4 Tips To Visit Petra, Jordan @julescruisecompanion #petra #jordan #visitjordan #tips #travel
When people ask me for advice about visiting Petra, the first thing I always say is: prepare—and not just mentally or emotionally, but physically too. Petra isn’t just a casual walk in the park; it’s a full-on hike, often in intense heat, across uneven terrain. Start with the basics: protect yourself from the sun. I always wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a long-sleeved, lightweight shirt. Don’t come here in shoe-string strap tops or sleeveless shirts—you’ll roast under the sun, and there’s very little shade once you’re inside the site. Sunscreen is essential. Apply it before you enter and bring it with you to reapply throughout the day. The UV is no joke down here. Footwear is another major one. Don’t—under any circumstances—come down here in new shoes. You need to break in whatever footwear you plan to use, preferably months in advance. Your shoes need to be sturdy, supportive, and ideally made for hiking. The ground throughout Petra is incredibly variable—soft sand, polished stone, uneven pebbles, and rocky slopes that can roll your ankle if you’re not careful. If you have hiking poles, bring them, especially if you plan to go up to the Monastery. They help with balance and reduce strain on your knees and ankles. Speaking of the Monastery—those steps are no joke. There are hundreds of them, cut into sandstone, with irregular heights and widths. Some are slippery. You’ll need stamina and patience. I always tell people to start training at least 3–4 months before their trip, especially if they’re not used to long walks on unstable ground. Build your endurance by walking on uneven terrain, not just pavement. Hydration is key. I always carry plenty of water, but more importantly, I add electrolyte powder or tablets. When you’re sweating that much, plain water isn’t enough. You need to replace the salts and minerals you’re losing, or you risk getting cramps or even heat exhaustion. I usually sip throughout the day instead of guzzling—it helps keep my energy steady. There are lots of things that make Petra magical—the dramatic landscape, the scale of the ruins, the energy of the place. But it’s easy to forget all that if you’re sunburned, blistered, dehydrated, or simply exhausted. So, come prepared. Dress smart, walk smart, fuel your body, and Petra will reward you with one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life. Like, Share & Subscribe for the latest videos My book HANDY CRUISE COMPANION, Cruise with Confidence is available on Amazon http://bit.ly/HandyCruiseCompanioneBook Check out my website http://www.julescruisecompanion.com.au/ Follow me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/julie.burgess.5011 Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/julescruisecompanion/?hl=en Copyright JCC