Tag: Iceland

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  • Want a Cheap Holiday to Iceland? 20 Tips to Travel Iceland on a Budget

    Want a Cheap Holiday to Iceland? 20 Tips to Travel Iceland on a Budget

    We have taken budget holidays to Iceland on three different occasions. Never have we had a lot of money to play with, so we have been honing our skills and learning how to travel Iceland on a budget. We wanted to share these tips with you so you too, can have a cheap holiday to Iceland…well, cheaper anyway.

    This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.

    Getting to Iceland on a Budget

    1.) Budget Flights from Europe

    Some airlines flying from Europe have some extremely cheap fares. Wizz Air, Easyjet and PLAY Airlines all offer fares below £100 return. Just remember to bear these things in mind when looking at the different options:

    • Hand Luggage Restrictions – Luggage fares can quickly add up and all of these budget airlines charge for anything more than a small under seat bag. Check out the price for both large hanf luggage and checked in bags as sometimes, buying one checked bag can work out much cheaper. This is what we tend to do as it allows us to bring food to cook (more on that later) and heavy jumper setc, If you really want to do it with just hand luggage, wear everything heavy until you get on the plane, then disrobe and stuff it all in a big tote bag.
    • The Airport Location – Compare prices for airports that are near to you, vs the ones you need to travel for. Sometimes, trekking from West London to Luton, Gatwick or Stansted, especially for eatly morning flights, bumps up the cost so much that it is easier and cheaper for us to go to Heathow.
    • Book Early – We have managed to fly for around £60 between London and Reykjavik every time we have been by booking well in advance. Even some full service airlines like Icelandair can be cheap if booked soon enough.

    2.) Try a Free Stopover

    If you are planning to fly across the Atlantic, then you can take advantage of a free stopover. Both Icelandair and PLAY Airlines offer free stopover programs. This means you can choose an inbound date and then a date a few days later to continue the journey.

    • PLAY Airlines – The “Stayover” means you can fly in and out again up to 10 days later at no extra cost. This doesn’t include any accommodation costs.
    • Icelandair – Their stopover gives you up to 7 days at no extra charge. Again, there is no accommodation included but you can store your baggage with the airline for the duration of your stay.

    Obviously, this only saves you money if you are already flying between Europe and the Americas.

    Check out our review of PLAY Airlines HERE

    Cheap Accommodation Tips for Iceland

    3.) Book Your Accommodation Early

    Iceland is not a large country and as such, it has less tourist accommodation than many other European spot. Over time, the rooms only get more expensive and can sell out. This is especially true outside of Reykjavik where there may not be many hotels or guesthouses to choose from. As soon as you have decided you are travelling to the island, get booking!

    4.) Consider Different Accommodation Options

    Hotels are not the only option in Iceland. You can also find great deals using some of these options:

    • Hostels – Reykjavik has some brilliant hostels, both budget and boutique.
    • Camping – Sarah campsites located all around the road where you can pitch at. Of course, toilets, and showers, and sometimes kitchen, but not always. Some camps have small pools and other recreational activities, which is nice. Campsites book up early so don’t just turn up. Wild camping is allowed if you have a traditional tent.
    • Camper Vans – Combining a bit of glamping with your transport around the island, hiring a Campervan can be an excellent money saving option, you must use campsites and are not allowed to just park up anywhere (no matter what you may have seen on #vanlife videos.
    • VRBO/AirBnB – short term rental sights give you a chance to stay in a house/apartment/room for a decent price. The main advantage of this is the possibility of finding a spot with a kitchen.

    5.) Look for Hotels with Fun Freebies

    In an expensive country, any included extras are a real win For instance, some hotels offer free hot tubs, swimming pools or spas. This is a nice, relaxing activity that you won’t have to pay any extra for. Some accommodations in quiet areas will lend you binoculars for nature watching or to help you spot the Northern Lights. You might come across a boardgame nook, perfect for a cold evening. Every little helps!

    6.) Dont be Tempted Out of Town

    Reykjavik is small…but it is not THAT small. If you intend to explore the city, take in the sights and enjoy the happy hours, you will want to be within walking distance. Buses aren’t that frequent and don’t run all night. Taxis are really pricy so just popping into town in one isn’t an option. Spend a little more and stay near the centre if you can.

    What to Do in Iceland on a Budget

    7.) Indulge in the Free Things in Reykjavik

    Yes, there are a few free things you can do in Reykjavik. Here are some of our favourites:

    • Harpa is the incredible concert hall right on Reykjavik’s waterfront. You can have a little look around and warm up for free. Admire the interesting window and mirror design, based on basalt rocks and have a poke around the gift shop.
    • Although climbing the steeple tower costs, entering Hallgrímskirkja Church is completely free.
    • The statues of Reykjavik are of course free and we love the Sun Voyager on the bay front, the Looking Seaward statue at the port and The Unknown Bureaucrat by the lake.
    • Speaking of the lake. You can feed the birds here for a lovely bit of mindfulness. They are incredibly tame and even the swans will nibble bread straight from your hands…mind you, the bread isn’t free.
    • You can join a free walking tour. Of course it is polite to tip at the end of a free walking tour if you have enjoyed it but even with that, it is cheaper than a walking tour would be.

    8.) Soak in Cheap Swimming Pools

    Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon might get all the big press. Your Instagram is probably swamped in them if it knows you are planning a visit to Iceland. It is true that a dip in soothing warm water is divine, especially when it is cold and dark outside. However, you do not have to fork out a fortune to do so. Iceland has plenty of public pools that cost a fraction of the price.

    For example, Laugardalslaug in Reykjavik has a huge outdoor pool with slides, another for relaxing in and one indoors They also have 7 relaxation hot tubs inside including one that is salt water. It costs 1330ISK for adults and is free if you are 15 or under, over 67 or disabled.

    Throughout the rest of Iceland, natural hot springs can be really cheap, or even free and most big towns have city pools.

    9.) Look for Free Events

    Before you travel, check out websites like What’s On in Reykjavik for free, special events. These are especially common in the off season months after Christmas. The city wants to keep everyone’s spirits up. In the flip side, there are lots of things on summer weekends as the city celebrates the chance to be out in the sunlight. You could find free museum days, gallery nights, music gigs and more.

    10. ) Hunt Out Free Activities in Iceland

    Iceland is a stunning island and many of its top attractions are completely free to visit. Black sand beaches, national parks and pretty parks are all free. It doesn’t cost anything to park up and watch the Northern Lights. Make sure you bring walking gear and you can do a stunning walk for a day. Bring a picnic blanket and you may get lucky enough to catch a warm day where you can sit and relax. Speaking of relaxing, there are some free hot springs too (Westfjords hot springs, Reykjadalur…and more).

    Getting Around Iceland on a Budget

    11.) Skip the Taxis

    Taxis are expensive in Iceland. Fuel is pricy and there is no Uber or Lyft to create competition so the government-mandated meters are the last word. If you can, catch a Strætó bus. They have a pretty decent network and a tickets costs 480 ISK (£2.75). Compare that with a 15 minute taxi ride at 3500 ISK and you’ll see what we mean. If you plan to travel a lot, get a bus pass and the tickets are even cheaper.

    12.) Budget Tips for Car Hire in Iceland

    If you are planning to hire a car, here are a few tips to make it a little cheaper:

    • Book Early – I’m sure you’re sick of hearing this but car hire does not get cheaper. The earlier you book the better the rate will be and the bigger choice of cars and suppliers you will have.
    • Consider the Car – If you are visiting in summer, and planning to stick to the main ring road then you can get away with a cheaper car. Visiting in winter, or planning a route that includes the unpaved F Roads means you will require a 4×4. It is also worth noting that automatic cars cost more so driving a manual (or stick) can save you some money.
    • Long vs Short Rentals – Strangely, the longer you rent, the better value it becomes. Sometimes the cost of a one day rental can be the same as 5 or 6 days! If you need the car twice within a week, just take it for the week.
    • Fuel Discounts – When you hire your car, check out the keyring to see if it has a logo. Some rental agencies have agreements with specific petrol (gas) companies and showing this fob will get you money off your fill up and even food and drink at the petrol stations.
    • Excess Waiver – It is almost always cheaper to get this separately and in advance on a site like Reduce My Excess. We have been doing this for years and it really stops the hard sell at the rental desk too.
    • Credit Card – You may need to leave a hold on your credit card for the rental so make sure you have a card that doesn’t charge fees and that you won’t need to use for the rest of your expenses. Some may take a debit card but it will suck your available funds.

    General Money Saving Tips for Iceland

    13.) Tips for WiFi and Roaming

    Iceland is part of the EU, so if you have EU roaming included in your data plan then you’ll have an easy time of it. If you don’t, however, consider investing in an eSim like those provided by Airalo. Finally, there is the option for Wi-Fi. Of course this is the cheapest option as it comes completely free. You will find Wi-Fi in most accommodations, plenty of tour buses, and even in the centre of Reykjavik.

    14.) Bring A Good Travel Card

    When you are travelling, it is always a good time to have a fee-free debit or credit card. This is especially true in a country like Iceland where a lot of transactions are completed by card.

    15.) Visit Off Season

    Iceland is an expensive destination year round but there are a few months where the price dips a little. Once the Christmas rush is over, the prices will drop. Visiting mid-Jan to mid-April (not including April) is cheaper. The summer months are popular but again, once the days start to darken and the temperature drops, so does the price. mid-September to mid-November is another time great to visit. Hooray for shoulder season!

    16.) Make a Packing List

    There are plenty of countries around the world where you can just pick up a few bits when you land. If you really intend to have a cheap holiday in Iceland, you don’t want to do that. Simple things like beauty products can cost double what you are used to. In order to save this additional cost, make an extensive packing list and go through it a few times. Don’t make the mistake I always make, and tick things off that intend to do in a second because that always leads to me forgetting something.

