Category: Iceland
Something to look forward to? Iceland in the Summertime
With much of the world in lockdown right now, there is still no reason why we can’t use the time spent indoors to look forward to happier times. And there is little doubt that there will be a lot of pent-up desire to travel just waiting to be fulfilled once this unfortunate situation passes. So
Iceland: the world's most peaceful country
By Ryan Connolly on Mar 09, 2020 in Europe, Health & Safety, Iceland, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
Iceland remains the most peaceful country in the world, a position it has held since 2008 – Global Peace Index According to the Global Peace Index, Iceland is the most peaceful country in the world… 12 years running. Followed by New Zealand, Austria, Portugal and Denmark. Other countries like Bhutan have risen impressively over the 
Top 5 places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland
By Ryan Connolly on Feb 05, 2020 in Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Iceland, Regions, Western Europe
February and March (near the solstice) are statistically better for spotting the Northern Lights than the darkest months of the year. So there is still time to plan that long weekend this year with the Aurora Borealis in mind. The first week of April is the last week I would give anyone a good chance 
Luxury travel in Iceland
“It is in Iceland’s authenticity that luxury can be discovered.” This month’s blog post comes from the cosy cocktail bar situated in the luxurious Canopy by Hilton hotel. It is a 4 star hotel (there are no official 5 star hotels in Iceland). This hotel is based in downtown Reykjavik and a stone’s throw from the
Top 8 ways to experience the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are Scandinavia’s most spectacular natural wonder and, unsurprisingly, one of its biggest draws. And, spotting the ethereal display is easier – and more luxurious – than you may think. From Finland to Norway; Sweden to Iceland; Scandinavia and the Nordics offer endless ways to witness the aurora, from heated glass igloos to
ETIAS: the new visa waiver program for the Schengen Zone
By Paul Johnson on Dec 26, 2019 in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Eastern Europe, Estonia, Europe, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Health & Safety, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Regions, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
Are you thinking of one day visiting one or more of the Schengen member states of Europe? Whether you’re drawn by the dramatic landscapes of Iceland, the sunshine and beaches of Spain or the relaxed pace of life in Greece, you need to be aware of some changes that are due to take place. From 
What to expect in an Icelandic winter - the good, the bad and the stormy
By Ryan Connolly on Dec 23, 2019 in Adventure Travel, Europe, Iceland, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
“Memories are made from experiences, not from pictures.” This month’s post was started while cuddled up under a big blanket, stuck indoors during the first ever Red rated storm in Iceland’s history. However, this post was also completed two days later while chilling out in a cafe under perfectly blue skies and not a whisper 
5 of the world’s most spectacular hiking routes
By Linas Ceikus on Nov 30, 2019 in Asia, Attractions, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Europe, Going Out, Greece, Iceland, Leisure Travel, Regions, South America, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
“I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.” The words of Henry David Thoreau, a man who knew more than a thing or two about the value of the great outdoors to the human condition. It’s no secret that Thoreau was a firm believer in the merits of donning 
7 top tips for hunting the Northern Lights in Iceland
By Ryan Connolly on Nov 14, 2019 in Arctic, Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Iceland, Photography, Polar Regions, Regions, Travel Equipment, Western Europe
Years of hunting the Northern Lights in Iceland with a strong background in science has given me the skill and understanding to know 100% of the time when it’s worth going out searching for them. Just kidding! It’s still incredibly difficult to predict, despite my acute knowledge of the forecasts. And just as difficult to 
The Northern Lights in Iceland: how to avoid disappointment
By Ryan Connolly on Oct 14, 2019 in Attractions, Europe, Events, Going Out, Iceland, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
There are few things more magical than hunting down the Northern Lights in Iceland… when you’re successful! But for every great story heard from a friend who witnessed the green and pink dancing curtains 3 nights in a row, there’s the misery tale from another friend who was driven around in a big bus night 
Exploring ice caves in an Icelandic winter
By Ryan Connolly on Sep 08, 2019 in Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Iceland, Regions, Western Europe
Exploring ice caves in an Icelandic winter. Stepping foot into your first crystal clear blue ice cave is a memory that will last a life time. If you haven’t explored an ice cave in an Icelandic winter for yourself it’s hard to describe the feeling. Standing inside this magnificent flowing structure of ice and looking 
The 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Iceland
By Ryan Connolly on Aug 19, 2019 in Adventure Travel, Attractions, Europe, Featured, Going Out, Iceland, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
As of July 5th 2019 Iceland now has 3 World Heritage Sites, with the newest being the Vatnajökull National Park which is dominated by a city sized ice cap. Along with the volcanic island of Surtsey and the Thingvellir National Park in the Golden Circle these protected areas cover a whopping 15% of the entire 
10 of Scandinavia's top luxury hotels and experiences
By Dave Warne on Aug 18, 2019 in Accommodation, Arctic, Denmark, Europe, Finland, Hotels, Iceland, Norway, Polar Regions, Regions, Sweden, Western Europe
Scandinavia has had something of an awakening over recent years, with adventure-seeking travellers being opened up to its innovative hotels, gourmet food and spectacular landscapes. Whether it’s a log cabin or luxury glass igloo, this region offers some of the world’s best and most memorable hotels and experiences. Take a look below for our top 
Photograph of the week: Mount Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss, Iceland
At 463 metres (1,519 feet), Kirkjufell mountain in Iceland is hardly a towering behemoth. (For reference, Mount Everest is 8,850 metres/29,035 feet.) This doesn’t make it any less arresting, however. What makes this Iceland’s most photographed mountain? A combination of things. Its unique, pyramid-like shape. A landscape of ever-changing, always exquisite colours. The picture-perfect three-forked
5 things to do in Iceland in Summer, for the more discerning traveler
By Ryan Connolly on Jul 17, 2019 in Adventure Travel, Attractions, Europe, Featured, Food and Drink, Going Out, Iceland, Regions, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
Traveling to Iceland in the Summer can be both magical and tricky. On the one hand you may be rewarded with great weather and flourishing flora. On the other it is often hailed as the ‘busy time of year’ with hotel spaces sometimes being hard to come by if booking last minute. But if you 
