Tag: Iceland

  • Northern Lights & Cheap Flights: Why Fall Is The Best Time To Explore Iceland

    Northern Lights & Cheap Flights: Why Fall Is The Best Time To Explore Iceland

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    Northern lights and cheap flights – if that’s not enticing enough to book a trip, then I don’t know what is!

    Lots can be said about my favorite country, some good, some bad – if there’s one thing for certain, fall is the best time to explore Iceland.

    What once seemed like an unattainable far-flung destination with a fascinating way of life and astounding other-planetary landscapes is now one of the world’s trendiest destinations.

    Aurora borealis at Kirkjufell in Iceland

    Summer draws a crowd to many of Iceland’s top sites, such as the plethora of majestic waterfalls, shooting geysers, and the volcanic black sand beaches of Vik.

    Now that calendars have flipped to September, crowds are beginning to dwindle, but best of all, this month marks the start of the Northern Lights season with some incredibly priced airfare to reach Europe’s most jaw-dropping country on a budget.

    An Ethereal Autumn In Iceland

    They say ‘don’t go chasing waterfalls’ but nobody is stopping you from chasing impeccably beautiful fall foliage across the pond.

    Akureyri, Iceland in fall

    Truth be told, Iceland is borderline whimsical in some aspects.

    Its culture is steeped in bizarre elf folklore, unpronounceable streets, and quirky architecture that will leave you befuddled.

    What is often overlooked are the scenic fall colors lining the streets of Reykjavik, many of its wondrous terrains, and the up-and-coming northern city of Akureyri, which you should definitely visit this time of year.

    While most travelers keep their passports at home to leaf-peep, you will be quite impressed checking out the already stunning natural sites without the vibrant backdrop of foliage.

    The rush of fall colors adds tenfold the allure.

    Vast autumn landscape of Iceland's Thingvellir National Park

    Of course, Iceland is a rare European nation where trains go by the wayside in favor of road trips.

    Home to the popular Ring Road, this is the ultimate fall adventure where you’ll find open roads, less crowds, and more elbow room at the famous Blue Lagoon.

    Watch The Skies Dance Green

    September marks a season to remember, but don’t feel like you have to visit at the drop of a hat; the Northern Lights can be witnessed in Iceland through April.

    That being said, many circle September as the month to visit since this also marks the end of the stingy ‘midnight sun’.

    Man observing Northern Lights at night in Iceland

    Just as it sounds, if you’re unfamiliar, Iceland experiences extended daylight through the summer months, so locals and tourists alike are stoked to get some shuteye!

    If there was ever an excuse to stay up late, it’s to bear witness to nature’s concert of colors known as Aurora Borealis, a natural reaction caused by the sun’s charged particles and Earth’s atmosphere.

    But enough with the science lesson, the point is it’s truly an awesome phenomenon to experience.

    I’ve done it right here in Iceland.

    Thinking I missed out on the chance about to head to the airport, the universe heard my prayers and the skies lit green in Keflavik near the airport.

    The northern lights seen above Reykjavik, Iceland

    Even my driver was surprised as I was told there’s often too much light pollution to see it here. There are far better places with a higher odds to view the Northern Lights.

    According to Iceland Tours, there are the top 5 best bets to watch the Northern Light put on a show: (good luck pronouncing them!)

    1. Vatnajökull National Park
    2. Seltjarnarnes (Reykjavik)
    3. Snæfellsnes
    4. Þingvellir National Park
    5. Westfjords

    Iceland’s Flagship Low-Cost Airline: PLAY

    Play Air plane in Baltimore

    Formerly WOW Air, after a wild timeline of mishaps, this Icelandic airline has rebranded under new ownership as PLAY.

    This low-cost carrier offers a variety of nonstop flights to/from the U.S. on the cheap. Such notable airports include Baltimore (BWI), Washington DC (IAD), and Boston (BOS).

    As for New York (SWF), make sure you go to the right place as it’s an alternative airport in Stewart, NY – not JFK or LaGuardia.

