32 Things to Know Before You Visit Iceland - For the Love of Wanderlust Iceland is expensive, but it is possible to do it on a budget. From sheeps head to lamb meat soup to fermented shark and beyond, there just isnt much to scream and shout about when it comes to the local cuisine in Iceland. Its population is surpassed by countries such as Luxembourg, Fiji and Brunei and more than 50 American cities, including New Orleans, Tulsa and the California home of Disneyland. Iceland will not disappoint you, and I am sure you will love it so much that you will start planning a second trip as soon as you return. 10 Amazing Things To Know About Iceland My Travel Monkey And don't forget that popular places such as Blue Lagoon or Myvatn Nature Baths should be booked for a specific time slot. Icelandic weather is unpredictable, and even when the sun shines, the cold wind affects the wind chill factor significantly. Having sturdy hiking boots is also a must, as you should keep your dry and warm. One of the ways to do that is to avoid buying things that you dont have to, such as bottled water. Complete Guide to Iceland - All You Need to Know F-Roads are mountainous roads that cross Iceland's highlands and require 4WD. World Nomads Travel Insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers to cover your trip essentials. Jokes aside, more than 50% of the Iceland population believes in elves, giants, and other mythical creatures. 18 years old. We had amazing weather. 5. Iceland is the oldest democracy in the world. It captures the heart of the terrain, in addition to the volcanoes that threaten to wreak havoc across the country. This, of course, is quite controversial, and has caused tension between the peaceful country and other nations. I promise to keep your email address safe. But if you are a budget traveler counting every dollar, prices of accommodations, meals in restaurants, or food in grocery stores might catch you off guard. With just over 320,000 people, Iceland is one of the least-populated countries in the world. The down to earth nation of Iceland has gained this remarkable nickname over the years, to the point where it has stuck as a popular tourism selling point. While researching our trip I felt there was a shortage of information on this spectacular destination, which actually inspired me to start a blog! Similarly, some hot springs may be hotter than they look. Also, outside the Reykjavik agglomeration, public transport in the country is not very frequent and runs only between settlements. However, there are plenty of other similar experiences available that wont cost as much, and theyll be far less overrun with tourists. It is not possible to book campsites, so if you are camping or sleeping in a campervan, this is much easier. You've all heard about the Blue Lagoon and everything that comes with it, but today, we want to investigate some of the other facts and figures associated with the nation that are not quite as well known. The first settlers were actually Celtic monks around (770 AD), a full century before the vikings arrived. In Iceland, however, its not necessary to speak Icelandic because basically everyone speaks excellent English. Iceland was the birthplace of Leif Eriksson, who is believed by many to have led the first European voyage to North America. I mean, this includes right out of the tap at your hotel, also when youre hiking. Our whale watching tour in Husavik finished shortly after midnight, and we didn't have to drive on the unfamiliar road during the dark. Sure, Iceland is all about nature but do not expect to enjoy it just by yourself. Fleeing political upheaval and later Viking raids, Irish monks are believed to have been the first to arrive in Iceland as temporary settlers, sometime between the seventh and ninth centuries. For two weeks every summer, chieftains from across Iceland convened in an outdoor assembly on the plains of Thingvellir, a rift valley east of Reykjavik where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates converge. SUBSCRIBE for new Iceland tips every week! We think that it's already been said many times, but nature consisting of thousands of waterfalls, black sand beaches, high cliffs, green pastures, towering mountains, rough coastline, hot pools, volcanoes, all that very close to the iconic Ring Road, is something you must see with your own eyes. 10 Things I Learned in Iceland - Overland Travel Adventures from Go The Top 10 Things To Know Before Visiting Iceland, 10 Otherworldly European Landscapes That Will Leave You Breathless, 10 Etiquette Tips That Every American Traveling To Europe Should Know, 10 Of The Most Overrated Tourist Attractions In Europe (& What to See Instead), The 10 Most Photogenic Winter Landscapes In America, 10 Hidden Tourist Attractions In Europe We've Uncovered For Your Next Trip, 10 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Japan (But Probably Never Expected), 10 Best Places To Stay At Glacier National Park, 10 Beautiful Towns On New York's Hudson River Worth Visiting, 10 Beautiful Towns In Alberta That Give Banff A Run For Its Money, How To