Holiday Decisions

[John]

A little earlier this year I'd planned to take a short and inexpensive trip abroad somewhere because every Tom, Dick and Harry I know were talking of all the holidays they were going on in the summer.

However, it's nearly September and I haven't booked anywhere yet.

I also had planned last year to take a trip to several Eastern countries in one hit this year, but I haven't been able to do that so I'm looking at that for next year (after April 2009).

So now I'm in a bit of a predicament because I really want to go on this Eastern holiday next year, but I'm worried that if I take a cheap holiday this year to Scandinavia (I don't know where yet - Stockholm, Oslo or Copenhagen) then I'll be broke for the Eastern trip. Well, not broke, but I'm worried that I won't save enough money in time to do it. Need to also bear in mind I'll be going on the Eastern holiday for at least two weeks.

So why am I posting? Well, first of all it's because I'd like to hear about your (and Keith's wife's) amazing experiences of Eastern countries, for example Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore. Secondly I need some fast help in making a decision.

The Phillippines looks nice too, however I heard it's dangerous to go there. But there are the Chocolate Hills... which look amazing!

Anyway, tomorrow I'll check how much holiday entitlement I'll get for the remainder of this year... since I joined the company in May it should be about 12 days. The Scandinavian trip would only be for one week max.

Cheers, ciao!

[bigcumba]

Scandinavia will be expensive no matter where and when you go John.... if you do go I'd suggest Norway or Iceland for the scenery... if you want a bit more culture then a weekend in Reykjavik, Stockholm or Copenhagen would be worth considering. My own choice would be Iceland but having been there twice I'm kind of biased about the place :)

[Win2Win]

Going anywhere t'other side of the water is now very expensive to us Brits....will you be planning on staying in a 'HOSTEL' in Slovenia? :yikes:

The US is cheap :thumbs .....especially if you go via container ship. :wink

[samantha1303]

....will you be planning on staying in a 'HOSTEL' in Slovenia? :yikes:

:laugh I bet their tourism is really suffering these days

[Win2Win]

:laugh I bet their tourism is really suffering these days
It actually improved dramatically......freaky backpackers :laugh

[John]

Hmmm, I'd never even considered Iceland to be honest. Thinking about it though, I want somewhere more urban and lively, so a big city is probably more of what I'm after. How come it's so expensive to fly to Scandinavia?

Yeah Keith, it's cheap to go to the US but I want to explore a different part of the world for a change. :) And I'm not exactly sure where Slovenia is without looking on a map... I only have a rough idea!

[Win2Win]

Asia is cheap when you get there, but the flights are now very expensive. Next time I head in that direction, I'll probably pop over to Aus for a week as well.

Go to the Alps.....you'll get used to dragging your jaw on the floor :)

[bigcumba]

I think you'd love the culture in Reykjavik John, it's considered the most hip and cool place to visit these days... it's also very clean, very safe and you're close to many of the best outdoor attractions Iceland has to offer... you have the Geysir area, Gullfoss waterfall (very very spectacular), Thingvellir national park (very beautiful) all within a couple of hours, and you can do them all in one day trip.

http://www.vulkaner.no/n/gullfoss/egullfoss.html

http://www.randburg.com/is/general/geysir/

http://www.nat.is/travelguideeng/thingvellir.htm

If you feel a bit more adventurous you can also do the 14-15 hour long south coast tour which also includes a couple of hours snowmobiling on the Myrdasjokull glacier, and takes you to 2 of the most incredible waterfalls you'll ever see - Skogarfoss and Seljalandsfoss - which you can actually walk right behind, plus a visit to the village of Vik which lies on an amazing black volcanic sandy beach.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%BDrdalsj%C3%B6kull

http://images.google.co.uk/images?sourceid=navclient&hl=en-GB&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4TSEA_en-GBGB284GB284&q=skogafoss&um=1&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&resnum=1&ct=title

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seljalandsfoss

[John]

Big thanks Campbell, for the descriptions as well as providing links. There's an awful lot to think about!

