We took a bus to Eilat, Israel then walked to the border crossing in Jordan, which involved getting dropped off on the side of the highway and walking a mile to the border crossing area. It was completely empty when we were there and logistically very easy, though kind of surreal to cross on foot. We had a driver waiting for us in Jordan and went to Petra the next day. Petra was nice and beautiful but hard to feel as much of a connection to as many of the Israeli sites. Our kids loved climbing around and looking at the buildings carved into the stone. It was hot and sunny even in December. Going in the summer would have been tough.
We loved our hotel and the amazing breakfast buffet.
Then we drove two hours to Wadi Rum, passing wild camels on the way.
Wadi Rum ended up being one of our favorite places. If you search for accommodations, you’ll find options as low as $5/person. I’d highly recommend paying extra to stay somewhere with your own bathroom and hot water.
Highlights:
- Driving through the desert
- The overwhelming kindness of the people
- The spontaneous after dinner dance party with our hosts and other guests
- Watching the meal being prepared in an underground sand pit
- Looking across the Red Sea at the lights of Eilat at night
- All the food, every meal
Food: 10
Budget: 8
Natural beauty: 9
Vibe: 10