ICELAND

Now as you can tell by the title of this blog post, we just got back from Iceland, and YES it IS as magical as it looks. Quick disclaimer: getting to Iceland (from the East Coast at least) is super inexpensive, however, traveling within Iceland can be REALLY expensive. So to save you the hassle of having to do all of the research your own, I'll include all of the details of our trip to make it as easy as possible, BECAUSE YOU NEED TO GO! Also, huge huge HUGE shout out to one of our closest friends, Mandi Ohar, who took the initiative to plan a majority of this trip and get all of us on the same page (which I'm sure was NOT easy).

FLIGHT: We flew WOW air out of Toronto for $280 into Keflavik Airport (KEF). Which is just insane. We've flown to Charleston for more. WOW is Iceland's "budget" airline. Think Spirit or Frontier, so be prepared to pay for your baggage and any drink/snacks on the plane. You will have to pay for both carry-on and checked luggage. Pat & I shared a carry on bag and it was $59 each way. We also each packed a small backpack for our personal items that had our first day of clothes in it, snacks, and any essentials that we needed. The personal item is free but it has to be small! Keep in mind that since it is a budget airline, it is also jam packed. Pat (6'2'') legitimately needed to origami himself into his seat and I was even uncomfortable at 5'4''.

Our flight left out of Toronto at 7:00PM (4/6/18) and was about 5.5 hours long to KEF, so it was a perfect amount of time for a nap. If you read our post about London, you'll know that I pass out immediately on every flight. (Shout out to Tylenol PM.) When I woke up, we had already landed in Keflavik, Iceland around 6:00AM (4/7/18) local time, so we wiped up the drool and got ready for day one.

WEATHER: Weather in Iceland is totally unpredictable, especially in April, so prepare for everything. We got really lucky and had beautiful weather (45 and sunny) almost the entire time, but I know some people weren't as lucky.

DAY LIGHT: Make sure to check this before you plan your trip! It ranges from 22 hours of daylight to just 4, so just something to think about when you're deciding. Since we went in April, the sun rose around 6:30AM and set around 8:30PM which gave us a perfect amount of day time. We unfortunately didn't get to see the Northern Lights, which just means we need to make another trip back! Check out this link to view the yearly sun graph.

CURRENCY: Iceland uses the Icelandic Krona, and when we were there the conversation was about 100 Krona to every American Dollar. It made it easy for us because we pretty much just moved the decimal point over two places to know how much we were paying in USD. Keep in mind that almost everything in Iceland is imported so it can be a bit expensive. EXPECT sticker shock. A beer can cost you $15 and I wish that was an exaggeration. On the positive side, everyone accepts credit card, so don't worry about keeping currency on you at all time.

DUTY FREE: If you plan on drinking back at your hotel or Airbnb and want to save some money, make sure to stop at the airport Duty Free before you leave. It is significantly cheaper than the government owned alcohol stores called Vínbúðin. You're able to purchase "6 units" without having to declare anything, we were definitely over that but Icelandic TSA didn't seem to care. Make sure to pick up some Opal as well. It's a popular Icelandic liquor and comes in a few different flavors. We picked up the "Wild Berries and Sea Salt" which was... interesting.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION: Since we traveled with 6 people and had so many things that we wanted to see in such a short time, we opted to rent a car. I know a lot of people decide to stay in Reykjavik and take tour buses all over as well. Totally dependent on your travel style and the amount of time you are spending in Iceland.

We booked through Fara: Guide to Iceland and they were great! Make sure that you get a 4x4 vehicle because some of the places you may end up will be off the beaten path. The car that we got was a Hyundai Veracruz and we were totally cramped for the first day with all of our luggage. We were fine after that, but just a heads up. Pick-up was also super easy with them. We just needed to email them when you arrive dand they met us in the arrival concourse. *They are located only a few minutes from the airport, so wait until you get through customs until you notify them of your arrival.* Also, just like with any time that you rent a car, make sure to thoroughly inspect the outside of the car for pre-existing dings or dents. As for insurance, make sure to get the typical damage waiver and add gravel insurance as well. It was only about $18 extra dollars a day. In total, the car itself came to around $500 USD total.

GAS: Gas in Iceland is much more expensive than what you will spend in the states. The average gallon of gas will cost you around $7.50 USD. There are usually small gas stations or at least pumps by all of the major tourist sites, but always make sure to fill up when you can because you can easily go 20 miles without seeing a single building.

