I did the research, read the blogs and followed all the travel tips, but sometimes no matter how much I prepare, everything just seems to go wrong. My friends and I had planned a trendy Iceland trip and had everything lined up. We flew direct to Reykjavik and made reservations for the first opening at the Blue Lagoon. We had an amazing time there, and an incredible breakfast at Hotel Silica. Our hotel was in a perfect central location, and we had all purchased an extra night (the night before) so that our rooms were guaranteed to be ready early. We took some time to relax and change before heading out to see the city. Perfect trip so far, right? Not so fast.
I can’t tell you how many times I have been told that food in Iceland is expensive. It’s not that I didn’t believe it, I just assumed it was overblown. Restaurants are expensive everywhere right? After a few $25.00 per person breakfasts at simple cafes it was apparent that I was wrong. We tried some amazing food, especially the fresh fish and seafood stews that were absolutely worth the hefty prices. Just be prepared for the $10 croissants and $15 coffee drinks. Not Iceland specific but one more important lesson, if multiple waitresses say they don’t like a certain dish on a menu.. skip it. My friend found that out the hard way after insisting on trying a baked dish of fish, cheese and other things that should never have been mixed together. The locals know their food best!
Honestly, I feel silly for saying this, but don’t expect to see the Northern Lights. I know, I know, you can’t predict mother nature, but since we were going to be there a week and planned to go out every night looking for them, we were overly optimistic. We drove out of the city each night to a lookout point and stared at the sky to no avail. It was disappointing, but no amount of planning would have made a difference.
Little annoyances aside, this is where it just got crazy.
One day, we drove 5 hours to Glacier Lagoon for a boat tour. The weather was getting rough and all the tours had shut down for the day with the exception of our little boat. The women at the ticket booth told us we could have a refund if we thought it was too dangerous to venture out. Since we had come all that way, we went anyway. It was one of the most horrifying experiences of my life. Our little boat almost flipped over countless times. We had to hang on for dear life not to fly off into the water, and got drenched by freezing waves. Most of the time there was so much water in my face I couldn’t even open my eyes to see the scenery. Despite our flotation suits, we were all soaked through and half frozen when it was finally over. I’m cold just thinking about it. Pro Tip: Even if you bring waterproof clothing along with you, bring a change of clothes to keep in the car.
Wet, freezing and grumpy we were in too much of a hurry getting back to Reykjavik and got stopped for speeding. Instead of just getting handed a ticket like expected, my husband was taken from the car into a police van. We weren’t allowed to accompany him. He was told he would have pay a $700 ticket, but if he paid right now they would knock it down to $500. If he didn’t pay now, he couldn’t leave the county without paying the full price ticket. We quickly paid the $500. Looking back, I have no idea if this was a legit transaction or not. Did they scam us? I don’t know, but what I do know is that getting into any kind of legal trouble abroad is terrifying and you just want to get out of the situation ASAP. If something like this happens to you, don’t be afraid to call your country’s embassy and ask for advice. They are there to help.
Shortly after that fiasco, a rock smashed into the windshield of our rental car and cracked it. All we saw were dollar signs riveting through the glass. Had we bought the extra insurance? Nope. When it was time to turn in the car, we were told that one third of cars in Iceland come back with some kind of windshield damage. Another $500 down the drain. Am I going to tell you to always get the extra insurance? Of course not. What I can say is to review your personal insurance plan, and know your rental car coverage. We found that we did have coverage for the incident, but after paying out deductibles it wasn’t worth it to file a claim. Knowing this ahead of time wouldn’t have prevented it, but it would have put our minds at ease knowing that we did have coverage if the damage was worse. It would have saved a lot of concerned guessing and speculation.
Needless to say all those events added up big time. Do I regret going to Iceland? No way! Good or bad, we made memories and had a lot of fun. I learned a lot on that trip, especially about managing expectations. Not all vacations are picture perfect, nor should they be. Isn’t that the whole point of travel, to experience the world and grow as a person? It’s easy for our expectations to get inflated, especially seeing gorgeous travel photos and posts all over social media. I hesitated a little bit before posting this, because it’s the opposite of all that. Here is my messy, imperfect experience. But that’s life, and I love it. Best travel lesson ever.
