Which is better Jordan or Israel? Dead Sea in Israel: description, photos, reviews. Healing salts and mud of the Dead Sea
I want to go to the Dead Sea with my daughter in the second half of September. The purpose of the trip is recreational. Tell me, who knows which way to spend time at the Dead Sea is healthier? From Jordan or Israel?
We were in Jordan, at Kempinski Ishtar. On the Jordan side, on the Dead Sea (the sea, as is clear, is the same in Israel and in Jordan ;-)) there is Marriott, Movenpick, Kempinski and the four-star Dead Sea Spa with a treatment center. There is also a treatment center in Movenpick, but not as big as I understand. From any hotel you can walk in and get advice and appointments at Dead Sea. Jordan is very calm... the place is fantastic, words cannot describe it.
You can have a good rest at the Dead Sea and in Israel! The hotel base is much wider, so you can choose the most suitable one for your holiday. In fact, this will most likely not be a vacation, but rather a treatment. Moreover, for a child it can be extreme. More than 15 minutes at sea. You can’t be there, how will a child’s delicate skin react to concentrated salt? Personally, I can only withstand 5 days, then skin irritation begins (especially in interesting places). Although many families with very tiny children vacationed with me, they stayed for 2-3 days. The food in Israel is excellent everywhere, I can’t say enough about this worry. You need to fly through Ben Gurion Airport - the 1st place in the Middle East. So take your pick!
The Israeli resort on M.M. is located in the southern part of the sea, the water there is more concentrated, so it is not recommended to stay in the water for more than 15 minutes - then you must definitely take breaks..... And in Jordan the resort is in the northern part of the sea, the water is less concentrated and you can spend a lot more time in it......
Again: you still need to get a visa to Israel (and this is not always without problems), we are, of course, talking about the abolition of visas, but the deadlines have already been postponed three times, now it’s as if from September, but even that is still in question.. ...In Jordan, a visa is issued upon arrival.
As for finances: yes, there are more hotels in Israel and you can choose according to the price, which is more suitable.... There are only 4 hotels in Jordan, which must be booked in advance, since the season begins in September...... About the flight : if you are planning to fly from Moscow, then it doesn’t make much difference... but if from some other city (for example, from St. Petersburg), then a direct flight is only to Israel....Only Royal Jordan flies to Jordan from Moscow and there is also a charter flying to Aqaba, but also from Moscow.
In general, it’s up to you to choose.... still a lot depends on finances... As for me personally (I’ve been to both Israel and Jordan), I would choose Jordan without hesitation.
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More recently, people went mainly to Israel for treatment at the Dead Sea. And finally, modern hotel complexes began to appear on the opposite bank - the Jordanians realized what a treasure belonged to them. After all, their sea is no worse than the Israeli one, or even better...
Jordan or Israel: which is better to go to the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is familiar to each of us from school: it is the only body of water located 400 meters below the level of the world's oceans, where the concentration of salt is so high that the existence of living beings is excluded. However, not so long ago, scientists managed to discover somewhere in the depths the echoes of life - some microbes that have adapted to such conditions.
There are 300 grams of salt per liter of water here - this is about 10 times more than in Cherny. But the main thing is that the Dead Sea is a real natural treasure. It contains almost all the salts that exist on the planet, and 55 mineral springs flow from its bottom. This water is almost impossible to reproduce in the laboratory, and that is why cosmetics with local salts are so famous - the main Jordanian and Israeli souvenir.
Two countries have built resorts on the Dead Sea: Israel and Jordan. In fact, we are talking about different seas with different water compositions and different properties. The aerial photograph clearly shows that a single body of water, drying up, long ago divided into northern and southern basins. A peninsula with a narrow isthmus, which once only conditionally separated them, has now become a serious barrier to water. And therefore, in the south, in Israel, people relax where the depth is only 5 meters, and in the north, in Jordan, where it is more than 300. In Jordan they claim that their sea is better in composition, and the concentration of salts there is optimal, since it is diluted with water Jordan River.
Healing salts and mud of the Dead Sea
Scientists are probably wrong. In the Dead Sea, not only the single microbe they found can survive, but also many more organisms - tourist ones. And not only to survive, but also to be healthy and get rid of many diseases: skin, allergic, here you can treat the nervous system and the upper respiratory tract.
