THE TRAVEL PRESS
SPEAKS
ABOUT JORDAN
“When I first told my friends I was traveling to Jordan, they
thought I was crazy. When I told them I was bringing them along,
they tried everything they could to come up with an excuse not
to go. I dragged them there, and then a funny thing happened.
Five days later, they everything they could…to stay. They discovered
what I already knew – that Jordan is one of the safest, most
hospitable places I know. I may live in America, but in Jordan,
I am always welcomed home.”
Peter Greenberg
Travel Editor, Today Show, NBC News
“Jordan is the most under appreciated country I have ever seen.
I found wandering through Petra every bit as inspiring as visiting
Giza, Luxor and Abu Simbel, Egypt. I totally agree with T.E.
Lawrence's declaring Wadi Rum to be “vast, echoing and God-like;” visiting
Mount Nebo is a stirring experience for a Christian; Jerash was
an outstanding archaeological sites; and the diving in Aqaba
was great. The Jordanians themselves were outstanding hosts,
courteous and helpful, and Jordan has a great tourism infrastructure.
I also found Jordan to be a very relaxed country…I certainly
would have no problem recommending Jordan to history, nature
or biblical enthusiasts or those who simply want to divide their
time between relaxing on Red Sea beaches and diving in a water
body that has amazing marine life.”
Ian Stalker
Reporter, Canadian Travel Press
“Visiting Jordan was most certainly an eye-opening experience.
I'd done my reading and research and knew that the country wasn't
dangerous, war-torn, full of radicals, or whatever terms people
use to describe the Middle East. But going there really convinced
me. In contrast, Jordan was one of the most peaceful places I've
ever been. Stroll down the sidewalk, or through one of Amman's
bustling souks, and the hospitality and shouts of "HELLO!" you
receive are overwhelming (not to mention the countless offerings
of tea). People are sincerely happy you are there. The countryside
is vast and ever-changing, from gold, rippling hills to red,
Martian landscapes. Standing on a hill looking down into the
Jordan Valley will be one of the lasting impressions. The history
and significance could actually be felt. You realize you are
someplace much larger than yourself. And while we were there,
it actually snowed, which was an added bonus.”
Bryan Mealer
Reporter, Esquire Magazine
“My recent trip to Jordan was a visit of many pleasures, some
expected and others delightfully surprising. I had anticipated
the glories of Petra (although it's a place that's has to be
experienced to fully appreciate), but I had not known of the
Roman antiquities we'd find at Jerash, which was awe inspiring
and beautiful. I was also taken with the great physical diversity
of this small nation: from the temperate north to the southern
deserts and the beautiful resort areas on the Dead Sea and at
Aqaba on the Red Sea, Jordan offers something to please every
traveler. In addition to the country's many wonderful sights
and attractions, the most pleasant part of our visit was the
warm welcome we received from Jordanian citizens, young and old.
I loved the time we spent in Jordan, and I've recommended it
as a destination to many of my acquaintances.”
Rick Pender
Arts & Entertainment Editor, Cincinnati
CityBeat
“After eleven years of travel writing and visiting 62 countries,
I was amazed by the overwhelming feelings of shear pleasure during
my trip through Jordan. The only problem I had upon my return
was which facets to focus my article on. I ended up having to
write a two part piece. While that helped, I found
that a hundred articles couldn't cover the beauty, history and amazingly
friendly people encountered. I often answer people who ask about
my Jordanian trip summed up with, " Jordan, so small yet
covers it all." Do yourself a favor and experience
it for yourself.”
Kent E. St John
Senior Travel Editor, GoNomad.com
“Having visited Jordan and Petra in 1994, I had eagerly accepted
the opportunity to return. A few days before my April, 2004 departure,
however, I heard of Jordan's King Abdullah's postponement of
his US visit with President Bush. Other news of turmoil in the
Middle East concerned me and I temporarily wavered in my enthusiasm.
Would I be safe? Anxiously, I checked the State Department's
web site for warnings. Finally, I tossed fate to the winds. Had
I known how welcome I would feel, had I anticipated the warmth
and cordiality expressed by every Jordanian I met, I would not
have hesitated. My strong sense was that Jordanians like and
admire American citizens. It would be naïve to surmise that
they are not worried about their region. They are concerned,
but theirs is a peaceful country with almost no record of violent
crime. I could not have felt safer.”
Lee Daley
Travel Editor, Member of SATW
“A most enjoyable trip. With all the turmoil going on in the
Middle East, I thought there would be a more uneasy or unsafe
environment. To the contrary, I found Jordan to be one of the
friendliest countries I have ever been to. As far as the people,
I was touched by the hospitality and genuine personalities of
everyone I met. The people are genuinely friendlier than anyone
I've met in the states. I'm a nice guy and these folks made me
appear like a tyrant.”
Scott Fredette
Head of Production, Light-borne Inc.
“I love Jordan - its people, its culture and environment --
from the walks down the stone steps of the gateway to Petra to
the busy bustle of the town square of Aqaba, to the peace and
wonders of the desert landscape of Wadi Rum. I have been over
a dozens times as a tourist, tour leader, and businessman and
each time there's been something new - something wonderful. Safe.
Pleasant. Engaging.”
Arthur W. Murphy
Managing Partner, Politicom Creative
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