When our traveller Sukanya returned from her trip to Iceland with Pickyourtrail, she had just a few issues Dos and Don’ts to share with us. Listed here are her phrases of knowledge born of wonderful expertise, together with different helpful tips that could survive, and actually get pleasure from Iceland. Right here’s her survival information to Iceland.
Iceland. The Land of Ice and Fireplace. House to stunning glaciers, sizzling springs, snow-capped mountains, the magical Aurora Borealis and a lot extra. Whereas the nation’s breathtaking pure magnificence and the Icelanders’ youthful spirit left us in awe, there have been just a few issues that we had been fairly unprepared for. Listed here are some issues that it is best to know earlier than you go to Iceland.
1. The Blue Lagoon
Visiting Iceland and never taking a dip within the iconic Blue Lagoon’s thermal swimming pools is a wasted expertise. Although we went for one of many final admits – round 8 PM, the lagoon was nonetheless crowded. One factor we failed to note till after we stepped out of the pool was that there’s a store close to the doorway that sells plastic telephone circumstances/covers that can help you take footage within the spa/pool/underwater. Bear in mind to get the duvet so that you could shoot footage of you chilling out within the thermal swimming pools and underwater.
2. Get To Know The Locals
Icelanders are among the nicest folks we’ve met. With loads of vacationers frequenting the gorgeous nation, the locals assist them with instructions, getting round and useful ideas. Additional, speaking with the locals will provide you with a higher perception into what Icelandic life is all about. And whenever you get again house, you possibly can brag that you’ve got badass Nordic mates from the land of the Vikings.
3. Iceland Is Street Journey Heaven – However Plan Forward
Street journeys are among the best methods to discover Iceland and its pure magnificence. Folks often take the long-lasting Ring Street, which is a roadway that covers your entire perimeter of Iceland, protecting a whopping 1332 km. The route takes you thru waterfalls, volcanoes, the Northern Lights, fjords, glaciers and icebergs together with quite a few stunning villages and off-road trails. Whereas the street journey is a must-do and deserves a weblog publish of its personal (Quickly, me lads), listed here are just a few pointers that may make it easier to.
- Plan your journey to final atleast a week. Something lesser means you’ll be lacking out on rather a lot.
- Spend money on a pleasant rugged SUV. A number of the smaller gravel roads could be unforgiving and also you DON’T wish to remorse settling for a smaller automobile then.
- Attempt to cut back driving at evening, since getting maintain of a restore service in case of a flat tire at evening can get exhausting.
- Use a bank card with a PIN so that you don’t have to get a fuel card to replenish.
- Talking of gas, fuel is fairly costly in Iceland, so be sure to issue it in when you make a price range.
Learn extra: Free issues to do in Iceland.
4. Meals is Costly – However there are methods round it
Meals could be costly in Iceland, relying on the place you’re getting your grub from. Meals at lodges and fuel stations are typically expensive, so refill on groceries at Bonus, Kronan and different cheaper shops and produce your personal meals. The bakeries have nice meals and snacks. And as level #2 famous, the locals are very happy to let you already know of cheaper meals choices.
Listed here are among the wonderful meals that Icelanders eat!
5. Beat the group by carrying your personal water/ snacks
Right here’s another excuse to hold your personal meals even in the event you aren’t doing a street journey. A lot of the excursions have frequent stops between locations and there are snack/lunch bars accessible. Nevertheless, we discovered lengthy traces greeting us in most locations. Due to this fact it’s advisable to hold your personal water bottles/snacks to keep away from standing within the traces.
6. Reservations at Eating places
After you’ve tried Iceland’s scrumptious Hangikjöt (Smoked Lamb), Kjötsúpa (Meat Soup) and the Ein með öllu (the long-lasting Icelandic hotdog), you could be craving for some good previous Indian meals. To not fear, as Iceland has many Indian restuarants. Nevertheless, reservations are a should at most, if not all these eating places.
7. Waterproof footwear
In Iceland, a lot of the websites you go to can have loads of water or ice close by. Having seen a few of our co-passengers have loads of problem with this, I might suggest that you simply pack waterproof footwear on your trip.
8. Ice-Strolling Footwear
Should you plan to hike or go on a glacier hike (extremely beneficial!) in winter, ice-walking footwear or boots are a should. Your Nikes and Vans would possibly look swanky, however gained’t do you any good when the ice-cold water and snow seep in and freeze your socks off.
Aching to attempt Iceland’s famend journey actions? Listed here are among the nation’s epic adrenaline-pumping actions.
9. Windbreaker Jackets
Iceland is legendary for its winds. When you don’t want to fret about flying cows and trailers (largely), not stepping out with no windbreaker or a thick heat waterproof jacket will go away you cursing the chilly. The icy wind was extra of a problem for us than the chilly. It’d take you a few days to heat as much as (pun meant) Iceland’s well-known winds. So put money into a good jacket that gives ample heat. You may even get nice ones in Iceland itself.
10. Swear By Layers
If we haven’t confused it sufficient already, right here it’s once more: It will get realy chilly in Iceland. When you could choose denims for all seasons, it’s a higher thought to put on layered clothes. Lengthy johns are a pleasant possibility, since they’re a quick-dry possibility. Woollen socks and hats are additionally a good way to beat the chilly and look nice.
Extra ideas from the locals
Should you hate crowds skip the Blue lagoon and head over to the Secret Lagoon or Myvatn Nature Bathtub as an alternative. They’re cheaper, too.
Don’t drive off the street; it is rather harmful.
Purchase all of your alcohol from Vinbudin – authorities owned liquor retailer. The beer in grocery shops are non alcoholic.

When taking footage, don’t stroll backwards. You might run the danger of falling right into a geysir, off the cliff and even right into a waterfall. Incidents like these aren’t unusual.
At all times maintain your telephone charged. In case of volcano eruptions, you’ll no less than get a warning.

Don’t stand too near the glacier on the seaside. They’re fairly, sure. However in case of sturdy waves, the 5 tonne ice berg will fall on you.
Now that you simply’re all arrange, get packing and go conquer the land of the Vikings in your subsequent trip with licensed Iceland Specialists Pickyourtrail.
Intrigued by Iceland? Right here’s one other good learn – our traveller Vijay Ram’s newbie’s information to exploring Iceland. And take a look at the Pickyourtrail weblog for extra epic guides, from Australia, Norway, New Zealand to Bali, Thailand and plenty extra.
Planning your trip, fixing brokers, flight bookings, resort bookings, actions and the opposite issues attending to your head? Fret not, fellow traveller. Sit again and sit back, as our skilled trip planners will get your dream trip going very quickly.

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