The Golden Circle - Part 1
- sarahvisconti663
- Nov 11, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 29, 2022
Ever dreamed of touring the Island country of Iceland? Here are some tips and tricks my family discovered along the way. From avoiding the lone Dunkin Donuts to finding the best restaurants, there is so much to uncover and delve into in this intimate country.
BOARDING
When first preparing to depart of Iceland, it is IMPORTANT to remember that Iceland is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard time in America. Prepare your stays, car rentals, and flights accordingly! If it is 2:00PM in Boston, then it will be 7:00PM in Reykjavik.
Typically, the best flight value leaving from the East coast to Iceland is from Logan International out of Boston. With only a 5-hour, 30-minute flight time, you can line yourself up with an overnight and arrive in Iceland in the early morning hours as things open up for the day.
The company 'WOW' unfortunately does not fly anymore with their $99 flights but using Kayak or any other major discount flight company can save you a ton of money on flights.
My family took an overnight red eye, leaving Logan at 6PM and arrived in Iceland a little after 4:30AM. This was in August, and we were prepared for any chilly weather and darkness upon arrival.
De-boarding will be quick, and your party will leave the airport into the dark. The sun typically does not rise to its quarter-high level till after 6:30 AM in the summertime. With many rental booths and cafes opening later in the morning, it is important to have a game plan. Make sure your rental car company knows the time of arrival, and either ask for a shuttle for pick up or hail a taxi.
The company my family entrusted is 'The Blue Car Rental' . They were extremely polite, helpful, and resourceful at the early hours when our car was almost frozen shut. (Yes, it does get that cold there even in the middle of summer!)
ACCOMIDATIONS
Staying in Iceland can be a chore in itself. While many other destinations have always offered luxury stays and chain hotel reward nights, Reykjavik does not accommodate so well. Many of the stays in Iceland will be through local companies, Airbnb's, and other small hostels.
We stayed at a local Airbnb, one that unfortunately is no longer running. As unfortunate as this is, there are plenty of local housing options available! From Hostels to domestic resorts, there is no shortage of available stays.
Hostels:
Located near one of Icelands National Parks, this modern and timeless hostel will bring you into new relationships and destinations.
Offering tours and guests kitchens, this hostel will have you making unforgettable memories with locals and travelers from all over the world. Invite yourself to step out of your comfort zone.
Located on the east side of the island of Iceland, this hostel will bring you more in tune with the wonderous side of this country. With unreal views and a charming farm style stay, you will leave with charming memories of all you saw and all the people you met.
**As a tip, always check booking.com or check out @icelandguesthouses or @Hostel.heaven to keep updated on new and upcoming hostels.
"It is better one time to see things than one hundred times to hear about them" - Icelandic Proverb
Pictured above: Reykjavik City
ADVENTURES
An absolute must see on your journey, make this a first stop! For those who love Game of Thrones, this beach is one from the shows itself! Located on the southern coast of the country, this beach looks out to the endless water and small islands dotting the shoreline.
Famous for the black pebbles, this beach will certainly be crowded, but luckily the length of the beach gives some space for tourists. Take some time away from the water to go and explore Hálsanefshellir cave! Located 117 Miles from Reykjavik via Route 1, this is an easy first stop along the Ring Road Circle.
Vestrahorn Mountain
Continuing along route 1, make this historic landmark a stop along your way. Dotted with movie sets of Viking 'villages', this area will leave you feeling as if you stepped into Netflix's Vikings or The Last Kingdom!
Our last stop on the tour of Iceland, the Lagoon offers a breath of relief from hard car travel and rough weather conditions. Located 30 miles from Reykjavik, this exasperating wonder of the world is an absolute MUST if one is to go to Iceland. Offering accommodations, a spa, restaurant, and two 'in lagoon' bars, the Blue Lagoon offers an all-inclusive feel for travelers.
When booking your time at the Blue Lagoon, make sure to decide if you and your companions will be staying overnight or nearby, this will affect what packages you can book. If you are booking a day trip, there are two options: First package comes with facemask, 1 drink, and a towel! The second, for $15 more, you get 2 extra drinks, slippers, bathrobe, and a glass of champagne if you dine on location! Both offer relaxation and the ability to unwind!
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