SCW

I'm headed to Iceland for 8 days in about two weeks, and I'm entering the final packing/planning phase. I have done a lot of research (including reading Ann's wonderfully thorough trip report!), but am wondering if there are some tips that I just haven't uncovered.

My friend and I are flying from Reykjavik to Egilsstidor and then driving the southern portion of the ring road back to Reykjavik. I'm going to bring binoculars, a great camera, lots of layers, cheap shower sandals and a towel for thermal baths - but is there anything quirky I'm missing? Any off-the-beaten path attractions I must see? What about tips like buying liquor in the airport, buying gas cards, or stocking up on food at the grocery store before setting out?

We have planned a horseback riding tour near Vik, but are there any other things we should try? Any good whale-watching tour recommendations (and is August a good time to see whales?)?

I don't want to arrive there and realize I forgot something crucial or, worse yet, return only to realize we bypassed an amazing sight. Help me please!

Sue

annhig

sue,

i don't think that I can add a lot to my TR to be honest.

you might look at the posh brochures such as http://www.discover-the-world.co.uk/en/ to see what places they go to which are on or near your route.

laurie_ann

We had a great trip to Iceland a couple of summers ago.

Don't miss the national museum in Rekjavic. The country has a very interesting history and the museum is very contemporary and well curated.

If you don't do a whale watch you might enjoy the puffin trip we took on a smaller boat.

And do know what your alternative transportation possibilities are. We woke up one morning only to find out that the road (and there really is only one) around the island had washed out where we had planned to drive back to Rekjavic for our flight the next day. It was because of activity in the volcanos which are below glaciers and cause flooding when active.

Luckily I knew there were flights across the island so I phoned and got two of the last tickets on a flight, got the rental car company to agree to the one way rental and then we only had to drive "forward" and then fly "backward". So check the news every morning have a contingency plan if necessary.

Otherwise we just kind of went where we felt like, enjoyed some random wild walks and views.

china_cat

its probably going to be warmer than when I was there (late May), but pack gloves. it was cold! Or don't pack gloves, and be like me...buy some nice Icelandic wool ones

Oh, and don't stand too close to the geyser. the wind can change direction quite abruptly, and one can get very, very wet.

colduphere

Cheap umbrellas last four seconds.
You will never be able to pronounce an Icelandic name. Never.

PalenQ

How absurdly expensive everything was - bring anything you need, including booze - sold at shockingly high prices.

SCW

Thanks for all your tips! I'll be sure to "forget" my gloves so I can come home with some souvenirs...

AnaBelen

It is windy and I spent too much time pushing my hair out of my face. (There was a very messy incident with a fully loaded hot dog.) Depending on your hair style, a nice hat, headband, or clips will come in handy.

Our lunches were food from the grocery store. It was cheaper and also more convenient.

annhig

it can be hot. yes, really. We arrived in a heat wave and could barely sleep the first few nights.

petrol stations usually sell not only petrol but lots of food, and often have a cafe attached to them.

those strange lumps that you see from the road that look like laver but move around occasionally? They're sheep.

annhig

oh, and fill-ups of coffee are always free, and sometimes, the first cup of coffee is free too!