Why Jordan
The country is the size of Portugal and concentrates within that area a Nabataean city carved into the rock, a sandstone desert, the Dead Sea, Byzantine mosaics and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Everything is within four hours' drive of Amman.
It is also the most stable country in the region and one of the most welcoming: the tradition of hospitality is real, and being offered tea by someone who will not then sell you anything is a common experience.
Getting around
A rental car is the most efficient way: the roads are good, the signage is bilingual, and the distances are short. The King's Highway, between Madaba and Petra, is worth the detour for its own sake.
JETT buses link the main points with reliable schedules but few departures. Shared intercity taxis are taken at the bus stations. Beyond that, public transport is scarce, and Wadi Rum is reached only by vehicle.
Money
The dinar is one of the strongest currencies in the region, and the country is more expensive than its neighbours: this is not a budget destination. Cash dominates outside hotels and large restaurants.
The Jordan Pass is worth calculating before departure: it covers the visa and entry to forty sites including Petra, on condition of staying at least three nights. Bought online before arrival, it is almost always worth it as soon as you visit Petra.
Before you go
The Jordan Pass is only bought before entering the country: once you are there, the visa is paid separately and the advantage disappears. It is the most expensive mistake of the trip.
Petra cannot be visited in a day without rushing: the site covers more than sixty square kilometres, the Siq alone is one and a quarter kilometres, and the Monastery takes eight hundred steps. The two- or three-day ticket costs barely more than the one-day.
The Dead Sea is four hundred and thirty metres below sea level and its water stings the slightest cut and the eyes: do not shave beforehand, do not put your head under, and rinse with fresh water on coming out.