Hi there, i need some advice on Jordan from people who have actually been there.

My brother is planning a month long trip to Jordan and my parents are going mad with worry. They think that Jordan is an extremely dangerous place for western (and my pasty skinned lanky brother is very obviously western!) tourists to visit. My Dad recons that most western tourists travel in organised groups with armed guards!

Is any of this true? I know that Jordan has a large Palistinian population (60% or something i think) who will presumably not be too keen on the English! I know there have been a fair few terrorist attacks in the country over the past few years too and lets face it, the middle east isn't exactly the most stable place in the world right now.

So how safe/dangerous is it and what advice can you give him for minimising any risk?

I'd be very greatful for any advice!

According to some sites, Jordan travel is genrally safe. Yet, it's always helpful to be vigilant always.

It's hard to know where to start to unpack all the prejudices you have concerning Jordan. The large Palestinian population will be almost totally as friendly and warm as most Palestinians are, which is not to say that people don't hold Britain responsible (rightly so) for messing up a lot of the Middle East - but traditional Arab hospitality always shines through. Jordan has had VERY FEW terrorist atrocities over the years, arguably far fewer than in the UK; you run more of a risk of being mugged or stabbed in a British inner city than of coming to any kind of harm in a Jordanian town. Only thing I would be slightly concerned about in Jordan is road safety - but that's just how things are and it's a risk you have to take if you use buses or shared taxis.

Hope your brother has a wonderful time as he ought to in Jordan. I've been planning to go back for ages and one of these days I really will do so.

Richard

This message has been edited. Last edited by: re17,

couldn't agree more - i'd far rather be wandering around amman or wadi musa in the middle of the night than i would Central London.
Never seen an armed guard here in my life and I've visited Jordan on three seperate occasions. Will SM

My wife and I were in Jordan in January 2006, felt perfectly safe at all times and had a great time. For details see the "Jordan & Egypt" section of our travel journal website:www.evcal.org

Hi I flew back into the uk a week ago mores the pitty : ( I have a wonderful time and I felt 100% safe. I hope he has a wonderful. Happy to pass on any info as I travel by bus from Egypt and travelled up to Petra and back on my own.

Alison