Dreaming of Jordan: Free travel on points and miles, but is it Safe?

As slow travelers and points enthusiasts, planning a dream trip to Jordan—home to Petra, the Dead Sea, and the Red Sea—has been both thrilling and nerve-wracking, especially with recent geopolitical events shaking the Middle East. In their latest video, Keene Adventures dives into the excitement and uncertainty of booking a fully-refundable, points-fueled adventure to Jordan for April 2026.

The Allure of Travel to Jordan

Jordan is a treasure trove for travelers. The ancient city of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is a bucket list destination for many. Beyond Petra, Jordan offers the unique experience of floating in the Dead Sea, snorkeling in the Red Sea at Aqaba, and the otherworldly landscapes of Wadi Rum, famously used as a backdrop in Star Wars films.

Points and Miles: Maximizing Value

The video highlights how the trip is being booked almost entirely with points and miles, making a $5,000 itinerary accessible for a fraction of the cost. Here’s the breakdown:

• Flights: Booked with American Airlines points out of Lisbon, with a layover in Madrid, to Amman. The flights are fully refundable, offering peace of mind.

• Hotels: Four nights at the Hyatt Regency in Amman (just 5,000 points per night), two nights at the Marriott near Petra, two nights at the Hyatt in Aqaba, and four nights at a Dead Sea resort (either IHG or Marriott). The Wadi Rum night is planned using a credit card hotel credit.

• Flexibility: All bookings are fully refundable, allowing the travelers to monitor the situation and make a final decision closer to departure.

The Elephant in the Room: Safety and Timing

Recent months have seen heightened tensions in the region, with missile exchanges between Israel and Iran, temporary airspace closures in Jordan, and ongoing security advisories. While the trip isn’t until April 2026, the current climate has travelers and viewers alike asking: is it safe to go?

Most official travel advisories currently consider Jordan generally safe for tourists, except for areas near the borders with Syria and Iraq. The main tourist sites—Petra, Amman, Aqaba, and the Dead Sea—are outside the high-risk zones. However, travelers are urged to stay vigilant, avoid demonstrations, and monitor local news, as the situation can change rapidly.

The Value of Flexibility

One of the biggest takeaways from the video is the importance of booking flexible, fully-refundable travel. With all flights and hotels booked on points and miles, the travelers can cancel without penalty if conditions worsen or if they feel uncomfortable as the trip approaches. This strategy is a must for anyone planning travel to regions with unpredictable security situations.

Should You Cancel?

The answer, for now, is “wait and see.” With the trip still nearly a year away, there’s time for the situation to stabilize. The video encourages viewers to share their thoughts: would you still consider going to Jordan, given the current climate? For now, the dream trip remains on the calendar, but with a clear exit strategy if needed.

Final Thoughts

Jordan’s incredible landscapes, history, and hospitality make it a top destination for adventurous travelers. By leveraging points and miles and prioritizing flexibility, it’s possible to plan a dream trip while minimizing risk. As Keene Adventures reminds us, sometimes the best travel plans are those that can adapt to the world around us.

Would you book a trip to Jordan right now? Share your thoughts in the comments! And if you’re inspired to plan your own points-powered adventure, remember: flexibility is your best friend.