Planning Tips For A Holiday To Iceland

One of my dream holiday destinations is Iceland. The land of amazing natural beauty, stunning waterfalls, glaciers, hot springs and the northern lights, has to be seen to be believed. 

 I am so lucky to be visiting this beautiful country in March this year, so I hope you are looking forward to my posts in the near future. Now I have started to plan my trip I realise that there is a lot of information out there on what to do and where to go, so I have compiled a list of planning tips for a holiday to Iceland from bloggers that have been there.

 I hope this will help you plan your trip, and if you have been I hope it will give you some great memories.

Reykjavik

Ensure you have plenty of money (you'll find most people, both tourists and Icelanders, use their bank card as opposed to cash) as things are so much more expensive than you'll have anticipated. A meal that costs £40 for 2 in the UK costs over £100 in Iceland. Also, don't bother buying bottled water as Icelandic water is the purest you could possibly drink. The hot water does stink of egg though so prepare for a smelly shower. 
Mel www.raisethewaves.com

Hallgrímskirkja church

I just went in December and it's very expensive. We took a Mastercard and pretty much just used that and had about 6000ikr (£50) in the purse for emergencies or souvenirs.  We decided not to bother with the Blue Lagoon after several locals told us about Fontana. It's gorgeous but I suppose BL is more touristy so it just depends on your personal preference. We also took a portable phone charger but never needed it. Get the Reykjavik card which gets you on the buses and into several museums/zoo etc for free and discounts at restaurants, other museums etc. Also, the tap water is literally the best water I've ever had. Crisp, clean, pure. Enjoy. 


The Northern Lights

I recommend booking a northern lights trip for your first night there because if the lights don't show they can rebook you for free for the following night and so on until you get to see them. If you visit Blue Lagoon, don't pay for a facial pack, as there are mounds of the stuff by the water which you can just help yourself to. All the public buses have wifi so you can upload your pics to social media on the go so I recommend taking a portable phone charger too. 
Hollie www.thriftymum.com

If you're planning to chase the northern lights, get familiar with this website. It's the Icelandic Met Office and has a handy Aurora forecast page which will give you an indication of the likelihood of seeing the lights. Remember: Storms and heavy cloud cover is not your friend when it comes to the Northern Lights. 
Roma Roaming Required 

The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a must and if you can push the boat out go VIP. We also did the half day tour of the glaciers and geysers and it was brilliant.
For drinks visit Kaffibarrin which is the cool little bar part-owned (if not all) by Damon Alburn. For a truly memorable meal, I can recommend The Fish Company restaurant in Reykjavik - an amazing meal but not cheap. 
Catherine Battle Mum

Iceland was the best holiday of my life! I did a trek in 2009. Would definitely recommend the Blue Lagoon!!! It was stunningly beautiful and very relaxing. There was a bar in the pool with electronic wristbands to purchase. Was so refreshing and my skin felt epic afterwards.
Lucy Real Mum Review

Take your own towels to the Blue Lagoon, and your full makeup kit; you'll need it! 


Ethnographic open air museum

Move away from the obvious, Iceland has some of the strangest, weird and wonderful museums in the world. Do your research before travelling and you can see so much more than whales and geysers.
Emma Fashion Mommy

My biggest tip is to hire a car - it's the best way to see the country in your own time instead of relying on tour buses that rush you around. You also don't need to hire a 4x4 if you're planning on sticking to the Ring Road and not going on mountain roads so car hire doesn't have to be too expensive. 
Kaleigh www.jolliesandjaunts.com 



Jokulsarlon 

My one top tip would be to not just concentrate on Reykjavik. It's a fantastic place, but we really loved South Iceland in particular. It's a long drive (especially if it's snowy!) to Jokulsarlon, but it's so worth it to go to the beach where the blue icebergs crash onto the volcanic shore. It's one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. Ally Dowsing-Reynolds Digital Diva

Make sure you are prepared for any kind of weather and make an Icelandic music playlist.  
Anne-Sophie City Cookie


Skagoss Waterfall

I would say look to stay in self-catering accommodation. We stayed in a log cabin out in the mountains (with a naughty sheep who tried to get in every night!) and our own "hot pot" outside, a chic city apartment in Reykjavik and a farm where the children got to ride their own Icelandic horses. Self-catering allowed us to have some really unique experiences.


