I remember the click-bait headline like it was yesterday – “This Airline is Offering $99 Flights to Iceland”.

Reluctantly, I clicked.

Seeing Iceland had been a dream of mine since 1994, the year D2: The Mighty Ducks was released. There was a conversation in that movie that stuck with 11 year-old me.

Coach Bombay:

I thought Iceland was covered with ice. María:

No, it’s very green! Coach Bombay:

I thought GREENLAND was green! María:

Greenland is covered with ice, and Iceland is very nice!

So when I read the headline…It hit the target dead on. And luckily it wasn’t a scam! Wow Air has some amazing flight deals! Watch out for baggage fees though. Anyway, I booked 2 return flights out of Toronto – for a grand total of $664 dollars. The only problem was: I had to book a year out.

It was a hell of a wait but it gave me a lot of time to do research. Reddit’s r/visitingiceland was extremely helpful.

Now a seasoned veteran, I’m still subscribed to the subreddit because more people are travelling to the mystical island and they all need advice. So this is:

Everything I can think of to tell you about Iceland

Alright, you’ve decided on Iceland and you’re feeling pretty overwhelmed. The research you’ve done has made it very clear that you do not have enough time to see everything. I get it – here’s my Points of Interest Map:

Those are just the places I went to! You should have seen this map with all the places I wanted to see – plus grocery stores and gas stations. Yeah. I get it.

What do you want to see?

My first piece of advice is to use Google Maps and save ALL of the things you want to see as you come across them in your research. From there you’ll have a pretty good idea of where you’ll be spending your time. Then, using the same map – start plotting your course based on how far you’re willing to drive every day, leaving plenty of time to stop and marvel.

You will most likely have to make a few cuts to your list. Sorry.

It takes about 20 hours to drive the ring road (highway 1) around the island so 4-5 hours of driving per day isn’t too ridiculous.

Vehicle Rental

I was focused on keeping costs low so I went with the camper van option. I used Campervan Iceland and went with the “Play” model. It comes with a little electric cooler, a heater for the cold nights, and free wifi!

There are a number of cool places to see in Iceland on the F Roads (left) – but the Play Campervan isn’t quite cut out for that terrain. Even the main Highway (right) can get a little sketchy sometimes. If you’re looking to go deeper, definitely look into a 4×4.

Food

Eating at restaurants can be VERY expensive in Iceland. Fortunately, they have grocery stores all over the island. Hit up a “Bonus” (grocery store) and grab what you need – and don’t skip the snack section!!

Alcohol

Alcohol is also quite expensive in Iceland. Your best option is get as much as you’re allowed to bring in at duty free before departing.

Customs restricts the import of alcohol to Iceland by allowing adults of 20 years or older to bring 1 liter spirits + 1 liter wine or 1 liter spirits/wine + 6 liter beer or 2,25 liters wine into Iceland duty-free. (Categorizes spirits as beverages with at least 22% alcohol, wines with less than 22% alcohol).

The Vinbudin shops can also have tricky hours and days of operation.

Don’t fall for the “Gull” beer in grocery stores and gas stations…yes it’s cheap – but it’s basically non-alcoholic (1.25%)

When in Reykjavic – follow the “trail” – make your way down Laugavegur past the Phallological Museum and you’ll begin to see signs in windows that read “Happy Hour”. One bar will have happy hour from 3pm-5pm, a little further up the street another will be from 5pm-7pm…and so on. Makes for a pretty good evening – and saves you about 6 bucks a pint (regular $12 CAD)!

Money

Leave your cash at home – don’t bother exchanging for Icelandic Kronur unless you want a souvenir. EVERYWHERE in Iceland takes credit card. Even the tiniest “Restaurant and Bar” takes plastic.

Campsites

Do you need the Camping Card?

Depends on your schedule and when you plan to visit. Most of the campgrounds on the card are only open from April to early September. I went at the end of September and only a few of the Camping Card Campgrounds were still open.

I think that about covers it. If you have any questions, shoot me a comment and I’ll be happy to help.

Oh! One last note about the Icelandic people. They are extremely kind, helpful and accommodating. Just don’t expect them to laugh at your dumb jokes.

Have a great trip, take lots of pictures, and share them with me so I can long to go back.

Safe travels!

Noah

To see more pictures – check out my Instagram! @noahcamps

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