Iceland is a beguiling country, which will leave first time tourists in awe thanks to its awe-inspiring natural beauty, friendly people and excellent attractions, and with the increase in affordable flights to the area, now has never been a better time to visit the home of active volcanoes, huge glaciers and stormy seas.
If you do decide to travel to Iceland in the near future, here are some tips to help you plan your trip:
Explore the Wilderness
There is no denying that Reykjavik is an amazingly vibrant city with lots to do and see, but you should not make your whole trip about the capital. Iceland has so many natural wonders that it would be criminal not to explore a few of them. I can recommend the Great Geyser and the Vatnajokull National Park as great places to explore the raw beauty of wild Iceland.
Stay at a Family Guesthouse
If you want to experience a true slice of Icelandic life, instead of staying in a big chain hotel, book yourself into family run accommodation in the countryside and you’ll be treated like one of the family.
Sample the Food
A lot of outsiders have a less than favourable impression of Icelandic food and although you might not want to dive into acquired tastes like Svið – a dish consisting of a singed boiled sheep head, rhubarb jelly mashed turnip and potato, you should definitely check out the Icelandic delicacies that are Hangikjöt (smoked lamb) and Skyr – a yogurt like smoked cheese. If you want to ensure you get the best food Iceland has to offer, check out this list of the top 10 restaurants in Iceland to find the most interesting places to eat local cuisine you’ll love.
Get Ready for Constant Daylight
If you plan to visit Iceland in the summer, you will need to bear in mind that there is almost constant daylight, and although that means that you can do and see much more than you would be able to in the winter, it can also be tough to get a good night’s sleep. So, pack an eye mask, medication or anything else that will help you to sleep soundly when the sun is still out.
Drink Einstock
If you are going to indulge in a few drinks on your trip, remember to ask for Einstock it is the most delicious beer in Iceland and can certainly hold its own with the best beers from around the world.
Language
Although it’s never a bad idea to learn a few key phrases in the language of the country you are visiting, Icelandic isn’t the easiest to pick up, but that doesn’t really matter because you will probably find that most of the native Icelanders you meet are able to speak perfect English.
Be Prepared
The weather in Iceland can be temperamental at best. Rain and wind are not uncommon, so make sure that you pack for all eventualities if you want to enjoy your time in Iceland, without having to worry about the elements.
Have you been to Iceland? What are your tips forgetting by in the country?
