Another month calls for another trip with Nomoon Travel as I embarked on a brand new adventure: Iceland! Although I am all about the #beachbumlife, I was truly astounded with the beauty of this incredible country. Never have I seen such interesting landscapes, mountains, waterfalls, and hot springs before my eyes!With the rapidly growing amount of tourists visiting Iceland each year, there was no question as to where the travel squad and I wanted to explore. We decided to ditch the resorts, get on a rental car, and tour the mysterious western region of Iceland.
What people don’t realize about the country is that they have so much to offer besides the Blue Lagoon. As I met with the locals, visited the small country towns, and witnessed the most beautiful terrains I have ever seen, I learned a thing or two about their culture and simplistic way of life.
Before we headed out in the wicki-wicki-wild-wild west (Will Smith, anyone?), we had the opportunity to explore Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. You can easily feel the charm of this city with all the colorful buildings, local food spots, and interesting history. As a Filipino-American walking around the city, my physical features made me quite noticeable amongst the local crowds, but the cozy atmosphere quickly made me and my Nomoon team feel at home.
Reykjavik, Iceland Travel Tips:
- To transport from the airport to the city, book a bus ticket at Reykjavik Excursions. It is conveniently accessible online and on-site at the Reykjavik airport.
- There’s no need to rent a car in the city. Everything is within walking distance!
- The food culture in the city is amazing, so I highly recommend trying the eateries over spending your money on souvenirs.
- The locals residing in the city predominantly consist of young adults. From what the locals said to me, Reykjavik is the only city that offers college education for the entire country! So, expect free-thinkers and night-out drinkers during your stay. Meeting and joining them is better!
- Don’t even convert your cash. Every business offers credit/debit, so bring your travel rewards card with you!
When you road trip outside the city, that’s when you’ll get a real taste of the beautifully bizarre views of West Iceland! Because the of the cold climate, volcanic activity, and extraordinary waterfalls, the elements of Iceland’s landscapes are nothing like you’ve ever seen. You might be awestruck when you see basalt columns with a waterfall cascading down along the side of the road or discover a secret hot spring that gives you the best view of the mountains from miles away. Either way, locals agree that West Iceland has the most diverse terrains in the whole country.
Road Trip Tips in Iceland:
- Yes, you’ll need to rent a car. Because West Iceland is very remote, there is absolutely no way you can get there by foot or plane. You could also book travel companies (like NOMOON Travel Co!) that have amazing package deals, too.
- Bringing snacks are important! Because the towns are spread out, I highly encourage buying some food to snack on throughout the ride!
- Don’t be afraid to ask the locals what you should see! Many of the places we visited were recommended from locals, and without them, we wouldn’t have seen the best spots of the region!
- Get cameras out and ready. Looking out the window is never a dull moment in Iceland. I had my camera out whenever the team and I decided to pull over to take shots, hop back in the car, and resume driving. That happened frequently.
- A coat is never enough. You need gloves, wool socks, beanies, scarves, and sunglasses as well. Layering is key, so preparing to dress for the cold, wind, and rain is essential.
Iceland is easily one of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited, and I hope to travel there again. Maybe next time, Northern Lights? If you are interested in traveling to Iceland someday, I am offering my discount code ressamazing to give you 10% off travel products and trip package deals! What you would normally spend in Iceland (approx. $2,000) could be given to you at the low price of $900! If you have any questions about your upcoming trips to Iceland, let’s discuss at the comments below.