What month did you and your husband go to Iceland? I’m planning to go and my main goal is to see the Northern Light’s,
So I wondered when you went. Sorry for the problems that you had but it sounds like you still had a good time! Thanks
Hi Ginger, we went in October. September-March is the peak season in Iceland to see the Northern Lights!
I have chased the northern lights for several years. Yellowknife is a short flight from Edmonton, Canada. If you are there five nights in March, you have an 80% chance of seeing them. We saw them 3 of 5 nights. The other prime viewing spot is north of Fairbanks. We have seen them many nights in Chena Hot Springs. We also saw them in Lapland. I’ve been to Iceland 7 times and have never seen them. Going back in March, fingers crossed! I use https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/aurora-30-minute-forecast to track my chances.
we are going to Iceland in 2 weeks. I’m crossing my fingers !!!!!!!
Very nice narrative – thank you. Much of it echos our trip to Iceland 3 years ago. The food was the most expensive we’ve seen, so we got into a routine where we’d split a meal and make do with grocery items for much of the day. Our last evening near Reykovic the waiter was memorable. We had decided to split a beer, in addition to our meal. The waiter felt sorry for us, and brought a second beer, on the house. Yes, the weather there is unpredictable, and can get very wet and windy. Part of the Ring Road was closed for a couple of days due to high winds. But the natives were accostomed to bad weather, and one thought it was a good day for a picnic primarily beasue it was raining less hard than usual. Everyone was helpful and friendly. Thanks again.
We’re leaving for Iceland next week! Thanks for the tips. We’ve definitely had vacations like this but they sure do make good stories in the end.
Have a fantastic trip Paula! Honestly, you’re right about the stories. We will laugh about this trip forever!
This was a super helpful review in planning our trip to Iceland! Doesnt deter us from going, but man I feel so much more prepared. I tend to have a lead foot too, so I will have my husband drive. 🙃
Thank you Missy I’m so happy it was helpful. Sounds like letting your husband drive in Iceland is good call, haha! Enjoy your trip!
I went to Iceland for 7 days. Rented a camper with 3 other people. The whole trip including camper and flights was <$1000/person. You can bring ~6lb non-perishable food on the plane. Don’t waste your money on hotels, why go anywhere if you’re focused on where you’re sleeping and amenities. Sucks about the cops and window, it can happen anywhere.
Hope you still liked Iceland, the speeding ticket was legal. Also people living in Iceland can pay it right away and get it cheaper. Sorry you got a ticket but we mean it when it says don’t drive over 90, the roads are just to dangerous to drive faster 🤍
You’re right Linda, totally our fault and I didn’t mean that we didn’t deserve it. We don’t have the option in the states to pay right away, so for us that was a scary moment.
Wow , sounds like anything bad that could hapoen , did 🥺 The Good news is That Americans now get more kroner For their dollar , so a coffee will run you $5 and a crossiant $3 ❤️Speeding is never a Good idea in Iceland because of the conditions of the roads and especially if there is black ice🤔 The prepay ticket price and collection is legit , but $500 for new wind shield is outragious , all cars in Iceland have windshield insurance and it only cost us $150 if we need to replace windshield💕 Hope you come again soon❤️
OMG what a story! I’m drafting a post on my biggest mistakes in Iceland as well, but it seems like you had way more harrowing experiences with that boat – and the windshield mishap! Girl, I relate on so many levels. This would be an amazing story in your future book!
We made lots of mistakes for sure.. but it was worth it. I’d love to hear about your trip as well, let me know when you publish that post!
Seems to me I need to bring a boat load of money. Good trip report.
Oh no! Still, stories like these are good to look back on and laugh at, hey? That fine is so excessive (well – depending on how fast he was driving!!) and I always get sooo worried about damaging rental cars, but hey, at least nobody was hurt. I’m glad you didn’t let any of it ruin your trip! And I didn’t see the northern lights when I was there either.
