As I close to the tip of my collection of posts from our journey to Iceland, I’m sharing with you 10 issues which are maybe not all that nicely publicised however could possibly be useful when planning a visit to Iceland, notably if you’re visiting for the primary time. Iceland is likely one of the most stunning nations on the planet – a land filled with pure wonders – however figuring out these helpful ideas will hopefully be sure that your journey advantages from some inside data.
Plan forward and ebook upfront
A visit to Iceland is one that you simply’re prone to keep in mind for years to return. Because of this, you’ll be need to make sure that you intend forward. And planning forward is vital for 2 causes; firstly, you’ll get the choose of the most effective accommodations and lodging for those who ebook forward; secondly, you’ll usually get the most effective costs by planning forward. A rental automobile is likely one of the very first belongings you would possibly need to contemplate – 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 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 count on them. For the reason that gentle Atlantic air of the Gulf Stream mixes with colder Arctic air, you actually can’t be certain what to anticipate and frequent and abrupt climate shifts aren’t unusual. That is why they are saying that it’s doable to expertise all 4 seasons in simply at some point in Iceland. Keep watch over the Icelandic Met Workplace web site referred to as vedur.is (‘veður’ means ‘climate’ in Icelandic).
Gown accordingly
Since you possibly can expertise all 4 seasons in a day, you need to be dressed for all eventualities. Layering your garments in an effort to add or take away layers relying on the climate is mostly good follow. And naturally be sure to 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.
Ensure you know the emergency quantity
Ensure 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 cell phones, 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 totally different to 112 or 911, don’t count on your cellphone to redirect. Simply keep 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 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 number of the purest pure assets on the planet, accessible at each faucet across the nation – at no cost. There’s completely no purpose to purchase bottled water in Iceland but vacationers after all do. However 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.
Lease a automobile
I truthfully consider that hiring a automobile is the easiest way to get round Iceland. It’ll offer you 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 would possibly rent a automobile doesn’t imply to say you possibly can’t take a tour. In truth, there are various 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 mountaineering with a information, we wouldn’t have been capable of safely go to Katla ice cave with no 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 fantastic sense of humour so taking excursions was a genuinely enjoyable expertise.
Go to the swimming baths
After all, you’ll in all probability go to considered one of Iceland’s many lagoons or spas throughout your go to. However strive a go to to the general public baths additionally. It’s a highly regarded 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, similar to showering bare moderately than in your swimwear and, whenever 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 at some point
When you have got 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 might be vital and it’d take longer than you assume to get from one place to a different. Additionally, observe that there’s an enormous distinction between visiting within the Summer time months when the solar doesn’t actually correctly set and you’ve got a lot of sunlight hours to play with, versus visiting in Winter when there is perhaps simply 4 hours of daylight, to not point out poorer climate and driving circumstances. And don’t neglect… for those who don’t handle to see the whole lot that you simply wished to see throughout your journey, that offers you 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, moderately than nationwide regulation, however one which I’d suggest you comply with. The pledge reads as follows:
I pledge to be a accountable vacationer. After 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 street into the unknown however by no means enterprise off the street. And I’ll solely park the place I’m purported to. After I sleep out below 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 may watch a video from our journey to Iceland right here:
Disclosure: Our journey to Iceland was sponsored by Helly Hansen.