Plan The Best Bahamas Cruise, During The Best Month To Do It, Book These 10 Luxury Winter Escapes In Italy, Visit Hohenzollern Castle: The Most Imposing Castle In Germany, Winter In Vegas: How To Pack & What To Expect When You're There. From the ever-discussed Iceland's ever-changing weather to whether you need cash and what car to choose for your road trip, it is all here. Author: aaron . Commercial Whaling. Are you planning your trip to Iceland? Its quite unassuming, but the same could be said of the entire nation. When we were planning our trip, Landmannalaugar was the only place that made us think about a 4WD. All rights reserved. Always keep in mind that the weather is much more dangerous than people in Iceland. I never stop studying this country and here are 10 things I learned recently about Iceland. About Iceland | Iceland Travel To focus solely on the beauty around you and get the most out of your trip, read first this post on what every traveler should know before traveling to Iceland. Say no to plastics, buy a reusable water bottle before your trip, save money, and do something valuable for our environment. I think what Ill do next is make an entire video about how to pronounce the most common Icelandic words. Beer could sometimes be found stashed away in a fisherman's garage, but was less than 2.25% alcohol. Iceland Travel Blog: Top 10 Things You Need to Know I know its a hard word, but now you know. We have already written a post on what to pack for Iceland, but even here, we want to emphasize how important it is to pack right. However, if you're flying to Greenland or the Faroe Islands, you'll fly out of the Reykjavik airport - we also learned this the hard way. Ive tried, and its super hard. I've rounded up the most up-to-date info for entry requirements, arrival documentation, and local regulations! RELATED: 10 Reasons To Travel To Scandinavia That Most Americans Dont Know About. Right around here. Geothermal Power Iceland is a tiny island nation located in the north Atlantic, parallel to Greenland and between North America and Europe. THE WATER IS SAFE TO DRINK: Iceland boasts some of the best, cleanest water on the planet. FACT CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance. This especially comes in handy at gas stations. In truth, this would probably be a really good thing if the rest of their food wasnt so questionable. You have glaciers, you have massive waterfalls, you have volcanoes, you have beaches with gigantic waves, and a lot of places also arent the best about having things roped off, or having signs around. Iceland is a wealthy European country where services and tourist infrastructure are on the highest level. I say that as a very general overstatement, but Id say at least the places that youre planning on touring to youre going to have no problem speaking English. So I thought it would be really easy to make a video, and just help make your trip really easy, because thats what Im all about here trying to make it really easy for you to plan your trip. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. After we drove almost 4500 kilometers in 14 days, we must say that you don't need a 4WD for the Ring Road and Westfjords. If youve ever wanted to go somewhere and feel like youre stood on the very edge of the planet, head to Hornbjarg and look out into the great beyond. For people who have never experienced midnight sun, including ourselves, it's something that will take you by surprise regardless of how many articles you have read about it. You can read this slogan almost everywhere, even right after you've just landed atKeflavik International Airport. We believe you'll always find a room in the end, but it might be several kilometers from the place you planned for your stay, and it also might be much more expensive. We opted for summer's never-ending days andpuffins. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. 10 things you need to know about travelling to Iceland On top of that, the omnipresent wind has no obstacles in the way, and sometimes the wind gusts were so strong that it felt like our car was trying to lift off. It feels like the whole trip to Iceland is just one big viewpoint. My name is Jeannie, Read More October in Iceland | ULTIMATE travel guideContinue. You can pay by credit card in the restrooms at Skybus' terminal, for the parking inThingvellir National Park, at campsites, even the small and remote ones, at all gas stations, in the stores, restaurants, etc. I say that because Iceland is really, really unpredictable. It also did not broadcast during the vacation month of July until 1983. We've already briefly talked about the importance of making a reservation in advance but would like to go more into the details here. In a pre-emptive strike codenamed Operation Fork, hundreds of British troops landed in the capital city of Reykjavik on the morning of May 10, 1940, and then arrested German citizens and spread inland without resistance. If youre going to go out of your way to name a nation something, then youd better make sure its as cool as this. The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Krona. Iceland on a Budget - but with Wine. Respect it at all times and don't be one of those irresponsible tourists who make the headlines or worse lose their lives. But if you have the time I really, really recommend driving at least around Ring Road, traveling into the [inaudible 00:07:22], doing a trip to the Highlands, or any way that you can get a little more exposure to Iceland. Iceland is a perfect destination for reconnecting with nature, and it is a place where you can sense the power of natural elements. Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour. Lastly, most of the campgrounds in Iceland are just large open grassy areas without trees, making the camping experience less intimate. To give you an idea of how non-confrontational they are, a lot of their police officers dont even carry guns around with them. The Top 10 Things To Know Before Visiting Iceland - TheTravel With a 2WD, you should always avoid F-roads to stay safe and avoid paying a rental company's penalty. So you say it with a -yah. Have something I've missed? 20 Iceland Travel Tips to Know BEFORE You Go - The World Pursuit Maybe this fact is a reason for the second point 2. I mean, relatively speaking, but the J is soft. Although Iceland cooperated with the Allies, it officially remained neutral during the war. It took us to some of the most beautiful, Lets state the obvious: jet lag is REAL. Its totally safe to drink and bathe in. Obviously Im not the person to be taking Icelandic lessons from. Just about everything will be costlier than youre used to, including basics like food and souvenirs. If you don't believe us, visit places such asAsbyrgi Canyon,Godafoss Waterfall, orKolugljufur Canyonto learn more about this fascinating side of Iceland. The number one thing that you need to know is that it is super easy to get around with English. As we arrived in Iceland only one day before the summer solstice, which is the 21st of June, we enjoyed the midnight sun at its peak. That's why it's always advisable to be prepared for extreme weather while in Iceland. Lucy is a freelance writer who has written widely across the Valnet websites, including The Things, The Richest, The Talko, Screen Rant, and The Travel. I have a few theories about it, but I think it's for locals. But depending on when you travel, the country might not be as cold as youre expecting. After a challenging experience from our long-term trip aroundSouth America, where it was difficult to communicate without speaking Spanish, Iceland was a nice change. Icelands government-run television station, which began broadcasting in 1966 and was the countrys sole channel for 20 years, went dark every Thursday until 1987 in order to promote human interaction. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Iceland in March is the best time to visit especially if you want to see some greenery without missing the Northern Lights. 10 Things to Know About Iceland's Blue Lagoon - MapQuest Travel I know a lot of people are wanting to have cash on them. Things that you would absolutely need cash for include showers if youre camping, laundry, and then finally to tip your tour guides. Woo! The overnight average summer low is 44 degrees, so it never gets too cold, either. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Iceland in March - 10 Things to know before you go! - Templeseeker Keep reading to find out what you should know before you visit Iceland. According to TripZilla, about 54% of the population believe that magic folk really do exist. 10. So its not Vic, its Vik. The Icelandic landscape is unpredictable and there are a variety of things to be aware of. Iceland, especially during the peak season, is flooded by international travelers, and the country has a limited number of facilities. Side note: This is also where you can discover Kirkjufell, the famous mountain from Game of Thrones. Not only is this a common courtesy, but its also helpful for getting around and communicating with locals. No. If a storm hits out of nowhere, you might not even be able to see the road. This sounds like the latest book in the Game of Thrones series, but trust us, it isnt. It would also be wise to study different Icelandic road signs before taking to the road as these can be a bit confusing. From the nine hiking trips that I conducted (and logged) through the period of six months none was done on a completely sunny day. The bad news is that you can't see Northern Lights in Iceland during the summer. Of course, if you want to learn a few words in Icelandic to make the trip easier, you can. Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland has to be on your list. Which is close. On the other hand, Iceland is also one of the most beautiful countries we've ever been to, and all money we spent there was well worth it. Just make sure your credit cards work abroad, and you are ready to go to Iceland. It is good to think about your strategy before visiting Iceland when it comes to hot pools. Being as expensive as it is, Iceland is a place where youll want to save as much money as you can. On the other hand, the summer days are very long due to the midnight sun, waiting to be filled with many exciting activities. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. We knew that Iceland is known for a cashless system, but it's always good to have some emergency cash with you just in case. There are a few safety guidelines to keep in mindbefore you go, as well as a few etiquette tips to learn. We need to add that we visited Iceland at the turn of June and July, during the summer when the roads are in the best conditions. The Politics 1. 10 Fascinating Things About Iceland You Didn't Know About - TheTravel Ill see you next week, and as always happy planning. If you cant see them, its important not to break focus with what youre doing (say, driving), to try and spot them. To make our list, we considered a range of factors, including the types of QC each brand handles, its team's expertise, and the warranty it provides. Join the conversation and add your insight on Facebook or Twitter. Due to human activity, most of Iceland was deforested, and the result is very odd. Limited Product Variety 3. With more than a third of Icelands population currently residing in Reykjavik, we think its safe to say that this city is the official hub of the country for better, or worse (its better). You can be anything you want to be and while you could argue this is true in other countries, especially in places like the United States where they pretty much sell phrases like that on a t-shirt, its not always the case. Beer was banned. The island was formed by volcanic forces and there are still active volcanoes today. Secondly, you can pay for the campsite in Iceland with credit cards, even at the small family-run campgrounds. It's simple as that, and there is no way around it. Some people want to take a dip into a hot pool every day and plan their travel itinerary according to the location of the best pools. 10 Things to Know About Iceland - emmafennessy7.wixsite.com 4. Many places and attractions carry names we simply couldn't remember, even though we really tried. NEXT:10 Hidden Tourist Attractions In Europe We've Uncovered For Your Next Trip. Iceland can be especially rough for jet lag if you arent careful. You won't have to bring much cash though, as practically everywhere in Iceland accepts cards (even prefers them to cash). The reason is the fact Iceland is a very popular website visitors place to go for Asians, and you will probably be blown away to your density out of Asian society at any given day. Iceland is one of the most beautiful countries you will ever visit, and it also happens to be one of the most expensive. But because the Lights arent always visible --and come down to a variety of factors-- its not possible to see them all the time. So bring yourself a reusable water bottle, and fill up as often as you can, because you will not get water that good again. That's being said, with good clothes and an adventurous spirit, traveling in Iceland during this time must be unforgettable. After we landed, our first steps led to the ATM. #icelandwi, Iceland has the best sunsets and Im stickin to, October in Iceland = storms #icelandwithaview, Everything you need to know about OCTOBER in Icela, This is your sign to book your honeymoon to Icelan. 10 Things No One Tells You About Iceland! - Flight of the Educator 10 Things to Know About Iceland Grocery Stores and Supermarkets Iceland is I believe the only place in the world to have shopping that is both tax and duty-free. In Iceland, campgrounds work on a first-come, first-served basis. When we hiked to the famous Reykjadalur Hot Springs River, we started around 10 PM. Winter lasts between December and February, and it is the least visited season because of short days and cold, snowy weather. 6. Still, there is always a possibility to return the car a day early and then take this popular Landmannalaugar Tour from Reykjavik. And from our personal experience and stories from other travelers we met along the way, we were not alone. In summer, renting a 2WD car is perfectly fine. And it's even said that for the three busiest months, the area around Vik is booked out in 100 kilometers radius. Id be happy to answer your questions, and maybe even make another video if we need to. So first of all, Gullfoss is the waterfall that is in the Golden Circle of Iceland. 10 THINGS YOU PROBABLY DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT ICELAND 1. The First Settlers Were Not Vikings. These are some tips and essential information for those of you who have never been to Iceland. #4. Danes drank a lot of beer. We didn't have to bring a torchlight, as we had known, that the trail will still be clearly visible even after midnight. We were just happy that we remembered those names for a while. All the Complaining 2. The resulting Haze Famine killed 9,000 peoplea fifth of the countrys populationand led the Danish government to briefly consider evacuating the islands remaining residents to Denmark. I have traveled to a lot of countries and Iceland is by far the most credit card friendly company that I have ever been to. There are discount cards for gas stations. NEXT:Disney World: 10 Things You Didnt Know About The Desserts At The Main Street Bakery. Of course, the top attractions such asDettifossor Skogafoss were still attracting quite some people, but all of our visits were very pleasant. Campgrounds in Icelandare quite different from what we have experienced so far in other corners of the world. For us, the real gems were the intimate natural small hot pools that could fit only a handful of people at the time. The toxic fog poisoned Icelands plants and vegetation and decimated its crops. 