I'm looking for somewhere upbeat and lively - a Scandinavian version of Barcelona. If Reykjavik is thereabouts, then I'm there like a shot. If I visited Reykjavik I'd be more interested in exploring the urban culture and city life as opposed to the scenic parts, but then I'd feel guilty for not giving those waterfalls the attention they deserve, even if I were to go on one of the day trips.

I always thought Stockholm and Copenhagen were "more happening" than Reykjavik would be. But I'm ignorant, so do correct me if I'm wrong! :)

[bigcumba]

I always thought Stockholm and Copenhagen were "more happening" than Reykjavik would be. But I'm ignorant, so do correct me if I'm wrong! :)

That certainly used to be the case John, but these days Reykjavik is considered the 'coolest' capital in the world. There is a very lively music scene covering any sort of music you want from jazz and blues to Bjork and Sigur Ros. Night life is manic at the weekends with clubs open practically all night and they don't start filling up till midnight. Food is superb, it's a gastronomic experience all the way and something the locals are extremely proud of and rightly so.... it can be expensive, though you can eat cheaply - their are always hot dog vans around selling the local delicacy - called Pylsur - best hot dogs you'll ever eat, and of course there are the odd McDonalds around if you can't go without that, and the bakeries sell some amazing cakes and pastries.

Another thing you might enjoy is the blue lagoon - you simply can't get this experience elsewhere... and the Icelandic lasses are generally very easy on the eye :thumbs

http://www.bluelagoon.com/Bath/

Also within the city is a stunning church - with a 240ft tower you can go up for great views across the country

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallgr%C3%ADmskirkja

The place is also stuffed with museums and galleries and many other places worth seeing including the Perlan water storage towers and restaurants

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perlan

Icelands only bathing beach - with heated water!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nauth%C3%B3lsv%C3%ADk

Tjornin - the city pond - wonderful place to sit and relax, and there is a bakery only 2 minutes walk from it so you can get yourself a cake and coffee and some bread to feed the ducks!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tj%C3%B6rnin

If you were to go you really should do one day trip out of the city, so the Geysir / Gullfoss / Thingvellir trip would be a good one - that's what they call the Golden Circle tour, kind of sums up Iceland in one day. If you were feeling really flush you can do a day trip to other parts of the country by air - you fly from the city airport to other local airports where you're collected and taken on your tour... but like I say that will be very expensive.

If you need any more info let me know :thumbs

[MattR]

You on commission BigC? :laugh Sounds a great place to go. I'm hoping FC Hafnarfjordur get through in the UEFA cup tomorrow and we get drawn against them!

[bigcumba]

You on commission BigC? :laugh Sounds a great place to go. I'm hoping FC Hafnarfjordur get through in the UEFA cup tomorrow and we get drawn against them!

Just had a couple of brilliant holidays there Matt, if you do get Hafnarfjordur, watch out for the elves.... loads of them in that town :wink

[John]

I really can't decide now! I would never have even considered Iceland as a holiday destination based on what I think it's like, but you've made it sound amazing! Thanks for all the information you've provided so far. I can't imagine it being that hot this side of Christmas but I don't expect anywhere would be this time of year unless you go south of France...

Museums I'm not really a fan of... galleries however, I enjoy visiting and getting blown away by some of the arts. Went to two galleries in Barca, and loved every minute.

If possible, I'd be keen to hear more about the cafés, bars, restaurants and general nightlife it has to offer, as well as whether or not it's famous for trendy shopping. Though you've already said it's buzzing with vibrancy for nights out. Oh, and more importantly whether Icelandic girls like English boys. :D

How much English do they know... or is it a case of buying myself an Icelandic phrase book?

[Win2Win]

Iceland is VERY expensive.

