• Getting to Iceland is easy as pie—there are many direct flight options from major cities such as London, New York, and Toronto.
• We recommend spending between one and two weeks in Iceland.
• This is a great trip for families because of all the adventure options. The intrepid traveller and wildlife lover will also feel right at home in Iceland.
• No visas are necessary for North Americans or Europeans.
• No shots are required for your entry into the country, but we suggest you visit a travel health clinic before your departure to make sure you have all the vaccinations you need.[break]
• Getting around is best by private guide, but it’s also a fantastic place to splurge on a helicopter to check out the scenery from above.
• As you might expect, Iceland is known for its plentiful (and delicious) seafood and fish. It’s also the perfect spot to try some unusual dishes, such as elk, puffin, and whale.
• Icelandic is the national language, but fear not, Icelanders speak better English than most North Americans.

Iceland is a year round destination, but there are certain quirks to be aware of. Because of its northern location, in the summer it never truly gets dark, and in the winter it’s never truly daytime. This makes the shoulder seasons the best times to visit, although if it’s the aurora borealis you’re after, the best time is between September and March, and for whale watching stick to May through September.

There aren’t many extreme luxury hotels to be found in Iceland, but the hotels and lodges on offer more than make up for it with their stylishness and authenticity. There are a number of chain hotels in the capital, but we prefer the hip boutique properties. Outside of Reykjavik the accommodation is mostly rustic lodges, but service is generally very good, and the luxury is found in the landscapes and wide open spaces.

The Blue Lagoon—There are a range of amazing treatments on offer (at an extra cost) but it is wonderful to merely swim (float really) around the hot milky waters, with a silica mud mask on. You will rise from the waters feeling completely rejuvenated with a new layer of (softer) skin.

Volcano Tour—Climb inside a dormant volcano, through the top crater and to the bottom of its magma chamber, once filled with steaming hot lava. This is the only place on earth where a huge volcanic magma chamber is accessible to humans.

Tectonic Plate Dive—This unique experience takes you between the Eurasian and American plates in crystal clear glacier water. It is unlike anything else you may have done before.

Dog Sledding—Dog sledding in Iceland is a fantastic activity, exhilarating and a total adrenaline rush, as the dogs are swift. Plus you can feel eco-friendly as there is no air or noise pollution (except perhaps the odd bark).

Lava Cave Expedition—Lava caves are the most common caves in Iceland and are a fascinating, otherworldly landscape to traverse. The bizarre formations and eerily quiet atmosphere make for an unusual and interesting environment.