Tips to help you plan your first trip to Iceland.

 Iceland is an interesting destination for any traveler.  Here are a few tips to help you plan your first trip to the land of ice and fire.

Flights to and from Iceland are always accessible. There are regular flights from many European and American destinations with a variety of airlines. We prefer WOW Air have pretty cheap flights from Los Angeles, California (and from other parts North America) to Reykjavik and are great for a budget airline.  Iceland Air is the choice for others, sometimes they offer multi-day stopovers in Iceland at no extra cost.

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Wow Air does not include meals, but you can buy one on board and remember it is also pricey. The best way is to bring your own food or buy some at the airport.

Hotels are quite pricey here in Iceland. Apartments can be a great alternative to hotels, especially if you are traveling with family or group of friends, other options are guesthouses and farmstays.  Plus gives you the opportunity to cook your own food. Rent a room with Airbnb, we got our room at $50 per night. Here’s a $30 discount coupon if you want to reserve.

You can experience different weather in one day in Iceland. Bring multiple layers. Icelandic weather is unpredictable. If you travel by car you should always carry numerous layers:  rain-jacket, wind-stopper, scarf, long-sleeve sweater, thermals and thick socks. We experience a sunny, then rainy and also hail storm.

If you are on a budget, I would recommend staying out of the restaurant. Save some money on expensive restaurant and spoil yourself in amazing Blue lagoon instead.

The Blue Lagoon is pricey. But it is worth going. It relaxes you. I recommend making reservations before getting there.

 

 

Water in Iceland is some of the cleanest in the world. Tap water in Iceland is cleaner than bottled water in some countries. Just bring your own bottle and fill it from the faucet.

 

After a day or 2 within the city, now it’s time to get out of Reykjavik and explore the scenery outside. Driving in Iceland is easy. Icelanders drive on the right and maps are provided by your car  rental office, most cars have a GSP system on it if not just rent one.

 

Don’t be surprise if you see the gas price. Gas is expensive in Iceland.  Our car rental office also provided us with a discount card for gas and free coffee at the gas station store.

 

Credit card is widely used anywhere in Iceland. Some stores and museums even accept US dollar.  Gas stations accept debit cards too.

Another pricey thing in Iceland is Food. Expect to pay $15 for a hamburger, and $25 up for an entrée.  We buy food at Bonus Grocery, get some instant noodles and eggs for breakfast.  Some hotels and guesthouses offer a breakfast buffet, so take advantage of that.  If you can bring some of your favorite food on your way to Iceland why not, instead of buying in their grocery where food is double than any American grocery.

 

Everywhere in Iceland is a photo opp. Just remember to park on the side, not on the street and enjoy the view.

 

Stop for the countryside animals, the Icelandic horses, sheep, and cows.

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Try to get close to a glacier, either on a hike or visit the glacier lagoon.

 

Iceland waterfalls are a real beauty. If you want to take photos of yourself near it make sure your camera is waterproof and wear a rain gear.

 

Take a slow pace in when traveling to Iceland’s countryside. Explore the place and enjoy the view.

 

When driving, be aware of sheep, they just tend to cross the road at any time.

 

EU electrical plugs and EU two-pronged adapters are all you need to recharge your devices in Iceland.

Tipping is not essential in Iceland but greatly appreciated. If the service is exceptional  feel free to give a tip, if not  don’t feel obliged.

The Internet in Iceland has one of the highest rates of internet access in the world. Free Wi-Fi is abundant and usually of pretty decent quality. Don’t go looking for an internet cafe, with free internet access so accessible, in your hostel, guesthouse, tour buses and more.

Be prepared for one-lane bridges. Most of the bridges along the Ring Road (Route 1) only have one lane. Number one rule here is to stay calm! Just slow down before you get to the bridge. Chances are there won’t even be anyone on the other side.

 

Don’t forget to ENJOY, that’s the reason you are here.

 

 

 

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