If you like a beer, Bavaria :) If you like wine, Netto :yikes:

[MattR]

Is anywhere more expensive than living here! :D


Besides they do some great deals on frozen food :laugh

[MarcusMel]

I think you can go gold mining in alaska.
One of those around the Palin world travelogs saw some american said that it had paid for a new home

[bigcumba]

If possible, I'd be keen to hear more about the cafés, bars, restaurants and general nightlife it has to offer, as well as whether or not it's famous for trendy shopping. Though you've already said it's buzzing with vibrancy for nights out. Oh, and more importantly whether Icelandic girls like English boys. :D

How much English do they know... or is it a case of buying myself an Icelandic phrase book?


There are loads of cafes around, all do decent food and coffee and are pretty trendy and stylish... shopping - it's now considered a hot spot for designers.. you'll get plenty of locally designed stuff, both clothes and arts and crafts, some of which is pretty stunning with Viking designs and what have you. You also get 15% back on all purchases over a certain price at the Airport when you leave.

Most of the folk are kind of reserved (till they get pissed on a Friday night!) but very friendly, and most speak very good English, especially the younger generations. You could try learning Icelandic as they love it when you try and speaka da lingo... it's a horrendously difficult one to pick up though as it's little changed over the last 1000 years. When you eat out, most places will have English menus if you need them so you're never stuck there.

As Keith says it is expensive, but in my mind you do get what you pay for, and there are cheap ways of going about things - hotels cost a packet but there are loads of Youth hostels and guest houses at decent prices.

This is the company I travelled with both times - first time I had a pre arranged itinerary, second time I designed the lot myself and asked them to book it all up for me - both times they were great to deal with, and very helpful - many of their staff are actually Nordic so they know the score... check out their short breaks and some of the other stuff they have on offer - they do also do Norway, Sweden , Lapland, Greenland and Spitsbergen etc and they used to do a trip to the North Pole....

http://www.arctic-experience.co.uk/

Here's the Icelandic tourist board site as well

http://www.icetourist.is/default.asp?cat_id=30

and more specific to you the Reykjavik tourist office - again these guys are brilliant and very helpful.

http://www.visitreykjavik.is/

[Win2Win]

How about Liverpool - City of Culture :D

[John]

Campbell that's brilliant, more than brilliant in fact so thanks a lot for all your information. What I'm going to do is check exactly how much holiday I can take pro-rata up until 31 December with a big thought in mind for sparing days off at Christmas too (unless we automatically get it off). I'm guessing I'll have already accumulated 6 days given I joined 3 months ago and get 25 days per year.

What I'm going to do is look at all the information you've given me and have a proper dig around the Arctic Experience website to see what's on offer - not just for Iceland but also the other places you've mentioned. Glad that they've treated you well in the past too, always fantastic to get a recommendation from someone else for these things! In my lost oblivion I had a fanciful look at the Reykjavik/Stockholm 7-day'er but that's gonna cost me the fatter side of £1400 so definitely a no-no. But it would be an opportunity to do Reykjavik and Stockholm at the same time. Save up more cash and go middle of next year p'raps. NO! I need to go sooner! :)

Anyway, so this weekend I'm also going to go to a few travel agents and say: 'I'm a single person traveller, I'm 23, I'm after a Nordic/Scandinavian short break which is part/all organised but don't want one of those 18-30 holidays...' and see what's on offer. I'll also buy The Times or The Observer on Sunday as they often have good holiday offers in them.

Reyjkavik does sound awesome, again you've added some more that inspires - locally designed clothes and arts/crafts. Generally they're quite reserved until they get pissed on a Friday night - that sounds a lot like me! Thanks again, my mission is beginning. :D

[John]

Well it's been nearly a year since I looked at this, and I still haven't been away anywhere. Going away soon though!

I'm planning a trip to Reykjavik and Stockholm for August/September time.

