jerzee.shore.shooter

Haven’t been to Jordan so no help here. But I have spent time all over Egypt including three weeks ALONE last year. Egyptians are by in large very friendly and welcoming. Most importantly they’re well aware of the value tourists bring to their economy. As with any foreign travel it’s always wise to be smart about where you go and with whom. It’s common sensible to always be polite, never an ugly American, and learn a few simple words/phrases like saying Hello and Thank You in Arabic. Be aware of posted restrictions on photography. Unlike my first trip to the Valley of The Kings, photography is no longer permitted inside tombs, even if you try using a cell phone camera. Be smart and be polite when you travel. You’ll love the Egyptian experience.

11bravo

What an idiot and many Palestinians would agree with me. Personally, I'd never visit a country that is apartheid.

I was lucky enough to backpack through Turkey, Syria, and Jordan decades ago. Traveled in Sudan, down the Nile to Egypt. Will never forget the hospitality of the people of Wadi Halfa while stuck there waiting for the Nile ferry. Lived in Turkey for a year, people so friendly, unbelievable.

Don't believe people like this. Only caution I would suggest is some conservative Muslims don't want their photo taken for religious reasons. I always ask. Petra is unbelievable, coming out of Al Siq to the sight of the Treasury. The Monastery is definitely worth the hike. Stayed with a bedouin family inside the valley.

Egypt is all you've imagined, even more.

Learn a few Arabic words: salaam alaikum (greetings)
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/As-salamu_alaykum

and thank you: shukran

Goodbye: ma Assalamah

Bargain hard, but remember it's a game, not a death struggle. Enjoy a cup of tea while you do. Be street aware, as you would anywhere.

Merlin1300 Loc: New England, But Now & Forever SoTX

In addition to being street aware, I'd also take out a temporary insurance policy on the stuff I was taking over there.
Be penny wise.
OBTW - - I visited Petra in ?1985 while TDY to Jordan. Unbelievable.

11bravo

Jordan: Amman, Jerash, Kerak (amazing castle), Petra. Only trouble I had was when I was mistaken for an Israeli (kids threw rocks), but American, no problem.

Egypt:. Cairo: Citadel, Egyptian museum, pyramids.
Luxar: temples and valley of the king's
Aswan: worth the flight to visit Abu Simbel, unfinished obelisk.

Many more ruins along the Nile worth visiting. I had "Blue Guide Egypt". Extremely detailed guides to what there is to see, even down to the museum case. No hotel or resteraunt info but did not need that. Fantastic guide series.

Do dress conservatively, long pants, even long sleeve shirt, though can roll up sleeves. I would not wear shorts. Women should dress conservatively.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g294201-c74912/Cairo:Egypt:What.To.Wear.When.Visiting.Egypt.html

After this trip, check out Oman, beautiful country, and Turkey.

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

If you have the opportunity go to Petra in Jordan. Many movies were made there Indiana Jones etc. Google it. My husband went there from Israel and loved it. I would also recommend visiting the dessert, maybe a camel safari. I did that in Israel with my children and I enjoyed it. Go diving or snorkeling in the Red Sea. Enjoy the food.
If you extend your trip to Israel do it. There is so much to see there lovedJerusalem.

Bigmike1 Loc: I am from Gaffney, S.C. but live in Utah.

Call me an idiot if you will but it is a different world today. Go ahead and make your trip but keep your eyes open and avoid large crowds.

Goldyrock

If you think Israel is an apartheid country, you are an anti semitic idiot. You shouldn't be using Microsoft products, since a lot of their products were developed in Israel.

Also, a lot of medical advancements were also developed there. All faiths are allowed to practice their religions in Israel, unlike thee Muslim countries.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

When traveling abroad, it usually a good idea to avoid photographing in the direction of police officers, guards or military personnel. In many countries this is prohibited and can lead to arrest, or at least an interrogation by the authorities. And an Egyptian or Jordanian jail is certainly not where you want to end up.

quizas Loc: Seattle, WA

We were in Egypt and Jordan last February. People in Egypt were very friendly, to the point of coming up and thanking us for coming to Egypt. We were with a small group and had an armed guard all the time, but only because the government requires tours to have one as they want tourists to feel safe. The biggest problem we had was vendors who follow you continuing to ask you to look at their wares even after you have said no many times. They will even put a scarf or headdress on you without asking, then want you to pay for it. The guards were useful in making them stop and in helping us cross streets. I did not have trouble taking street shots, even videos in the markets, which was the main area in which we walked. Disclosure: I have a small, unobtrusive camera, not a DSLR. At tombs and monuments, however, people will ask for money if you take their picture or will offer to take your picture, then ask for money.

In Jordan, people were also friendly. We had guards there, too, but again they primarily shooed helped us cross streets and once shooed away pesky vendors. We never felt unsafe. I did not take many street shots in Jordan except in Petra, where there are so many people milling about and taking photos that no one seems pay much attention.

rgproctor Loc: Central Florida

I completely agree with Goldyrock! I have been to Israel 6 times, my wife 15 times. We have been to Jordan and Turkey and in another business had some very prominent Saudi clients. The Palestinian kids are taught to hate, pure and simple. By the way, there are Arabs in the Knesset, their congress. Not exactly apartheid!
On the other hand, Jordan is a wonderful destination, both Jerash and Petra are special places.
In Arab countries, avoid using your left hand and showing the soles of your shoes, both offensive.