You enter the sea not like entering water - like entering oil - the water is so thick, viscous, immediately covering the body with a dense, greasy film. It is elastic, and therefore it is very difficult to change the position of the body: lie down, sit down, stand up. But you can walk in the water without diving deeper than your chest and without wondering how many meters of this strange liquid are under your feet. It seems like you can walk to the opposite bank all the way to Israel - it’s only about five kilometers away.
Many who come to the Dead Sea for the first time cannot resist licking the water. And then they spit for a long time, trying to get rid of the sharp unpleasant taste. Because the water in the Dead Sea is not salty - it is bitter. And as a warning to those who do not believe in such salinity, there are huge boulders on the shore covered with crystalline salt crystals.
And therefore, the most popular images from these places are people lying on the water peacefully reading magazines and newspapers. To tell the truth, no one reads literature at sea. All this waste paper lies on the coastal stones and is used only as a prop. While you make your way over the rocks, swim a little on this rubbery water from the shore, the magazine will swim several times and get completely wet. And doctors do not recommend staying in the water for more than 15-20 minutes. But you don’t burn right away: the skin is protected by the bromine contained in the water and the ozone layer, which is denser than in other places on the planet.
The local mud is also famous. They bring it to hotel beaches and dump it into huge clay pots. However, if you walk along the edge of the sea, you can see its deposits in shallow water - large black spots under the water. It’s better not to take from above, but to dig deeper. But you need to do this carefully: with any movement, the mud sucks your feet like a swamp.
Before smearing yourself with the extracted wealth, you should plunge into the sea, and, without washing off the salty film, apply the mask to your body, then to your hair, and then to your face. Yes, so that in each of these “territories” the dirt was present for 20, 10 and 5 minutes, respectively. Salt water will prevent the healing substance from drying out.
But what about vacuum-packed dirt bought at the store at home? Locals recommend adding a little olive oil to it. By the way, it is almost useless to bring home the dirt you dug up with your own hands - in the air it quickly oxidizes and loses its properties.
Where to live on the Dead Sea
For a long time there were no hotels on the shores of the Jordanian Dead Sea. And only now the local residents realized what they were losing and began to actively build. They are still far from reaching Israeli scale, but luxury hotels such as Kempinski Hotel Ishtar have already appeared.
Israel is a state of mass tourism, which has many historical and religious attractions. Every year, history buffs, religious pilgrims and beach lovers flock to Israel from all over the world.Israel is the holy land of world religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam). While vacationing here, you should definitely visit religious shrines, in particular, the capital of King David - holy Jerusalem. Thanks to excursion programs, you can see the desert landscape, ancient mountains, magnificent hills and gorges, clear river water, and also get in touch with ancient culture and history.
Most tourists choose Tel Aviv and Eilat for their holidays. they are suitable for those who love the bustle of the city, shopping centers, nightclubs, bazaars, as well as music concerts and art galleries. For a family holiday, Netanya is an ideal option, where there is a lot of entertainment for both children and adults.
Israel is also famous for its beach resorts and seas. The Dead Sea is a unique body of water in which water is heavier than the human body. The water and mud of this sea have amazing healing properties, which doctors use in the treatment of various ailments. The hotels have a very high level of service, and the premises are equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable and cozy stay.
The only drawback is security control at the airport, which includes inspection of belongings and documents.
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Jordan is an Arab state with a high standard of living, which is famous for its rich excursion program and is also suitable for lovers of an active lifestyle. As a rule, Jordan is chosen by tourists whose income level is significantly above average, since prices for food and accommodation here are very high. Most often, married couples fly to Jordan. Pilgrims and people who enjoy world monuments, history and religion should be included in a separate category of tourists.What is so famous about holidays in Jordan? Perhaps, because while vacationing in this country, a tourist will have a lot of fun without finding a single downside. For example, access to recreation at the Dead Sea is unlimited, which cannot be said about the beaches in Israel, and there are no annoying sellers in the oriental bazaars. In addition, Jordan does not have the sweltering summer heat. Jordan is a bridge between East and West, combining seas and deserts, as well as great opportunities and numerous cultural layers of antiquity.