I don't suppose, Campbell, if you know whether the prices advertised on the Arctic Experience website (now called Discover the World) include the cost of flights? If so, then the pre-arranged breaks are incredibly good value for money. The Reykjavik short break holiday costs £332, I assume flight costs are on top...

http://www.discover-the-world.co.uk/en/types/iceland/Short-City-Break/

I've no idea where to start planning-wise but I thought I'd better get my :butthead: into gear!

[bigcumba]

Those are good prices and they do include flights John, so if you can budget for a couple of hundred quid more you'll get better accomodation and a better departure date - August is still pretty much part of the main tourist season, but September is a bit quieter as the weather is starting to cool down by then. The Icelandic economy went down the toilet so the exchange rate should be very good - but don't change your currency here befor you go, it's recommended you wait till you get there and do it at the Keflavik airport bank. The website should give you more current info on all of that than I have! I have to say I'm rather jealous :thumbs

[John]

Good to know, thanks Campbell. Don't be too jealous, I'll take some quality pictures for you! :D I was going to go in August and maybe spend some time at the Reykjavik Jazz Festival (this is August 13 – September 1) but the festival just happens to be on at the time I was thinking of going. It's not a deciding factor date-wise. So if it's less touristy at the beginning of September I'll probably go then instead. But, AARRRGH! This means having to wait even longer!

My housemate said she wouldn't do Reyjkavik alone, because you need someone there with you when you see the AMAZING views, and also because everything is really spread out. Anyway, that hasn't put me off, I'm going to go it alone and have a great time!

I'm thinking 3-4 nights in Reykjavik and visiting the places you've listed above in this thread. Then 3-4 nights in Stockholm. I've just got think/plan how much this is all going to cost. Probably quite a lot but then I haven't had a proper holiday since November 2007 and that was a long weekend in Barcelona (which wasn't paid for by me) so I am quite lucky in that respect... so technically, I shouldn't mind breaking the bank... right? :yikes:

I'm guessing the prices will come up a little in September too - on hotels and on flights. I was even thinking of staying in a youth hostel if a hotel turns out to be too expensive. I'll keep my eyes peeled on how much the prices change on that website.

[bigcumba]

The budget hotels are decent enough quality, and probably all you'll need for a short trip as you'll really only be using it as a bed for the night, same goes for the Youth Hostels - when I went they were recommended as a good option if on a limited budget, supposed to be good fun too. Reykjavik isn't that spread out really, most of what you want to see in the city is within walking distance, anything else is reachable by bus or taxi, and there are city tours by bus that'll take you to all the main tourist attractions.

[John]

Great stuff Campbell, wow..... this is soon (hopefully) all going to be a reality! I'd prefer to stay in a hotel but if they're really expensive then that'll be a no go. A hostel could actually be quite fun anyway, as you've said. Thanks for all your help!

[John]

I'm struggling to decide all over again.

I'm thinking it might be better to do Reykjavik or Stockholm rather than do both. Just because it's like shoehorning two holidays into one. But I really want to visit both!

If I go to Reykjavik I'll want to see so much more of Iceland and I'm not sure that's possible to do from Reykjavik alone. Unless all of the day trips to the amazing places are accessible from Reykjavik.

It's a 5 hour flight from Reykjavik to Stockholm too, which doesn't bother me, but I didn't realise they were that far apart.

[Win2Win]

Iceland, then go on one of the helicopter tours. Job done. :)

[John]

Negative. :)

[bigcumba]

If I go to Reykjavik I'll want to see so much more of Iceland and I'm not sure that's possible to do from Reykjavik alone. Unless all of the day trips to the amazing places are accessible from Reykjavik.

3 day trips will get you a superb taste of what Iceland has to offer John, all from Reykjavik. The Golden Circle tour takes you to Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir area, and Thingvellir national park - all pretty spectacular. The South Coast tour takes you to a cople of amazing waterfalls, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss, plus a good few other places well worth seeing. And the Kjolur tour takes you off road into the nearest interior route to the capital.