10. If you work hard to be aresponsible traveler, Iceland is the country where your efforts will be much more manageable. That didnt stop the British from invading, but at least the locals were able to keep their dignity intact. When preparing for the trip, it is something no traveler should take lightly. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. So easy. My last tip is really important friends. Find a cheap rental car or the best campervan, and reserve your accommodation in advance to secure the best deals. 2022 A&E Television Networks, LLC. That was until we saw the price at a staggering $13 Even our favorite addiction of Haribo was $6 a bag. The climate there is just not compatible with their reproductive cycle. Yeah, those streams that are coming down from the glacier, that is the most delicious water youll ever have. Here is the list of essential things to know about Iceland before you go. My husband and I visited Iceland in September 2014. Make sure you know the emergency number for Icelandit's 112. I think a lot of people kind of know that it's expensive, but not how much. Reykjavik is home to 200,000 people, more than half of all Icelanders. It's on us. Hello, Team Iceland! A little bit about the land of fire and ice 10 Things to Know 1. And you will need not just one of those modern lifestyle cars will all-wheel drive but a proper off-road vehicle. Number Vik. So Vik is the town that is in south Iceland where the Black Sand Beach is. Get out and explore the country. Iceland was one of the most expensive destinations we've ever visited. 10 Things You Need to Know About Visiting Iceland. I went to Iceland in March which was perfect for catching the Northern lights and the start of Spring. Instagram. The Top 10 Worst Things about Iceland | Guide to Iceland (2022) You'll be riding Icelandic horses, a special breed, on your Iceland riding vacation! Of course, there was one exception to prove the rule. High-quality, waterproof and windproof gear for Iceland is a must, no matter if you are camping or sleeping in upscale lodgings. Iceland was trying to gain independence from Denmark. You have views of your entire surroundings most of the time, which is great for hikers, road trippers, and tourists in general. It is alcohol. A Travel Guide To Iceland: 10 Things To Know While Planning Your Trip A lot of people are wanting to say Seljalandsfoss. I do know that some people find their tour guide to be very helpful and enjoyable, so theyll tip their tour guide, but of course this is never expected by the tour guides, only appreciated. In the north, they may fall to -10C (14F) or below. Youll see the stuff everywhere, but that doesnt mean that its resistant. Welcome back to my channel. They even have a day that is known as Beer Day, and to say that we want to take part in that tradition would be a dramatic understatement. 10 useful things to know for a trip to Iceland - A Luxury Travel Blog Snaefellsnes. It really pays off to dedicate some time to the planning part to save money. I dont mean like kind of expensive, I mean like really expensive. Snaefellsnes is the peninsula in west Iceland, right here. Go Campers An umbrella is not a good choice because of the strong winds. We also did a lot of research, read plenty of articles, watched videos, and concluded that you shouldn't underestimate this type of road. Moving on. Known for its superb rugged landscape, Iceland is fast becoming a travel hotspot. I dont know how they do those statistics, but I believe it because it is so expensive. Iceland's location between two tectonic plates means the country has one of the highest concentration of active volcanoes in the world. If sustainability is what interests you, read oureco-friendly packing listfor inspiration for the best travel eco products. The leading independent voice for aviation news and insight. Number Vik. Articles & Photography by Lucie Hermankova and Martin Tychtl, what to see and do, travel guide, top attraction, europe, Southwest Iceland, best things to do, what to see and do, travel guide, top attraction, europe, Budget Travel Tips, budget guide, Iceland Travel Tips, Snaefellsnes Peninsula: Best Things to Do + Itinerary, Golden Circle, Iceland: Self-Drive Travel Guide, A Complete Guide to Iceland's South Coast, 21 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Iceland, The Ultimate Guide to Lake Myvatn in Iceland, A Complete Guide to Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Iceland.
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