Everyone will love the exquisite diversity of the state's natural landscapes. In addition to natural beauty, you can see outstanding examples of historical and modern architecture - incredible castles, small hunting lodges with pristine charm and brand new high-rise buildings. A tour to Jordan is suitable for those who want to relax and enjoy an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Beach resorts on the Red and Dead Seas, together with small but comfortable hotels, pursue precisely this goal.
Those who prefer active recreation will find something to their liking. Extreme tourists can rent a car and explore the country on their own, visiting holy places and fortresses. You can also explore the Wadi Rum desert by paragliding or hot air balloon, play golf or paintball, or go diving or snorkeling.
Jordan is also famous for its unique souvenirs and gifts. It is here that they sell unusual handmade Madaba rugs, high-quality ceramic and wooden products, as well as black silver jewelry. While in Jordan, be sure to try Arabic sweets - the most delicious delicacies in the world. Vacations fully combine educational and excursion tourism, which is memorable forever, but the costs are significantly higher compared to Israel. Which resort to choose depends only on the preferences and financial capabilities of the tourist!
The majority opinion is that Israel, Jordan and the UAE are the best places for family holidays and for singles who like to visit places with a rich history. There is no other country about which so many stories have been written. They are associated with many historical events that took place thousands of years ago and could influence not only the course of history, but also the spiritual development of mankind.
- Israel and Jordan share the same climate. These two countries have approximately the same climate; it is very hot in the summer, just like in the Emirates, so preference for relaxation is given at other times.
- Both countries offer holidays on the Red Sea and treatment on the Dead Sea. Many people come here to improve their health.
- Until recently, only wealthy people could afford a trip to the UAE. Now, due to the simplification of the visa regime, Russians can visit the Emirates to relax on the shores of the Persian Gulf, and special shopping trips are organized.
- Israel and Jordan - these countries will give you an unforgettable experience of ancient religious shrines and monuments of world significance.
In order to choose a country for your holiday, you need to learn more about the pros and cons of each of them.
Jordan, Israel - what are the similarities
So, both countries are located in the same climatic zone, have the same geographical location, access to the Red and Dead Seas.
Israel's main resort resort of Eilat and Jordan's Aqaba are located within a few kilometers of each other, and coral reefs can delight divers in both countries.
Many travel to the shores of the Dead Sea in both countries for treatment. The two states have a rich history and culture. Here, in addition to relaxation, tourists will be able to visit attractions of world significance. While vacationing in one country, you can go to another.
And yet, these are different countries
The first difference begins when crossing the border. At Israeli customs you can find a thorough inspection, longer than in other European countries. They may ask the most unusual questions, it is recommended to answer them calmly and not be nervous, otherwise they may delay you for a long time.
If the passport has a stamp of an Arab country, then such a guest may receive more attention. Imported equipment and video cameras may be subject to a duty, which is returned upon departure.
Ben Gurion Airport operates a red and green corridor system. They go through red if there are items that must be declared. Rules and lists of things to be transported along different corridors hang on a stand in the arrivals hall. If, when passing through the green lane, undeclared items are discovered, you will have to pay double the fee.
On October 25, 2018, a new rule was introduced: tourists must present the B2 control insert received at the airport at the hotel. Without it, 17% VAT will be included in the invoice. The insert must be kept until the end of the trip; it confirms your tourist status.
There is no such thorough check upon entry into Jordan; among the import restrictions, there is a ban on Israeli currency.
One of the main differences and the main factor in various contradictions is different religion: in Israel it is Judaism, in Jordan it is Islam. This has an impact on culture, lifestyle and traditions. In Jordan, it is not recommended for a woman to go out alone in the evening wearing a short or tight skirt or shorts. These requirements should be observed, especially on excursions away from the resort.
You cannot sunbathe topless on the beach; there are prohibitions regarding alcohol: it can only be consumed in specially designated areas. In Israel, alcohol can be purchased freely in stores, and there are no prohibitions on clothing.
About beach holidays
When comparing holidays on the sea coast, Israel looks preferable in terms of choice: resorts of the Mediterranean, Red and Dead Seas. Jordan has only two sea coasts.
In Israel, beaches are municipal and free. There are several expensive hotels that have their own beach area. On city beaches, sunbeds and umbrellas are paid (≈2.5 euros). In the Red Sea, tourists have the opportunity to swim with dolphins. This is provided by Dolphin Reef. There are special bridges in the pool for observing the animals, you can even pet them.