Tell me have you been to Iceland? Where is the most beautiful place you have ever visited?

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46 comments

  1. Unknown6 January 2017 at 10:38

    Oh enjoy! I would love to see the Northern Lights! ox

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  2. Unknown6 January 2017 at 12:22

    Such a great post - I love that there's so much real advice here! I've always wanted to visit Iceland, and it's one place I might actually be able to get my husband to fly to!!

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  3. Unknown6 January 2017 at 12:56

    I've never really considered Iceland but those photos look beautiful - you've sold it to me! I'd have to see the lights, that was always on my list but the lagoon sounds wonderful too. <3

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    1. Mellissa Williams8 January 2017 at 17:14

      Iceland is a real popular destination at the moment. I'm glad I've sold it to you!

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  4. Sarah Mumx3x6 January 2017 at 13:22

    I've always wanted to visit Iceland, it looks and sounds like such an amazing (and kind of unique!) country. This post is really helpful and so much advice! The bus card is a good idea. Icebergs crashing onto the volcanic shore sounds amazing and actually kind of therapeutic! Lovely post! xx

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    1. Mellissa Williams8 January 2017 at 17:14

      It does seem like a stunningly beautiful and unique country, I agree.

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  5. rhian westbury6 January 2017 at 14:59

    I really want to go to Iceland as I want to go whale watching, use the natural springs and of course try and see the northern lights. Definitely some great tips here x

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    1. Mellissa Williams8 January 2017 at 17:16

      There are so many outdoor attractions in Iceland, and the scenery, the landscape and wildlife are the biggest ones.

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  6. Louise6 January 2017 at 16:18

    I'm planning to go to Iceland this summer so I've bookmarked this post which is super helpful - thanks! x

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  7. Jennifer Durrans6 January 2017 at 16:25

    Iceland looks amazing even though I'm a warm country kinda gal!!! Hahaa great tips!

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  8. Unknown6 January 2017 at 17:52

    Ive always wanted to go to Iceland - this is so helpful, thanks

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  9. Pappers8 January 2017 at 14:39

    We went on the most amazing 'bucket list' excursion called into the Glacier. It took all day but was just the most incredible experience. You are taken to a kind of lodge at the edge of a glacier then transferred to NATO vehicles. These drive across the ice to a man-made hole where you are given a tour inside the glacier itself. It was price but the best thing we did in Iceland and my teenagers still talk about it over a year later.

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    1. Mellissa Williams8 January 2017 at 17:18

      Wow, that does sound amazing. A once in a lifetime experience, you are so lucky.

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  10. Lauretta Wright8 January 2017 at 17:37

    I've seen plenty of pictures of the Northern Lights but I've never actually seen them with my own eyes....one day! Looks like such a memorable holiday - and nicely documented!

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  11. Unknown8 January 2017 at 17:37

    Wow thanks for sharing. Iceland is just another place on a long list of places I wish to visit. I'd love to see the northern lights most. I found it funny imagining an eggy smelling shower. I would need lots of shower gel with me lol x

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    1. Mellissa Williams9 January 2017 at 10:22

      I didn't know about the smell in the shower either!

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  12. fashion-mommy9 January 2017 at 23:45

    It's a great post Mellissa, thank you so much for including my tip.x

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  13. Foodie Quine10 January 2017 at 22:50

    SO glad I came across your post, lots of useful tips. We're going on 9th Feb for 5 nights. SO excited!

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    1. Mellissa Williams11 January 2017 at 09:31

      Hi Claire, how exciting for you! Do you have everything planned? Are you touring the island? Have fun!

