Turning 25 was a true milestone in my life, and to celebrate, I decided to give myself the most extraordinary gift I could imagine: a journey to the stunning island of Iceland.
My experience in Iceland was nothing short of magical. There were countless moments when I felt like I had stepped into a movie, where nothing around me seemed real. The privilege of witnessing the breathtaking natural landscapes in person was incredibly liberating, leaving me with a newfound sense of empowerment and a strong desire to add more nature-based adventures to my travel bucket list.
Now, let me share with you why Iceland absolutely deserves a spot on your travel wishlist.
Getting to Iceland
Thanks to my favorite hometown airport, Hartsfield-Jackson, I was able to book a direct flight on Icelandair from Atlanta to Reykjavik. However, a week before my flight, I decided to add Sweden and Amsterdam to my itinerary. This meant I had to cancel my round trip and book a one-way flight to Iceland. For this updated plan, I had to first fly into Baltimore and then catch my plane to Reykjavik.
As always, I had only packed a carry-on and a personal item with me. For in-flight entertainment, I had downloaded a whole season of "Suits," which kept me thoroughly occupied. With a flight duration of only 5 hours and 30 minutes, it almost felt like a quick hop to California. In short, getting to Iceland was a breeze.
This revised itinerary not only added excitement to my journey but also made me appreciate the convenience of my hometown airport. It's amazing how a change in plans can lead to new adventures and a deeper appreciation for the ease of travel.
Touchdown in Iceland
I landed at Reykjavik Airport around 5 am local time. Clearing Icelandic customs took some time, but after that, I was ready to begin my adventure. Surprisingly, the airport was quite busy for such an early hour, but it wasn't overly crowded. To kickstart my day, I made a quick stop at a small convenience store at the airport to grab some snacks.
To make my journey smoother, I had wisely booked a bus transfer from the airport to my hotel in advance, knowing that the airport was located about an hour away from the center of Keflavik.
Stepping out of the airport, I was greeted by a brisk morning with temperatures in the early 50s and a gentle rain falling. Thankfully, I had my umbrella and rain jacket ready, so the weather didn't dampen my excitement. I easily located the bus, and before I knew it, I was en route to my hotel.
Upon arrival at a bus station, I realized that I needed to catch another bus to reach my hotel. Despite the slight detour, I finally arrived at my hotel around 9 am. However, I was informed that my room wouldn't be ready until 2 pm, so I securely stored my luggage and decided to venture out in search of a hearty breakfast.
Transportation
Iceland is a relatively small, nature-focused country, which means they don't have the typical public transportation options like trains and subways that you might find in larger cities. Instead, Iceland provides a range of transportation choices, including rideshare services, bus transfers, taxis, and scooters. To explore Iceland effectively, you'll need to rent a car or utilize one of these services.
Personally, I opted for group tours since I was traveling solo and wanted to delve into the fascinating history and facts behind the stunning natural landscapes of Iceland. I wholeheartedly recommend this approach if you're traveling solo!
Food
Icelanders have a deep love for seafood, and without a doubt, I indulged in some truly amazing dishes. Their bread, in particular, was a delightful treat. One memorable experience was enjoying a hearty seafood soup at a charming, age-old Icelandic eatery. It was the perfect comfort food for a chilly, rainy day.
As for exotic cuisine, I'm not particularly adventurous, so I don't have many exotic food stories to share. Nonetheless, Iceland's seafood and traditional fare left a lasting and delicious impression.
Places I went to in Iceland
I stayed in downtown Keflavik which was a walking distance to all the restaurants, shops, cafes and pier so gorgeous sunsets were promised every evening 😍 Here is a list of places I visited:
Golden Circle
Seljalandsfoss
Gullfoss Falls
Skógafoss
Haifoss
Sky Lagoon
Reynisfjara Beach
Eyjafjallajökull volcano
Blue Lagoon
Flyover Iceland
Keflavik downtown
Northern Lights - missed it twice because of bad weather 😩
Do I recommend Iceland?
Absolutely, don't hesitate – just book those tickets! But do give some thought to the season you'd like to visit Iceland, as the country experiences both harsh winters and incredible nightless summers. Regardless of when you go, Iceland is a destination that will etch itself into your memories forever.
Why do I recommend Iceland?
Do we even have to question it?
The gorgeous scenery every step of the way
Glaciers and Volcanoes in one place
World's best waterfalls
Blue Lagoon - one of the world's 25 wonders
In Conclusion
Iceland is a place like no other. Its unparalleled landscapes, geothermal wonders, and rich culture make it a destination that offers a unique experience that will stay with you long after you've left. Whether you're exploring ice caves or relaxing in geothermal baths, Iceland is a land of enchantment and adventure, waiting to be discovered.
I definitely have a reason to go back to Iceland to either catch the Northern lights or potentially an erupting Volcano 🫢
Still got questions about Iceland? Dm me on tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@walkwithzz
Now, where should I go next?🤔✈️
Until next time, Peace🌊
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