Fans of nightlife will find worthy places for themselves; in this regard, holidays in Jordan are more relaxing. You can vacation in both countries with children. Children will find entertainment in the Ice Mall shopping center, there is even an ice skating rink.
There are few municipal beaches in Jordan; local residents prefer them. There are usually not enough umbrellas and sunbeds for everyone. Outsiders can access the private beach for a small fee, which includes a sunbed and umbrella.
Jordan's main resort is located in Aqaba. Sandy beaches are located in the northern part of the city, on the southern coast there are mainly rocky and pebbly surfaces, and there are coral reefs near the shore. The beaches are mostly private; the southern one is the most well-equipped from the municipal ones. It is not crowded here on weekdays (Sunday-Wednesday).
For those staying in a hotel without a beach, there is the opportunity to use the services of a beach club to relax during the day. The price includes transfer from the hotel and back, sun lounger, towel, shower, changing room, you can use the swimming pool and other services. One of these is Berenice club.
Just a few kilometers from Aqaba is the Israeli resort of Eilat. The situation with the beaches is the same as on the Jordanian coast, but the length of the coastline is less than in Jordan. Jordan's only resort, Aqaba, has 6 dive clubs. About 30 dive sites are located near the shore.
Fans of a fun holiday and noisy discos will find a suitable holiday in the Israeli resorts of the Mediterranean Sea. This is the coast near Tel Aviv and Jaffa. Sandy beaches invite you to discos and there are many nightclubs.
Israel has a luxury resort on the Mediterranean Sea - Herzliya - one of the most expensive cities in the country. There is a prestigious yacht club and well-groomed comfortable beaches. The resort is famous for its medical center. Herzliya is a resort for rich, sophisticated gourmets.
Choice for children
There is a cult of children in Israel, so you can even go to the resorts of the Mediterranean Sea with a baby. It is better to stay in a family hotel, although even in a small 3-star hotel all conditions will be created for a child.
A special menu has been developed for children, and an individual cleaner is assigned to the child. Even if the child is naughty and cannot eat due to many people and other reasons, he can be fed while the restaurant is open. The administration always meets such guests halfway.
For example, in Haifa, the LEONARDO hotel has rooms for parents with 4 children. At the Magic Palace hotel, vacations are organized according to a 5-star system for children and adults. Already at the entrance, surprises await the little visitor, which continue throughout the entire stay.
There are no special conditions for holidays with children in Jordan; if you only need sea and sun, you can stay in Aqaba in a 5-star hotel on the 1st line; you should check whether there is a children's menu in the restaurant.
Where are the more attractive attractions?
Both countries are rich in history and ancient monuments. In Israel, monuments are mainly religious. Among them: with the Western Wall and the Temple of the Lord, as well as the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed, Mount Zion. Holy cities of Bethlehem and Nazareth.
Acre has preserved medieval architectural monuments, buildings, and temples. The ancient town of Caesarea, part of the national park of the same name.
You can read more about holidays in Israel and attractions, among other things.
The sights of Jordan are a rich cultural heritage left in the form of architectural masterpieces, which include the ancient city of Petra, carved into the rock 2000 BC. The city is surrounded by rose-colored rocks and visiting it is like taking a trip back in time. This opportunity is only available in Jordan.
Video about the city of Petra:
And the ancient city of Jerash, where people have lived for 6,500 years? Until the 20th century, it was hidden by sands; the city united two cultures: eastern and western. It is also necessary to look at the Martian landscapes of the Wadi Rum desert. Fans of the ancient history of the East and architecture will find in Jordan something that will draw them in for a long time and invite them to see these unique places again.
More about holidays in Jordan -.
About prices
There may be no point in comparing prices in two countries, since there is not much difference. Israel has a higher standard of living than Jordan. Hotels are more comfortable in Israel. Lunch in both countries is approximately 1000-1500 rubles. for two. In Jordan, some goods and services are cheaper, but the quality is lower.
Prices in hotels in Jordan, for example in Aqaba, are two times lower than in, in Tel Aviv and Haf prices are 20-25% higher than in other cities. In Tel Aviv, guests also require a deposit. Prices for excursions are approximately the same in both countries.