    Enjoying Food and Drink in Iceland on a Budget

    17.) Tips for Drinking Alcohol in Iceland

    • Happy Hour – If you find yourself in Reykjavík in the late afternoon, it is time to get a drink. Iceland loves a happy hour. This is when you’ll find drinks at about the price you might expect in a London pub, which still isn’t cheap, but it is cheapER.
    • Duty Free – The thing that makes alcohol in Iceland, so very expensive are the taxes. So, the absolute cheapest way to buy it is actually to buy it the second you land in Iceland. I have always been sceptical about duty-free alcohol, but the last time we passed through, we actually found some decently priced booze. Small bottles of Prosecco and similar sparkling wine We’re not much more than you’d find them in a British supermarket. Plus, they have a few bundle deals too.
    • Al Fresco Drinking – Iceland has no outside drinking laws, which means if you are there when the weather is a little warmer, you can take those drinks from your duty-free shopping spree and sit out somewhere to enjoy them. This is particularly fun in the midnight sun. Bear in mind that Icelandic supermarkets can only sell alcohol up to 2.25% so you may not be able to grab a cheap beer in the same way as you are used to.

    18.) Consider Self Catering

    • Bring It With You – Everyone arriving into Iceland is entitled to bring 10kgs of food into the country. Of course there are restrictions on the kinds of food, especially from outside the EU so no fresh fruit and veg, no dairy or meat. You can bring your staples (noodles, rice, pasta and shelf-stable products). Rice and pasta isn’t too badly priced but it is still about double what it is in the UK. The best things to bring are olive oil, salt and pepper and all those things you’ll only need a little of. no need to buy an expensive, large version when you get to Iceland!
    • Supermarkets – The most expensive food shop in Iceland is 10-11. They are smaller, right in town open late into the night. The convenience is tempting but they can cost up to 50% more than the cheaper shops. Plus, they put the price of their fresh cooked food up at night (cheeky). Instead look for the three budget-friendly supermarkets, Bonus (with the pig) and Kornan (with the yellow smiley face). Netto is a little more expensive, but still better than 10-11. Keep an eye on the prices as you shop as some items can be surprisingly pricy. For example, cheese, eggs and veggies can be alarmingly expensive. Remember to bring your own shopping bags as they charge for their own ones.

    19.) Don’t Pay for Water

    Tap water throughout Iceland is clean and delicious. You are perfectly fine to drink it straight from the tap without worry of getting a bad tummy. If you don’t like plain water, bring a little squash or similar to flavour it up.

    a clear plastic cup of water

    20.) Tips for Eating Out

    • Eat Out at Lunch – If you want to eat at a nice restaurant, make it a lunchtime treat. Many places have a cheaper set lunch menu so you can try the fine food at a slightly lower price.
    • Have a Hot Dog – Iceland’s favourite fast food is the hot dog. The sausages are a combination of lamb and pork, braised in beer for a real umami hit. They are served with three special sauces and two different kinds of onion (raw and crispy)/
    • Sip Some Soup – If you are in Reykjavik, check out Icelandic Street Food. They serve traditional lamb soup, simple broth with lamb and root veggies. They offer free refills so you can really go to town!
    • Hit the Gas Stations – Some of the best value food on offer around Iceland can picked up in the petrol stations. These aren’t week old fridge sandwiches but rather, fresh cooked and good value dishes. Yes, there are hot dogs and chips but you can find good value baked pastries and more traditional Icelandic dishes too.

    Final Thoughts for Travelling Iceland on a Budget

    Sure, travelling to Iceland on a budget takes some discipline but with some planning and preparation it can be possible. This country is beautiful, dramatic and so much fun. I am sure we will be back for a forth, fifth and sixth cheap holiday to Iceland.

    Rosie xx

  • An Icelandic Classic – Our BusTravel Iceland Grand Golden Circle Tour

    An Icelandic Classic – Our BusTravel Iceland Grand Golden Circle Tour

    For most visitors to Reykjavík, the classic way to see some of Iceland’s incredible nature is to take a trip around the Golden Circle. It is a series of natural sights created by the geothermal activity of the island. We took this tour in 2012 but decided that it would be fun to see it in the snow on our latest trip. Plus, it was one of the tours in our BusTravel Winter Wonders in Iceland package so it would be rude not to. Join us for our BusTravel Iceland Grand Golden Circle Tour.

    This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.

    The Breakfast Stop

    Our first stop was to a roadside centre with a nice coffee shop/convenience store, a nice, cheap Bonus supermarket and a museum. The visitor centre has some information about the volcanic and tectonic activity of the area. In the floor, a fissure was illuminated with fake lava. We spent a little time reading the info before splitting up to use the bathroom.

    I popped into the supermarket to find a good value breakfast treat and emerged with two packet muffins just as Mr Fluskey messaged me to ask if I wanted one of the fancy pastries from the cafe. I had to disappoint him and present him with a cheap and cheerful variation. (Budget travel for the win).

    Kerid Crater

    There are a few volcanic lakes in South Iceland but this is the most popular one to visit. It has the clearest caldera (clearer when it isn’t covered in snow).

    We gazed in wonder at the people who had made it all the way down to the icy lake. Not only was Mr Fluskey worried that one of them would fall through the ice, but I thought the climb back up was so steep that they would miss the bus. Miraculously, everyone made it back, dry and almost on time.

    Islenski Hesturinn

    Icelandic horses are unique. The breed is completely its own. They stand much smaller than your average horse but they are really hardy and really strong. Not only that, but they are adorable. While most horses have three gaits, Icelandic horses have an extra two including the tolt which makes the horses look like they are swimming. The body moves smoothly while the legs are pumping away! Any Icelandic horses that leave the island are never allowed to return in fear that they could bring diseases that would wipe out the lot so we are always pleased to meet them here.

    On a previous trip we were lucky enough to try riding these little powerhouses but this time, it was a much shorter interaction. The bus pulled up next to the fence for 10-15 minutes. Here, there was a wooden cupboard where you could buy “horse candy” on an honestly box system. A few people bought a bag and everyone else crowded around to watch them feed the waiting horses.

    The Mighty Gullfoss

    Back in 2012, we took a Golden Circle tour in October. It was cold, with some icy areas but mainly, the way down to Gullfoss was clear. There was ice forming where the spray from the dramatic falls was coating the path. It was slippery but fun getting down to the rocky platform.

    This time, we couldn’t get anywhere near it. The brutal, sticky snow was coming in harsh and sideways as we climbed down from the bus. The way to the overlock was straight into the stinging ice. Everyone struggled forward, unable to look up properly. Luckily, it is eased off just enough as we reached the overlook. We could see the river flowing down to the falls, over its double drop. Sadly, we couldn’t see into its 32m deep canyon caused by the retreating rock face. The ice that had formed around the water prevented that spray from bursting back up into the air so it was sadly missing its common rainbow. It was so cool to see the icicles though.

    Geysir Geothermal Area

    The Geysir park is one of the most popular stops along the Golden Circle. Water, heated by geothermal activity, courses through the rocks here. You can see it carve through the snow, bubble and boil in the Little Geysir and erupt from its silica tunnels.

    Strokker is Iceland’s most famous geyser. There used to be a much bigger one here in the geyser geothermal area, (the one after which every geyser in the world is named). However, a big earthquake in the early 1900s stopped it erupting…but it could come back one day. In the meantime, we get to watch Strokker’s boiling water burst up every seven minutes or so, reaching fifteen to twenty metres into the sky. We got to watch it blow twice before cold winds and the returning stinging snow drove us into the visitor centre.

    It was lunchtime and this was our longest stop. There was a large visitor centre here which had one large restaurant, a small cafe and a shop. We were fully planning to grab one small thing from the cafe so that we could officially take one of the tables, but it was shut. The restaurant had huge queues and we really didn’t fancy joining just for a soft drink. Instead we illegally perched at one of the tables, preparing to be kicked off at any moment. The prominent, “No Picnics” signs made it clear that we were being naughty. We ate our sad sandwiches before braving the snow again to get back to the coach.

    Thingvellir National Park

    During this trip to Iceland, we had been to Thingvellir on two other occasions. The first was as part of our Northern Lights Tour with busTravel Iceland. Then, the next morning just ten hours later, we took a dip in the waters that flow through it. Visitors can snorkel in the Silfra fissure that runs from the Thingvellier National Park, into the lake, fed by glacier water that trickles from the rocks.

    Is that the same cloud back to taunt us in the day time?

    It was great to see Thingvellir National Park both in daylight, and wearing more appropriate sightseeing layers. This is the seat of Iceland’s government. This was one of the first democratic governments in the world, if not the first. It was decided that a large, open area would allow everyone to come that wanted to. It was held here from 930AD to 1798AD before restarting in Reykjavík in 1881.

    We followed the group up onto the same bridge we had tried to see the northern lights from. Everyone was given a small talk but the cold drove everyone out of the wind. We chose to make our way down into the snowy rift. On a clear day you can see the edge of both tectonic plates and Thingvellir National Park is full of cracks and fissures as the land rips slowly apart. In this snowy-laden day, we decided to stick solidly to the paths. The snow was so deep in some spots that we didn’t get to far before it was time to return.

    Final Thoughts on Our BusTravel Iceland Grand Golden Circle Tour

    The Golden Circle Tour is a must-do for all visitors to Iceland. It was so cool to see it in a totally different light. Speaking of, during our midsummer trip, our friend took this trip on a crazy all-night adventure. She saw it all in the midnight sun so clearly, there is no bad time to visit. I am sure we will be back again ourselves one day.

