When our traveller Sukanya returned from her trip to Iceland with Pickyourtrail, she had a couple of issues Dos and Don’ts to share with us. Listed here are her phrases of knowledge born of superb expertise, together with different helpful tips to survive, and really take pleasure in Iceland. Right here’s her survival information to Iceland.
Iceland. The Land of Ice and Hearth. 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 a couple of issues that we had been fairly unprepared for. Listed here are some issues that you need 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. Though 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 instances/covers that mean you can take photos within the spa/pool/underwater. Bear in mind to get the duvet in an effort to shoot photos of you chilling out within the thermal swimming pools and underwater.
2. Get To Know The Locals
Icelanders are a number of the nicest individuals we’ve met. With a whole lot of vacationers frequenting the attractive nation, the locals assist them with instructions, getting round and useful ideas. Additional, speaking with the locals provides you with a higher perception into what Icelandic life is all about. And whenever you get again dwelling, you possibly can brag that you’ve got badass Nordic associates from the land of the Vikings.
3. Iceland Is Highway Journey Heaven – However Plan Forward
Highway journeys are among the best methods to discover Iceland and its pure magnificence. Folks normally take the long-lasting Ring Highway, which is a roadway that covers the complete perimeter of Iceland, overlaying 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 highway journey is a must-do and deserves a weblog put up of its personal (Quickly, me lads), listed here are a couple of pointers that may provide help to.
- Plan your journey to final atleast a week. Something lesser means you’ll be lacking out on so much.
- Put money into a pleasant rugged SUV. A number of the smaller gravel roads will be unforgiving and also you DON’T wish to remorse settling for a smaller automotive then.
- Attempt to scale back driving at night time, since getting maintain of a restore service in case of a flat tire at night time can get laborious.
- Use a bank card with a PIN so that you don’t have to get a fuel card to refill.
- Talking of gas, fuel is fairly costly in Iceland, so be sure you issue it in when you make a finances.
Learn extra: Free issues to do in Iceland.
4. Meals is Costly – However there are methods round it
Meals will be costly in Iceland, relying on the place you’re getting your grub from. Meals at lodges and fuel stations are typically dear, so top off on groceries at Bonus, Kronan and different cheaper shops and convey your individual meals. The bakeries have nice meals and snacks. And as level #2 famous, the locals are very happy to let you recognize of cheaper meals choices.
Listed here are a number of the wonderful meals that Icelanders eat!
5. Beat the group by carrying your individual water/ snacks
Right here’s another excuse to hold your individual meals even in case you aren’t doing a highway journey. A lot of the excursions have frequent stops between locations and there are snack/lunch bars obtainable. Nonetheless, we discovered lengthy strains greeting us in most locations. Subsequently it’s advisable to hold your individual water bottles/snacks to keep away from standing within the strains.
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 may be craving for some good previous Indian meals. To not fear, as Iceland has many Indian restuarants. Nonetheless, 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 a whole lot of water or ice close by. Having seen a few of our co-passengers have a whole lot of issue with this, I might suggest that you just pack waterproof footwear in your trip.
8. Ice-Strolling Footwear
For those who plan to hike or go on a glacier hike (extremely really useful!) in winter, ice-walking footwear or boots are a should. Your Nikes and Vans may look swanky, however received’t do you any good when the ice-cold water and snow seep in and freeze your socks off.
Aching to strive Iceland’s famend journey actions? Listed here are a number of 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 (principally), not stepping out with no windbreaker or a thick heat waterproof jacket will depart 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 spend money on a good jacket that gives ample heat. You possibly can even get nice ones in Iceland itself.
10. Swear By Layers
If we haven’t harassed it sufficient already, right here it’s once more: It will get realy chilly in Iceland. When you could desire 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
For those who hate crowds skip the Blue lagoon and head over to the Secret Lagoon or Myvatn Nature Tub as an alternative. They’re cheaper, too.
Don’t drive off the highway; it is extremely harmful.
Purchase all of your alcohol from Vinbudin – authorities owned liquor retailer. The beer in grocery shops are non alcoholic.
When taking photos, 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 usually are not unusual.
All the time hold your telephone charged. In case of volcano eruptions, you’ll not 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 just’re all arrange, get packing and go conquer the land of the Vikings in your subsequent trip with licensed Iceland Consultants 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 much 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 relax, as our professional trip planners will get your dream trip going very quickly.
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