3 Tips for Traveling to Iceland for the First Time

Iceland is an absolutely beautiful country that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. The country has gorgeous landscapes, it’s one of the safest places in the world, and there are so many things to do.

You may not have been able to do much traveling last year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, so starting to think about new destinations can help to get you motivated to travel again. 

One of the greatest things about Iceland is that’s a perfect destination for almost every type of traveler. Whether you’re on a solo trip, you’re with family, or you’re going as a couple, you can travel to Iceland and find the perfect, unforgettable activity. 

church in Iceland.
Source: Pexels.

If you’ve never been to Iceland before, I would definitely encourage you to book a trip. If you’re leaning into a DIY tour, there are plenty of options for campervan rental in Iceland so you can travel around the country and arrange your travel schedule accordingly. If you don’t know where to start, you can follow this 10-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary.

But, there are a few things you should know that can make your trip even more enjoyable. So, let’s take a look at three tips you can use when you’re traveling to Iceland for the first time!

Keeping these in mind will help to make your Icelandic adventure more memorable for years to come. 

1. Use a Credit Card

People in Iceland rarely carry around cash with them. That can be a good thing for you, since you won’t have to worry about currency exchange.

While you can certainly carry around some cash, it’s not often a necessity. In fact, you don’t even need to tip in Iceland. Most service bills from restaurants have a built-in gratuity. 

It can be helpful to get a card without international fees before you leave. Or, utilize cards that offer incentives like “cash back” for using them. 

shopping with a credit card.
Source: Pexels.

2. Enjoy the Strange Day/Night Hours

Iceland is incredible at night, so you should definitely plan on doing some exploring when the sun goes down.

If you visit in the summer, you might have to wait a while for that to happen. In June, for example, the sun sets just after midnight and rises again just before 3 am. So, it’s never completely dark!

It can be kind of surreal to be out and about at 2 am and witness a sunrise, but it’s so worth it. 

rainbow in Iceland.
Source: Pexels.

3. Prepare for Every Type of Weather

One of the interesting things about Iceland is that you can experience a variety of different weather patterns all in one day. The day might start off warm and sunny, only to give way to clouds, wind, and rain. 

Because the weather is so unpredictable, it’s important to pack accordingly. Obviously, you aren’t going to be able to fit your whole wardrobe into a suitcase. But, make sure you pack some warm clothes to bring with you, especially if you’re going to be doing a lot of exploring outdoors. 

These are just a few tips to get you even more excited about Iceland. Don’t be afraid to do your own research before you decide to go on this trip of a lifetime.

With a few helpful tips in mind, your trip will be easier, less stressful, and you’ll know more about what to expect when you arrive. 


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