Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Planning mistakes, huh? When you talk to travelers all day like I do, you start to see some things that aren’t quite right. So, there are a few planning mistakes that I’ve been noticing. I’m here today to clear those up for you. This way, you’ll know better before your trip to Iceland. Hey, team Iceland! My name is Adam, and you are in the right place if you need tips for all things ice and planning. I am your tour guide for those things. Today, we are talking about the five most common mistakes that travelers make before they’re planning their trip. I want everyone to go to Iceland mistake-free. Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
Tip 1. Underestimating Iceland’s Costs
The first thing is that people are still surprised to hear that Iceland is super expensive. We’ve talked about this many times before. But I still hear, “We were surprised about the prices on the menu.” Or, ”We were surprised about how expensive the fuel is.” Alright, it is definitely a very, very expensive country. I imagine it being one of the most expensive countries. But that never prevented anyone from visiting the island. It is not the best place for budget travelers; however, I do know many people who have traveled the country on a budget. It can be achieved, and there are many ways to save money on your trip. Over here is an insider tip: A money-saving article is on the horizon. However, it’s crucial to do your research beforehand. This way, you can anticipate your budget requirements for accommodations, food, and all other expenses.
Tip 2. Not Considering Daylight Hours
The following mistake that I see many travelers making is not accounting for the timing of each day. This is something I pay close attention to when planning custom itineraries. The number of things you can do in one day varies greatly depending on the time of year and your destination. It goes without saying that there are major differences in the number of daylight hours between January and July, as well as total differences in the types of roads in each month. Travelers often send me their itineraries. They include an extensive list of things they want to do in one day. However, if the daylight hours and weather don’t allow it, you won’t see everything. So, this is a very critical part of your planning.
Tip 3. Unpredictable Icelandic Weather
The next mistake is the weather. Therefore, this one could definitely go either way. Although it is still true that Iceland has terrible weather, many people will begin believing that Iceland has the worst weather on the entire globe because of all of you, myself, and everyone else’s constant complaining about it. It’s raining, windy, and everything at once. And then they get there, and it’s perfect, and they are like, “What was Adam talking about? The weather is fine in Iceland.” Then there is the total opposite scenario, in which someone would tell me, ”It’s no big deal; I’m from here, so the weather doesn’t bother me.”
Well, just wait until you get one of those famous Icelandic wind storms. They keep you up all night because the windows and the entire building are shaking. It’s like a hurricane. It happens all the time. It’s pretty terrifying. So, the weather in Iceland is difficult to plan for. I’ll grant you that, but even if you research the typical weather for the month you’re visiting, I’d still advise you to prepare for every scenario. That way, you can make the most of your weather planning.
Tip 4. Lack of Proper Equipment and Vehicles
Next is not having the proper equipment or vehicle. Oh my gosh, this is so important, you guys, so important. When talking about equipment, it includes clothing and footwear. Also, consider the equipment needed for a road trip. Verify you have all the emergency supplies your automobile rental business has recommended. If not, ensure those items are packed along with you. You never know when you’re going to get stranded or maybe have to stay overnight somewhere, get a flat tire, or anything like that. So, always being prepared with the right equipment, food, drinks, and warm clothing is really going to save you. And then, along with that, is having the right vehicle.
I talked a lot about this, but it’s worth repeating: having the right car for the right season is crucial in Iceland. You also need to consider what you’ll be doing on your trip. You don’t want to get stranded on the roads. Feeling unsafe in your vehicle is something to avoid. Getting stuck in a snowdrift or on a mountain road is a real concern.
Tip 5. Staying Only in Main Areas
Not to mention, never leave the main locations. You know what I’m talking about: Reykjavik, Golden Circle, and the South Coast I’m talking to you. I know South Iceland is popular for all the right reasons. It’s beautiful; the landscape is amazing. I get it. But honestly, the real magic of Iceland happens when you go outside of those main areas. And it’s not even because there are fewer tourists there. It is because once you start driving either into the Northwest Corner or the East Fjords; you may occasionally drive by someone’s farm or go hours without passing a car. You might wonder, “Where do they get their groceries? How do they live out here?” What is life like out here?”. And to me, that is the absolute best part of traveling through Iceland. So, go to the main areas, but also go to the not-main areas. Trust me; you’ll thank me later.
Conclusion
Beyond the standard travel checklist, careful planning is needed when traveling to Iceland. Travelers should steer clear of frequent traps by keeping in mind the nation’s high costs, varying daylight hours, unexpected weather, and the need for appropriate gear and transportation. Beyond the well-traveled roads of Reykjavik and the Golden Circle, however, seeing Iceland’s lesser-known areas can reveal the real charm of this enchanted nation. Equipped with these suggestions and an eagerness to explore, you may now fully immerse yourself in Iceland’s marvels, ensuring an effortless and remarkable voyage. Happy journeys!