    PLAY offers sales throughout the year with some truly jaw-dropping fares. For example, Bostonites can fly directly to Keflavik (KEF) as low as $139 this fall.

    While Iceland may be an expensive country on arrival, that’s a problem to solve once you get here!

    PLAY Airlines app

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    This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

    Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.



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  • 4 Important Things Travelers Need To Know About Visiting Iceland This Winter 

    4 Important Things Travelers Need To Know About Visiting Iceland This Winter 

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    The land of fire and ice has become popular for every type of traveler worldwide.

    Wanderers looking to find solace amongst nature and photographers seeking out the most epic of landscapes find what they are looking for in Iceland.

    It was reported by the Icelandic Tourist Board that in 2022, the country welcomed 1.7 million visitors! 

    A small Nordic Island country out to sea, there’s something magical about the country that draws tourists each year. Known for its dramatic landscapes of lava fields and glaciers, friendly locals, and change of seasons, there’s really no bad time to visit.

    iceland winter

    During the summer months, travelers can expect to experience the midnight sun. 24-hour daylight, and parties until the wee hours of the morning, but there’s another season making headlines. 

    In the past few years, with Iceland’s tourism ever increasing, flocks of people have been visiting during the winter months to see the natural phenomenon that is the Northern Lights. Hundreds travel to the country, hoping to catch a glimpse of the epic light show. 

    With all the joys that winter brings also comes some friendly reminders from locals and important things to know during one of Iceland’s most dangerous seasons. 

    Don’t Ignore The Warning Signs

    When traveling, it’s very easy to feel as though we’re invincible in a world full of adventure, excitement, and new sites to be discovered, but in Iceland it’s more important than ever to keep your guard up.

    Some tourists have the habit of ignoring warning signs, and in a country like Iceland, this is a big mistake you don’t want to make. The sheer power of the natural wonders here is unexplainable.

    According to popular tour company ‘Reykjavik Excursions,’ there have been 12 emergency calls and 5 deaths at Reynisfjara black-sand beach in the last decade alone. 

    An owner of a tour company in the country says, “In Iceland, a warning sign is put up because someone has died or multiple people have died. It’s not just because something might happen.” Iceland is a beautiful country with unexpected storms, volcanoes, and rocky cliffsides – be careful. 

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    Packing Appropriately Is Key

    The ‘anything goes’ mentality doesn’t work in Iceland during the winter, especially when it comes to packing. Part of having a successful trip to the land of fire and ice is knowing what to bring!

    IcelandAir suggests always packing “an under-layer or base layer of clothing – both top and trousers. Lightweight merino wool or synthetic thermal materials are recommended. A middle layer that provides insulation and retains body heat. Recommended materials include wool, fleece, down and synthetic.”

    Layers are key when traveling through Iceland. Locals often say that the weather can change within seconds, so it’s important to prepare for every scenario.

    I’ve personally traveled to the country 5 times, and always always bring multiple options! It’s always better to start with more layers, so that way you can remove layers if you get warm and add them if you get cold. 

    northern lights

    Practice VERY Safe Driving

    Although the roads may seem barren at times, it’s important to note that there are speed cameras almost everywhere in Iceland. Fines are particularly expensive here if you’re caught – so don’t take any chances!

    Throughout the year, roads are well-signed for locals and tourists, but the conditions definitely change a lot as the winter months approach. If you’re driving in Iceland you could be met with any of these possibilities: forceful winds, falling rocks, poor visibility, slippery roads, and frozen cars. 

    According to Nordic Visitor, it’s wise to check weather and road conditions, download the 112 Iceland app, save the emergency services number, and do not only rely on your phone’s GPS!  

    winter scape in iceland

    Be Prepared With Plans A, B, And C

    Unexpected weather conditions also bring with them unexpected plans. While Icelanders and tour companies are prepared for every scenario, it’s paramount to understand that plans may have to be changed.

    While the companies are well-equipped with trucks, buses, and safety kits, they can’t control Mother Nature! Always have a backup plan, or talk to companies before booking to understand the road and weather conditions, and what their policies are on cancellations, etc. 

    woman in blue lagoon in iceland

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