A few years ago I decided that life is short and if there was a place on my bucket list I wasn’t going to wait until the ‘perfect’ time to go, but rather I would just go. Whether by myself or with a friend I was going to see all the places I dream of. One of those is Iceland! The funny thing is when I tell anyone I am planning on going to Iceland almost every says it it on their bucket list too. But yet many have still not made plans to go. This got me thinking what is it about this place that makes everyone so nervous to visit.
Hailed as the land of ice and fire, everything about Iceland seems different that what I have know. Growing up in newfoundland I am accustomed to harsh weather, isolation and the lifestyle that comes with living on an island. As an adult I traveled throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, across North American and for some reason I got nervous thinking about a trip to Iceland. How would I know where to stay? What to see? What tours to pack?
Surprisingly the thing that consumed most of my thoughts, what to pack! Yes, I was worried about what to pack. I had to remind myself that I wasn’t going to a remote jungle with no stores and that it would be ok. Quickly I realized that I was more worried about being there and not being properly dressed for the weather. Although I was going in the fall and didn’t have to content with freezing temps I still worried.
So here is some advice I found:
Visit the Blue Lagoon
www.justgoplacesblog.com
Shobha of Just Go Places has an amazing writing style that educates and entertains. Did you know the Blue Lagoon water is natural but technically it’s a manmade pool. The 6 million litres of geothermal seawater is technically waste water from the geothermal power plant and is 100°F (38°C), much less than when it’s underground and is 464°F (240°C). Just be prepared for the communal shower that is mandatory before entering the baths.
Read her Blue Lagoon post here.
Fun Facts About The Blue Lagoon in Iceland (and 20+ Tips To Make The Most of Your Visit)
Check out her post on geothermal bath tour around Iceland here.
Chase as Many Waterfalls as Possible
Carly of Carlys Adventures Afar shares her top 10 waterfalls to visit in Iceland. Try to visit at least 2!
Look for the Secret Lagoons a.k.a go off the tourist path
www.52perfectdays.com
Alexa of 52 Perfect Days suggests the Golden Circle tour, which she admits is a bit touristy, but the places are magnificent and beautiful. There are so many tourist operators offering tours, look for ones that offer something different and unique like a trip to a secret lagoon or a visit to crater lake.
Know the Country & Drink the Water
Moon & Honey Travel
Katrin of Moon & Honey Travel shares all the details you need for planning including region areas, there’s no need to tip (service and VAT are included in prices) and that although the water may sometimes have a slight sulphuric smell it’s completely safe to drink.
Not a Planner? No Problem
www. thedailyadventuresofme.com
If your not into planning, Jamie of The Daily Adventures of Me offers a 4-day southern Iceland itinerary that is great for anyone traveling in the winter and likes to be outdoors!
Iceland on a Budget
Carly of Flight of a Educator shares how you can travel to Iceland on a budget.
Spend time exploring Reykjavik
Kat of Day Trip Trips shares tips on exploring Reykjavik on a layover and Diane and Hope share tips on how to eat like an Icelander in Reykjavik.
Nomad by trade also has a great layover itinerary for Reykjavik too.
Sit Back and Enjoy the Scenery
Still not convinced to book a trip? Check out there 29 inspiring Iceland photos from Kat of Memories of Globetrotter.
More Iceland….
Stay tuned for posts telling which advice was best and what else I learned in my adventures!
