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For as long as I can remember, Iceland has always been my number one dream destination. I’ve been dreaming of exploring the Land of Fire and Ice since the age of sixteen, so I don’t want to be that person that says, “I’ve wanted to go there before it was cool,” BUT…I’m going to go out on a limb and say it anyway. Iceland is an absolute mecca for adventure travel and nature lovers alike and is pretty famous for its otherworldly lunar-like landscapes, thundering massive waterfalls, active volcanoes, bursting geysers and of course, those rugged fjord hiking trails that seem to jut out of the Earth below. Oh, and not to mention the Northern Lights that dance in the dark Icelandic night skies in a multitude of colours. I could go on and on about the beauty of this majestic island nation and I haven’t even BEEN there yet! To say I’m excited is an understatement. I’m insanely elated to be going there!
My trip to Iceland didn’t come with some complications though, as most travellers will tell you, not all planning is easy peasy. My journey to Iceland was supposed to be more of a group travel experience with some people that I previously travelled to South Africa with, but unfortunately last minute, the trip was cancelled and I was feeling a little bit up a proverbial shit’s creek, since I had a flight booked that couldn’t be cancelled. My initial reaction was definitely an “oh, shit” moment, so I came to the conclusion that I was going alone, which I had ZERO problems with. Nothing was going to stop me from visiting my dream destination! One night, I received a phone call from one of the girls that I had been on the South Africa trip with and she asked if I wanted any company because she was definitely set on visiting Iceland just as much as I was. Knowing that we didn’t get a chance to get to know each other that much on our two week South African trip due to the large group of people, so after some thought, I said YES! It would be a great opportunity to get to hang out with her a bit more and explore a country that we both had wanted to see for years. Not to mention it’d cut our costs dramatically considering that Iceland is not only famous for it’s stunning landscapes, but also for their staggering cost of living. Plus I was able to plan out my dream itinerary for almost $2500.00 CAD cheaper than the group rate that I would’ve paid. Saved money equals more cash for adventure excursions. Umm, yes please!
The itinerary that I planned out has us ripping some snowmobiles on Langjökull Glacier, the second biggest glacier in Iceland, hiking and scaling Solheimajökull Glacier and diving and snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure, which takes us between two continents (North America and Europe) and their tectonic plates, all while floating through some of the freshest and clearest water in the entire world. We’ll also be renting a 4×4 vehicle to venture off road and discover some well known sites as well as some hidden gems of Iceland.
I know Iceland won’t disappoint, I just have that gut feeling already. I already know it’ll be a place that will steal my heart and make it hard to leave. I’m super excited to explore and experience the rugged terrain and feast my eyes on some of the world’s most beautiful scenery. The photos below are places and activities that are on our list of things to do and see. Get ready for a serious case of wanderlust. The official countdown to Iceland has started for me, but then again…I’ve been counting down to this moment for years now!
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I can’t wait to roam these amazing landscapes and be absolutely blown away by the beauty that Iceland has to offer. Have any of you guys been to Iceland? Do you have any tips, or places to suggest that I see? Let me know in the comments below! xo
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