Exploring new horizons: Could Jordan be an upcoming school trip destination?

At Equity, we’re always striving to expand our repertoire to best reflect schools’ and students’ curricular needs. We understand that an exceptional school trip isn’t just about visiting well-trodden tourist spots, it’s also about crafting experiences that inspire learning, broaden perspectives, and leave lasting impressions. That’s why we’re constantly exploring new destinations that go beyond the standard school trip, ensuring that every itinerary we offer aligns with your educational goals – while providing something truly special for students.

As part of this commitment, we recently attended an event hosted by the Jordan Tourism Board to discover more about what this fascinating country has to offer to school groups. What we found was a destination rich in historical, cultural, and geographical significance – one that appeared to be an ideal fit for Religious Studies, Classics, and Geography school groups alike.

Why Jordan?

Jordan is a country steeped in history, home to some of the most remarkable archaeological and natural sites in the world. It presents an abundance of learning opportunities across various subjects, making it a strong candidate for future school trips. Here are just a few highlights:

Religious Studies

Jordan is a majority-Muslim country, yet it has a significant Christian minority and a deep-rooted Christian heritage. Sites such as the UNESCO-listed Bethany Beyond the Jordan, believed to be the location where John the Baptist baptised Jesus, offer invaluable insights into biblical history. Equally, Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land before his death, further enhances the country’s religious significance. For students studying world religions, interfaith relations, or historical religious movements, Jordan provides a truly unique perspective.

Classics & Ancient History

Few places in the world capture the grandeur of ancient civilisations quite like Jordan. The legendary city of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is an awe-inspiring site that brings classical history to life. Originally built by the Nabataeans, Petra’s rock-hewn architecture and intricate carvings serve as a testament to the surprising ingenuity of ancient societies. Other historical gems include the Roman ruins of Jerash, which rival those found in Rome itself, and provide students with a tangible connection to classical architecture and antiquity.

Geography & Environmental Studies

For geography students, Jordan offers a striking landscape that showcases dramatic geological formations, desert ecosystems, and one of the most unique bodies of water in the world: the Dead Sea. Floating in its mineral-rich waters is a surreal experience, but beyond that, the region also serves as a living example of environmental science, climate change, and water conservation in action. The otherworldly landscapes of Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, highlight the powerful forces of wind and erosion, while providing an opportunity to discuss desert ecosystems and the challenges of sustainable tourism.

A considered approach to safety

Of course, when considering a new school trip destination, student safety is always our highest priority. While Jordan itself is widely regarded as a safe and stable country for tourism, we acknowledge that it is situated in a region with ongoing geopolitical tensions. The current UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice currently cautions against travel within three kilometres of the Syrian border, and we are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that any future trips would be planned with full consideration of these factors.

Our decision-making process is always guided by expert advice, and should we choose to offer Jordan as a destination in the future, it will be with the utmost confidence in its suitability.

Looking ahead

At Equity, we take pride in going above and beyond to curate school trips that truly enrich students’ learning experiences. Jordan has the potential to be an extraordinary destination for school groups, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and geography that aligns with key curriculum areas. However, as with all new destinations, we are committed to conducting due diligence before making any final decisions.

Rest assured that student safety and educational value remain at the heart of everything we do. We will continue to explore emerging destinations that offer exciting and meaningful learning opportunities, ensuring that every trip we provide is both inspiring and secure.

For schools eager to explore new and enriching trip options, we welcome your thoughts and input. If Jordan – or indeed any other destination – is somewhere you’d consider for your students, please let us know — we’d love to hear from you!

To discuss your trip ideas with us, or to book a school trip directly, please get in touch by calling us on 01273 648248 or filling out our webform.