Iceland, Overview - meganotravels
Author: http://www.facebook.com/meganotravels1
Description: Iceland might be my favorite place on earth. There’s something very mystical and magical about it. The landscapes are more beautiful than photographs can capture (try as I might!). Not only that, but they’re so varied, and in such a small space. Driving around the ring road, you’ll see: moss-covered lava, massive waterfalls, sharp cliffs,
Date: 2012-04-19T14:30:37+00:00

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#### ICELAND

# Iceland, Overview

Iceland might be my favorite place on earth. There’s something very mystical and magical about it. The landscapes are more beautiful than photographs can capture (try as I might!). Not only that, but they’re so varied, and in such a small space. Driving around the ring road, you’ll see: moss-covered lava, massive waterfalls, sharp cliffs, extinct volcanoes (and active ones, at that), the ground bubbling (as the smell of sulfur assaults your nostrils), a glacier that covers more than 8% of the country and a glacier lagoon more beautiful than anything you could imagine, gorgeous chunks of ice stranded on a black sandy beach, etc. It’s also a country that ranks number one in gender equality, has a literacy rate of 99%, has a low crime rate, and has the highest life expectancy rate. What’s not to love about Iceland? (Okay, maybe hákarl, aka, fermented shark.)

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### What to know

- Iceland is expensive. I mean, expensive. The cost of food is pretty outrageous—two sandwiches, a shared basket of fries, and two cokes ran about $45 at several places. So, help yourself out by going to the Bonus to get sandwiches or other simple things you can make/eat, or stop at the N1 to eat (their fast food is actually pretty decent, and the facilities are clean).
- Taxes are pretty high, but thankfully, they realize that and help tourists out. Most shops have signs on the front that say “Tax Free”. When you purchase items from those shops (totaling ISK 4.000+), be sure to get a Refund Cheque. At the airport, there is a counter where you can present all of your Refund Cheques and you’re eligible for money back (I believe you can get it back in cash or you can give them a debit card to put it on). My advice is to try to buy as much at one shop as possible so that you can qualify for the tax break. And if you’re traveling with another person, purchase together so that you can hit amount and then divide up the refund later.
- If you’re going during the summer, do yourself a favor and pack a sleeping mask if you’re especially sensitive to light when trying to sleep. Most of the places I stayed had special lined curtains to keep the light out, but there were a few that didn’t.
- The Blue Lagoon is awesome. Definitely go. Especially just after you get off the plane; you’ll be delirious enough to not care about getting naked in front of everyone in the changing room (assuming you’re a prudish American like I am), and that amazing water and silica mud will calm you down so you can start your trip on the right foot. If you want to get a massage while there, be sure to book early. Unfortunately, I didn’t book early enough, so I didn’t get to reach the ultimate level of relaxation that the Blue Lagoon has to offer.

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### Why go?

Perhaps you’re a history buff and interested in Vikings. Or you’re a party animal and want to check out Reykjavik’s nightlife. Maybe you’re a photographer and want to get some great landscape shots. Or you love the great outdoors and are crazy adventurous and want to hike a glacier or volcano. Perhaps you want to see the northern lights or the midnight sun? Or you could just want a relaxing spa weekend at the Blue Lagoon. There are so, so many reasons to visit Iceland. (Seriously, why haven’t you gone yet? It’s only about a 5-hour flight from NYC.)

### Things to do

Rent a car and drive around the ring road. There’s no better way to see the entire country. I spent two weeks there and didn’t feel like I had enough time to do and see everything. Reykjavik is a great place to spend a few days, but get out of the city and see what else Iceland has to offer. Go on a whale watching tour, hike an extinct volcano, take a walk on a glacier (with a guide, mind you), ride on a boat around the glacier lagoon, lose track of time and take full advantage of the midnight sun, walk through Dimmuborgir which is said to connect earth with the infernal regions.

### Worth Mentioning (and Remembering):

- Iceland wants to be your friend.
- Nordic Visitor offers some wonderful self-drive tours. I couldn’t recommend them enough. You can select a tour, fit it to your preferences (and budget), customize it to your desires (add a stop, remove a stop). They do the rest for you—arrange the car rental, book the hotels (you can assist with this as well, if you’d like), and make recommendations for things to see. When you arrive, they give you a huge bag full of goodies and guide books, along with a map that features a highlighted route and highlighted towns/attractions along the way. (Also, they didn’t give me anything in return for this review—I just really loved their services and would use them again in a heartbeat.)
- I thought parts of Iceland were terrifying. I have this ridiculous fear of heights and hairpin curves, so driving around curves on giant cliffs just about gave me a heart attack. Even driving on gravel roads (and going the speed limit) scared me—I was afraid to come across another car and then slide off the road. Still, I was fine, I’m still alive, nothing happened, and I’d do it all over again.
- I heard Mark Morrison’s “Return of the Mack” (you remember it, right? From 1997?) on the radio more times than I care to remember.

### Author: Megan

Megan is an ordinary girl who outgrew her small town and decided to try the world on for size. She's on a mission to travel, photograph, and write about the world.

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- Megan,
  I enjoyed very much all your Iceland pictures. I was in awe looking at all the waterfalls you had the opportunity to visit. I also get nervous when driving close to cliffs and high places but I still hope to visit Iceland one day (I will make my husband drive and I may close my eyes.).
  Ruth recently posted..Grand Central Market, Los Angeles

  Reply

  - Thank you, Ruth! And yes, I think that’s a solid plan–I did pretty much the same thing (though, it’s so beautiful you don’t really want to close your eyes!).

    Reply

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### Who is Meganotravels?

Hey, I’m Megan! I’m a full-time consultant and run
a non-profit on the side. And when I’m not doing those
things—I’m traveling! I’m on a mission to travel,
photograph, and write about the world.

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### What is “Megano?”

An “Italian” name (rhymes with “Figaro”) given to me
by a friend before I studied abroad in Rome. I had to be
more Italian, you see. It’s stuck ever since.

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