    Rosie xx

  • In Search of the Aurora – Our BusTravel Iceland Northern Lights Tour

    In Search of the Aurora – Our BusTravel Iceland Northern Lights Tour

    There are a few places in the world that are excellent bases if you are on the hunt for the Northern Lights. Iceland is one such spot. Many people travel to Iceland in winter, exclusively to try and see the aurora. It was definitely on of the reasons we made our third trip to this stunning island. But did we have any luck?Read on for our full BusTravel Iceland Northern Lights Tour review

    This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.

    Our BusTravel Iceland Northern Lights Tour

    The first of our four tours had to be planned meticulously. I stalked the Aurora app, checking KPI forecasts, cloud cover forecasts and cross-checking with BBC Weather on the daily. The Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis, is to me the most beautiful and elusive of nature’s delights. Our first trip to Iceland in 2012 was for a week in October and we thought we were onto a winner…but no luck.

    With rumours that 2024 was another bumper year for the lights, we made a last minute decision to try again. The BusTravel 4-Day Wonders of Iceland Winter Tour includes four trips and according to the forecast, our first night in Iceland was going to be our best chance. Plus, they have a guarantee, if you don’t see the lights, you can try again for free.

    Pick Up

    We made our way to our nearest tourist bus stop. There are a series of these around Reykjavík and tour companies go around and within half an hour, they have all their tourists. We stamped our feet in the chill and sighed with relief to see the big BusTravel coach steam to a stop. We thought we would have to show our tickets but our names were on a list which was called out. Much easier when its cold. We dived on board, leaving the other guests behind and secured two seats.

    On the Hunt

    The coach convoy (two BusTravel coaches) head due north. We were making for a car park with a good view and bathrooms too. It took about 45 minutes but sadly, when we got there, it was shut.

    There was a smaller bus (I guess they were on the small group tour) and they all got out. The group started walking up the drive so I don’t know if they were just using the bathroom or the smaller bus was just going to park in front of the gate. Our coaches had to head back out on the road, in search of a new spot.

    All the time we drove, the guide was on his phone, communicating with other people who were also on the hunt. Well, apart from when the weather went bonkers.

    We were driving along quite happily when the snow got heavier, and came in sideways, it was so heavy that the entire windscreen went white! We have never seen anything like it. I thought we would have to stop for the night and be dug out in the morning but we slowed down to a crawl and it eased off in a few minutes. Crazy!

    Thingvellir National Park

    It was another 45 minutes or so until we pulled up at Thingvellir National Park. Everyone was slowly pulling on their hats and gloves when the insistent voice of the guide came over the microphone. “We have Northern Lights out here so hurry up!”. We practically dived out of the door, still yanking on a scarf.

    The Northern Lights

    We squinted up at the sky and once our eyes adjusted from the coach, there was a really low green glow. It seemed to be just behind the clouds.

    The whole group walked up a bridge and we all started taking photos. Phones have a much better chance of seeing them than the human eye as the eye cannot change aperture, you get 24 frames per second whether you like it or not. iPhones naturally keep their sensor on for 10 seconds in low light, which gives a decent shot. Saying that, they were so faint that Mr Fluskey’s phone could barely capture anything. We both had to rely on the iPhone’s sensor to get everything it could.

    A Little Hot Chocolate

    We were some of the last people left, desperate to see the lights come back stronger and more impressive, but no such luck. It faded to nothing and we had to give up. Happily, when we got back to the coach, a canister of hot chocolate was ready and waiting. It was hot and delicious, full of spices that reminded me of mulled wine. It felt very appropriate in the snow.

    Final Thoughts on our BusTravel Iceland Northern Lights Tour

    Sadly this doesn’t end with a spectacular reveal, videos of dancing lights and photos of us grinning at the show. The forecast was terrible for the rest of our trip, with almost total cloud coverage and low activity (yes, I did check everytime I was going to bed or woke up throughout the night….the FOMO was strong enough to wake me up). However, as I had to tell myself through embarrassing tears in the Keflavik departure lounge, we will try, try and try again!

    Rosie xx

  • Where the Pool Meets the Sky – A Sky Lagoon Review

    Where the Pool Meets the Sky – A Sky Lagoon Review

    Iceland is the land of hot springs, some so hot they erupt every seven minutes or so (but that’s another story). Bathing in the warm water is super relaxing and distinctly therapeutic, an excellent way to ease tired driving shoulders or sore luggage-hauling backs. Plus, in a chilly country, it is nice to be surrounded by heat. We travelled to Reykjavík for the third time in 2024 and had to see what the new Sky Lagoon was all about. Read on for our full Sky Lagoon review.

    This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.

    Why Choose the Sky Lagoon

    If you are staying in Reykjavík, there are a few warm, outdoor pools options to choose from.

    • The famous Blue Lagoon has had all of the headlines for the last 30-odd years but is very pricy and a long way from the city. The water is a very cool, chalky blue colour and the silica-infused water is good for muscles but bad for hair.
    • The Laugardalslaug complex is cheap but feels distinctly municipal. Things where the locals go to chill out (or warm up) and there are a few small therapeutic hot pools to relax in but it is a local pool and definitely feels like where you had your swimming lessons.
    • Sky Lagoon is the new kid on the block, opening in 2021. It is built on a rather nondescriptive industrial estate, but don’t let that fool you, it is a whole other world. Sky Lagoon has a lovely mix of modern slick amenities and natural beauty.

    Buying Your Sky Lagoon Tickets

    It is definitely best to book your tickets in advance. The Sky Lagoon does has a cap on number throughout the day and it is very, so it can sell out. There are three main options.

    We opted for the Sky package on our visit which includes:

    • Entrance to the Sky Lagoon
    • Separate, private changing rooms
    • The seven step ritual (more about that later)

    The middle option is Pure:

    • Entrance to the Sky Lagoon
    • The seven step ritual

    If you are short on time or funds then, the cheapest option is Pure Lite:

    • Entrance to the Sky Lagoon

    You can also opt to upgrade your Sky or Pure package to “Sky Lagoon for Two”. This adds on a drink each at the swim-up bar and a platter of foodie goodies at the Smakk Bar.

    How to get to Sky Lagoon

    • Car – If you are hiring a car, getting to Sky Lagoon is as easy as pie. You’ll find it just south of Reykjavík, about 12 minutes drive from the centre of town.
    • Taxi – You can pick up a taxi from any rank in town for around 30. You can pay with cash or card. There is no Uber, Lyft or Bolt in Iceland, and all the taxis use government-mandated meters so this steep price is non-negotiable
    • Local Bus – From central Reykjavík, take bus number 4 to Hamraborg. Then you can transfer to bus number 35 to Hafnarbraut. This is around 5 minutes walk from Sky Lagoon. Bear in mind that they don’t start too early in the morning and this is much later on Sundays. 
    • Transfer – Reykjavík Excursions runs buses from town but again, these start a little later in the day so if you have the first few slots, it won’t work for you. You are also bound to a specific return time so this is not such a flexible option. It is nice to have it all booked as a package though!

    Our Sky Lagoon Review

    Arrival and Queue

    As soon as you turn the corner into the estate in which Sky Lagoon sits, you might think you are in the wrong place but persist until you see the low, angular building as soon as you step inside, you are in a world of calm with dark neutrals, decorating the walls and friendly counter staff. Show them your prepaid tickets will make your payment on the desk and they will give you a wristband, explaining how it works. This wristband gives you access to the lockers, and serves as your bar tab.

    If you associate it with a credit card ahead of time, it will just be charged at the end of your visit, so it is a good idea to do this now, if you think you might buy a drink. Otherwise, you have to make a payment on one of the machines as you leave, which is still pretty easy but is nice to know it’s already sorted.

    The Changing Rooms

    As you enter the changing rooms, you will be asked to take off your shoes. This keeps the whole area nice and clean, especially when the outside world is full of snow and slush. If you are driving, it might be worth wearing shoes that are easy to slip on and off rather than fully laced up boots just to make this all a little easier.

    Sky customers are lucky enough to have huge private changing rooms. Each room has a giant mirror, shelves, a huge shower and a hair dryer. Outside the rooms were supplies of fresh, fluffy towels and a place to put wet ones.

    Don’t get me wrong, the Pure changing rooms still looked pretty swish, they just weren’t as private so there would just be a little more towel clinging involved.

    On the shelves inside the changing rooms are small baskets and you can fill it with bits and bobs for the lockers. The lockers are all outside the changing rooms and you just use your wristband to lock and unlock them. Don’t worry if you forget your number as there is a nifty little machine on the wall that can read your band and let you know. The lockers are pretty sizeable, with enough room for our backpacks and more besides.

    Just before you enter the pool, on the right hand side, there is a series of cubbyholes when you can store a towel or little bits as you swim. This is not secure though so don’t go leaving your phone here or anything.

    The Pool

    I took two tentative steps into the water and melted with joy. It was the perfect temperature. Bot as hot as a bath that I would run, but much warmed than one Mr Fluskey would opt for! Year-round, the Sky Lagoon is kept at around 38 – 40°C so pleasingly balmy. In the cold winter air, the steam rose up in curling tendrils, making it look magical! Coming for a winter sunrise was pretty special. I bet arriving in the evening and staying later to try and spot the Northern Lights is even better.

    They have done a stellar job making the whole thing look natural, with real rocks, a sweet waterfall and the only straight line being the edge. The most magical place has to be at the edge of the infinity pool, overlooking the bay. When the sea reflects the sky, it looks like you are floating in space. We had a wonderful time just exploring and relaxing on the rocky benches in the pool.

    Seven Step Ritual

    As part of the Sky and Pure packages, visitors take part in Sky Lagoon’s signature seven step ritual. I was excited to see what this was all about. Most of it was hidden away in the Turf House so it remained a mysterious secret. With the package, you are given a black wristband as you are only allowed to take the ritual once. You are, however, to stay in the turf house for as long as you like.