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  14. Masshole Mommy12 January 2017 at 11:59

    I have been wanting to go to Iceland FOREVER!! I keep hearing how beautiful it is there and I need to start planning my own trip there.

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  15. Stacie12 January 2017 at 12:30

    I have always wanted to visit Iceland. We've traveled to a lot of places, but we haven't made it there yet. It's on my bucket list, though.

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  16. Jen Rattie12 January 2017 at 12:33

    Oh wow. I had no idea that Iceland was so beautiful. Those sod covered houses are the absolute coolest!

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    1. Mellissa Williams13 January 2017 at 08:58

      Yes it is stunning. Game Of Thrones was filmed in Iceland.

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  17. Pam12 January 2017 at 19:26

    My husband really wants to go to Iceland. If we ever go we will definitely be stopping at the Blue Lagoon!

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  18. Marcie W.12 January 2017 at 23:43

    Iceland looks so wonderfully beautiful! Seeing the Northern Lights is definitely high on my bucket list.

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  19. Kelly Hutchinson13 January 2017 at 00:04

    I would love to visit Iceland. I mean look at that waterfall. The scenery is breathtaking.

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    1. Mellissa Williams13 January 2017 at 08:58

      The scenery is so beautiful. I just cannot wait to go now, I am so excited.

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  20. Joanne @ Fifteen Spatulas13 January 2017 at 00:08

    You are giving me the travel bug right now! Iceland has been moving higher and higher up my list. These tips are great, I love how they are actually specific. Thanks!

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    1. Mellissa Williams13 January 2017 at 08:59

      I think these tips are fantastic as they are from people that have actually been. I will be using these tips myself, that's for sure.

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  21. Six Time Mommy TEST13 January 2017 at 03:21

    This is awesome. I would love to visit Iceland. I think it would be an incredible experience. Hopefully at some point can go! - Jeanine

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  22. Toni | Boulder Locavore13 January 2017 at 12:04

    Great info! Thank you for sharing these! It is one of my dreams to see Northern lights! :D

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  23. Seattle Travel Blogger13 January 2017 at 14:25

    I never think to visit this destination.
    Your article makes me think about it though.

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  24. Melissa13 January 2017 at 15:58

    Your photos are simply breathtaking and are inspiring me big time to consider a trip to ICELAND. definitely on my list of must have bucket list experiences now that I've read your post- thanks for the travel inspiration

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  25. Kristen Dann13 January 2017 at 22:12

    Going to Iceland has been on my bucket list forever. The views are just breathtaking!

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  26. Dawn McAlexander14 January 2017 at 01:52

    Iceland looks so gorgeous. It is on my bucket list to visit someday. I want to go there so badly.

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  27. Foodie Finds Home14 January 2017 at 17:57

    I just sent this link to my husband and our friends. We're planning a trip to Iceland later this year and I'm so thrilled to have all of this awesome information! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! This makes me even more excited for the visit to such an unique and beautiful country.

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    1. Mellissa Williams16 January 2017 at 01:22

      Thank you for your kind comment. I really hope you get the chance to go.

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  28. Unknown14 January 2017 at 18:35

    This is a great post! I cant wait for my trip to Iceland next year.

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  29. Unknown17 January 2017 at 06:37

    It sounds like an amazing place to vacation in. I've never seen Iceland and I'd love to go someday soon! That blue lagoon sure looks relaxing!

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  30. mrstracyjs25 January 2017 at 12:23

    Great tips, my daughter and I are going in 4 weeks time, we really hope to see the lights,we have a Blue lagoon afternoon planned and a full day Golden circle tour included in our holiday, sat in my snow boots now trying to imagine them in the rain and snow. Excited!

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    1. Mellissa Williams25 January 2017 at 13:32

      We will be there in March. and have hired a car to explore. Have a lovely time Tracy and glad the tips are useful :)

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