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Iceland

Glaciers, black-sand beaches and active volcanoes, all on one ring road. Here is how to plan an Iceland trip you will talk about for years.

Budget per couple$900-$1,400 a day
When to goIceland can be visited at any time of year.
Getting aroundProbably the most expensive but best way to see the island is with a 4x4 vehicle and staying in Airbnbs.

Travel tips

What to know before you go

Straight from our notes on Iceland: costs, getting around, where to stay and what to skip.

Per day. Prices from our trips; check current rates before you book.

transportation
Probably the most expensive but best way to see the island is with a 4x4 vehicle and staying in Airbnbs. The second way to travel Iceland is in an infamous Camper, and stopping at campsites all over the island. We used Lava Rentals to book our camper van, they do car hire as well. Head to Happy Camper for all the campsites in Iceland. You’ll then be catching a few ferries to neighboring islands.
There are some buses on the island too, if you don’t want to drive yourself, you can make bookings on the Strætó Bus app.
when to visit
Iceland can be visited at any time of year. Spring (April-May), summer (June-August), and fall offer milder temperatures, and the landscape is free of snow. If you decide to visit Iceland in the summer, you’ll experience most places under the midnight sun. Be aware that June-August are the busiest months of the year so prices will spike. In winter, the island is covered in snow, limiting travel around the island a little but it’s also a great time to look for the Northern Lights. Choosing when to visit Iceland is really up to you and your preferences. Just double check the amount of sunlight hours during the day if you go off-summer months.
safety
Iceland is a very safe country to visit, your biggest threat is the weather.
Keep an eye on the weather forecasts here: www.vedur.is
Know Iceland’s emergency numbers.
Check road conditions before you head out here: www.road.is
Be extra cautious in geothermal areas.
Don’t go too close to the ocean.
If you’re planning to go hiking or camping, let someone know where you’re going at all times here: www.safetravel.is
where to stay
Airbnb, Agoda and Booking.com are the best sites. Here were some of our favorite accommodations, links found in our ‘Iceland Itinerary’ blog post:
Reykjavik Airbnb
5 Million Star Hotel
Westman islands Cabin
Vik Cabin
Guesthouse Nypugardar
Rainbow Street Apartment
language
Icelandic is the official language of Iceland. It is an Indo-European language, belonging to the sub-group of North Germanic languages.
Studying English and Danish is mandatory for students in compulsory schools and also part of many secondary-level study programs, so just about every one you interact with will have near-perfect English!
what can you skip
If you have 7 days or less, stick to the region around Reykjavik and don’t attempt to circle the entire Ring Road. You’ll only have time…really just to drive and hardly stop. 10+ days recommended for full Iceland itinerary.
trip resources
Airbnb and Agoda are again, great options for finding accommodation, as well as flights.
Camper van rental company: Lava rentals
what to pack
Anything that will keep you warm and dry, no matter what time of year you’re going! Check out our his/hers packing videos below.
what to eat
Beware, eating out in Iceland is expensive but you have to experience the local cuisine!
Reykjavik's Hot Dog (or pylsur), Skyr (dairy product), Hangikjöt (Smoked Lamb), Kjötsúpa (Lamb Soup), Pylsur (Lamb Hot Dog), , Ice Cream and Cheese, Fermented Shark, Rye bread (and butter), Seafood (lobster, Atlantic Cod, fish and chips, Plokkfiskur Fish Stew, Langoustine soup), Brennívín (Black Death), Flòki Whiskey.

Packing list

What to pack for Iceland

Packing lists on video for this trip, plus the carry-on gear we designed after years on the road.

Shop Tripped
Her Iceland packing list
His Iceland packing list

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Plan your trip

Pick your dates, set a budget and book things in the right order, so you know what the trip costs before you pay for any of it.