Wanderlissa

With Iceland being a top destination for tourists my husband, friend and I had to make it one of our stops when heading to Europe. Although it was a quick trip, we made the most it with our two days there. We booked a ‘Golden Circle Surprise/Northern Lights’ for one day and the Blue Lagoon on our second day.

We flew Icelandair (stand-by) from New York to Reykjavik on an over-night flight. To mine and my husbands surprise the flight was pretty full and we barely made it on the flight! Since the flight was almost full, my husband got lucky and got bumped up to first class, while I got a seat in coach.

We landed in Reykjavik, Iceland at 6am and had a 9am ‘Golden Circle Surprise/Northern Lights’ tour booked. So we checked-in to our hotel (Centerhotel Thingholt), grabbed a quick (and expensive) bite to eat and freshened up. The tour picked us up from our hotel as a part of the package. The Golden Circle Tour included four stops, the Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss Waterfall and the Kerið Volcanic Crater.

If you want to read more about the ‘Golden Circle Surprise/Northern Lights’ tour, click here: Iceland – Golden Circle / Northern Lights Tour

If you want to read more about my experience to the Blue Lagoon, click here: Iceland – Blue Lagoon

Traveling out of the Reykjavik airport was INSANE! I’ve been to a lot of airports and this was definitely one of the most chaotic airports i’ve ever traveled out of. I’m not sure if it was because it was near Easter but it was not fun.

Some things you may experience at the Reykjavik Airport:

• There was only one long, longggg line to check in for all the airlines.
• Some gates are down stairs from the waiting area and it’s hard to tell when the boarding process begins (especially if you’re flying stand-by).
• You have to wait in a freezing hallway to take a bus to your plane.
• You will freeze your butt off if you are sitting near the entrance door of the plane until everyone has boarded.

Facts / Tips about Iceland:

• Yes, it is COLD! Real cold. So make sure you pack lots of layers!
• Everything is expensive. Be prepared to spend around $20.00 US on a small breakfast sandwich.
• The currency in Iceland is ISK (Icelandic króna).
• The food and drinks are delicious in the city of Reykjavik.
• It’s as beautiful as everyone says!
• The Blue Lagoon was man made by accident (read more about it here: https://www.bluelagoon.com/about-us/).
• Everything is hard to pronounce, but fun to try!
• The natives and people who work there are very friendly and nice people!

Places to Wine and Dine:

• Grillmarkadurinn (fancy dinner/date night/amazing food & drinks)  – http://www.grillmarkadurinn.is/en/

• The Gray Cat (good for breakfast) – https://www.facebook.com/graikotturinn/

• Solon Bistro & Bar (lunch/dinner) – http://solon.is/

• B5 (nightlife bar/lounge)  – http://www.b5.is/

Helpful Links:

• Centerhotel Thingholt Hotel: https://www.centerhotels.com/hotel-thingholt/
• Golden Circle Surprise – Minibus Tour with Aurora Watching:https://www.extremeiceland.is/en/destinations/the-golden-circle/golden-circle-iceland
• Blue Lagoon: https://www.bluelagoon.com/
• Centerhotel Thingholt Hotel: https://www.centerhotels.com/hotel-thingholt/

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