Hi Chris:<BR><BR>I'm planning on taking a trip there next July, but I plan on driving outside the capital area to see some of Iceland's national parks, waterfalls, geysers and hot springs. Do these guesthouses and gas stations accept major credit cards like Visa or do I need to covert a lot of currency?

Nick,<BR><BR>They live and die by the credit card in Iceland. Visa is widely accepted. In fact, I dare say you would be fine not to convert any currency, but what fun would that be. Just convert a little bit for the &quot;lamb-dog&quot; stands along your route. Even the McDonalds in town takes credit cards. (Need I say more?)

Chris:<BR><BR> Would you please comment on the ladies of Iceland.Playboy did a rather nice article on Iceland and yes the ladies were lovely.Can you verify<BR>thank you,

Chris,<BR>How helpful of you! I'm having trouble finding some hotel information, and I hope you can help me out. Do you know anything about Hotel 101, a new boutique hotel in Reykjavik? Last I heard it was due to open soon, but I can't find any information on it on the web. <BR>Thanks!<BR>k

K-<BR>Sorry, can't help with Hotel 101, but see my above comments on some other suggestions. Hotel rooms in general are much smaller than in the U.S. but can be very cozy. Rooms are usually 30-50% cheaper in the winter Oct-Mar.

We will be spending 24 hours in Iceland on our way back from Paris (Dc. 2 to 3). What would you recommend as a good thibg to do the morning of the 3rd? Thanks.

elena,<BR><BR>Since time is short and you will probably be exhausted, I would recommend a dip in the Blue Lagoon as well as a walk around downtown Reykjavik. Pick one of the many great restaurants and have a great dinner as well!

Hi Chris,<BR>I was happy to find your message, as I'm planning a trip for 3 people to Iceland to try out some of their adventures (kayaking, horseback-riding, hiking on a volcano, whale-watching). Was wondering, do you suggest going through a tour group, or is it easy to plan these things on our own. We prefer doing it on our own, but don't mind hooking up with a group for the actual activities. We just don't want to be stuck with the same people on a bus the entire trip. Also, for these activities, do you have any suggestions of good operators? The horseback-riding is at Laxnes horse ranch. Ever heard of it? Also, we're planning on early to mid May. Is this a good time weather-wise, and before the tourists hit? Any other suggestions or help would be great. Thanks!!

k...Hotel 101 is a Design Hotel...go to their website at designhotels.com for the latest (I think it'll open Spring 2003...)Looks pretty cool...

Welcome back Chris!<BR>I'm consideringa 5 day visit to Iceland in early January. My questions are:<BR>If we are staying in downtown Reykjavik, how realistic (and expensive) do you think it is to get out and see glaciers and maybe snowmobile at this time of year? (have looked at tour operator's websites but not getting a great sense of this.) I have this fantasy of a white wonderland icebergs,etc, but perhaps I'm thinking of Greenland or something. I hear the capital city has much to offer, but I'd hate to miss out on all the natural beauty of the country. So, winter in Reykjavik...just drunk vikings? ;) thanks!

Chris,<BR>I too am looking at going to Iceland, in late June/early July. I realize that this is the high season, but that is when my wife and I have two weeks to go.<BR><BR>My question is similar to Kris'; we normally like to travel independently, renting a car and heading on out. So,<BR><BR>1) Will it be a problem finding places to stay along the way, without making prior reservations? <BR>2) Alternatively, we are looking at booking a 14-15 day fly-drive package that would include lodging at 'Holiday' farms along the way. While I tend to balk at being stuck to a fixed itinerary, would this be a good idea? Lodging at farms sounds interesting.<BR>3) The third option we are looking at is renting a camper and staying in campgrounds. It appears as though there are enough campgrounds scattered along the Ring Road that this is doable. As you know, renting vehicles is expensive, and campers are far more expensive, so we are not sure that this is a cost-effective option. We do like the idea of camping, though.<BR><BR>Which of these options sounds like the best choice? Any opinions would be appreciated.

Oh, I forgot. The last choice (#4) would be to book a tour. I usually hate tours, but it appears that some Icelandic tours are quite small and personalized. While I have never done such a thing before, we are considering that too.