Yes, I’m still talking about Iceland all the time. It’s really not my fault- I keep running into people who I haven’t seen in a while who ask me about it! Really!
But, since it’s still VERY much on my mind, here are a couple more “hot takes” from my bucket list trip:
#1 Iceland is expensive. There is one of the reasons this trip was in the works for 1 year and a half. And I’m not talking about the flight to get there. It’s an island, so almost everything has to be imported. Basic things like flour, sugar, medication, clothing, vehicles, and cleaning products all have to be shipped in. But- fun fact- Iceland has one of the lowest tax rates in Europe,
#2 Iceland is incredibly safe. It’s rated one of the safest- if not THE safest country in the world- every year. Many point to its small population (i.e. everybody knows everybody), gender equality (the current President, Prime Minister, and Mayor of Reykjavik are all women) and their strong social programs as reasons why the crime rate is so low there. The police don’t carry firearms. Iceland doesn’t even have an army.
It’s common -even encouraged! – for babies in strollers to be left outside shops while parents go inside. Of course I made sure to keep my ID, credit cards, etc. secure but there are almost no pickpockets either.
# 3 Reykjavik is easy to get around in without a car. There are several companies offering transportation from the airport to major bus stops around the city. Downtown is very walkable. There is no Uber or Lyft in Iceland, but their public transportation is easy to use once you get the hang of it and one fare gives you unlimited rides for an hour. There are taxis as well- they are most costly but they are easy to find and faster if you are in a rush. And I still don’t know where I would have parked a car if I’d gotten one- there was no parking lot anywhere near our hotel.
We chose to go with small group day tours for the Golden Circle and the Southern coast. We got way closer parking spots than we would have on our own, and all our entrance fees were taken care of so we didn’t have to wait in lines for those.
If you want to do the Ring Road and travel the entire coast of the island, that can also be done as a packaged tour, but it’s most commonly done in a rented vehicle. If/ when I go back to Iceland I do want to do the Ring Road but I’m undecided if I’d do it on my own or as a package. I am 100% happy with our decision to forego a car this trip.
Are there things you want to know about my trip? I LOVE talking about it so let me know!