Do you know you may go to Iceland with out spending some huge cash? Sure, it’s one of the costly international locations on the earth, however with the precise planning, even a solo traveler can discover this stunning nation with out going broke.
My cousin Krista discovered an affordable flight to Iceland through the summer time months. Since I had simply come again from lengthy journeys to to Mexico and Morocco, I needed to sit this one out. When she couldn’t discover a journey buddy, Krista determined to go solo. Right here’s her expertise and a few high ideas for seeing the very best locations in Iceland on a funds.
Flight from NYC to Iceland
I discovered an affordable flight for $302.67 on Iceland Air, flying out of JFK. The flight was half empty, so I moved 12 seats up and had loads of house. As an alternative of shopping for meals on the flight, I packed her personal meals—a turkey and cheese sandwich from a bodega in Queens and a $1 Chobani yogurt.
In case you’re touring from North America, particularly cities on the East Coast or Midwest, you may usually discover low-cost flights to Reykjavik, particularly throughout early September or exterior of peak season.
Getting Round Iceland: Why Renting a Automotive Was the Finest Choice
I picked up my rental automotive from ACE Automotive Rental, which was solely a block from the airport. The overall price was round $178 for a Hyundai Elantra for 4 days. There was no GPS, however I adopted one other couple from New York into town middle utilizing their taillights as a information.
Driving in Iceland is one of the simplest ways to see your entire nation. In case you’re planning a highway journey or visiting through the summer time months, it provides you complete freedom. Simply be ready for gasoline costs. I spent a very good quantity at gasoline stations with gas averaging $7.50 per gallon.
In case you’re visiting within the winter months and don’t really feel comfy driving, public transportation or group excursions may be a greater possibility. Some rental corporations additionally provide camper vans, which may be an effective way to avoid wasting on lodging prices too.
Grocery Shops, Scorching Canines, and Saving on Meals
Meals in Iceland isn’t low-cost, however I discovered some nice methods to avoid wasting. I went grocery buying early within the journey and stocking up on necessities. Grocery shops like Bonus and Krónan are the place you’ll discover the very best costs.
I additionally carried a reusable water bottle as a result of the faucet water in Iceland is clear and refreshing. For an area deal with, I grabbed scorching canines from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, that are cheap and tremendous widespread with each vacationers and locals.
One other tip for saving cash is to search for lodging that provide free breakfast and cook dinner your personal meals in case you have entry to a kitchen. This helps lower the meals funds in half. Don’t neglect to make the most of pleased hour for drinks or snacks at a decrease price.
Free and Low-Value Issues to Do in Reykjavik
My solo journey to Iceland was on a funds so I didn’t buy any of the excursions. All of my Reykjavik sightseeing was finished alone after doing analysis.
I walked round rather a lot and used my rental automotive and a bodily map.
In case you don’t hire a automotive, you can even organize excursions out of your motels in Reykjavik. Listed below are some low-cost and free issues to do in Reykjavik.
Hallgrímur’s Church (Hallgrímskirkja): Strolling distance from resort *Free
If you wish to go to the highest, there’s a urged admission of $10 USD. Iceland’s tallest and largest church can be its most photographed web site. Named after Seventeenth-century hymn author and church scholar Reverend Hallgrímur Pétursson.
Harpa: Strolling distance from resort *Free
One among Reykjavik’s best constructions to acknowledge is its live performance corridor and convention middle
Laugavegur
For open-air buying, stroll alongside Laugavegur. This shopping-centric road is crammed with boutiques promoting souvenirs, clothes, and specialty meals
Perlan: Strolling and driving distance from the resort
The view from the highest is superb. There was an precise Glacier you may stroll by means of. Admission is round $20- $25 USD.
Solfar (Solar Voyager): Strolling distance from resort *Free
This metal sculpture, which was designed by Jon Gunnar Arnason, mimics a Viking ship and pays homage to the solar.
Golden Circle: Driving Distance *Free
Iceland’s Golden Circle is a well-liked vacationer route in southern Iceland, overlaying about 300 kilometers looping from Reykjavík into the southern uplands of Iceland and again. It’s the space that comprises most excursions and travel-related actions in Iceland.
Blue Lagoon Spa: Driving Distance *Free
If you wish to go to the Blue Lagoon, there’s an admission for entry, slippers, towels, and each little factor prices cash. Not solely is there a price, however you could reserve a spot on-line upfront beginning at $58. I used to be glad with strolling by means of the ability for FREE99.
The Blue Lagoon is a 15-20-minute drive to the airport and my final cease on the journey. I visited the morning earlier than going again house.
Seek for the Northern Lights
Visiting Iceland and seeing the Northern Lights isn’t 100% assured, however you may see the pure marvel with Reykjavik excursions on a Northern Lights Tour.
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Have you ever finished a solo journey to Iceland earlier than?