Last minute plan help please...
May 14th, 2014, 03:29 AM
#1
Original Poster
Last minute plan help please...
Hi,
We usually have all our plans in place 3 to 4 months out, but just decided on Iceland for late Aug./early Sept. 2014, so I feel a bit rushed. We'll probably fly R/T from NY, we'd like to have a rental car (any suggestions for a co.?), we'll have 8 nights to spend, interested in the local culture, scenery, wildlife and meeting people, which is why we'd prefer to stay at a farm or B&B. Thinking about 2 or 3 places to stay max. Our budget for lodging is roughly 70 to 80 Euro per night. We could stretch it a bit for a stay near the airport on our last night. We are NOT hikers (sorry for the all caps), as my wife has limited walking ability. Any help with a plan, sights, places to stay would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Paul
We usually have all our plans in place 3 to 4 months out, but just decided on Iceland for late Aug./early Sept. 2014, so I feel a bit rushed. We'll probably fly R/T from NY, we'd like to have a rental car (any suggestions for a co.?), we'll have 8 nights to spend, interested in the local culture, scenery, wildlife and meeting people, which is why we'd prefer to stay at a farm or B&B. Thinking about 2 or 3 places to stay max. Our budget for lodging is roughly 70 to 80 Euro per night. We could stretch it a bit for a stay near the airport on our last night. We are NOT hikers (sorry for the all caps), as my wife has limited walking ability. Any help with a plan, sights, places to stay would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Paul
May 14th, 2014, 03:43 AM
#2
Most towns have public spas (often simple) so look out for these. Certainly you need a few days in Reykjavik I suggest 3 nights minimum and I'd look a taking the Golden tour with a small tour company (lots on the web) which give you a chance to chat to the driver about culture, politics etc. (BTW, US invaded in about 1942 along with the Brits and Brits used terror laws against Iceland during the banking crisis, so politics are interesting).
Other than the capital you might like to look at horse ridding (the special gaite of Iceland is interesting), whale watching is possible or an internal flight to the north.
Other than the capital you might like to look at horse ridding (the special gaite of Iceland is interesting), whale watching is possible or an internal flight to the north.
May 15th, 2014, 08:15 AM
#4
Original Poster
Hi,
Thanks, but we're always done planning months in advance. With work schedules, etc. there is no way we could do it more "last minute". After 11 trips to Europe, we've never been this far out and not had everything done. Thanks again.
Thanks, but we're always done planning months in advance. With work schedules, etc. there is no way we could do it more "last minute". After 11 trips to Europe, we've never been this far out and not had everything done. Thanks again.
May 15th, 2014, 08:41 AM
#5
Original Poster
Dulci... Thanks for stopping and taking the time to write. You're obviously very knowledgeable on the topic of Iceland judging from you post here. Do you scan threads just to insult people you don't know? Well, you were very insightful at least.
May 15th, 2014, 02:11 PM
#6
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There is nothing insulting in what I wrote pja1, unless YOU interpret it that way.
I wrote 'last minute' is today/tomorrow and 3-4 months is crystal ball time. Anyone who believes differently needs to give it some thought.
In reality, you have no idea what will happen months from now. That you tend to plan travel that far ahead could I supposed be called optimistic.
"Men plan, God laughs."
I wrote 'last minute' is today/tomorrow and 3-4 months is crystal ball time. Anyone who believes differently needs to give it some thought.
In reality, you have no idea what will happen months from now. That you tend to plan travel that far ahead could I supposed be called optimistic.
"Men plan, God laughs."
May 16th, 2014, 03:24 AM
#7
Original Poster
You're entire post is insulting. You wrote "that's hysterical" and offered ZERO, yes NOTHING AT ALL, advice about Iceland. I can't imagine why you'd look at an "Iceland" post and leave NO advice at all. Very helpful, regardless if the trip is next week or next month or next year.
May 23rd, 2014, 02:34 AM
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Hi Paul
For a car rental firm I can highly recommend www.carsiceland.com
I used them myself for a family holiday around Iceland, and as well as being considerably cheaper than other comapanies I looked at they also have experience as travel guides and were able to offer really useful advice as to the best places to visit.
I would recommend maybe only staying 2 days in Reykjavik. It is a great city but very small, and as you only have 8 nights I think it would be better to try and get out and see as much as Iceland as you can.
There is a road called the Ring road that circulates Iceland. A lot of people (myself included) have driven all the way around it. I would however advise against this due to your limited time. I would drive from Reykjavik in an Eastern direction towards Skaftafell national park which is beautiful. Along the way you could maybe visit Vik, The Westman Islands (STUNNING!!), Jokulsarlon. You could also do the Golden Circle tour on your way back.
As for Iceland´s history, yes they were "invaded" by the Brits and the US but the occupation was actually viewed as a very positive thing from the Icelandic viewpoint. Among other things it bought a lot of employment to what was then one of Europe´s poorest countries. Indeed the war museum I visited said it was referred to as "the lovely war"
The British using terrorist legislation during the financial crash was frowned upon, but even the most patriotic Icelanders admit that the mess the country got itself into was the fault of a handful of greedy bankers and corrupt politicians.
One last thing, it can be a bit cold in late August...bring warm clothes!
For a car rental firm I can highly recommend www.carsiceland.com
I used them myself for a family holiday around Iceland, and as well as being considerably cheaper than other comapanies I looked at they also have experience as travel guides and were able to offer really useful advice as to the best places to visit.
I would recommend maybe only staying 2 days in Reykjavik. It is a great city but very small, and as you only have 8 nights I think it would be better to try and get out and see as much as Iceland as you can.
There is a road called the Ring road that circulates Iceland. A lot of people (myself included) have driven all the way around it. I would however advise against this due to your limited time. I would drive from Reykjavik in an Eastern direction towards Skaftafell national park which is beautiful. Along the way you could maybe visit Vik, The Westman Islands (STUNNING!!), Jokulsarlon. You could also do the Golden Circle tour on your way back.
As for Iceland´s history, yes they were "invaded" by the Brits and the US but the occupation was actually viewed as a very positive thing from the Icelandic viewpoint. Among other things it bought a lot of employment to what was then one of Europe´s poorest countries. Indeed the war museum I visited said it was referred to as "the lovely war"
The British using terrorist legislation during the financial crash was frowned upon, but even the most patriotic Icelanders admit that the mess the country got itself into was the fault of a handful of greedy bankers and corrupt politicians.
One last thing, it can be a bit cold in late August...bring warm clothes!
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