Trying to plan a few travel spots to hit the upcoming year, and a friend raved about Iceland. Was originally hoping to go for New Years- but after reading seems like there is little sun and chilly. Any recommendations on a good time to visit Iceland or any other New Years destination ideas. Would need a quick flight from Boston with only few days off.

Iceland: not in the winter. Darkness is an issue as much as/more than cold.

If you want rugged, underpopulated country (pretty much what Iceland is), how about southeastern Utah? You could do a loop that would take you into the southwestern Colorado ski country for some craft beer and boutiques.

Hello!
Iceland can be great in early fall or late spring too - If you went in September, for example, most of the tourists have left and there is still a considerable amount of light. The chilly factor is a year-round consideration in Iceland, depending on what part you visit, but in early fall it can still be quite nice out.

If you're interested in photography, there is a photo trip planned with the well-known Icelandic photographer Gudmundur Ingolfsson - it's a 4 day tour of the southern coast in September - staying in hotels, visiting many breath-taking spots. And the group size is quite small. I did the trip last year and had an amazing time!

It might be something to consider....
For more info, check out the association's website: http://www.lesphotographes.org/en/vo...ourney-iceland

Cheers!

I agree with the southeastern Utah suggestion. We did that late Dec. and were very pleased. Some parks (Bryce) had a delicate coating of snow and others (Arches) were dry and easy to navigate without tourists abounding.

We loved Iceland last month, I think spring when the weather is beautiful and the sun starts to stay up until 9 and 10 is the best time.

We travel every year for New Year's, one of our most fun has been to Japan and specifically Kyoto for the new year celebration. Last year we went to Costa Rica which was also great as there were fireworks on the beach in Tamarindo.

Or since you have limited time maybe up to Montreal or Quebec?

European cities like Vienna, Prague and Budapest are a lot of fun at Christmas/New Year. not only does it snow which makes it look very pretty but they are geared up for that sort of weather so streets and roads are cleared and everything works.

definitely leave Iceland until you can get there between April and September.

You might want to think about early June. Reasonable weather (maybe), very long days, most roads open, not too many flies. Tourist season starts with a vengeance in mid-June so then things get busy.

This may be of interest:

http://wasleys.org.uk/faroe_iceland_mw/iceland