Iceland

Iceland was such an incredible trip for us. While it can be (and was for us) one of the more expensive destinations, finding a good deal via Going.com for flights can help offset things a bit. It was clear after doing the research that the best way to see this island is to rent a camper van so that you don’t miss a thing. Iceland has many camping spots (tip: do not wild camp in Iceland, always be sure to stay overnight at a designated location) which makes it convenient and safe. Below you’ll find the itinerary that we followed but keep in mind, that our trip was shortened by a day as our flights were delayed, the weather wasn't good for the Blue Lagoon while we were there but it's definitely a place I wanted to visit and lastly, we didn't have a 4X4 so the highland areas were off limits to us. 

Quick Tips: 

• Make sure to make a stop at Bonus (a local grocery store) to stock up on easy-to-cook meals, snacks, and drinks for your trip before leaving the city. 

• It gets dark fast when you're on the road and distracted by all of the new things to see so make sure to set goals on how far to go each day and have your camping spot picked out. 

• Be sure to bring a towel with you and expect to pay for showers at most camping facilities. 

• Exchange some local currency before you leave the city. 

• We did come across a few rest stops that were closed and had to use our emergency TravelJohn-Disposable Urinal” that we purchased from Amazon. Highly recommend it. 

Day 1: Arrival

• We flew into Keflavík International Airport.

• Take a TAXI to pick up your camper van (it's about 10 minutes from the airport).

  • • We chose (after lots of research!) “Happy Campers”. They were great, the van didn't have any issues and it was comfortable to sleep in. 

    • https://happycampers.is/ 

      1. We were pretty jet lagged when we arrived so being able to park at a rest stop for a quick nap was so convenient for us. 

• Make a quick stop at Bonus to stock up on essentials. 

  • • Stop for fish and chips at “Issi Fish and chips”, located nearby the Bonus. This was the best fish and chips we had on the entire trip.

• Our first stop was at Ægissíðufoss Waterfall.

• Next up was Seljalandsfoss.

• Head towards Vik

  • • Find a camping spot, suggest Vík tjaldsvæði, Suðurvegur 5, 870 Vík, Iceland

      • • This place was breathtakingly beautiful and had great facilities. 

    • Nearby dinner, “Ströndin • Pub”, the food was expensive but after a long day the thought of cooking was too much. 

Day 2: 

• Start the morning with a short drive to Reynisfjara Beach, this is a black sand beach with incredible views. 

  • • Grab lunch at Reynisfjara Beach or take time while parked to make a quick lunch. 

• Head to Fjaðrárgljúfur

  • • On your way you’ll pass the Katla Geopark, Laufskálavarða, and Gönguleið um Eldhraun.

If there’s still daylight, head to Vatnajokull National Park.

• This was one of the only locations we had to pay to enter. The hike is long but not too difficult and well worth the views of the valley and waterfall (Skaftafell).

Day 3: 

• Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach to see icebergs

  • • After spending lots of time here and having lunch from one of the local hot dog vendors we started our way back towards Reykjavík to turn the camper van in and rent a car to further explore the Golden Circle. We did this to keep our cost a little lower and allow us to stay in a hotel and explore the city. 

• Remember there are so many turn-off areas for scenic views and smaller waterfalls. So don't feel like you have to plan every single stop, give yourself some room to freely explore. 

• This itinerary shows that you don't need to take group trips to enjoy the island. While they look really fun this is a way to keep costs lower. 

• Skógar

  • • Skógar Campsite is a must stay.

Day 4: Golden Circle

• Once we returned the camper van we picked up a rental car and headed to the Thingvellir National Park, where you can walk between the tectonic plates and see the Althing, the world's oldest parliamentary site.

  • • The only group guide we took was with Dive.is because we saw it on Kara and Nate's YouTube years ago. This tour takes you on a one-of-a-kind experience snorkeling between the tectonic plates at "Silfra".  This was absolutely incredible and worth every penny. 

    • https://www.dive.is/about-us/meeting-point-at-silfra 

• Strokkur geyser

  • • Lunch at Geysir Centre 

Day 5/6: Return to Reykjavik

• Return to Reykjavik.

• Spend your last 2 days exploring the city or enjoying a nice dinner.

• Back to the airport early the next day.