Remembering Iceland
Iceland was my first international trip, and it is still my favorite. My sister and I went to celebrate her birthday (belated), and neither of us had been out of the US except for Mexico. So we were not exactly seasoned.
The trip, in short. I booked everything through Icelandair's website: flights, hotel, excursions and airport transfers. We went in early March, because my research said that and November are the best windows for the Northern Lights, and March is warmer. TIP: choose March if you would like to be outside without hating it.
The lights started on the plane. We took an overnight flight and happened to fly during a solar storm, so the Northern Lights were going right outside our window. I am told that is very lucky. I will take it.
Upgrade if you can. We upgraded to first class after booking and it was worth it, though it made up about 75% of the total trip cost. Icelandair also has a bidding system for upgrades. We used it on the way home. The food was good too, my main was elk tenderloin.
Eat everything. We arrived during their restaurant week by pure accident, with chefs from around the world doing residencies at almost every restaurant, even the hotels. Hands down the best food I have ever had. If you have time, go to the bread shop, get a roll and a coffee, and just be happy.
Our hotel was basic on purpose. We stayed at Cabin Hotel. The room was small and the breakfast was continental, but we were barely there. Bonus: the water is heated by the geysers, so the shower gets hot almost instantly, and the tap water is cleaner than some bottled water.
The excursions. We did the Northern Lights boat tour, whale watching, geysers and snowmobiling, the Blue Lagoon, and snorkeling between the tectonic plates. That last one was my favorite and I would do it again first. You wear a wet suit and a dry suit, so you float without trying. Your face goes numb after a few minutes so you forget the water is frigid cold. We bought the photos and they are framed in our hallway.
Two warnings, since we’re friends now:
The tour buses. One bus company covers lots of excursions, and several buses will say "northern lights" in the window. Read the sign, ask the driver, and show your ticket. If you miss yours, you may be out the money.
The Blue Lagoon locker room. You have to rinse off first, and many visitors are comfortable with, shall we say, a lot of public nudity. You have been warned. Also, go in the daytime if you want photos. The steam in the evening made ours look blurry instead of mysterious.
Would I go back? Every year. I’ve already been back once and plan to go again soon.