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How did you travel there, ie: did you go alone or in a group? Did you take a package tour and if so, which company? What did you like best/least? What would you recommend seeing or avoiding?
I'm starting research on taking a trip there later this year (alone) and would love any useful feedback
I went with a group (an astronomy-oriented tour to see the aurora borealis, booked via Spears Travel). The country was wonderful! Expensive, though, so watch your budget. Pretty much everyone speaks fluent English, so it would be an easy place to travel to on your own. If I went again, I'd be tempted to rent a car and do a circle trip around the island.
As for best/least favorite sights, I can't be of much help, since I loved it all. I do recommend spending some time at the Blue Lagoon and doing at least on trip into the highlands (possibly on horseback, if you enjoy riding).
My partner and I went and rented a car on our own, no tour groups. We went in the summer; if it was spring/late fall/winter I wouldn't advise that though--the roads can be quite remote and get washed out/snowed in easily.
My favorite thing was the stunning natural beauty of the place. At times we felt like we were on another planet. Our least favorite thing was the cost, though we went about 12 years ago, when their economy was much different.
We are doing ~ 14 days in Iceland this August...it has been on our radar for a few years.
Flying in from EWR non stop and renting an AWD suv for the duration. Plan is to do Rt 1 Ring Road all around the island.
In booking stuff, we found that hotels get booked early/fill up in our time frame of late August, so you might start the process soon, especially in the very small 'destination points' around the perimeter of the country.
At our age we don't do hostels, tents or bunk rooms, so the few 'hotels'/motels seemingly get booked very quickly depending on dates.
And, bring money/be prepared to spend it: very pricey place which is understandable.
Get cooking, if you want to go; we look forward to our trip.
GL, mD
Sorry, that was a little glib. My best times in Iceland have been circling the island. I recommend farm stays, where you actually meet people, live in their homes (optional: share in their chores). Icelandic Farm Holidays | Tours and Accommodation
Reyjavik is, on the one hand, just another city and, on the other hand, unusual. It's worth three days, but do see the great geography, geology, geomorphology, scenery, coastal areas...
Be aware, it's expensive, especially in small places. I can remember paying US$10 for a slice (slice!) of pizza at a typical gas station along the road. Again, those farm stays can be economical, relatively.
If you have a lot of flexibility, summer solstice is pretty nice, with near constant daylight, though it reduces chances of seeing Northern Lights.
Yes. Went in the month of February. My goal was to see the Northern Lights. Very, very cold in the mountains but worth every freezing second to see the amazing Nirthern Lights.
Thanks everyone for the feedback. I am hoping to go late August so I'd better get cracking. Unfortunately when you're trying to organise everything by yourself, it ain't easy to figure out what to do and how to get it done. I would love to see the countryside (Thingvellir, Blue Lagoon, go horseback riding) but it's fitting it all in and affording it ! But I will make a start. Keep your fingers crossed.
I booked a flight to Europe on Icelandic Air and bought the 3 day trip to Reykjavik when the plane landed in Iceland. It was wonderful and I would love to return. From my hotel room I watched the sunset at midnight and the sunrise at 12:30, 30 minutes later. Their yogurt is sublime, better than any in the states.
I was traveling alone and booked through a travel agency. My brother was stationed in Germany and I planned to take a lot of the tours around Europe that were available to our military and their relatives.
Thanks everyone for the feedback. I am hoping to go late August so I'd better get cracking. Unfortunately when you're trying to organise everything by yourself, it ain't easy to figure out what to do and how to get it done. I would love to see the countryside (Thingvellir, Blue Lagoon, go horseback riding) but it's fitting it all in and affording it ! But I will make a start. Keep your fingers crossed.
For discount flights, you might try WOW, if you are near one of the cities they fly to.
Many of the cab drivers run side businesses as tour guides. We hired one for the day and he took to see all kinds of cool things. Like someone else mentioned it can be pricey, but save up and eat dinner at the Perlan.
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! But I will make a start. Keep your fingers crossed.
