The travel tips you need to know about Iceland to be well prepared
Iceland is an adventurous destination. When you board the plane, you only see fellow passengers in hiking boots. Everyone is geared up for the outdoors. While it’s not a difficult country to travel through, it does require some preparation. In this article, you’ll find a summary of the most important travel tips for Iceland!
1. Book early! Start looking for cheap flights 11 months in advance! You can use apps like Momondo or Google Flights to do this. Tip: you can save a lot of money if you do a stopover in Iceland. You read everything about stopovers in this article! If you want affordable accommodations, it’s best to book in advance—options fill up quickly. You’ll find most accommodations on Booking.com or Airbnb. This is maybe the one of most important travel tips for Iceland if you want to keep an eye on your budget!
2. Restaurant prices: Eating out isn’t too expensive, but alcohol can add up quickly. Luckily, water is always free. Stick to water, and your travel budget will thank you!
3. Dress warmly: Iceland’s weather can be extremely cold, even in summer, so pack layers and warm clothing. We were lucky and enjoyed two weeks of +20°C, so that’s possible too!
4. Rent a car to explore Iceland: A rental car is the best mode of transportation. It allows you to explore Iceland at your own pace. You can reach some places like Landmannalaugar if you want to do Laugavegur Trek. However, overall, a car makes things less complicated. The country’s stunning sights are best reached by car. Remember, you’ll need a 4×4 if you plan to drive on the F-roads.
5. Bring cash: While credit cards are widely accepted, some places in Iceland don’t take them. It’s good to have cash on hand. The pandemic has made card payments more common. However, cash can still be useful. This is especially true when you want to visit less known places.
6. Plan your route: Plan your itinerary and check road conditions and weather reports before setting out. Iceland’s weather can change quickly, so don’t let it catch you off guard!
7. Bring a waterproof camera: Iceland is known for its stunning landscapes and unique wildlife. To capture these moments even in the rain or close to a waterfall, bring a waterproof camera.
8. Try the local cuisine: Iceland offers unique dishes like puffin, reindeer, and lamb. Don’t hesitate to try something new—but steer clear of touristy spots for a more authentic experience.
9. Respect the environment: Iceland’s ecosystems are delicate, so be mindful of your environmental impact and follow local guidelines.
10. Prepare for the midnight sun: During summer, Iceland experiences 24-hour daylight. Be ready for constant light, which can sometimes make it tricky to sleep.
11. Chase the northern lights (October-May): If you’re visiting between October and May, keep an eye out for the northern lights. I like the Aurora app for the predictions, it’s free! Research the best times and locations for a chance to catch this magical phenomenon.
12. Bring a powerbank: In rural Iceland, charging devices can be a challenge. A power bank ensures you don’t miss out on capturing those perfect moments.
Want to make an itinerary for your Iceland trip? Find inspiration here!