In Part 1, I wrote a bit on why I have selected Iceland for my first travel adventure outside of Africa. If you missed that post here is a link.
In Part 2, I will let you in on a big secret- Our Itinerary and some planning tips.
Planning
Starting to plan our trip to Iceland was no easy task and still isn’t. Iceland only recently became known as one of the top holiday destinations, but this being said there are still limited sources with in depth information about traveling in Iceland.
After a bit of research, you will realise that Iceland is not the cheapest destination out there. The main reason for this is the car rental, hotel accommodation and the food and drink which all add up if you stay longer than a few days.
There are different options out there, which will be influence by a number of factors. Including season, reason, time available, interest and budget. More on all these options in Part 3.
our Trip
The Season
After all my research I decided that autumn will be the perfect time for us to go, so because September 2016 was too close to plan leave and save money, September 2017 was the next option. Why autumn? More about my choice in Part 3.
Duration
The duration of our trip have changed so many times!!! 7 days… O wait, I want to see that too. Maybe make it 10 days… O but wait, what about the Westfjords… Ok let’s make it 14 days. 2 weeks should be enough. Famous last words.
At the moment the plan is to go for 17 days.
Transport
So what about getting around in Iceland?
Public transport? No, because you are limited in stopping where you want and taking pictures.
Tour Busses? No, because once again you are limited in stopping anywhere or everywhere and taking pictures.
What’s left- Road trip with a Car? Yes, sound like what we need, but it’s not perfect yet.
Camping Van? Well that’s perfect- Accommodation and transport in one!!! These camper van rental companies are my favourite at the moment because of value for money. – Go Campers and Kuku Campers.
Where should we go?
The plan is to go all around Iceland. Using mainly the Ring Road and taking smaller roads to access the Snæfellsnes, the Westfjords, the Diamond Circle in the North and the Golden Circle in the South.
Overall itinerary
Day 1 – Airport⇒ Mosfellsbær area⇒ Þingvellir National Park⇒ Mosfellsbær area
Day 2 – Mosfellsbær area⇒ Akranes⇒ Borgarnes⇒ Snæfellsnes
Day 3 – Snæfellsnes⇒ Westfjords
Day 4 – Westfjords
Day 5 – Westfjords
Day 6 – Hvammstrangi⇒ Blönduós⇒ Siglufjörður⇒ Olafsfjörður
Day 7 – Olafsfjörður⇒ Akureryri⇒ Husavik⇒ Ásbyrgi Canyon
Day 8 – Ásbyrgi Canyon⇒ Dettifoss⇒ Myvatn⇒ Reykjahlið
Day 9 – Reykjahlið⇒ Myvatn⇒ Egilsstaðir⇒ Seyðisfjörður
Day 10 – Seyðisfjörður⇒ Djupivogur⇒ Höfn
Day 11 – Höfn⇒ Jökulsarlon Lagoon
Day 12 – Jökulsarlon Lagoon⇒ Skaftafell National Park
Day 13 – Skaftafell National Park⇒ Krikjubæjarklaustur⇒ Reynisfjara (Vik)⇒ Hvolsvöllur
Day 14 – Hvolsvöllur⇒ Selfoss⇒ Reykholt
Day 15 – Reykholt⇒ Selfoss⇒ Mosfellsbær⇒ Reykjavik
Day 16 – Reykjavik⇒ Blue Lagoon⇒ Grindavik⇒ Reykjanesbær
Day 17 – Reykjanesbær⇒ Airport
Over the next few weeks we will look into each day, in more detail and I will even throw in some extra travel planning tips.
Please leave me a comment, if you have suggestions on secret spots you’ve been in Iceland or if you just want to connect.
Skál fyrir nú (Cheers for now), signing out – MWAAP