Have you ever wondered why some people's travels always go smoothly while others constantly encounter unexpected situations? As someone who has visited Iceland three times, I deeply understand that the success of a trip largely depends on the preparations made before departure. This is especially important for unique destinations like Iceland.
I learned this lesson the hard way during my first visit to Iceland. It was September, and I naively thought "autumn shouldn't be too cold." When I arrived at Reykjavik airport, I was greeted by biting winds and drizzling rain. Can you imagine shivering on Iceland's streets in thin autumn clothes?
This lesson taught me the importance of travel preparation. Based on my experience, preparations for traveling to Iceland can be divided into several key aspects:
First is the visa issue. Although Iceland is in the Schengen Area, you shouldn't take it lightly. I recommend starting visa preparation at least 3 months in advance. Notably, in 2024, the Icelandic Embassy has adjusted its visa requirements - besides standard proof of assets and employment, you also need to provide detailed itinerary plans and accommodation booking confirmations.
Second is budget planning. Iceland is one of the countries with the highest cost of living globally. According to Statistics Iceland, the country's price index in 2024 is about 45% higher than the EU average. From my experience, daily basic expenses for one person in Iceland are approximately:
This doesn't include shopping and other extra expenses. I recommend preparing at least 25,000 RMB for a 7-day Iceland trip. This number might seem scary, but remember that Iceland's unique natural landscapes and cultural experiences are priceless.
As for itinerary planning, while Iceland isn't large, its attractions are relatively scattered. I suggest choosing suitable routes based on the season. Summer (May-August) is ideal for ring road self-driving tours with midnight sun viewing; winter (October-March) is better for activities around Reykjavik with chances to see the Northern Lights.
Special attention should be paid to weather. Iceland's weather can experience "four seasons in one day." According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, even in summer, Reykjavik's average daily temperature is only 10-13 degrees, with rain possible at any time. Therefore, waterproof and warm gear is essential.
Speaking of equipment, this is a major topic. Based on my three visits to Iceland, the following equipment is essential:
Winter clothing: Iceland's average temperature ranges from 0-12 degrees year-round. Even in summer, warm clothing is necessary. I recommend layering: thermal underwear, fleece, and waterproof windproof jacket. The waterproof jacket is particularly useful - you'll need it almost daily in Iceland.
Photography equipment: Iceland's natural scenery is perfect for photography. If you want to photograph the Northern Lights, you must bring a tripod and wide-angle lens. I use a Sony A7M3 with a 16-35mm wide-angle lens, which works quite well. Note that weather-proofing for your camera is essential due to Iceland's changeable weather.
Shoes: This is one of the most important pieces of equipment. Waterproof, non-slip hiking boots are essential. During my second visit to Iceland, I made the mistake of hiking in regular sneakers and my feet were soaked within half an hour. I recommend Gore-Tex hiking boots - they're expensive but worth the investment.
A well-planned itinerary can make your Iceland trip twice as effective. Based on my experience, here's a suggested 7-day itinerary:
Days 1-2: Adjust to jet lag in Reykjavik, visit landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja and the Sun Voyager sculpture. Don't forget to experience the Blue Lagoon - it's the best way to recover from long-distance flight fatigue.
Days 3-4: Golden Circle day tour, visiting geysers, Þingvellir National Park, and Gullfoss. The next day can be spent on the South Coast, seeing black sand beaches and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. These are Iceland's most classic attractions.
Days 5-6: Weather permitting, visit the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This area is less crowded and beautiful - perfect for photography. I took my best sunset photos here.
Day 7: Return to Reykjavik, visit the fish market, and buy souvenirs. A reminder: Icelandic wool products are high quality but expensive. At 2024 price levels, a handmade wool sweater costs 30,000-40,000 ISK (about 1,500-2,000 RMB).
Finally, I want to emphasize several important points:
Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Medical costs in Iceland are extremely expensive - a simple doctor's visit can cost tens of thousands of ISK. I recommend choosing comprehensive insurance that includes medical, delay, and cancellation coverage.
Communication: While Iceland has good network coverage, international roaming fees are high. I recommend buying an eSIM card - it's both convenient and economical. Several operators currently offer Iceland eSIM services, pricing from 200-500 RMB, choose based on your needs.
Language: While most Icelanders speak English, learning some basic Icelandic phrases is useful. Phrases like "Góðan daginn" (hello) and "Takk fyrir" (thank you) can enrich your travel experience.
As you can see, while preparation is detailed, each aspect is important. As Icelanders often say, "The better prepared you are, the more surprises you'll encounter." I hope these suggestions help you plan a perfect Iceland trip.
Are you already looking forward to your Iceland adventure? Feel free to ask if you have any questions. After all, sharing travel experiences is always enjoyable. By the way, if you're interested in specific attractions or activities, I can provide more detailed advice.
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