    Step One

    The Sky Lagoon itself is the first step, which might be a bit of a cop out…as lovely as it is. Once you have bobbed about, taken your photos and are nice and toasty, it is time for step two.

    Step Two

    The cold plunge pool awaits. The water in this small pool is kept at a chilly 10°C, which was practically bath-like when compared to our dip in Silfra earlier in the week This time though, we were only in swimmers so it felt worse. To try and maintain a nice, calm lagoon experience for other guests, a member of staff is stood by the pool to encourage you not to scream. I was a bit worried that I might let out an involuntary squeal but kept my composure for about five seconds.

    This facility is outside and open to everyone so if you don’t have one of the packages, you can still get a dose of invigoration.

    Step Three

    For step three, everyone heads into the turf house. It was very cold dashing from the cold pool, inside. February in Iceland was around -5°C. We were greeted by a member of staff who shushed us, took our black wristbands and explained to us the next steps. I could see people sweating in the sauna behind her and hopped from foot to foot as my body parts began to freeze. Maybe it would be best if they explained it before you began the getting cold process? As soon as she finished talking, we dived through the door into the warm wooden world behind.

    A lovely, large sauna awaited us. We grabbed a couple of mini towels to sit on and grabbed a perch, marvelling at the unbelievable view. The sauna sticks out over the edge of the land, giving stunning views across the water. In fact, they have used Iceland’s biggest window to make it feel like you are sitting outside. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an infinity sauna before but now, I am hooked.

    We cooked up for a while, loving the automated water dispenser which send fountains of H2O onto the sizzling stones. Once a full round of people had made their way through, we decided to move on to….

    Step Four

    More cold water. There was a small room full of cold water mist showers. I thought I’d be brave and grit my teeth in the chill but it just didn’t happen. The water is -5°C and I just don’t have that kind of fortitude so I strode in with the confidence of a champion and immediately side stepped out like a skittering crab. Not for me!

    Step Five

    We emerged into a room with a table covered in little dishes. In these was Sky Lagoon’s signature body scrub, a mix of sea salt, almond oil and sesame seed oil. We rubbed in all over, enjoying the rough salt and smooth oils. From here, we were directed into the steam room and tottered over, smelling like a deliciously sweet stir fry.

    Step Six

    This was the steamiest steam room we have ever experienced. On entering I couldn’t see a thing and lunged for the nearest bench, praying nobody was already sat there. When you go in, there is a huge thing in the middle (maybe the steam vent) so make your way to one side or the other, lest you bruise your knee). Despite the thick cloud of steam, it wasn’t the hottest steam room so we actually managed to relax in their for a good ten minutes 9normally Mr Fluskey is out in five). We noticed that all of our salt dissolved, just leaving slippery, soft oily skin.

    Step Seven

    (Again, not sure this counts as a step…maybe it should be a five step ritual? We hopped in the provided showers to rinse off before dashing (carefully) back to the main Sky Lagoon.

    A Quick Drink

    Well it would be rude not. Considering Iceland is wildly pricy when it comes to alcohol, I was prepared for the shock when we got the menu. However, it was actually quite reasonable. (Bear in mind that we live in London so our reasonable price may be higher than yours)! We opted for a glass of sparkling wine for me and a passionfruit cocktail for Mr Fluskey. They were both generous pours and quite sweet. We took them over to the edge to take in the view again. A big school group had arrived and it was funny to watch them trying to convince their teachers to buy them a drink.

    I was tempted to get another but we were running out of time, due to fly in 3.5 hours at this point. Normally by this point, we would be well on the way to airport, or even there already (I love contingency time. It was awfully difficult to leave the glorious surroundings though. It is both the most relaxed, and most wound up I’ve been about catching a flight.

    Getting Out

    My least favourite thing about swimming is the faff afterwards. Tiny changing rooms with wet floors and wet towels means I never feel dry and comfortable. However having this such large, private dressing rooms all to ourselves with the shower, hair dryer, supply of fresh towels and plenty of floor space was a real treat. I took advantage of the provided hair products in the shower. It felt like a fancy hotel rather than a pool. Getting rinsed, dried and changed was a breeze and I adored having a personal hair dryer. We met back at the exit and struggled back into our shoes and copious outside layers.

    Our KiwiTaxi pick was already waiting so unfortunately, we didn’t really have time to dither in the cafe or shop, instead dashing out to meet it. As we had associated our cards to our wristbands, we didn’t have to make any payments and could just deposit the bands in the exit barriers. The drinks were charged automatically and off we popped.

    Final Thoughts on Our Sky Lagoon Review

    A luxury hot spring pool on the outskirts of Reykjavík, Sky Lagoon has stunning views, unique look and has won our hearts. We have previously visited the Blue Lagoon twice but I think we are converted to the joys of Sky Lagoon. Having done the ritual once, we might just opt for the Pure Lite tickets and relax in the main pool but that remains to be seen. Midnight sun and Northern Lights await so we will be back twice at least!

    Rosie xx

  • Food Lovers Tour with Your Friend in Reykjavík

    Food Lovers Tour with Your Friend in Reykjavík

    Eating out in Reykjavík can be an expensive business. This makes trying all the delicious options tricky. In most of our trips, we have had one nice meal out and then room noodles or hostel pasta for the rest of the time. Well, on our February 2024 visit, I decided it was time to try all the things we had missed out on. The best way to do it? A food tour of course! After comparing the options, we decided that Your Friend in Reykjavík was the best option, hosted by locals who are passionate about not just food, but history and culture too. Join us for our Friend in Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour review.

    This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.

    Our Food Lovers Tour

    The meeting place for the Reykjavik Food Loves Tour was Ingólfur Square and when we arrived, we could only see one chap waiting in the cold. This was Stefan, our guide for the afternoon. Turns out, we were the only people booked on that day. Thats a weekday in January for you! Thankfully, that meant we didn’t have to wait for anyone else and head straight off to start the eating.

    Our first two tastings were in a restaurant just steps away from where we were staying. In fact, we were planning to eat there one evening but never got around to it so I am extra glad we got to pop in as part of the tour.

    Lovely Lamb

    It may look a little alarming but it was just in intense red light when it was photographed. The first dish was super soft and tender smoked lamb tartare. Icelanders love their lamb and the animals are treated really well. The sheep are given all summer to roam free before being rounded up in a big, fun community effort. They drink spring water and eat yummy grass, leaves and berries. With have zero stress and no hormones added, these are the most freerange farmed sheep in the world. The lamb tartare was a real delight. It was served on sourdough toast with a perfect chewy crust and cool cream cheese and capers. Plus, no onions which is rare for a tartare, allowing the meat flavours to sing.

    The Greatest Gravlax

    Next was some of the best cured salmon we have ever had. Somehow, the cure was so perfect that it was both meaty and supremely soft. I think we were both in heaven. The raw salmon, slowly cured in salt, sugar and dill topped some rye bread and was sprinkled with parmesan. I love smoked salmon but this may have beaten that!

    The World’s Best Hot Dog

    I know, I know, this is a rather big claim but hear me out, they may have a point. Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is one of the cheapest eats in town and the dogs really are rather fantastic. This little red stand has been serving hot dogs right here for almost a century, curing Reykvíkingur’s woes since 1937. There is always a queue, even in the middle of the night when it is several degrees below freeing. Don’t fear though, the queue moves quickly. Apparently, the staff is paid by the hot dog so they have a vested interest in banging out those bangers!

    Traditionally, people order, “One with everything”. This includes:

    • A Steamed Bun – These sweetish buns are so soft that they basically dissolve when eaten!
    • A Lamb-based Sausage – Full of flavour and pretty unique. The rest of the world favours just beef or pork dogs.
    • Raw Onions – The devil.
    • Sweet Mustard – If you love the one at IKEA, you’re going to love this.
    • Ketchup – The ketchup here is very unique, with an apple base.
    • Remoulade – A kind of spiced mayo with mustard and a tang from vinegar or capers.
    • Crispy Onions – This is the final topping and gives the whole thing a bit of texture. I say topping but actually, they are put under the sausage so that they aren’t whipped away by the Icelandic wind.

    Now, you may or may not know that I cannot abide onions. I bravely said I would try one with the crispy onions in the bun but one bite quickly told me that it wasn’t the thing! We ordered another one without any kind of onions for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

    Lush Lamb Soup

    I think Kjötsúpa may be Iceland’s ultimate comfort food. Rich with umami, the broth is clear so you can see everything delicious chunk of root veg or lamb….and that’s pretty much the sum of it. Braised lamb is combined with turnips, potatoes, carrots and cabbage. The broth isn’t seasoned much, beyond salt and pepper so it tastes of the things you put in! Some families like to bulk it up with grains, rice etc but this is totally down to personal preference. As we slurped our way through the bowl, Stefan told us some really cool Icelandic folk tales. It was like having a cool podcast as we ate dinner!

    The Icelandic Street Food restaurant serves this soup in either a bread bowl, or in a bowl with the bread on the side. You’ll notice that if you order it in a bowl, the hunk of bread you get is carved from the bread bowls. That’s smart! They offer free refills of the soup but of course, you won’t need them on the food tour. Just remember it for another evening as this has to be one of the best value meals in Reykjavík.

