As I close to the top of my collection of posts from our journey to Iceland, I’m sharing with you 10 issues which can be maybe not all that nicely publicised however might be useful when planning a visit to Iceland, significantly if you’re visiting for the primary time. Iceland is among the most lovely nations on this planet – a land filled with pure wonders – however understanding these helpful ideas will hopefully make sure that your journey advantages from some inside data.
Plan forward and guide upfront
A visit to Iceland is one that you simply’re more likely to bear in mind for years to return. For that reason, you’ll be need to ensure that you propose forward. And planning forward is essential for 2 causes; firstly, you’ll get the choose of the perfect motels and lodging when you guide forward; secondly, you’ll usually get the perfect costs by planning forward. A rental automobile is among the very first belongings you may need to take into account – to place this in perspective, in 2019 there have been simply 24,000 rental automobiles in Iceland (5,000 of which have been leased) and but the nation had two million guests. 1.9 million guests to Iceland are predicted for 2023 and a couple of.1 million for 2024.
Take note of climate forecasts
Iceland is the type of place the place you shouldn’t solely be ready for climate adjustments, you need to anticipate them. Because 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 are usually not unusual. That is why they are saying that it’s potential to expertise all 4 seasons in simply at some point in Iceland. Regulate the Icelandic Met Workplace web site known as vedur.is (‘veður’ means ‘climate’ in Icelandic).
Gown accordingly
Since you may expertise all 4 seasons in a day, you need to be dressed for all eventualities. Layering your garments to be able to add or take away layers relying on the climate is mostly good observe. And naturally be sure to have sturdy sneakers or boots, and good jackets and waterproofs. We have been kitted out in Helly Hansen gear which is nice, and I’ll be posting extra about this shortly.
Be sure you know the emergency quantity
Be sure you know the emergency quantity for Iceland… it’s 112. Should 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). Should 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 telephone to redirect. Simply bear in mind the quantity… 112… it’d even save somebody’s life.
Observe additionally that The Search and Rescue Affiliation of Iceland (ICE-SAR) has launched the 112 Iceland app which may also be used to hint your steps and find you promptly within the occasion of an emergency.
Don’t purchase bottled water!
Iceland has among the purest pure assets on this planet, accessible at each faucet across the nation – without cost. There’s completely no cause to purchase bottled water in Iceland but vacationers in fact do. Nevertheless 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.
Hire a automobile
I truthfully consider that hiring a automobile is one of the simplest ways 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!
Simply since you may rent a automobile doesn’t imply to say you may’t take a tour. Actually, there are lots 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 individual transport. We realized a lot extra from our volcano tour by climbing with a information, we wouldn’t have been in a position to safely go to Katla ice cave and not using 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 an incredible sense of humour so taking excursions was a genuinely enjoyable expertise.
Go to the swimming baths
In fact, you’ll in all probability go to one among Iceland’s many lagoons or spas throughout your go to. However 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. Simply be sure to are conscious of Icelanders’ very strict code of conduct and swimming pool etiquette, akin to showering bare quite than in your swimwear and, whenever you end, ensuring you might be utterly dry earlier than heading for the altering rooms.
Don’t attempt to schedule an excessive amount of into at some point
When you’ve gotten 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. However 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. Additionally, observe that there’s an enormous distinction between visiting within the Summer season months when the solar doesn’t actually correctly set and you’ve got numerous daylight to play with, versus visiting in Winter when there may be simply 4 hours of daylight, to not point out poorer climate and driving circumstances. And don’t overlook… when you don’t handle to see every little thing that you simply wished to see throughout your journey, that provides you a great 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. Pay attention to The Icelandic Pledge. It’s a voluntary scheme, quite than nationwide legislation, however one which I’d advocate you comply with. The pledge reads as follows:
I pledge to be a accountable vacationer. Once I discover new locations, I’ll go away them as I discovered them. I’ll take photographs to die for, with out dying for them. I’ll comply with the highway into the unknown however by no means enterprise off the highway. And I’ll solely park the place I’m imagined to. Once I sleep out underneath the celebs, I’ll keep inside a campsite. And when nature calls, I gained’t reply the decision on nature. I shall be ready for all weathers, all prospects and all adventures.
Planning a visit to Iceland your self? You possibly can watch a video from our journey to Iceland right here:
Disclosure: Our journey to Iceland was sponsored by Helly Hansen.
