Young Family in Need of Travel Tips

My wife, son (18 months) and I will be traveling to Jordan in May. We'll be staying for 3.5 weeks conducting thesis research and have some questions:

1) What is the law for a toddler traveling in a car?

2) Neither of us speaks Arabic. My wife's research is with Iraqi refugees, does anyone know the cost of a translator/driver? Per day? Per week? We'll be primarily based in Amman.

3) Any recommendations on cheap lodging where a baby can stay (and not be woken up too much with noise)? Is it possible to rent a small and cheap flat from May 14th-June 10th?

4) I will be conducting some of my research in Lebanon (mostly the south). Is it possible to get a transit visa through Syria if I want to go overland to Beirut? Cost of Lebanon visa?

That's it for now I think. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Hi vje - hope this helps

1. None that I'm aware of - however better to be seated in the
   back seat on his mothers knee and not alone.

2. Costs depend upon the work required. Do you need a car with
   a driver who speaks English only ? This can be had from any rent
   a car office for around 60JD a day. A bit cheaper if by the week.

3. A small studio or 1 bedroomed flat in a Furnished Hotel Apartment
   would be the most suitable. There are many to choose from starting
   at around 15JD per day (full furnished with satellite tv, kitchen etc)
   up to 80JD per day depending upon classification and no of stars.
   Some give cheaper weekly rates and more discount for monthly.
   It includes water and electric and a guard etc. It depends which
   area of Amman you want to stay in - whether its quiet or not.

4. Since there were over a million iraqi refugees in Syria I'm surprised
   you are skipping this and going to Lebanon where there are relatively
   few Iraqi refugees. Anyway - the costs of visas depend upon what
   country you are from but generally they are around $US50 - perhaps
   recent traveller could clarify this better. You should b e aware that
   there are perhaps Government guidelines for travellers to South Lebanon
   which you should heed.