Here is our general itinerary:
Day one: Reykjavik, Harpa, Reykjavik Harbor
Day two: Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss and Gljúfurárfoss waterfalls, Dyrholaey Arch
Day three: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Day four: Golden Circle: Gullfoss, Geysir, Bruarfoss Waterfall, Blue Lagoon
Day five: Reykjavik, reykjadalur hot springs, Hallgrimskirkja Church
Do your research
You’d think Iceland is a small island but there is just SO much to see! Make sure you do your research on what you want to see so you don’t miss anything. Here are some ways you can research:
- Read my blog (links up top, though there’s so much more to see) 🌚
- Instagram
-Hashtags: Searching through hashtags gives you a database of photos from people who have been there. You can easily see what catches your eye and hope whoever posted it geotagged the location. Some hashtags we used to search were: #iceland, #icelandtravel, #exploreiceland, #wonderlusticeland, #igersiceland, #visiticeland, #wheniniceland, #goldencircle
-Accounts: most of these hashtags are associated with accounts: wheniniceland, igers_iceland, visit.icleand, wonderlust.iceland - Pinterest
-Search through Pinterest for others’ blogs and experiences in Iceland.
Pack smart
Check for the weather to pack smart! If it says it’s raining, don’t pack an umbrella, pack waterproof everything!
1. Waterproof jacket forsure
2. Waterproof pants (snowboarding or ski pants should work)
3. Waterproof or water resistant shoes (you don’t have to do too much walking but there are some hikes available so it just kinda depends on where you’re going!)
4. Beanie
5. Gloves - if you’re taking photos, your hands will freeze!
6. Thick socks
7. External charger
8. Car charger & aux chord - if you’re driving yourself, car accessories and snacks are a must!
9. Towel - in case you’re super wet from the rain or for the Blue Lagoon or any natural outdoor hot spring.
10. Swim suit and sandals if you’re planning on going to the Blue Lagoon or any natural outdoor hot spring - which you should go.
Things you should know
1. Iceland is expensive. Expect to pay abnormal prices for food (over $20 for small meal) and transportation (full tank of gas was around $90). But all the sights except the Blue Lagoon were free!
2. Buy Blue Lagoon tickets ahead of time (earlier the better).
3. Iceland supermarket bread is bomb! If you’re on the road a lot or don’t want to spend too much money on food, buy groceries and make food! Icelandic hot dogs are supposed to be the best, according to Huff Post.
4. Having a SIM card with data can help you navigate since some places don’t have wifi.
5. If you want to see the Northern Lights, plan to go when the sky is most clear. Use this site to help track visibility.
6. They say you can drink the tap water even though it smells like sulfur.
7. Waterproof your devices: phones, cameras, etc.
8. Keep your eyes open - everything is beautiful. Carefully stop on the side of the roads to see horses or beautiful views.
9. Don’t really need any cash, most places take card, so just make sure your credit card doesn’t have foreign transaction fees.
10. Time of year/weather can really affect your trip (amount of daylight, snow, rain, etc.)
I’m probably still posting Iceland pictures but if you’re interested in what’s going on in my life, present day, follow along!
Let me know what tips and tricks helped you in planning your trip to Iceland, in the comments below!
