As I close to the tip of my sequence of posts from our journey to Iceland, I’m sharing with you 10 issues which might be maybe not all that properly publicised however might be useful when planning a visit to Iceland, significantly in case you are visiting for the primary time. Iceland is without doubt one of the most lovely international locations on this planet – a land filled with pure wonders – however realizing these helpful suggestions will hopefully make sure that your journey advantages from some inside information.
Plan forward and e-book prematurely
A visit to Iceland is one that you just’re prone to keep in mind for years to return. For this cause, you’ll be need to make sure that you propose forward. And planning forward is vital for 2 causes; firstly, you’ll get the decide of the perfect resorts and lodging for those who e-book forward; secondly, you’ll typically get the perfect costs by planning forward. A rental automotive is without doubt one of the very first belongings you may need to think about – to place this in perspective, in 2019 there have been simply 24,000 rental vehicles in Iceland (5,000 of which had been leased) and but the nation had two million guests. 1.9 million guests to Iceland are predicted for 2023 and a pair of.1 million for 2024.
Pay consideration to climate forecasts
Iceland is the form of place the place you shouldn’t solely be ready for climate adjustments, it’s best to anticipate them. Since the delicate Atlantic air of the Gulf Stream mixes with colder Arctic air, you actually can’t make sure what to anticipate and frequent and abrupt climate shifts should not unusual. This is why they are saying that it’s potential to expertise all 4 seasons in simply someday in Iceland. Keep an eye fixed on the Icelandic Met Office web site known as vedur.is (‘veður’ means ‘weather’ in Icelandic).
Dress accordingly
Since you’ll be able to expertise all 4 seasons in a day, you need to be dressed for all eventualities. Layering your garments so as to add or take away layers relying on the climate is usually good apply. And in fact be sure you have sturdy sneakers or boots, and good jackets and waterproofs. We had been kitted out in Helly Hansen gear which is nice, and I’ll be posting extra about this shortly.
Make positive you understand the emergency quantity
Make positive you understand the emergency quantity for Iceland… it’s 112. If you’re from North America or the Philippines, you’re in luck since on cellphones, 911 is alleged to re-direct to 112 when in Iceland (though I can’t say I’ve verified this). If you’re from the UK or anyplace the place the emergency quantity is one thing completely different to 112 or 911, don’t anticipate your cellphone to redirect. Just keep in mind the quantity… 112… it’d even save somebody’s life.
Note additionally that The Search and Rescue Association of Iceland (ICE-SAR) has launched the 112 Iceland app which will also be used to hint your steps and find you promptly within the occasion of an emergency.
Don’t purchase bottled water!
Iceland has a few of the purest pure assets on this planet, accessible at each faucet across the nation – at no cost. There’s completely no cause to purchase bottled water in Iceland but vacationers in fact do. But it’s not simply an unnecessarily costly behavior – it’s not environmentally pleasant both. Please drink extra responsibly and journey with a water bottle and refill it from the faucet.
Rent a automotive
I truthfully consider that hiring a automotive is the easiest way to get round Iceland. It’ll provide you with extra independence, permitting you to decide on your route, adapt your plans and spend as lengthy or as little at no matter locations you select to cease at.
Take excursions – they’re enjoyable!
Just since you may rent a automotive doesn’t imply to say you’ll be able to’t take a tour. In reality, there are a lot of belongings you simply can’t do simply by yourself, or that it’s safer to do with a information, no matter you having your personal transport. We realized a lot extra from our volcano tour by climbing with a information, we wouldn’t have been capable of safely go to Katla ice cave with out a information and we definitely wouldn’t have gone snowmobiling or taken a 4×4 off-road buggy tour with out the help of a tour firm. We additionally discovered most of the guides had a terrific sense of humour so taking excursions was a genuinely enjoyable expertise.
Visit the swimming baths
Of course, you’ll in all probability go to one in every of Iceland’s many lagoons or spas throughout your go to. But attempt a go to to the general public baths additionally. It’s a very talked-about Icelandic ritual and just about each city in Iceland, no matter how small it’s, has its personal swimming pool. Just be sure you are conscious of Icelanders’ very strict code of conduct and swimming pool etiquette, akin to showering bare relatively than in your swimwear and, while you end, ensuring you might be fully dry earlier than heading for the altering rooms.
Don’t attempt to schedule an excessive amount of into someday
When you might have a restricted period of time and a lot you need to see and do, it’s tempting to attempt to pack all of it in. But keep in mind that the driving distances in Iceland could be important and it’d take longer than you suppose to get from one place to a different. Also, word that there’s a giant distinction between visiting within the Summer months when the solar doesn’t actually correctly set and you’ve got a lot of daylight to play with, versus visiting in Winter when there could be simply 4 hours of daylight, to not point out poorer climate and driving circumstances. And don’t overlook… for those who don’t handle to see every thing that you just needed to see throughout your journey, that offers you a superb excuse to go to once more.
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Be a accountable vacationer
Respect Iceland’s nature and panorama in order that others can get pleasure from it after you. Take word of The Icelandic Pledge. It’s a voluntary scheme, relatively than nationwide regulation, however one which I’d suggest you comply with. The pledge reads as follows:
I pledge to be a accountable vacationer. When I discover new locations, I’ll depart them as I discovered them. I’ll take photographs to die for, with out dying for them. I’ll comply with the street into the unknown however by no means enterprise off the street. And I’ll solely park the place I’m speculated to. When I sleep out underneath the celebs, I’ll keep inside a campsite. And when nature calls, I received’t reply the decision on nature. I will likely be ready for all weathers, all prospects and all adventures.
Planning a visit to Iceland your self? You can watch a video from our journey to Iceland right here:
Disclosure: Our journey to Iceland was sponsored by Helly Hansen.