13 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to Iceland
Iceland is a huge player in the tourism game right now, so much so that tourism has beat out fishing as the nation’s top industry (no easy feat). People are flocking to Iceland in droves and it’s for a good reason — Iceland really is as beautiful as you’ve heard. There’s a lot to see, and whether you’re traveling to Iceland for a weekend or a couple weeks you’ll want to make the most of it.
When we visited for my birthday in October, during fall, we were able to pack a lot into a few days without feeling overwhelmed. (Check out our 3-day Iceland travel guide to help you plan your trip). We also learned what not to do or miss, and if we couldn’t share these mistakes for you to learn from then what would be the point? So, we’re here for you with the top mistakes to avoid when traveling to Iceland.
Avoid These Mistakes When Traveling to Iceland
1. Waiting Until You Have Enough Time
You will only ever have enough time when you learn how to manage it. If you’re waiting for the perfect time to take a couple weeks, or even one full week off to be able to visit Iceland please understand there is another option.
Yes, there is a lot to see in Iceland but contrary to FOMO (fear of missing out) and popular belief you DON’T have to see it all. Our trip was only a few days long and we had a wonderful time experiencing Iceland for a weekend. And, if you’re wondering when to travel to Iceland trust me when I say there is something to see year-round. Don’t wait, just go.
2. Forgetting Your Coat
Remember when we went on our honeymoon to Croatia and forgot the essentials? Welp, we wouldn’t be us if it didn’t happen again. As our ride share pulled into O’hare to drop us off for our flight to Iceland, Imtiaz realized he had left his coat at home. That’s right, he’d forgotten one of the most important pieces of clothing required on an October visit to Iceland.
And, we had plans to go on an outdoor northern lights tour (this one) that same night. Of course, we popped into a store and bought him a coat as soon as we’d checked into our hotel. Do yourself a favor though and triple check your luggage so you don’t have to spend time and money on things you already own! You should be spending resources to explore your new destination instead.
3. Refusing to Take Bus Tours
Do you take a lot of pride in your ability to navigate new cities on your own, and in creating better itineraries than most? I get it! I know big bus tours feel super touristy and it’s certainly a different experience than renting a car and going it on your own. But, group tours can be a huge help especially when you’re taking a shorter trip or wanting to explore hard-to-reach areas.
Since we were only in Iceland for a few days, we booked a couple tours to help us see as much as possible. We knew we’d be doing a lot and didn’t want our tired selves behind the wheel. It was great to relax on the buses in between stops. Plus, with a tour guide who knew all the highlights we were able to easily see some can’t-miss Iceland sites.
4. Not Exploring Beyond Reykjavik
Folks, there is SO. MUCH. TO. SEE in the land of fire and ice. People have said different areas in Iceland look like entirely different planets from one another. There are waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers, diamond beaches, volcanoes, hot springs, craters and the cutest horses in the world. And that’s just off the top of my head. Reykjavik is trendy and charming, and it’s worth your while to spend some days outside of the main city as well. Cue bus tours or rental cars!
5. Being Unprepared to Take Photos
It would be a shame not to capture all the beauty that will surround you in Iceland. Be prepared! If you have a smartphone you love taking photos with (I have the iPhone 8+ and Imtiaz has the Google Pixel) then make sure it’s charged. You may even want to invest in a portable charger or charging case.
If you’re bringing a DSLR camera, you likely know how to use it. But if you’re like me, you’re still not tapping into the full power of manual mode. Before your trip to Iceland, consider taking a course to sharpen your skills. Definitely bring a tripod (this is the one we have) so you can keep your camera steady — a necessity for northern lights photography and a huge asset for capturing waterfall photos with depth.
If becoming a pro photographer isn’t your thing and you still want great photos, make sure you invest in a phone with a great camera (most of my photos are taken on my iPhone!) and check out this guide for capturing the Northern lights on your iPhone.
Traveling solo? Check out this post on how to take great travel photos of yourself as a solo traveler!
6. Avoiding Interesting Foods
A huge part of traveling for us is seeking out delicious meals. In Iceland, you’ll have an opportunity to try everything from reindeer to whale.
One of my regrets is not having the time and pre-planning down to try a unique dish like this, but know they’re available and your hotel concierge is sure to have some recommendations for you!