    A Few Tastes of Iceland

    Newly opened, A Taste of Iceland on theLaugavegur is a treasure trove of foodie delights. The enigmatic owner travels the island in search of the very best and the very weirdest of Iceland’s culinary world. We were so excited to have a tasting here, including all kinds of things we hadn’t seen anywhere else. Here are some of the things we tried:

    • Seafood – Not for the faint=heaterted, dried cod is something that might make you curl your nose up. It is, however, familiar to many Asian cultures and reminded us strongly of travelling in Thailand and Japan. Less familiar, and more delicious, was another Asian-flavoured treat…sea cucumber.
    • Liquorice – I am always so unsure when people try to convince me I am about to enjoy a liquorice sweet. Usually, they are wrong. However, we tried a tasty chocolate-covered liquorice which had the right ratio. Then, we tried something called Djoflar (salted liquorice creams). They were so interesting and intense! I guess they must know how to do it as some of Iceland’s most popular chocolate bars have liquorice in.
    • Spice – Mr Fluskey does not like spice but sometimes, when we are in public he plays it so blooming cool. We were treated to a series of hot sauces, featuring chillies grown in hot houses around Iceland. The final one was painful. It didn’t seem that bad but after a little while it started to occur to me that it wasn’t wearing off, just getting worse. Somehow, Mr “I don’t like spicy things” was telling everyone that it was fine. Was he lying or did he actually not put it in his mouth? Trust me…it was spicy!

    We had to buy some of the cucumber relish that we tried (I am 100% making a burger with this on) and the crazy Djoflar liquorice. Now we are waiting for a fun social gathering to share these with our buddies.

    We made our way to the last stop, Dass.

    A Sip of Cider

    Knowing Iceland has apples, I asked whether there is a strong cider culture. Well, when we reached our last stop, I was given the chance to order some Icelandic cider. I was a little disappointed when the server gave two options, one very fruity, and one mysteriously called, “Flamingo”. Well, in for a penny… I ordered the flamingo. When it arrived, it was bright coral, as the name would suggest, and one quick sip confirmed it to be pink grapefruit flavour. It was delicious but as with its Swedish counterpart, it wasn’t cider.

    Super Salted Cod

    On our food tour in Lisbon, we learned all about salted code. In Spain and Portugal, it is called Bacalhau. Sailors who came north and caught cod (much of it Icelandic I’m sure) it was severely salted and dehydrated. On returning to their homes, they had to soak it for 24 hours to rehydrate the fish and dilute the salt. Well, in Iceland, where preservation isn’t such a problem, the salted cod is a very different beast.

    Lightly cured, the salted fish is just beautifully seasoned and the cooking of our piece here at Dass was so light and delicate. It was served with a punchy Spanish-style sauce and I wished for four times more of everything!

    Feared Fermented Shark

    It is time!

    Throughout our tour, the promise of this big moment had been part of the fun. We practised how to eat it and waited in an equal state of excitement and terror. I am sure you have seen the videos; tourists and world-class chefs alike gagging over small pieces of fermented shark. Hákarl consists of a Greenland shark which is buried for 6 – 12 weeks and left to go rotten. It is then cut into pieces and hung to dry for another month or so. It is said to have a strong taste of something like blue cheese with a lingering after taste of ammonia, leading some to say it tastes like pee.

    I think we should try everything once but this one I was a bit scared of. I didn’t want to lose all the delicious things we had enjoyed along the tour! When the small pieces came from the kitchen, I was put at ease. They were small and I couldn’t smell them from my seat, despite the board being right in font of us. We rehearsed the eating routine once more before getting stuck in.

    Well, neither of us vomited, or thought it was that bad….but we do enjoy stinky french cheese so maybe we are secretly hardcore? It seems more likely that we had an excellent teacher. (Plus, I am pretty bad at cooking so we have probably eaten worse by my own hand).

    Brutal Black Death

    Along with scary seafood, we were served a traditional shot of Brennivin (Icelandic fire water). This is more commonly known as Black Death and luckily, it has nothing to do with buboes. I actually found this header to finish than the fermented shark, but shots have never been an easy swallow for me. I sipped mine demurely as the others took their shot. It has a distinctly aniseed or liquorice flavour, like sambuca and it took me back to university just a little. Mind you, with the price of alcohol in Iceland, I will consume any I am given!

    Divine Dessert

    Oh, how I love Skyr! This protein-packed yoghurt-like is so good for you and so creamy. It is a form of strained yoghurt so it is thick but it has quite a light flavour, not sour like natural yoghurt can be. I thought that scooping it straight from a pot was the best way to enjoy it but they had to go and prove me wrong. Combining Skyr and my favourite dessert cheesecake, brought it to a very happy place. This dessert was light and “healthy”, making it to the perfect end to our Food Lovers Tour.

    Final Thoughts on Our Food Lovers Tour Review

    Icelandic cuisine seems like a real eingma. Before taking the tour, I know I liked the hot dog but had no idea what was in it. I knew there were A-frames on the street advertising reindeer (not from Iceland) and puffin. I feel like we walked way with a better understanding and appreciation of the food, the culture and the joy of Reykjavík. Thanks Stefan for a wicked night and we will be back for more of that salmon soon!

    Rosie xx

  • Floating in the Fissure – Snorkeling Silfra with Dive.Is

    Floating in the Fissure – Snorkeling Silfra with Dive.Is

    Cold, clear and calm the waters of the Silfra fissure in Iceland are unique. Taking the plunge into the chilly rift between two continents for many people is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. With this in mind, I had to make sure we didn’t miss the chance on our latest trip to Iceland. Join us as we embark on a chilly adventure. Here is our experience of our tour snorkeling Silfra with Dive.is.

    This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.

    Planning on snorkelling Silfra? Check out our 11 Top Tips for snorkelling Sifra here!

    From Reykjavík to Silfra

    Our pick up stop was the same for all the tours we booked in Iceland. Reykjavík has a system of tourist bus stops. You find the one nearest to your accommodation and wait for up to 30 minutes for the right bus to roll up. We had a message the day before our tour, letting us know that it had been shifted forward by an hour so we were there bright and early at 08:00. Although, as the sun doesn’t rise until 10am in early February, I guess I mean dark and early.

    When our bus turned up, we hopped in and met our guide, Henry. They cranked up the playlist and we were off on the 45 minute drive to Thingvellir National Park. Of course, Mr Fluskey fell asleep but my nerves were kicking in and the butterflies in my tummy kept me on the edge of my seat.

    Check out 4 Days in Iceland – A Long Weekend in the Land of Fire and Ice

    Kitting Up

    On arrival, we pulled into the car park, which doubled as a base camp. It was time to get into our gear for the snorkel. With the freezing water, everyone is given a drysuit. People can opt for a wetsuit but this is definitely only for experienced divers who have taken on cold water a fair few times before. There was apparently an official changing van but as people were diving, they took priority and we changed in our transfer vehicle.

    Remembering that we would be put into dry suits, we both made use of the toilets (having also been mildly dehydrating that morning). This ensured no wee was needed during the trip. I tried to forget my tendency for last-minute panic pees, informing my bladder, “Today is NOT the day”!

    We were presented with thick onesies, reminiscent of sleeping bags, which I gratefully scrambled into. The snow was coming down fast and the wind was freezing so any bedding-cum-outfit was fine with me!

    Then it was time for the dry suit. The feet were rubber and the legs were quite long so getting my toes right to the bottom of the foot portions was a bit of a struggle. I was dreading putting my head in, worrying that the rubber would rip my hair but it was actually fine.

    The gloves were hilarious. I am sure there is a reason they look like camel toes (titter) but they felt so weird. I quickly realised that my palm to use the GoPro was going to be tricky as they were really thick and pushing the buttons would be incredibly difficult.

    The last touch was a plain black choker, familiar to any cool kids from the 90s. Mine was tight but not too bad. It seems my trip mates had worse luck and they had to get theirs loosened a little to ensure they could swallow.

    Getting to the Fissure

    We waddled like sexy frogmen up the snowy path to the metal entryway. Once on the platform, we popped on our masks and snorkels before our guides shoved on our fins, like the least romantic Cinderella moment ever. Then it was time to step down and into the rift before us.

    Photo courtesy of Dive.is
    Courtesy of Dive.is

    Planning on snorkelling Silfra? Check out our Top Tips here!

    Into the Water

    As I stepped down, there wasn’t the initial shock that I was expecting, just a squeeze of the suit around my legs. However, when I flopped into a floating position, the water hit my face and hands and that was a little more unpleasant. Getting used to the dry suit took a minute. It was a very odd sensation.

    The group came together and we took a quick sip of the water which was fresh and…well, delicious isn’t the word..inoffensive.

    We were all asked to practice rolling onto our backs to float, the safety drill. This would allow us to drift safely downstream if we weren’t feeling great. We completed the manoeuvre easily but our trip companion, a lovely lady from the USA, was struggling. She wasn’t doing well with the tight neck of her dry suit and this combined with the cold water was leading her to panic. Henry tried to talk to her and calm her down but she was adamant that she wouldn’t be able to go on so he guided her quickly back to the platform before coming back to rejoin us.

    This gave us a little time to adjust to the frigid conditions. The water was so cold on the tiny bit of my face that was exposed, but once my lips were numb, I could relax and enjoy it. Henry asked us if we were both OK and I must say, the tight face hole combined with my numb lips made replying quite hard. I felt like a dribbling idiot, so decided to keep my face in the water to avoid any further dribbling.

    The Snorkeling

    The water in Silfra Fissure is crystal clear and the volcanic basalt rocks, so interesting. The snowy landscape above the water felt like another world when compared with the perfect calm below. I quite enjoyed flipping over on my back and letting the snow land on my face before disappearing back into the cool, calm of the water below.

    Silfra is divided into four main areas:

    1 – Big Crack

    This is where we entered the water. The walls are close together and it extends below and in front of you. It is hard not to gasp and inhale a lung full of cold water. Instead, everyone just makes, “Ooooo” noises through their snorkels.

    Photo courtesy of Dive.is
    Picture courtesy of Dive.is
    2 – Silfra Hall

    After the 30m or so of floating, the floor drops away again and the walls are a little further apart. This is known as Silfra Hall. You have a while to relax an take it all in as you drift along and I loved relaxing here.

    Courtesy of Dive.is
    Photo courtesy of Dive.is
    Picture courtesy of Dive.is
    Courtesy of Dive.is

    Planning on snorkelling Silfra? Check out our Top Tips here!