DAY ONE:

BLUE LAGOON (63.8804° N22.4495° W): Once we had our car situated, our first stop was the Blue Lagoon. We made reservations for 8:00AM which was perfect for our schedule. Super touristy and a bit expensive with the lowest package being about $100 USD, but it is a must stop. It is so beautiful and was so relaxing after a full night of travel. Pre-booking is required so make sure to take care of that early on in your planning. Each package includes a complimentary drink, towel and silica mask, so it just depends on how long you want to stay and how much you want to stay. All packages are here. We spent about three hours here, but I wish we could have stayed more. They also have really great changing rooms so you're able to dry your hair and get ready for your next stops.

GROCERIES: After the Blue Lagoon, we stopped to get groceries at a Bonus close by. Bonus is definitely one of the cheaper options for groceries, but still be prepared to spend $18 on a brick of cheddar cheese. If you pack appropriately, I would definitely suggest bringing some groceries in your checked bag if you're looking to save money. Cliff bars were super clutch on the road.

GOLDEN CIRCLE:

Thingvellier National Park (64°15'21.1"N 21°07'50.0"W): Prepare for a hike as you go to Öxarárfoss waterfall. This place might look familiar if you're a Game of Thrones fan. I won't insert the spoiler just in case, but do a quick search and you'll remember the scene that was shot here. Pretty much, all of the markers along the trail tell you of all the death that occurred here at the hands of the Vikings. It's pretty wild. Make sure to also check out the rift where two tectonic plates are drifting apart. If you have time, you're able to take a dive down for around $300 USD. The water is so beautifully clear. Also on the way in, make sure to stop and admire Þingvallavatn, the largest national lake in Iceland.

Bruarfoss Waterfall (64°15'51.282"N 20°30'53.322"W): Considered a "secret waterfall" but there were a few other groups making the hike when we arrived. Bruarfoss is definitely one of the most photogenic waterfalls because of its intense blue water. No filters needed, the water is really that blue! Everyone says that is is difficult to find, but we were able to find it pretty easily. http://unlockingkiki.com/finding-bruarfoss/ Hiking boots definitely recommended for this one, the trail was very muddy. This isn't technically on the Golden Circle tour, but is a great addition to the trip.

Haukadalur Geothermal Area (64°18'34.1"N 20°18'10.4"W): Here you'll find Geysir and Strokkur hot springs/geysurs. Strokkur erupts about every 10 minutes so we got to see it about 4 times in the short amount of time that we were there. Geysir is much less predictable so there is a good chance that you won't see it erupt at all. There are other small geysers and hot springs throughout this area so be careful not to fall in!

Gulfoss Waterfall (64°19'30.9"N 20°07'49.3"W): Gulfoss was the largest waterfall we saw on the entire trip. It really looked like a scene from Wakanda in Black Panther- just a beautiful staircase of waterfalls. Living so close to Niagara Falls, we've always thought we had the baddest waterfall of them all but Gulfoss was so spectacular and complex that it really took our breath away. This was definitely a MUST stop.

Kerid Crater (64°08'15.4"N 20°18'53.6"W): This volcanic crater lake honestly didn't look like too much when your driving up, until you get closer. The lake was frozen when we arrived so we were able to walk down and tip-toe across the middle. Kerid is supposed to be absolutely beautiful in the summer as well and the lake is said to be a neon blue. It costs around $4.00 to check it out and we didn't spend too much time here, but I would definitely suggest making the stop.

AIRBNB(63.768501, -20.204489“): Located in Hvolsvollur on a farm in the middle of nowhere. I LOVED IT. We spent two nights there but I wish we could have stayed longer. It had the coziest feel with a fireplace in the middle and a geothermal hot tub on the deck. You could see stars for miles and miles and it was such a great way to end our first two days. In the daylight you could also see one of Iceland's most active volcanoes, Hekla, in the distance. At night, you'd have as good a shot as any at seeing the Northern Lights, unfortunately they just didn't come out to play for us. The owners, Eysteinn & Katrin, lived in the building next door and were super friendly. Their dogs came by the house every morning to play a game of never-ending fetch. The Airbnb had everything that we needed and I would definitely recommend seeing if it is available for your stay. Interested in staying here? Check it out.

DAY TWO:

The Abandoned DC3 Plane Crash (63.4912391,-19.363281): Didn't stop, but definitely on the way if you had a bit more time. The pictures look neat but there were a ton of cars by the path and it is a bit of a walk to get there.

Skaftafell and Svartifoss (64.017151 -16.966839): After a 40 minute hike up-hill, we were rewarded with the beautiful Svartifoss Waterfall. It's surrounded by these black basalt formations that almost look man-made. This was definitely the most unique waterfall we saw on the trip and we wound up eating lunch on some rocks right under the falls. There's a waterfall halfway up the hike and you'll look out onto mountains & glaciers if you turn around. Would definitely strap on the hiking boots for this one too since you'll venture through a little mud at the end as you get closer to the falls.

