I am a solo traveller I will be visiting Jordan in 2010. I would like to know which companies are good for private tours for a solo traveller. I have got estimates from some companies and I find that the price I am being quoted is ~ US$1200 for a five day package to Wadi Rum and Petra. I am surprised that the package is so expensive. I have looked at tours but my travel dates are not flexible and I need a guaranteed tour departure before I commit to an airline ticket. What suggestions do TA members have?

Is it possible to avoid the private package and travel independently for less?

You may be able to do it for less if you book Petra separately yourself. However, I tried to do this myself this year, and finally gave up and booked with a tour group. The hotels in Petra seem to stay pretty full, and the prices just for Wadi Rum for one person were too high. Unfortunately, I can't recommend the group tour I took.

Solo travel is always more expensive, as there is the single supplements for your room. There is probably a set daily rate for guide/vehicle which also includes his room/board - though not at same hotel as you - and entry fees (if any) and,, I assume, some daily salary. When traveling with others/group, this latter cost is divided by the number of paxs in the group.

Have you considered going with a tour guide, as opposed to a tour group? I usually travel independently as well, and having a tour guide really added to our Jordan trip, without cramping my style at all. Not to mention, it was very affordable!

Thank you for the feedback.

Surab, could you please let me the name of the guide you used in Jordan.

Hi germanblonde, in case you are still interested in a tour you might check out Imaginative Traveller. They have tours with share options where they pair you with a roommate of your gender and you avoid the single supplement. If you book a share option and you are the only solo traveler of your gender you get your own room at no extra charge. They have several tours of Jordan that might interest you.

This is the company I used for my Romania trip in June and I really liked it. Groups are small so everyone gets to know each other. The prices listed do not include airfare.

http://www.imaginative-traveller.com...search_by_form

Thanks, P_M.

Hi there - have you already been to Jordan? Am thinking of going to Jordan from 2-11 April 2010, if you havent been yet and the dates suit you, wanna meet up there? Sorry, are you a girl btw as I prefer my own gender.

I am currently in Jordan on a private tour arranged through Lady Egypt (I was just in Egypt).

The tour operator in Jordan is Desert Horizons.

My trip is 7 days. I have a driver who is my escort for the whole trip. Guide in Petra included. I have a full day Wadi rum tour with camping in the desert privately...not in a group bedouin camp. Then go to Aqaba and then the dead sea.

So far it has been very good. My driver is very nice. We went for dinner tonight.

I will report more when my trip is completed.

doc

Hey Doc-whats your drivers name? Is he about 30 and named Yousef?

duty free,

Yes, my driver is Yousef. I went on your recommendation. And he remembers you and your family fondly!

doc

bookmarking

Awesome thread! Germanblonde, did you ever make it to Jordan? Do you have recommendations?

Looking for recommendations?

Is it possible to go to Petra by oneself?

Thank you!

Hi! I'll be attending conference on May 9 in Amman. I'm a Filipino passport holder currently residing in China. I was told by our conference coordinator in Amman that I don't need any visa but only the Letter of Invitation approved by the Jordan Ministry of Interior and just present it upon arrival. I know Jordan is very strict with Filipinos. Will that letter work or I need to really apply for visa? Will appreciate any advice.

Why would you take advice from a bunch of random strangers about something so important? Surely the place to ask is the Jordanian embassy in Beijing (since there doesn't seem to be one in Manila). Actually, in your situation I wouldn't ask anyone, I'd get the visa.

hobbitthefoodlover - certainly it's possible to go to Petra independently, although public transport to Wadi Musa isn't as frequent as to some other places. See Lonely Planet or Rough Guide for details - buses from Amman, Wadi Rum and Aqaba. And of course you can always arrange for a car and driver, or even drive yourself in Jordan.

I am also considering Desert Horizons for an upcoming trip to Jordan/Syria so it sounds like you recommend them?

I am booked with Desert Horizons in May. They were excellent to work with...prompt replies and lots of patience

Will look for your report! I am awaiting an itinerary proposal from them since my flts are finally confirmed.