    3 – Silfra Cathedral

    Passing over the shallows, doing ur best not to touch the rocks, we emerged into Silfra Cathedral. This is the deepest part of the fissure at around 20m. Apparently, there are caves down there but I couldn’t even get my bottom in the water in the dry suit, let alone free dive down to check it out! You can see right to the end where the sand rises up. It is at this point, you need to turn left, not to end up in the lake.

    Photo courtesy of Dive.is
    Picture courtesy of Dive.is
    Courtesy of Dive.is
    4 – Silfra Lagoon

    This is where the glacier water blends with the lake water, creating a turquoise basin. Snorkelers are offered an extra 10 minutes here to relax or play in the pretty rock pool. I had seen a video of one group trying to dive as deep as they could and I thought we might do that too but the weather was against us.

    Photo courtesy of Dive.is
    Picutre courtesy of Dive.is

    Getting Out

    There had been talk of a big storm coming in, in fact, our tour had been shifted half an hour earlier to miss it, and we thought better of hanging around. The wind was whipping up waves on the surface so we used our legs properly to flip our way to the metal exit platform as quickly as possible.

    We puffed our way back to the car park. It wasn’t that far but the cold had really sapped our energy. I felt quite ashamed about my fitness until I saw two other groups returning who were equally out of puff.

    Disrobing

    The wind was picking up badly now and everything was stinging in the cold. My plants were frozen solid. The team had a bucket of deliciously hot water, which I made for use of but 3 to 5 seconds after removing my finger, the wind whipped the warmth away.

    Still, getting out of the gear was easier than getting into it. The guides got us out of the hoods in seconds and then we hopped up on a high wooden bench/shelf to get out of the rest of the dry suit.

    We were a little dismayed to see that the van was full of snow, but realised that where much of the gear was stored in the back, the rear doors were open for loading. Luckily, a hot chocolate and two chocolate bourbons were provided for much-needed sweet warmth. It raised a core temperature just enough to finish getting changed.

    Back to Reykjavík

    Once everyone was changed and the van was fully loaded, we prepared to drive back in the storm. Other groups were arriving as we pulled away and we wondered whether they would be able to complete the snorkel.

    The driving started quite worryingly. The van was buffeted by the wind and snow and we felt a couple of wheel slips. Then we drove past a car that was off the road, we stopped briefly, but the guys said that help was on the way so we carried on. Then, for ten glorious minutes, the sun broke through. Iceland really is a bonkers place.

    Check out our other travels in Iceland

    Final Thoughts on Snorkeling Silfra with Dive.Is

    I was so excited about taking this tour but also rather worried. Being such a lizard, I hate being cold and I get cold every time we scuba dive (in Southern Africa, Mexico and Malaysia just to name a few lovely, warm places). I honestly thought I would get in, get cold and cry through it. However, that was not the case at all! We got cold standing on the snow in the rubber-soled dry suit and then again when we were getting changed. In the water, I felt fine. Cold, but fine.

    I can’t quite believe these guys do this every day as it was physically intense (not exercise-wise, just endurance-wise) BUT I would absolutely hop in and do it again.

    Rosie xx

  • Exploring Wintery Wonders in Iceland – A BusTravel Iceland Review

    Exploring Wintery Wonders in Iceland – A BusTravel Iceland Review

    Taking a trip around Iceland is on many a bucket list, but what can you do if you don’t drive? Is the road trip off? Are you stuck in Reykjavík? Absolutely not! There are some awesome companies that whisk keen travellers around Iceland. On our winter trip to the island, we chose to travel with BusTravel Iceland. Read on for our full BusTravel Iceland review.

    This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.

    Why Did We Choose BusTravel Iceland?

    We didn’t have a long time for our last-minute trip to Iceland so we opted for the 4-Day Wonders of Iceland Winter Tour From Reykjavík. Rather than heading around the Ring Road, these tours go to and from Reykjavík as a collection of day trips. The collection of four trips, when bought as bundle, gets a cheeky discount and they include some of Iceland’s most stunning places.

    What Does the 4-Day Wonders of Iceland Winter Tour Include?

    There are four tours included in each package:

    As well as the four tours, you will get 4 nights of accommodation in Reykjavík. You can choose from a single, double, twin or triple. All rooms come with an en-suite bathroom, WiFi and helpful bits like a kettle & hairdryer. Oh, and breakfast!

    Our 4-Day Wonders of Iceland Winter Tour From Reykjavík

    Below is a short round up of each tour we took with BusTravel Iceland. We will be writing full reviews of each of these tours, so keep an eye on the blog for more!

    Day One – Northern Lights from Reykjavík

    The BusTravel 4-Day Wonders of Iceland Winter Tour includes a trip to hunt the Northern LightsOur first night in Reykjavík had the least cloud cover and the highest activity. Mind you, they did sy that sometimes the KPI number doesn’t matter. Still, we thought it best to go on the first night so that if we didn’t manage to see anything, we could try again. The free second attempt is included in the tour package. Plus, they have a guarantee,

    We were picked up from our nearest tourist tour bus stop (number 4) by a large coach. I was far too excited. We seemed to drive for a long time due north, aiming for a certain car park. There are certain spots where the coaches are allowed to stop, and this promised the least cloud interruption.

    Sadly though, the place was shut when we pulled up. The BusTravel Iceland small group tour was at the same spot and they could walk up to the car park but there was nowhere for the big coaches to pull in so off we went, in search of a new spot.

    We hopped out at Thingvellir National Park. This is always a good shout as light pollution is minimal. We could see a tiny glow in the sky and looking through the iPhone’s camera, we could see the green glow behind the clouds. I wonder what it would have looked like if the sky was clear. The little of the lights we did see was still pretty thrilling!

    After about 20 minutes, a canister of hot chocolate was brought out and everyone gratefully partook in the winter chill before it was time to drive back to Reykjavík.

    Check out all our travels around Iceland

    Day Two – Glacier Lagoon and South Island Tour

    At 14 hours, the Glacier Lagoon and South Island Tour is the longest of the day trips the BusTravel Iceland offers. There is a very long drive at the beginning of the day to reach the southwest of Iceland and its huge Svinafellsjökul glacier. I am not going to lie, it felt a bit mad to be doing this as a day trip, especially as we stopped for lunch before we even got there.

    However, as soon as we reached Diamond Beach, I ate my words. I would have done twice the drive to get there. What a beautiful and unique place. The glacier is undercut by seawater. As the chunks of ice break off, they float down the river and into the sea, where the waves promptly return them to the beach. The glaciers are battered and split by the waves before washing up and decorating the black sand. We had about half an hour here before hopping back on the bus and driving over to the glacial lagoon which was equally stunning.

    On the way back to Reykjavík we made one more stop to see the glacier tongue which was so different from the lagoon. The rough edges, coated in snow were a world away from the smooth water-licked edges. Just when I think I have seen the prettiest that Iceland has to offer, it comes up with new delights.

    Day Three – Grand Golden Circle Tour

    The Golden Circle is the classic tour that everybody takes from Reykjavík. It has some of Iceland’s biggest natural attractions, all within a day’s round-trip drive from the city. We took this in 2012 in October but it was so cool to see it again blanketed in snow.

    • Kerið Crater – A deep volcanic crater with a lake at the bottom. We were given 20 minutes or so here and some people ventured right down to the lake and onto the ice. I was a bit worried that we weren’t fit enough to get down there and back up again in the allotted time (walking on snow is hard ok). Instead, we enjoyed taking photos and watching them from above.
    • Icelandic Horses – The bus stopped at the roadside, a place where people could buy “Horse Candy” and feed the waiting equines. Icelandic horses are so special, short, powerful and completely unique to the island. We got to ride some on our first trip to Iceland and fell in love. They had plenty of people feeding them already when we got off the bus, so we left them to it and watched from afar.
    • Gullfoss – Gullfoss means Golden Falls but in the deep winter, it feels like Silver Falls would be more appropriate. The path down was completely shut as it was so snowy and icy! We could only see it from above which was cool but nowhere near as cool as getting up close like we did in 2012.
    • Geysir Geothermal Park – This is the home of Strokker. Since the main Geysir (the one after which everything is named) stopped erupting, this is Iceland’s coolest Geysir. Boiling water shoots up into the air every seven minutes or so to the general delight of waiting tourists. We stayed to watch it twice but the freeing snow blew in and we dashed from the warmth of the visitors centre, and the call of lunch.
    • Thingvellir National Park – The final stop is one we are quite familiar with now. The National Park is prime Northern Lights spotting territory as well as being the place where you can see both the Eurasian and American tectonic plates. We snorkelled in the fissure here a couple of days before! Iceland’s first government was established here, oft cited as the first such arrangement in the world. Meeting in the outdoors meant lots of people could attend….but we didn’t last more than 30 minutes in the chill so maybe they had really short meetings?

    It was really fun to see the Golden Circle again in a new light and now we just have to see it in summer!

    Day Four – Snaefellsnes Peninsula Tour

    “You gotta save the best for last”, and I think we did. The Snaefellsness Peninsula was the most unexpected and delightful day that we spent with BusTravel Iceland, surpassing even the Glacier Lagoon. We had some insane weather all day and I think the wind, snow and really added to the drama of some of these locations. We didn’t know anything about this tour before embarking upon it, and that probably added to the fun. Every time we stopped, there was a new and exciting thing to discover.

    We started at Mt. Kirkjufell, the most stupidly photogenic mountain. Forget Mt Fuji, this striped, point beauty is perfection. In summer, the waterfall in front flows freely but in January, there was just one little hole under which a trickle of water still pushed through.

