ICELAND
When to visit Iceland
Iceland is one of the few countries where you can actually have a good time year-round. Go in the winter for dramatic, snowy landscapes, cozy hot springs, and the northern lights. Or visit in the summer for the lush greenery, the midnight sun, and great hiking.
It’s usually still cold in the “summer,” like 15 degrees, but it also doesn’t get that freezing in the winter, and usually hovers around 0. The shoulder seasons give you a little bit of everything, but fewer crowds. When I went in April, we saw caught the end of the Arora Borealis season and the beginning of the puffin season, so we got to see both!
Top activities in Iceland
Rent a car to explore
If you’re doing the Ring Road, this is obviously a non-negotiable. You’ll want to book well in advance! And make sure you shell out a little extra if necessary for a nice 4WD or SUV.
Even if you’re not driving in the snow, the roads can be a little windy, bumpy, and slippery in the rain. Especially the ones that lead out to the best hikes and waterfalls, so a solid car is a must.
I like Discover Cars to compare all my options. We booked with Hertz, and they upgraded our car when we got there to one with like 100 kilometres on it — brand new!
I can’t guarantee they’ll do the same for you, but they were a great rental company from start to finish.
Get an eSIM for your trip
If you’re just stopping over for a few days on your way to the Faroe Islands or mainland Europe, an eSIM is easy and convenient. And if you’re driving the whole Ring Road, having access to the local network is basically essential for Google Maps.
There are a few great options out there that I love. Saily is the best budget-friendly option, but Holafly does unlimited data. So depending on what kind of traveler you are, take your pick! You can’t go wrong.
Also, if you use the links above, you can get an extra 5% off.
