In August 2019 my family, Jake (adult son), Lee (Hubby) & Myself went on an epic family vacation to Iceland. Everyone has been talking about Iceland and it seems to be a go to vacation. It all started when WOW airlines came in my hometown of Cincinnati and started a discounted fare from here to there. Sadly, by the time I got around to planning our vacation WOW was no more.
There are no words to describe the beauty of Iceland. Not only the landscapes, but the people are outstanding. However, there are words to describe the cost. This is one expensive place!
I used travel company called Nordic Visitor. I told them what trip we wanted to take, the Ring Road, 10 day self driving tour. I opted for the “middle” lodging which was 3 star hotels & Guesthouses. I told them where we wanted to add a few extra days, they provided transfers to and from the airport, booked all hotels and excursions we did. It was a very easy way to plan, but not the cheapest. I could have rented a camper. That would be the cheapest way, and really, a fun way to see Iceland. Campers of all shapes and sizes were every where. Some with kitchenettes and some were tents with hot plates. This would help with both the cost of lodging and cost of food.
Food is expensive. There is no getting around it. I had been told this. I read about going to the grocery and buying food. Researched which grocery was the “cheapest” and made a list of what we would need. Here’s how that went. We went to Bonus in Reykjavik. I had read that it was the best one for quality and cost. It also said to make sure to go to the grocery in Reykjavik, as once outside the city grocery stores become more expensive and harder to find. Bonus had most of what we would need for lunches, bread, deli meat, cheese, snacks. The fresh fruit and produce were limited and expensive. I had brought a small packable cooler with me. We packed up the car and headed out! When lunch time came around was my first indication I might have made a mistake. We pulled off the road at a stop where there was a picnic table. I had read about these picnic stops in all the books. There was A picnic table, and a line of people waiting to get to said table. Our car was small, and it was a bit uncomfortable eating in the car. Besides the fact that there was no place to actually sit and eat, except on the ground, the weather was not cooperating. It was sunny, it was August, but it was windy and between 45*-55*. I hadn’t really thought about it, but in the land of fire and ice, it’s cold outside the city in the summer time. We ended up eating at gas stations, or eating a larger breakfast and having an early dinner.
I would love to go back to Iceland, but I’m not sure that will happen. It was expensive, and it is growing. In 2019, it still has that innocence about it. On the Oceanfront in the city of Reykjavik, there is building going on for large hotel chains. That will change the island. One way I might like to revisit it is by ship. That way my food and lodging would be provided.
One thing to note: I LOVE family vacations. Having my family together is a wonderful thing and something I really cherish. However, rethink bringing the whole family to Iceland if you are going to be traveling and staying outside of the city. If you are there for a week and driving around the island kids will get bored very quickly. There really isn’t anything for them to do. The scenery is beautiful, but I heard more than once the tears of little ones just wanting to go home. Save the cost of bringing them along and plan a different, family based vacation. This is a great vacation for adventure seekers and empty nesters. I hope you get a chance to visit the land of Fire & Ice.
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