    The drama of the Djuparlonssandur black beach was incredible. Through giant lava rocks, we emerged into a world of monochrome. The white snow, black beach, grey ship wreck and greyer waves pounding the lot were intense. We could have stayed for ages but the weather had other plans, throwing tiny shards of ice directly at us from the sea.

    The final highlight of the day was the Búðir Black Church. This is Iceland’s most famous black church and where the sun finally set in a last burst of flame behind the clouds.

    5 Tips for Travelling with BusTravel Iceland

    1.) Catch Some ZZZs

    These tours make for long days so when taking roads you have been down before, put your head down and take a nap. This is especially good in those early mornings when the sun is not up yet or the evenings once it is well and truly gone.

    2.) Get the Gear

    If you are travelling to Iceland in the winter make sure you have:

    • -Boots that can handle snow. They need to be waterproof, warm and have good grip. Miss one of those elements and you will have an uncomfortable day.
    • Gloves, hat and scarf that can handle wind. Cute berets are nice but Iceland is one windy island you will lose it quickly. Plus, a flat cap isn’t keeping anyone’s ears warm!
    • A nice, warm coat, preferably waterproof. Again, it could rain, sleet or snow at any point during the day. Icelandic weather is quite unpredictable and you want to stay warm and dry. Bring a thin rain coat to pop over your warm on if you don’t have a good coat that does both.
    • Hand warmers of some description. The buses can feel a little cool sometimes as the wind whips away the warmth. We found having an external heat source helped us stay toasty on board as well as outside.
    3.) Prepare to Transfer

    You may be picked up in a smaller bus and then moved into a bigger one. If you have a seating preference, try to sit at the front of the minibus so you can jump out and claim your favoured side of the coach. Similarly, make sure all your bits and bobs are still with you (around your neck, in a bag on your lap etc etc)

    4.) Lunch Stops

    The picnic stops can be in smaller cafes/petrol stations that do not allow people to just eat their own food at the tables. If you buy one small dish or a drink then you can claim your right to be there. You can stay on the bus to eat but you’ll probably fancy the change of scene.

    Buy the hot dog…
    …and enjoy your budget snacks too.
    5.) Bathroom Stops

    There is a toilet on board but you will be discouraged from using it. They call it the emergency toilets. Make use of every toilet stop so you lessen the chance of having to use the coach’s bathroom.

    When you do stop for the bathroom, head straight to the toilet. You might be tempted to wait for the queue to die down. But there is probably another coach coming along right behind yours and it will just fill up again.

    Final Thoughts on Our BusTravel Iceland Review

    Taking a road trip around Iceland’s ring road was our original plan but with inclement weather, and the fact that I cannot drive, it seemed so unfair on Mr Fluskey. By taking a series of day trips, he could nap when required and we could both relax and just enjoy the scenery, without skidding into a snow drift or sliding into a cheeky ditch.

    The BusTravel Iceland tours were professional and fun.

    Rosie xx

  • A Review of PLAY Airlines A320neo STN – KEF

    A Review of PLAY Airlines A320neo STN – KEF

    Iceland has had its fair share of budget airlines. It makes total sense. Iceland is close to Europe and the USA, making it a great stopover between the two. Plus, Iceland one of the most popular destinations for nature lovers in its own right. However. somehow, they don’t seem to last. Well, here comes PLAY Airlines, the latest competitor from the land of fire and ice. A fun, young brand with a name to match, it aims to secure the route that so many others have lost. Read on for our full review of PLAY Airlines, travelling on their A320neo from London Stansted to Keflavik in Iceland.

    This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.

    Airport Experience – London Stansted

    There were just two check in desks at Stansted, tucked away in Zone A (counterintuitivly, this is to the right when you enter the terminal). PLAY Airlines doesn’t charge for online check in so you can just turn up but of course we still checked in online and picked the seats we wanted. The staff were friendly and told us how to get the transit to the gate. They even knew the gate number ahead of time which is always a nice feeling.

    Reminder: Always check the screens as gates can change!

    We popped to the Escape Lounge (not a bad one if you have a Priority Pass or similar) for a little breakfast. Iceland is expensive and we wanted to fill our boots before we were in the land of pricy, imported food.

    About ten minutes before the gate was due to be announced, we grabbed our bags and made our way to the transit train. Well, it was temporarily broken so they had set up a way to walk out the gates. This was much nicer than last time when we had to queue for coaches. I was very glad that we had ditched our big bags at check in for once as it meant we didn’t have to lug them all the way across the airport.

    The gate staff were a little on the snappy side but they were agency staff, so you can expect the same service for plenty of airlines out of Stansted. However, as we boarded, we were welcomed by the cheerful crew standing cozy in their red puffer coats. These must be so comfortable to wear in the Stansted chilly morning, let alone the wintry conditions in Reykjavík.

    Luggage

    We are usually hand luggage only people but PLAY very kindly included a check in bag each so we took advtantage. Check in bags are provided at different weight allowances for different fares:

    • PLAY Basic means hand luggage only.
    • PLAY Value passengers can take 20kg which should be more than enough for a week of travel in a chilly place.
    • PLAY Flex can pack up to 23kg
    • Any passenger can pay excess for a bag weighing up 32kg, which is the legal limit for bags in Europe.

    In terms of hand luggage, everyone is entitled to one small 10kg underseat hand luggage (42cm x 32 x 25 cm). If you opt for a PLAY Value or Flex ticket, you can also pack a large 12kg hand luggage (55 x 45 x 25 cm). This would have been absolutely fine for our normal way of travelling but when the bags are included, why not treat ourselves?

    On Board

    The Seats

    The seats are all a light grey colour which is clean but a little dull. It would have been nice to see some pops of red in here as so much of their branding is red and white.(No, I don’t count the safety cards as decor). There was a 3 inch recline function which I wasn’t expecting at all. You don’t get that on the other low cost carriers on this route.. or in general really.

    On the back of the seats was a standard tray table and a literature slot. Don’t put anything in here as it may well slide out. At the bottom of the seatbsack is a small net. I prefer these to the deep seatback pockets that never get a proper clean, and I am happier to use them for the bits and bobs I need to keep handy.

    The standard leg room on PLAY Airlines’ A320neo is pretty good at 29 inches. This is one inch less than Ryanair and one more than Wizz. Strangely, Ryanair has always felt tighter than that? Mind you, with the little recline offered on PLAY, it feels bigger. Their extra lleg room comes up to 34 inches, the same as extra leg room on long haul carriers.

    Entertainment

    There isn’t any to speak of. There is no seat-back TV, or streaming service so make sure you bring a book or download some music, podcasts or videos. Thank goodness for that USB charger. Mind you, you cannot always rely on these power outlets so maybe pack your trusty powerbank too! Of course you can browse the inflight magazine but honestly, it was a five minute thumb-through job without much substance.

    Food & Drink

    There is no food or drink included on any fare with PLAY Airlines. This is absolutely fine on a short stretch but I think this would be hardgoing on the full trans-Atlantic journey. The stopover in Keflavik is not a cheap place to pick up food or drink either so you will be splashing out a fair bit on eating either way.

    The only thing that surprised me, was the price of the alcohol. It didn’t seem that bad. Alcohol in Iceland is wildly expensive so €10 for a mini bottle of wine (a large glass) isn’t crazy.

    Amenities

    Coming straight from a flight with Tunisair, who use the same planes, I was shocked at the difference. This bathroom was spotless, stocked with plenty of toilet roll, hand towels and it was almost pleasant. The space is quite tight but large mirrors made it feel big enough. We were on quite an empty flight so maybe it wouldn’t have stayed as neat if it were being used more, but I believe I saw the crew giving it a quick tidy so maybe they just take more care.

    The Flight

    I adored the announcements from the flight deck. They were so informative, polite and funny. For example “Dear passengers, It has been an absolute pleasure. It is a lovely day in Iceland….so put on your warm clothes”. It seems to reflect the fun, youthful energy PLAY Airlines is trying to convey. What other airline has their crew in cool, white trainers in the air!?

    We had a pretty smooth ride, loving the moment we burst through the clouds and left grey London behind. Well, we landed back in a grey, snowy Iceland…but that is not the point.

    Check out 4 Days in Iceland – A Long Weekend in the Land of Fire and Ice

    The Return – Keflavik to Stansted

    As soon as we entered Keflavik’s departure hall, we spotted the PLAY signs by the self-check in machines. Having checked in online, we had barcodes on our phones. Popping these under the scanner, we were expecting to have to fill out a few screens but instead, a bag tag printed straight out! It was so fast, so efficient, things my airline’s self-service bag drop can only dream of. I expertly attached them to our backpacks (that is ten years of practice not gone to waste) and as I did so, a nice member of staff came over to point us to the out of gauge section. Having strappy backpacks, it was best to send them through the fragile section. The smiling security officer accepted the gas and we made our way through security.

    The departure lounge was buzzing and I was having a sad moment, not ready to leave Iceland and super sad that we missed out on experiencing a big northern light display…first world problems, I know. We had some slightly overpriced sandwiches and walked to the gates. Turns out our gate was basically a corridor. It was dark and had no seats. People leaned on every wall, many sat on the floor. It was really weird. Most of KEF is well-designed. At least, once the door opened and we all walked up the stairs, they did a good job of separating the passengers with priority boarding and it was a nice, quick process getting on board.

    Final Thoughts on This Review of PLAY Airlines

    PLAY has all the ingredients of a decent low-cost carrier, and that is fine for a quick three-hour hop from London to Reykjavík. However, I think I would want a few more included extras if I were a transiting passenger, carrying on across the Atlantic.. A snack would be nice and at least a bottle of water would be good as a minimum. The stopovers are nice and quick (unless you opt for a stopover overnight) so it seems like a very cost-effective way of hopping the pond. Maybe we will get a chance to review the full journey one day soon.