7. Saving Your Best Meals for Dinner
If you’re planning on a fancy meal, consider scheduling it for lunch rather than dinner to make it more affordable. Iceland is known to be pricey and dinner prices are often steeper, sometimes even double, the price of lunch.
If you visit fancier restaurants at lunchtime rather than dinnertime, you can save a bit and maybe double the number of premium restaurants you hit instead! For more information on budget food in Iceland, start here.
8. Skipping the Hotdogs
On the other hand, the simple hot dog is just as important to Iceland’s food scene. Made of Icelandic lamb, beef and pork the hot dog is served with raw and fried onions, ketchup, sweet mustard and remoulade. Sadly, we don’t eat pork so had to skip this foodventure, but you certainly shouldn’t!
The best place to get one? Baejarins Beztu Pylsur (aka, the best hot dogs in town). It’s been open since 1937, and is located in central Reykjavik. Hot dogs (along with ice cream) are one of Iceland’s unofficial national foods. Don’t miss ‘em!
9. Missing Out on Cinnamon Rolls from Braud & Co
Keeping on the topic of food, you should not, cannot, must not miss the large, hot, flaky, subtly sweet cinnamon rolls from Braud & Co If I were a richer woman, I’d likely fly to Reykjavik once or twice per month to indulge and stock up, they’re that good.
The doughy scented, graffitied building promises a great experience and you’d do well to swing by here for a roll and coffee before visiting nearby Hallgrimskirkja. Be warned, there are only two seats in the tiny shop so you’ll likely be taking your snacks to go.
10. Not Climbing up Hallgrimskirkja
Named after an Icelandic poet, Hallgrimskirkja is the largest church in Iceland and a landmark you’ve probably seen in photos. It’s a pan flute looking building and it’s beautiful, built to mimic the glaciers and mountains of Iceland’s landscape. Visiting this landmark is a given, and you’re likely to see it towering above buildings as early as your first ride into Reykjavik.
Don’t neglect to climb up it, too! It costs less than 10 USD to take the elevator and stairs up for sprawling city views. We were lucky enough to catch two rainbow sightings during our short time at the top of the tower! The view is different from each side. You’ll see a snow-capped mountain on one side, and the colorful town of Reykjavik on another. It’s truly a charming activity, great for any age, and should be on your list.
11. Neglecting to Book a Visit to the Blue Lagoon in Advance
There is limited availability to visit this popular attraction per hour, and people generally book in advance. We waited until we were actually in Iceland to book, and got lucky with a 9pm opening on our second evening.
It was a cool experience at nighttime, and we’re lucky we could fit it into our schedule as that was the only slot available. To avoid the limited availability, or to ensure you’re able to visit in the daytime if you’d rather, definitely book in advance.
You might also consider planning your visit to the blue lagoon so it coincides with your travel into or out of Reykjavik, as it’s only a short drive from Keflavik airport.
12. Shopping at the 10-11
The 10-11 is a convenience store, and priced accordingly. Rather than pay steep prices at a 10-11 for snacks and other small items, visit a grocery store like Bonus. While you’re at it, pick up some souvenirs from the grocery store for added bang for your buck. There are plenty of souvenir shops selling chocolate bars clad in pretty wrappers intended to appeal to tourists.
Buy your chocolate from the grocery store instead. It won’t have have pictures of Iceland all over it, but it will be in “authentic” wrapping and be a fraction of the prices in souvenir shops.
Another grocery store tip: if you’re in town on a Saturday, hit up the pick and mix candy stations in a grocery store for discount candy! Candies you can mix and match, in those plastic bins, are 50% off on Saturdays, and it’s a great way to try a bunch of local treats (be prepared for throngs of kids)!
13. Not Making Plans to Return
Even if you’re spending a month in Iceland, you won’t see it all in one trip. Especially because a winter experience in Iceland is not the same as a summer experience.
Different seasons will offer different views and activities, meaning there’s always a reason to return and no need to feel bad if you can’t see it all in one trip. If you can, make plans to return and keep an eye on flights throughout the year so you can jump on any deals you see.
What are you most excited to do or see on your trip to Iceland? Tell me in the comments!
