Traveling to Iceland is a unique and invigorating experience. Based on our experiences during our adventures, here’s a list of friendly heads-ups about some things to keep in mind when planning a trip to Iceland to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip!
- Keep an eye on Weather and Climate: Iceland’s weather is very unpredictable. Be prepared for rain, wind, and even snow, regardless of the season. Check the weather forecast regularly and dress in layers to adapt to changing conditions. We travelled in April and were glad we brought down jackets and invested in good waterproof hiking boots. Bring extra socks too if you’re planning to go glacier hiking (you should!) Additionally, keep an eye out for volcanic activities which can lead to flight delays and road closures. Iceland’s met office has up to date information on weather and volcanic activities.
- Sleep well: The amount of daylight varies significantly throughout the year. During the summer, you’ll enjoy almost continuous daylight, whereas in the winter, daylight hours become scarce. So, plan your activities accordingly, and if you’re driving in the dark, exercise extra caution. Also it’s a good idea to bring eye masks if you’re traveling in the summer although many hotels have blackout curtains. Just because you have 24 hours of daylight (May-June), it doesn’t mean you should be hiking at 3 AM!
- Watch out on Road Conditions: If you plan to rent a car, be aware of the road conditions. Some areas may be impassable, especially in winter. You’ll need a four-wheel-drive vehicle if you’re planning to drive on “F-roads” (Mountain Road – rugged and unpaved in remote highlands areas). The roads often close due to the bad weather. Keep an eye out on the official Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration site for up to date information. Beyond Reykjavik and other main towns, services are also limited, so be sure to fill your tank whenever possible.
- Book in advance: Iceland is a very popular destination especially in the summer. Hotels are limited outside Reykjavik, so make sure to book everything ahead of time especially if you’re doing a ring road drive.
- Take insurance: As the road condition is harsh, the risk of rock chips and cracks on windshields is real. Make sure your insurance covers any damages (including damages related to volcanic activities). Fortunately, our car encountered no issues; but, we saw some cars getting stuck in the snow and flat tires. So, it’s a good idea to have a roadside assistance if you’re planning to go to the highland area.
- Learn how to use your camera: Iceland is such a picturesque country. One thing I regretted when I traveled was that I didn’t have a good camera. Are you planning a trip for northern lights? Then, definitely invest in time and equipment and learn how to use your camera, even iphone. A quick rule of thumb is to set the lens focus to infinity, set the aperture to f4 if this is available, then use the shutter speed of a few seconds. But all depend on the condition and how fast the lights are moving. Be as steady as you can, or use tripod and self-timer. But the best lenses you have are your eyes. Just enjoy. Here is not-so-great photo I took with my cheap camera 🙂
Planning is important when traveling to Iceland even if you don’t normally plan your trip ahead of time. Hope this helps you plan your trip to Iceland. Let me know if you have any questions I’ll share my experience, also please share your own travel tips.