Prior to arriving to Iceland, make sure you:

• Print and check off THIS International Travel Checklist.

• Check times/days for attractions you'd like to visit.

• Reserve your tickets to attractions and make dining reservations when possible.

• Purchase good hiking shoes! (You'll need them in Iceland.)

• Check your passport expiration date!

• Bring lots of layers! 

HALLÓ ICELAND

Fly into Keflavik International Airport (this is NOT in Reykjavik, Iceland). 

DO NOT EXCHANGE ANY MONEY AT THE AIRPORT! You shouldn't need cash during your trip, but if you want to exchange money, do so at a bank, NOT the airport.  

Pick up your 4-wheel drive car rental from the airport and drive to Reykjavik, Iceland. (THIS ARTICLE explains Iceland car rentals well!)

BREAKFAST

Assuming you will be arriving early in the morning, park your car at the hotel then walk to the coffee shop and enjoy a breakfast and coffee at Kaffi Ó-me. (Just know, some hotels charge for parking hourly and/or per day.)

EXPLORE

Check into your hotel, you can ask if they will hold your bags for you so they aren’t left in the car, then either:

• Walk to the Sculpture and Shore Walk to at least see the iconic Sun Voyager.

• Explore downtown Reykjavik (Skolavordustigur Street is a popular street of shops and dining spots. You’ll know you’ve reached it when you find the rainbow road. Also, make sure if you decide to get a traditional lopapeysa, get it from The Handknitting Association of Iceland so that it is authentic!)

LUNCH

After your walk, go to and enjoy lunch at Hafnartorg Gallery food hall.

Once your room is ready, head back to your hotel and settle in. If you have a room overlooking the harbor, make sure to look for whales as they are know to hang out around Reykjavík.

DINNER

Enjoy dinner at TIDES Restaurant.

FOOD TOUR 

I highly recommend you go on THIS local foodie tour before heading to the hot springs. (You won’t want to eat breakfast beforehand. They offer a lot of good food on this tour, so you'll want to be hungry when it starts.)

HOT SPRINGS

Next, drive to and enjoy the Sky Lagoon hot springs!

If you’re hungry after, head to Mat Bar for a delicious late dinner.

BREAKFAST

Grab breakfast at your hotel if it's offered, otherwise, ask the front desk for a recommendation for a quick bite near your hotel.

TOUR

Take THIS tour of the Golden Circle, Stokkur Geysir and Gullfoss Waterfall. Having an expert guide is the best way to see each of these popular spots. You will have a unique and delicious lunch at Fridheimar (cost not included in tour price) during this tour. 

BREAKFAST

Pack-up and check out of your hotel before you grab breakfast at Café Loki (Icelandic food).

HOTEL JOKULSARLON

After, drive to and stay at Hótel Jokulsarlon - Glacier Lagoon Hotel and eat dinner at their signature restaurant onsite, Gunna á Leiti.

On Day 5, eat breakfast at the hotel and then choose to "STAY ANOTHER NIGHT" (enjoying a hike if it's summer when you're visiting or an ice cave tour if you're visiting in the winter) OR 'CONTINUE ALONG THE RING ROAD," heading towards the town of Akureyri. 

AKUREYRI FOLKS

If you stayed in Akureyri, enjoy breakfast at Ketilkaffi. 

JÖKULSÁRLÓN FOLKS

If you stayed in Jökulsárlón, drive about 30 minutes south and then grab breakfast at Cafe Vatnajökull. After, as you make your way towards your next hotel, consider stopping by: 

• Faxi Bakery to enjoy a coffee and hang out for a bit. 

• Skool Beans micro roaster... and sometimes a cat!

• Lava Show in Vík - click HERE for tickets

• Ancient Historical Site Tour at the Caves of Hella - click HERE for tickets

• Skógar Museum - click HERE for more info

BLESS ICELAND

Do whatever you’d like this morning (just making sure you check-out of your hotel on time). You could go to a cafe, go shopping for souvenirs to bring home, or simply take a leisurely walk around town. 

Grab lunch wherever you’d like then make your way to the airport (getting there 3 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart).

Say bless (Icelandic for goodbye) to Iceland.

Bonus Tips:

• Pack layers!!! Iceland's weather is unpredictable. Pack layers of warm, waterproof clothing, even in the summer. Don't forget your waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, sunglasses and a hat. 

• Respect nature. Iceland has a fragile ecosystem, so stay on designated trails, avoid disturbin wildlife, and leave no trace.

• Make your reservations as early as you can, especially if you're going at peak times (holidays and summer). 

• Be prepared for prices. Iceland can be expensive! Plan your budget accordingly.

• Learn a few Icelandic phrases. While most Icelanders speak English, learning a few basic Icelandic phrases can be a friendly gesture.

• Be flexible. Iceland's weather can change rapidly. Be prepared to adjust yoru plans and embrace the unexpected.

• Don't forget to tag me (facebook.com/marialovestravel) in your pictures on social media so I can see what fun you're having!