    Rosie xx

  • 11 Top Tips for Snorkelling Silfra Fissure

    11 Top Tips for Snorkelling Silfra Fissure

    Iceland is full of unique natural wonders. This young country is still evolving at a rate of knots (geologically speaking) and this leads to goodies like Silfra. If you are considering a dip in the world’s coolest pool then check out our 11 top tips for snorkeling Silfra.

    This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.

    Travelling to Iceland? Check out our full list of Iceland posts here.

    What is Silfra Fissure?

    Iceland is a pretty young country, geologically speaking. The island is only 10 million years old and as such has some unusual features. None more so than the Silfra fissure, where two tectonic plates are slowly ripping apart. The gap here increases by about 2cm a year, which is positively speedy when you’re talking about rocks. Not only that but you can actually dive or snorkel in the glacier water that filter through to fill the void. This water is insanely clear with visibility up to 33ft/100m which is hard to find anywhere else…but there are no fishies.

    Photo courtesy of Dive.is

    Where is Silfra?

    You will find Silfra within the Thingvellir National Park but you can’t just stroll over and hop in. Instead you’ll need to book a tour, with or without pick up in Reykjavík. The National Park is around a 45 minute drive from the capital.

    11 Top Tips for Snorkeling Silfra

    1 – Prepare to Get Wet

    You will be wearing a dry suit to snorkel Silfra but there are a few bits of you that are still going to be poking out.

    • Head – There is a neoprene hood that you’ll wear which should keep your head warm but not dry. Your face will be exposed entirely, as well as any hair poking out. It is probably a good idea to bring a towel for your hair. I had my hair in plaits (pigtails) for the adventure as I wanted it to be flat under the hood. It was odd to see them freeze in the chill after our trip )it was January).
    • Hands – Your hands will be in some hilarious gloves that are made of thick neoprene. Water filters through but if you keep your hand still, they will stay warmer as you’ll be minimising the movement of water through the gloves.

    2 – What to Wear for Snorkeling Silfra

    On the day you will be provided a thick, padded onesie to wear under the dry suit but what you wear under that is important too. To ensure warmth and comfort, opt for soft, thick base layers. Think fleece-lined leggings and technical fabrics. You don’t want to wear anything that is too tight or uncomfortable as the dry suit can already feel quite constricting for first-timers.. Skip thick trousers like jeans and opt for a wire-free bra which doesn’t pinch.

    In terms of socks, wearing too many thick pairs will make getting into and out of the dry suit hard so opt for a couple of good technical or woollen pairs and ensure they aren’t bunched up around your ankles.

    It is also considering how easy is it to change. You may be changing in the transfer van so bring things you can zip in and out of quickly rather than tight, pull on/over clothes.

    Finally, if you have any heated clothes then bring them. It can be tricky for some people (me) to warm up and having that external heat can really help to get toasty again. A heated jacket, or even just hand warmers can make a world of difference as you drive back to Reykjavík.

    3 – Things to Bring for Snorkeling Silfra

    • Contact Lenses – If you wear glasses, bring your contacts, you cannot wear your glasses with the snorkel mask. You could also bring a prescription mask…but that seems like more a niche item to own.
    • A Travel Towel – As mentioned, parts of you will get wet, and other bits might accidentally get wet. Having something to help dry off, especially if it’s cold, is a must.
    • A Change of Clothes – Bring some extra bits just in case you get any leakage from your dry suit.

    4 – Use the Bathrooms!

    This might sound obvious but trust me, ol habits die hard. If you have been snorkeling or before, you may have been on boats with no bathroom. “Where should I pee?”, you ask. You are pointed to the water with a laugh. You may also have been instructed to pee in a wetsuit to warm up but whatever you do, DO NOT PEE IN THE DRY SUIT! Make sure you go to the bathroom before you get into the gear. We chose to dehydrate a little before the trip just to be on the safe side. You will in the dry suit for around an hour in total so judge your bladders abilities as to whether you have that coffee en route. You can always have a quick glug of the clean, fresh glacier H2O as you snorkel if you are feeling parched.

    That being said, make sure you eat a great breakfast! The cold can be exhausting and the calories will keep you energised and warm in the water.

    5 – Stay Calm

    You will be wearing some unfamiliar gear. The dry suits and hoods are tight and can feel restrictive around the seals. This is especially true tf the neck which should be mildly uncomfortable, especially when you swallow, but if it is too tight, let them know. Take some time to make adjustments and get used to this before you add the fins and snorkel to ensure you are not too uncomfortable.

    Entering cold water can be a shock, when added to the pressure of the water, it can be a little much for some people. Take it slowly and keep breathing! The first thing you will do is a quick safety drill. Flipping onto your back, you can float quite happily as the dry suits are extremely buoyant. If you do feel yourself start to panic at any point, try flipping over and floating like a happy sea otter. If you aren’t able to, or still feel worried, alert your guide. The guides are excellent and will help you calm down. There is nowhere to get out once you’ve left the entry way area so if you are unhappy, decide quickly!

    6 – Don’t Expect a Selfie Shoot

    Snapping underwater photos easily is a real delight o holiday but it a whole lot trickier here. The gloves you are wearing are incredibly unwieldy and turning cameras on and off is near impossible. Then there is the battery life to consider. You could leave your device on and recording like we did, but remeber that battery performance goes down dramatically in cold so it may not last the course.

    Photo courtesy of Dive.is

    Finally, if you are taking a camera into the water, ensure you have a sturdy method of strapping it to yourself as they really don’t want to have to dive and find your device.

    Luckily, most tour operators will provide photos of your experience (like the ones we have from Dive.is) and these will either be included in the package or available for a small extra fee. Let them do the work and you can just focus on the experience.

    7 – You Can Snorkel Silfra All Year Round

    Snorkeling in January might sound like pure madness, and yes, Mr Fluskey thought this too. Of course there are changes in the weather outside but as the water comes from a glacier, it is the same temperature all year. Whether it is June or Jan, you’ll find it at a constant 2-3°C. This mean they can runthe tour all year and once you are submerged, it is going to feel the same. The time in water is normally half an hour or so, but if you are feeling good, you can stay in the Silfra lagoon at the end for a bit longer.

    8 – The Temp is Tough but the Snorkel is Easy

    There is a gentle current that flows downstream from where you enter the water. This means you don’t need to work hard to get from one end to the other. You can do a little kicking to steeri as you pass over the shallow areas, following your guide, but for the most part, you can just float. The less you move, the warmer you will be as you lessen the water movement on your head and hands. I enjoyed doing gentle mermaid kicks but that is because I am a big child. This means you don’t have to be super fit to take part in this activity.

    9 – Remember to Turn Left

    Before you snorkel, your guide will let you know about the left turn. If you miss it, the current will drift you out into Iceland’s biggest lake. Of course, this isn’t the end of the world but you’ll have to work to get back to the right spot so just pay attention after the second deep area and be prepared for that left turn.

    Photo courtesy of Dive.is

    10 – Book your Trip in Advance

    The number of visitors to Silfra every day is capped. They don’t want coach loads of people piling in daily. That is why these tours sell out, sometimes way in advance. Therefore, once you have decided that this trip is for you, don’t dilly dally! We chose to snorkel with Dive.is, the OG dive company in Iceland and they were professional whilst also being laid back and fun.

    Photo courtesy of Dive.is

    11 – A Few Safety Notes

    There are a few things to know before you book in terms of safety.

    • You definitely have to be able to swim to take the tour. This is a non-negotiable. Non-swimmers are more likely to panic or touch the rocks along the way, both of which are bad news.
    • There are weight and height limits for snorkeling Silfra, due to the sizes of the dry suits. You must be within 150cm/4’11” – 200cm/6’6” (I just got in at 152cm). Your weight must be within 45kg/99lbs – 120kg/264lbs.
    • You cannot take part if you are with child, or are yourself a child. That means that you cannot be pregnant or under 12 years old.
    • You will be required to sign a medical form and a liability release form.

    Final Thoughts on These Tips for Snorkeling Silfra

    I am such a wimp when it comes to the cold but this experience was truly worth the chilly morning and chillier water. Snorkeling Silfra is like floating through the air (in a weird plastic suit). It is a once in a lifetime trip and should be on everyone’s bucket list!

    Rosie xx

  • 4 Days in Iceland – A Long Weekend in the Land of Fire and Ice

    4 Days in Iceland – A Long Weekend in the Land of Fire and Ice

    They call Iceland the land of fire and ice and it’s true Iceland is full of these dichotomies. Ancient traditions run deep but the music scene is utterly cutting edge and although the capital seems sleepy by day, at night partying can go on all night! So what do you do with your time in Iceland? What if it is only a long weekend or just an Iceland stopover en route to somewhere else? What should you see in Iceland, what should you eat and just where is the best happy hour in Reykjavík!? This short guide is all about how to make the most of your 4 days in Iceland.

    Fjaðrárgljúfur, photo by: Adam Biernat
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  • 9 Cities That May Surprise You Around the World

    9 Cities That May Surprise You Around the World

    You have read the travel magazines and the blogs, seen the TV shows, and thousands upon thousands of Instagram photos, but there are still some places out there that you don’t really know. You may think you know them, I bet you’ve heard about them many times but here are nine cities that may surprise you.

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  • Why Staying in Hostels is NOT as Bad as You Think

    Why Staying in Hostels is NOT as Bad as You Think

    Let me start by saying, I have stayed in all manner of hotels, guesthouses, hostels, campsites and apartments. I have nothing against any accommodation option (although I may skip camping in deepest, darkest winter). I think that, of all of them, hostels have the worst reputation and I would love to change the mind of someone out there. Here are some of the reasons I love them with some honourable mentions for hostels that excel in a certain category. Following that are my top 4 hostel stays around the world…so far. Read on to discover why staying in hostels is NOT as bad as you think.

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