So last year my wonderful girlfriend bought me a once in a lifetime trip to Iceland for my birthday.
I work as a photographer and also have a rather obsessive personality, once I get hooked onto something I am relentless, and so, at the time I was non-stop googling Iceland, learning about the country and the epic nature it has to offer.
After just the first few hours there it was apparent this place was untouched, and like no other country I had been to previously, it has been over a year ago now since I visited and I still harp on about Iceland.
As a self-proclaimed un-official ambassador for Icelands tourism board I put together a short list of tips and to-do's to get you started should you be thinking about flying to Iceland.
Vatnajokyll National Park
#1 - Get yourself a car!
Probably the most important tip. Iceland is quite vast, and once your out of the city, thats it, your really in the nature. I would say dont waste more than a day or half a day looking around Reikjavik, Icelands capital city, instead set your sights on doing the Golden Circle, a road that encircles the whole of Iceland.
The most beautiful spots in Iceland are totally inaccessible unless you have some form vehicle but once you are there it is a beautiful and cathartic experience.
If you have only a few days, start by exploring north of Reikjavik, then follow the roads out to the west, then to the east.
Take a good playlist with you as well, as the drives are long, but EPIC, hoppipolla by Sigur Ros is a MUST.
Skogafoss
#2 - Stay out at Night
Depending on the time of year, try stay out until things get really dark, the night sky there will leave a lasting impression on you and make you understand the value of having a clean environment.
I have never seen so many stars in the sky, and a clear view of the milkyway down the center of the road whilst driving.
If your lucky you will catch some northern lights as well!
Sky At Night
#3 - Eat Icelandic food
Before going to Iceland I really had no idea what Icelandic food was, although when you out on the road, the food of choice will usually be the nearest place you can buy something, if your in Reikjavik, even if just one night, check out the restaurant Grillmarkadurinn, it is a bit pricey, but what the hell, your in Iceland! Buying the set menu here will take you on adventure through Icelandic cuisine.
Grillmarkurdurinn, Reikjavik.
#4 - Get out and go for a walk
Although it can be tempting to kick back in the car, listen to your awesome music and watch the scenery push past your windows, you should definitely pull up and go for a lengthy one or two hour walk. It is a very unique experience walking in Iceland, as the vastness of the landscape can be unnerving or intimidating but it really drives home how epic nature can be, and for a city boy like myself, its good to be reminded every now and then.
Blue Lagoon
#5 - Take someone special
Iceland feels like a lost, untouched world. Exploring it require long hours of driving and so it is important to take someone with you whos not going to drive you crazy, because other than leaving them at the side of the road, there is no escaping them.
Iceland is the perfect place to take a boyfriend/girlfriend or best friend (that you are potentially interested in, ya'know wadda mean)