Jökulsárlón Iceberg Lagoon (64.050101 -16.180647): Potentially my favorite place in the entire world! So incredibly beautiful and unlike everything we have ever seen. As if looking over a landscape of thousands of massive, drifting glaciers wasn't cool enough, you also get to see Seals! There are boat tours that you can take between May & November to get up close to the glaciers, but honestly, you can wander around on the shore for an hour or so and have an incredible experience. Even living in Buffalo where we see snow 10/12 months of the year, this view was breath-taking.

Diamond Beach (64.044069 -16.183955): Right across the way from Iceberg Lagoon and one of those times where you think to yourself "Yay Science"! The broken up pieces of glacier tumble in the strung currents and wash up on the beach with diamond like appearances. We spent about 30 minutes or so walking up and down the beach because we didn't want to leave.

Fjadrargljufur Canyon (63.771399, -18.171856): Closed for thawing when we arrived, but looked like an incredible place to hike!

DAY THREE:

We got a bit of a late start because we were all starting to run on E and we were honestly a bit hungover, but we made good time and were able to see everything that we wanted to.

Seljalandsfoss(63.616144, -19.99277): As if this waterfall isn't cool enough already, you can walk behind this one. The paths were "closed" when we got there, but there were a ton of people walking behind it anyways. Prepare to get wet!

Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool (63.559136, -19.622622): Not as secret as we had hoped but definitely worth it! It's about a 20 minute hike each way. There is no good place to change since this location is no longer maintained, so be prepared to change in the open. The water also wasn't terribly warm when we were there but the views are unbelievable.

Skógafoss Waterfall (63.529662, -19.513175): One of the five largest waterfalls in Iceland. Depending on the light, the falls will create a really vibrant rainbow in the middle.

Dyrhólaey Nature Reserve (63.402901, -19.1302): It was legitimately sleeting in our face and the winds were really strong so we didn't spend much time here, but the views are beautiful. You'll find amazing rock formations, miles of black sand beaches, and hopefully a few Puffins if you're lucky.

Reynisfjara black sand beach (63.405669 -19.056243): We didn't end up walking down the beach because the weather was a little rough, but it was so beautiful from afar. NOTE: Be REALLY careful on the beaches in Iceland. They have incredibly strong sneaker waves that can creep up on you and drag you out in the currents. It is highly stressed that you never turn your back to the waves and that you stay a VERY safe distance. For more info on Reynisfjara, check out Adventurous Miriams' post here. She clearly pays much more attention to details than Pat and I.

Reykjavik: Such a cool city! Our Airbnb was centrally located and had plenty of room which was great. We got there a little later than expected (4:00PM), but it was just in time for happy hour. Make sure to download the app Appy Hour Reykjavik to find out where all of the good deals are because drinks can be very expensive. There is also a ton of really cool graffiti and street art, so make sure to adventure around. We didn't spend as much time here as I wish we could have, so I'm sure there is a lot that we missed as well.

DAY FOUR

Our last day in Iceland. We woke up in the morning and adventured around Reykjavik to check out the Harpa Concert Hall, Hallgrímskirkja, and the Hofdi House on the water front. Most importantly, we went to check out what the infamous Icelandic hot dogs at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur were all about. Guys. They did not disappoint. I'm almost embarrassed by how much I enjoyed it. Pat legitimately went back and got a second, and then considered getting a third. There are no words to describe how delicious they were. Want to know what's in them? Check out this article here. According to some of the reviews online, there can be really long lines, but we got super lucky and barely had to wait. It's most likely because we went for breakfast before most people can even think about eating a hot dog. If there is only one thing that you remember from this article, EAT THE HOT DOGS.

After lunch, we had to head to the airport to catch our flight, which is usually about the time in our trip when I start to go into depression knowing that we have to go back to reality. Just as I was starting to hit that point, a huge full rainbow formed over the lake and petrified lava fields. The whole trip was really like a dream and I am so glad that we were able to experience it with friends.

All in all, Iceland was one of the most unique trips that we have ever been on. I cannot wait to go back. If you've been and have any suggestions for the next time, let us know!

Curious how much it all cost? In total, we spent around $800-$900/person in our 6 person group. You could definitely do it a bit cheaper or go all out if you're able to. Meaning, if it's not on your bucket list, it needs to be!

Next trip? PUERTO RICO in TWO WEEKS.

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