showers December-March) with temperatures around 32°C. Spring and autumn evenings can be cool and night temperatures can drop suddenly especially in the desert. Expect cold nights in winter (December-February) when temperatures can drop to around zero degrees celsius. Some rain should also be expected at this time of year.
Back to topAdditional information and climate charts can be accessed at http://www.explore.co.uk/ weather. Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. Up-to-date information on the weather worldwide can be found by following the BBC weather link on this page.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topUnfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
Back to topOne main piece of baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topLightweight clothing is essential in midsummer, with a sun-hat and neck protection, though a sweater and light jacket are advisable for Wadi Rum. Early mornings can be very cold when camping in the desert. Winters in Jordan can be cold and it may snow, so please bring suitable warm clothing. We recommend a waterproof jacket in winter. Women are advised not to wear shorts or dresses that are too revealing as this can attract unwelcome attention in the streets of Moslem towns – loose fitting trousers or slacks are ideal. Women should also cover their head and shoulders when entering a mosque and men should wear long trousers.
Back to topComfortable walking shoes or boots, trainers and sandals.
Back to topSleeping bags, blankets and mattresses are provided, but we suggest you bring your own sleeping sheet. A personal water bottle, a towel and small torch are useful for the nights in Wadi Rum. You may also wish to bring your own snorkelling equipment. Anti- bacterial hand wash, such as Travelproof’s ‘H20-No’ water-less hand scrub (available through Explore Trader catalogue); try to avoid anti-bacterial wipes as these can pose a disposal problem.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topThen we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to topRAMADAN 2013 - 9th July to 8th August
Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some restrictions to services and minor amendments to the itinerary. Restaurants may have limited supplies of fresh food available during this period.
Camping at Wadi Rum is in a communal bedouin style tent in a remote area. Privacy and facilities are thus limited but more than compensated for by the location.
Back to topThe cost of every day items in Jordan, such as meals and drinks is somewhat higher than in some neighbouring countries, such as Egypt. Please refer to approximate costs given below when calculating spending money.
Back to topArea: 89,206 sq km.
Population: 5.46 million.
Language: Arabic, English.
Religion: 96% Sunni Muslim, 4% Christian.
Local time: GMT +3.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v, 50Hz, European two pin sockets.
Recommended Books: TE Lawrence: Seven Pillars of Wisdom, Peter Mansfield The Arabs, Amin Maalouf The Crusades through Arab Eyes, Iain Browning Petra.
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