Hello all! I recently decided to take a kind of spontaneous trip to Iceland at the end of February. I've heard that February to March is a peak time for the northern lights, and that this year is particularly promising...so, I figured I'd make the trek and see what I can see!

I'll be spending about a week there (not including travel time). I want to do some of the tours, but I'm on a bit of a budget. I've heard a lot of pros and cons about renting a car in Iceland in the winter, and wanted to know if anyone here's had any experience with this? Some people say it's the best way to go....some people say it's too dangerous for people who aren't used to winter driving. I'm from Texas, so....yeah. We close down schools when flakes appear in the sky. (Side note -- I LOVE the cold and the snow, so don't worry, I won't be shocked by actual winter temps).

If renting a car isn't the best bet, how would one get to places like Vik or Hofn? I know buses run regularly between Reykjavik and Akureyri up north, and tour groups go on the Golden Circle, but...is it true that the regular buses don't really run on the south coast during the winter?

If anyone has any recommendations for fun day trips or tours that aren't terribly expensive, I'm open to suggestions! Also, would it be better to sort of stay in Reykjavik and take tours out, or to try to get lodging in other towns?

Thanks in advance! I'm so excited for this trip...I just want to make the most of it! =)

J. Leigh