Iceland!

[Marthe48]

My daughter is planning a year of bucket list activities for her sister's 50th. Their husbands aren't interested in most of it, so I am invited to go to Iceland with the girls and see the Northern lights. The daughter planning this delightful adventure is paying for her sister's plane ticket, and I'm paying for my ticket and the hotel.

It is a few months away, but the thoughtfulness of this gift idea, and the anticipation of travelling is really lifting me. We are all vaccinated, still masking, still isolating. We'll all get tested and have proof of vac. status. I hope we can travel, get into Iceland, and get back into the US. But we'll just have to see.

[peacefreak2.0]

1. You will love it!

I was there a few years ago and dream about going back.

[lark]

2. I wish you all the best in this quest.

Sounds like it could be magical!

[dhol82]

3. Been there twice. Really cool place.

Make sure to check out the thermal baths.
Take some excursions outside of Reykjavik.
Also, I did a horse trek across the lava fields that was fabulous.

[mainer]

4. my son's there right now! Covid info:

As of now, even if you're fully vaccinated, Iceland still requires you get a Covid test before entering the country.

Fully Vaxxed passengers can get a rapid test at the airport the day of departure, and you can schedule it ahead of your flight.

Unvaxxed passengers need a PCR test within 3 days of arrival in Iceland, which means they've got to jump through hoops because PCR tests can take days to get back.

Enjoy the trip! I love Iceland.

[Phoenix61]

5. WooHoo!!! That's a wonderful thing to look forward to.

I can’t wait to travel again. Someone on DU is in Phuket. If he has good things to report I’m outa here as soon as I can get packed.

[Marthe48]

6. Any tips on a nice, safe hotel?

Have a pilot relative who flew there many times, and when the beans are spilled, I'll ask him what he recommends.

I don't think we'll have a tour guide this time, as we did for the other travel we did. I started looking at hotel options and realized I need a map of the city, what our plans are once we get there (probably a car rental, so parking) and other details.

I started reading about Iceland, so if anyone has resources they liked, I'm all ears I have read up on exploration, history and geology, but none of that is going to help on hotels and restaurants. lol

[Celerity]

9. Kvosin Hotel if you want central Reykjavik is good.

https://kvosinhotel.is/

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is a touristy must do, it's been voted the world's best hotdogs multiple times over the years.

http://www.bbp.is/

[Marthe48]

10. Thank you!

Our daughters are both really fit and will plan to walk everywhere. I can catch up

[djm5971]

7. the husbands aren't interested?

How could anyone not want to go to Iceland?

[Marthe48]

11. I know, but good reasons

One son-in-law doesn't think he can get away from work. The other said he didn't want to go with just the ladies. Had the guys gone, I would have stayed home and watched the grandkids. I'm glad to be part of Plan B

My younger daughter is planning a bucket list event for every month next year. I won't get to do some of the things, but I'm happy to help any way I can to make all of the plans work.

[Behind the Aegis]

8. It is a very nice place, but VERY expensive, so be prepared.

What ever you budgeted, double it! Transportation can be a bit tricky to as places are pretty spread out, so you might want to make sure someone has an international driver's license because you may have to rent a car. The capitol is pretty compact, so one can walk all over the place with no need for Uber or the like. There are also some really quirky places like the Museum of Penises. With COVID, I don't know what you will be allowed to do or not, but if you can, do go to Hallgrímskirkja and go into the tower. The panoramic view is spectacular!! I didn't care for the food, but I am also not a big seafood person. The people, for the most part, are very friendly, and everyone speaks English.

Also, if you can get to The Blue Lagoon, GO! It is breathtakingly beautiful. Don't be disappointed if you don't see the Northern Lights, it is tricky. Though almost all companies will offer a year to come back, if you don't see them.

Enjoy!

[Marthe48]

13. Thanks for the tips

Usually when we travel together, we all take turns treating the others.

I know that the main reason to go is to see the Northern Lights, but also ice caves. I personally would like to get a safe glimpse of the lava flow, if it is still active. And I'd like to see the rocks, and pay my respects to the elves.

[Behind the Aegis]

15. You are welcome...

Also check out, Þingvellir National Park. There are some small stops on the way to the capitol from the airport, make a few pit stops in the small towns; so worth it!

[lagomorph777]

12. The big attraction will probably be Fagradalsfjall volcano. It's right near Rejkjavik.

Enjoy!

[Marthe48]

14. Yes!

I'm tagging along, but that would be special for me

[Marthe48]

16. Update

We have plane tickets bought. We had a tour booked, but they canceled it less than 24 hrs aftr we booked it. Said some of the items on the itinerary aren't available. We'll keep looking. I had mixed feelings. My daughter sent a link about going to The Blue Lagoon, that you have to shower nude in public for hygenic reasons. I'm thinking my kids haven't seen me naked since I breast-fed. And I haven't seen them naked since they could bathe on their own. Surprisingly, I don't care if strangers see me. My daughter said she wouldn't look at my butt if I didn't look at hers. lol They were going to give us an evening tour of he volcano, and I hope if we book with another company, we'll still get to do that.