About holidays in the UAE
If you dream of luxury, chic, snow-white beaches, mind-blowing shops, then you need to go to the Emirates. In summer the heat there is unbearable, perhaps in Israel and Jordan it is less and milder. Here you have the opportunity to swim in the Persian Gulf and compare the sensations of the waters of the Red and Mediterranean seas.
A visa to the Emirates is not required since February 2019 (from February 17, 2019, the agreement between the two countries on the abolition of visas comes into force), before that it was issued free of charge at the airport upon arrival.
The UAE is made up of several emirates, each of which has its own characteristics. When choosing, you should take this into account. For example, in Sharjah, alcohol is prohibited, you can’t buy it anywhere, and it won’t be served anywhere: neither in a hotel, nor in a restaurant. You can go here on vacation with children.
Beaches with imported white and local sand are safe and clean. It is unlikely that you will find a children's menu in hotels. To prepare a familiar dish for your child, you can buy food in a supermarket or market.
In Sharjah there are several hotels with access to the sea coast, in Dubai this is not the case (a shuttle to the beach is organized) and Dubai hotels are more expensive.
What can the Emirates attract? This is an extraordinary modern architecture with skyscrapers, the tallest Burj Khalifa in the world, roads, a well-functioning hotel structure, a show of singing fountains that amazes everyone without exception, despite the fact that it is not considered outlandish.
About communications, Internet in different countries
In Israel, tourists have no problems with communication throughout the entire territory. Mobile 3G Internet also covers the entire area. Free Wi-Fi is available in every hotel, cafe, restaurant, etc. In cities there are pay phones with international connections; you can call using a magnetic card or coin.
There are also pay phones in Jordan, but the connection is expensive. Most hotels provide Internet access; access costs about 900 rubles per day; there is an Internet cafe, the price is per hour. Wi-Fi is available for a fee in cafes and restaurants, but the data transfer speed is low and the price is high.
In the Emirates, everything is fine with communications, free Internet access is available everywhere, you can buy a local SIM card, a minute of conversation with Russia costs 22-23 rubles. Communication problems can only occur in the desert or on the open sea.
In order to choose which country to go to, you need to determine what is most important to you: a relaxing holiday by the sea, a good hotel, comfortable conditions for a child, or are you interested in the other side, sights, active sports.
Israel and Jordan can be visited in one trip. It’s worth going to the Emirates on a separate tour. Israel and the UAE provide more suitable conditions for a child. Jordan is capable of giving a lot of impressions from its ancient history and monuments. The choice is yours!
Holidays in Israel are better than in Jordan
Firstly, Israel has beautiful beaches. As I have seen, even from the Red Sea the sea access is much better than in Jordan, where the shores are rocky and coral, and holidays with children will be problematic. Secondly, Israel's excursion potential is far ahead of Jordan's. I went on many excursions here and there, some excursions several times. Third, in Israel there are practically no restrictions on appearance, with the exception of Jerusalem and religious quarters. Girls can easily walk in shorts almost anywhere. Fourthly, in Many of our former compatriots live in Israel, so without any problems you can ask in Russian where and how to get there, so we got lost in the evening in Ashdod, and they helped us without any problems. Fifthly, You don't need a visa to visit Israel, while A visa is required for Jordan.(except Aqaba). By the way, you can easily visit Jordan while relaxing in Israel by purchasing a tour. We did just that once. Personally, I like to visit Petre. A nice place. Ancient Nabataean city, carved into the rocks. Now Bedouins live and work there, mainly working in the tourism sector. I even visited the house of one of them... well, like a house - a niche in the rock, with carpets and a couple of chairs.
What about the prices?
From my experience, I realized that everything is relative. Some are more expensive, some are cheaper. In Israel, the standard of living is higher than in Jordan; accordingly, some goods and services are much more expensive and of better quality.
There is more entertainment in Israel. Still, the country is closer to Europe in mentality and openness. I was able to visit nightclubs and do diving in Eilat.
I visited various shopping, entertainment and entertainment centers and visited a huge number of museums. Israel also constantly hosts various music festivals, etc. In Eilat, I recommend visiting "City of Kings"- a cool entertainment center for adults and children, where you are not only entertained, but also taught, albeit in English and Hebrew.
I hope to visit again in a couple of years, and also Palestinian Authority and Jordan.