Adventures in Iceland: Tips, and Recommendations for an Amazing Experience
Sep. 02. 2024
This month, I’m stepping away from the usual talk of interest rates, market trends, and real estate tips. Instead, let’s keep things light-hearted and inspiring!
Beyond real estate, one of my greatest passions is travel. About five years ago, I envisioned a life that balanced my love for real estate with my desire to explore the world. I wanted to build a trusted team that could hold down the fort, allowing me to recharge through travel. As a Realtor, I’ve spent countless nights and weekends working, writing offers mid-flight, fielding calls during dinner, and even having a deal fall apart while on vacation. Sound familiar?
Also a huge shout out to my team. I have intentionally built a team to not only make sure our clients have coverage and expert guidance when one of us is gone, but to create more work life balance. We are all experienced and truly care for our clients and take care of one another’s clients.
Appreciate them so much! (Joelle, Me and Lorin below but can’t forget about Tasha in the background holding down the fort with our sellers).
OK back to some Iceland Beauty–
Planning trips around the unpredictable real estate market is a challenge, but I still make it happen. There’s a running joke in our industry: “If you want to get busy, go out of town!” It’s true—business seems to pick up the moment I leave town, and this time was no exception.
This August, my birthday month (hello, Leo energy!), I decided to celebrate by embarking on a solo adventure to Iceland, a place I’d been dreaming of visiting. If Iceland is on your bucket list, I highly recommend going. It’s not the cheapest destination, but it’s worth every penny.
Stayed in this awesome globe on my Birthday night. Journaled and reflected a bit…very grateful to be where I am in this short, precious life.
Here are some of my favorite spots and photos and top Iceland FYI’s:
- **Breathtaking Scenery**: From stunning waterfalls to dramatic landscapes, Iceland offers endless photo opportunities and unforgettable hikes. I immersed myself in nature, (yet with modern day conveniences which was nice) while soaking in the raw beauty of this unique island.
The waterfalls are amazing and endless!
- **Missed Opportunities (Next Time!)**: If I had the chance to do it all over again, I’d make time for these experiences:
– Seeing puffins up close
– Embarking on another glacier hike
– Joining an Icelandic pony tour
Travel Tips for Your Icelandic Adventure
– **Rent a 4×4 Vehicle**: While most roads are paved, some are gravel and can be rough on a standard car. A 4×4 would have made exploring easier.
**Stay Hydrated**: Iceland’s tap water is some of the best in the world. Bring a reusable bottle and refill it often.
**Prepare for Payment**: Many places don’t accept American Express, so plan accordingly.
**Parking Payment**: Made the mistake of not paying at one of the stops, they monitor with cameras and sent my rental car company notice, oopsie!
**Enjoy Reliable WiFi**: Surprisingly, WiFi is excellent, even outside Reykjavik.
**Watch Your Speed**: Iceland takes speeding seriously, so drive carefully. Take it from me! The tickets are not cheap, haha.
**Explore at Your Own Pace**: Renting a car gives you the freedom to see more and move at your own speed.
**English Is Widely Spoken**: Language won’t be a barrier here.
**Time Your Stay**: Three days isn’t enough; a week or more is ideal.
**Don’t Miss Glacier Lagoon**: It’s a must-see, trust me!
Handstands, doors, hearts, street art and foliage are usually my “thing” when taking trip photos….
**One Day in Reykjavik Is Enough**: Two if you want to take it slow.
**Try a Food Tour**: Expand your palate by sampling local delicacies you might not order on your own.
I always try and do a tour of some sort when I arrive–great way to get your bearings and meet people. Yes-that last picture is fermented shark-it was ummm…interesting. I didn’t hear great things about the food, but found it all to be quite tasty and we had a great crew. I did this an hour into arriving in RVK! As far as the infamous hot dog goes (give me one that I grill in my backyard any day).
Hope you enjoyed a few of my highlights, recs and tips but always happy to chat more about travel and such!
-Ashley