I totally agree, looking back I can’t help but to laugh at it all. And now I know better for next time.
Thanks for your review, very helpful !! 🙂 i’ll follow your suggestion!
Hi, I live in Iceland from 20 years and reading this just make me crying from laughing! Specially the part with police !! You made my day ?
Thanks for the very helpful post! I’m from Norway, where the justice system works much in the same way as in Iceland, and your little run-in with the police seems perfectly normal. Removal of driver from vehicle, a fine reduction if you pay on the spot (they do this to help cover the man hours needed to review your fine should you wish to complain about it), and the size of the fine seems very reasonable too. Icelandic police are known for being friendly, helpful and well trained, and it does not seem to me like you were scammed 🙂
What time of the year was your trip. I am planning a trip to Iceland & doing much of the same research.
I went in mid-October. It wasn’t too cold yet!
thanks for your HONEST review that a traveler can trust.
Joy at The Joyous Living
We went to Iceland a few yrs back. Nice ppl, great food,, great thing to see and places to go. We did a guided tour around the island. We did not get a car, took a taxi to get around or walked. I would recommend it to anyone. Oh nearly forgot, my husband does not fish, well except for tuna in a can. So imagine my surprise when he accepted the recommendation of the waiter. When the waiter left, I ssid, “you do realize u just ordered fish?” He commented, “I figure they should know how to cook fish, after all, they are surrounded by the them n water. “. He said it was great, but I have never seen him order fish since.
Amazing this article cleared my all doubts by giving your all tips. Now I’m fearless to visit Iceland and now really excited to go for a trip with friends to Iceland. The way you present Iceland now it’s really attracting me. Thanks for your valuable support. would like to see more.
Very useful post indeed. Thank you. My husband and I are planning a trip to Iceland in July so these tips are super helpful.
This doesn’t deter me from visiting Iceland… but literally everything that happened to you is my worst nightmare!!!!
I’m glad this didn’t deter you, I would never want that! To be honest, even after all happened I want to go back to Iceland!
Im headed to Iceland very soon. I know it’s going to be crazy, my motto, I travel to get uncomfortable, to change, and to come out a better-stronger person on the other side!
Laura, that is the BEST mindset to have when traveling! You are going to have an incredible time in Iceland.
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. I am a very keen traveller.
Myself and my son are planning a trip to Iceland in Jan 2020 for 4 days after visiting friends in Sweden.
What’s worth seeing in Jan? No Northern Lights? Do they refund your money?
HI Shahe! Iceland will be an exciting trip for you and your son, January is a great time to see the Northern Lights. If you choose to use a tour company, their policies will vary, but I don’t think you generally get your money back if you don’t see the lights. However, many will give you the option of joining the tour again for free another night to try and see them, so if of possible book a tour for your first night there. That will give you most nights to possible see the lights. Have a great time!
Thanks! Really helpful information. Would like to have seen more from you on the Blue Lagoon – because you were so straightforward, I trust your tips!
Thank you Cathy I really appreciate that! I always want to share the reality…good or bad. I may take your suggestion and do a post on just the Blue Lagoon in Iceland!
Thank you for this unvarnished blog post! It helped me make my decision on whether or not to rent a car.
Hi, me and my partner went to Iceland October just gone and loved it! We rented a car and it was the best thing we did! One thing I would advise is getting a flask of kinds for hot drinks if you’re going. In cold months and if you’re not too fussed with tour guides, plan your own northern lights hunt just outside The city, that way you can keep warm as the coaches had the doors wide open and it was freezing! Enjoy your trip!
Gabrielle- I love that idea! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the honest post. My husband and I are planning a trip to Iceland, and of course, every post is sunshine and (expensive) lollypops. It’s nice to see that someone isn’t afraid to post the evils of a trip, yet was still able to have a great time. I can’t wait, and I will definitely prepare for the expenses, especially foods.