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February 1, 2016 by: Becky

Visit Iceland

Iceland is quickly becoming a great short getaway destination for North Americans. It thoroughly deserves your travel consideration and you’ve come to the right place to find out all there is to know about planning your trip to visit Iceland.

Iceland travel is great for both Americans and Europeans because it's so easy to reach! Plan your whole trip, from budgeting to restaurants to things to do in Reykjavik (even in winter!).

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iceland map

Iceland Travel Tips and Advice: Frequently Asked Questions

Learn all about Iceland quickly in order to decide whether it’s a great fit for your next destination.  This one-stop guide shares information on costs, weather, souvenirs, and more all at once.  Whether your trip to Iceland is already booked or just thinking about it, this should be the first article you read!

Icelandic Krona

 Is Iceland Expensive?

Iceland has a reputation for being an expensive place to visit and there’s no doubt there’s some truth to that statement.  However, the value of the Icelandic króna collapsed beginning in 2008, making costs more manageable for foreign travelers.  The real question is: did costs fall enough to make Iceland affordable or is Iceland expensive still?

No doubt it's beautiful.

 Iceland’s Best Known Attraction: The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is boasted as a great stopover between the airport and downtown. It seems to have it all, wifi on the way, towels, slippers, snacks, beverages, and even luggage storage. However, this best known attraction, in my opinion, was the biggest miss in Iceland.

 geysir golden circle iceland

 The Golden Circle: Iceland in All Its Glory

Iceland is a country known for it’s natural beauty. Although, there’s nothing golden about it, The Golden Circle is a great way to see a lot of what Iceland has to offer. If you are visiting in winter read this for tips on how to make your trip better!

Does Iceland look nice to you? (Spectacular, yes, but covered in ice and snow!)

 5 Things About Iceland That Aren’t in the Guidebooks

Look anywhere on the internet and you will find information about visiting Iceland. This country is up and coming in the travel trends but there are some important tips that the guidebooks don’t mention.

The day's fresh selection of fish in a refrigerated display so you can pick what looks best!

 Four Reykjavik Restaurants Worth Trying

In a country known for being on the more expensive side, finding reasonably priced restaurants that also have good food can be extremely difficult. My quick tip for eating in the capital of Iceland? Find a restaurant serving the Icelandic hot dog, they have lamb in them so they are much higher quality than their American cousins.

ice cave glacier iceland the girl and globe

 Ice Climbing on Sólheimajökull Glacier

We did it backwards! Ice climbing is a bit different and can be really dangerous if not done correctly. What better way to experience Iceland than by getting up close and personal with ice?

seltun 2

 The Otherworldly Reykjanes Peninsula

This peninsula is a great place to rent a car and drive around. So much is packed into this little area it’s a must see. Iceland’s biggest energy producer, geothermic fields, also happen to be the warmest place in this icy country to visit.


I hope you’ve found this information helpful. If you have additional questions not covered here, please leave them in the comments and I will do my best to get back to you as soon as possible. Enjoy your Iceland travel planning!

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Comments

  1. Wendy says

    June 19, 2016 at 4:49 pm

    Hi Becky,
    Thanks for your honest opinion of the blue lagoon! We’re going in September for 9 days. Any advice on clothing, weather, etc?
    Also, should we risk a day trip to the Westman. Islands? We have a car rental (car ferry?).
    Thanks,
    Wendy

    Reply
    • Becky says

      June 19, 2016 at 8:11 pm

      @Wendy – Icelandic weather is fickle, so September could be lovely or it could be cool and rainy. Hard to know this far in advance, so I’d pack layers and good outerwear, just in case. Icelanders swear by wool clothing…I like “Smartwool” (synthetic), but either way it’ll keep you warm if you get wet.

      I haven’t been to the Westman Islands, so if you go, please come back and let me know how it goes!

      Reply
      • Roger Kriewaldt says

        June 22, 2016 at 12:51 pm

        Wendy,

        We took the large car ferry to Westman’s…wouldn’t take a car IF you can find or schedule a guide. Sooooo much to see and GOTT a wonderful restaurant, lunch or dinner. Excellent chef!
        A lot of sights & VISTA’s and two real good museums. Pompeii of the North is appropriate.
        Glad we spent the day!!!

  2. Wendy Carpenter says

    June 23, 2016 at 3:57 pm

    Hi Roger
    ThAnks for the info. May I ask what time of year you went?
    Wendy

    Reply
  3. Roger says

    June 25, 2016 at 8:41 pm

    Left on April 27 & returned May 6…non-stop from Chicago. Great place and WANT to return!

    Reply
    • Becky says

      June 26, 2016 at 10:33 am

      @Roger, That’s the sentiment from almost all visitors! Fabulous destination.

      Reply
      • Roger Kriewaldt says

        June 26, 2016 at 11:17 am

        Last peep out of me today! Promise!

        You and “Unlocking Kiki” website should meet.

  4. Roger Kriewaldt says

    June 26, 2016 at 10:46 am

    Far far more to see and experience than ever imagined. I have started a “when I return I want to … list”!

    Iceland has become an obsession as I practically crave information and knowledge of everything Norse – volcanic – geothermal energy- etc.

    Reply
  5. Bethany says

    August 6, 2016 at 10:41 pm

    I was wondering about places to stay the night? Did you make Reykjavik your home base then take day trips to other places? Husband and I were thinking of going around Christmas for a week. Thank you so much!! : )

    Reply
    • Becky says

      August 8, 2016 at 9:10 am

      @Bethany, We based in Reykjavik, but if you’re there a full week, I’d recommend moving around to 2-3 destinations to cut down on your road time.

      Reply
  6. Wendy says

    August 8, 2016 at 10:51 am

    Hi everybody,
    Still planning my trip in September. We have decided to start at Minna Mosfel guesthouse outside Reykavik but then spend several nights in Reykavik. When we head southeast on the Ring Road. We want to stay in Vik. Any accommodation suggestions would be appreciated. Id also love to know about the most scenic budget friendly horseback riding.
    Thanks
    Wendy

    Reply
    • Becky says

      August 8, 2016 at 11:06 am

      @Wendy, The Volcano Hotel is a little outside the city. Otherwise, I’ve had good luck with IcelandAir branded properties.

      I’m not usually a fan of horseback riding, so probably better to ask someone else!

      Reply
  7. Josie says

    September 19, 2016 at 4:53 pm

    I’m going to Iceland for 4 days in November.. If I have paid for my tours, hotel stay… I will be paying for taxis and food. about how much money would you recommend me bring for the trip?

    Reply
    • Becky says

      September 19, 2016 at 6:15 pm

      @Josie, 99% of businesses in Iceland take credit card (and it is highly encouraged, compared to cash). You can depend on the card primarily and bring very little cash. I recommend looking at restaurant menus online ahead of time for pricing if you prefer to pay by cash, since meals can range from $5 hot dogs to $150 three-course meals. It’s too hard to give a suggestion without knowing your preferences.

      Reply

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About Me

headshot of Becky PokoraI'm Becky and I believe travel is more meaningful when you're immersed and engaged! If you'd rather be sightDOING than sightseeing, you're in the right place. My goal is to share stories, travel tips, and inspiration so you can plan your own adventures around the globe.

When I'm not traveling, you'll find me hiking, cooking, reading, and cuddling with my puppy.
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