[Win2Win]

When I was your age I just went to Butlins with the lads, stayed piddled the whole time and plenty of easy slappers around for ::hump

[John]

Hello again,

This is a message mainly for Campbell, but I'd be interested to know anyone else's thoughts too. I'd decided to delay this (I know, I know) slightly, since buying a camera has taken priority. However, a friend of mine has recently got in touch with me and said he'd be interested in coming to Iceland with me, which has made me really 'well up for' going there before 2009 is over with.

Now, bearing in mind the gradually shortening number of daylight hours in the North on the run up to Christmas, have we left it too late to go this year (October/November)? We could find that when we get there it gets dark really early, which we don't want, and it would be a considerable waste of money. As Campbell already mentioned, the 'peak' time to go is September-time, as it's less touristy. So, with that in mind, I'm leaning towards saying that late October/early November would be okay. However, in reality, I know nothing [:D].

Thanking you. :)

[bigcumba]

Oooh, you're looking at maybe 6 or 7 hours of daylight by that time of year, so it's going to be dark earlier than you're used to here, and dawn will be later, and because of the angle the sun sets and rises at you get a long twilight at each end of the day. One possible bonus is that if you get out of the city a wee bit, you will stand a decent chance of seeing the northern lights at that time of year. So in balance I'd still go despite the short days, but then I'd go back any time!

Tourism wise, it will certainly be much quieter, there will still be plenty of things to do though after the start of September some things only open a couple of days a week. The routes to the interior of the country will be completely closed because they are 'off road' tracks and cross rivers, but you can still do all the major natural attractions near to Reykjavik, the Golden Circle tour runs all year round, so you can still see the Geysir region, Gullfoss waterfall, and the stunning landscape around Thingvellir national park - I'd recommend it as a great way to get a taste of Iceland. Some of the other day trips will still run too. Plus of course the Blue Lagoon will be open all the time, so you shouldn't be stuck for things to see and do. The travel company were great with details of all that stuff when I went there and there's tons of info available in the hotels and the main tourist office.

Try the local food as much as you can too....the hot dogs are wonderful for a quick snack, and the restaurants, though expensive, are generally very very good. There is even the most northern Indian restaurant in the world, so you can have curry Icelandic style. Try the local breads, the beer is decent, the Brennivin scnapps is excellent though potent! Icelandic lamb is amazing, fed on wild heather and grasses in the highlands during the summer. Obviouly if you're a seafood fan then you'll be in heaven as that's a major speciality of theirs.

[Win2Win]

Holiday or camera? :doh ...... :doh .......:doh ......Not a hard choice, I just have both :thumbs

[John]

Erm, yeah. Cheers Keith, that's really helpful.

----------------------------------

Campbell, thanks for the excellent advice as always, you've given me a lot to think about. Basically my mate and I really want to go, it just might be tight booking-wise, and we're having doubts about whether the weather (:wink) will be cold/windy/blizzard-like (I don't mind cold, but reasonably mild would be my preference) in October/November.

There's the added bonus of seeing the Northern Lights this time of year up until February/March as well. Absolutely, we'll be going on a couple of the tours, maybe even snowmobiling. I reckon we should go on 2-3 tours and spend maximum of 2 days looking around Reykjavik itself. I imagine it's a beautiful city, but fairly small so I am told...

6 or 7 hours of daylight sounds reasonable-ish... but that must mean it's dark by about 5 or 6pm... but I love twilight time! So maybe I can offset the negative side of only seeing a few hours of daylight with that.

Anyway, it's 3 o'clock in the morning so I better go to bed. I just thought I'd better reply on here beforehand else I'll forget tomorrow. Now I'm talking gibberish. :D My mate and I will no doubt reach a decision by the end of the day. Both of us really, really want to go. The question is would it be better to leave it until February or March. It's yet more postponing, but since I'd prioritised my camera over a holiday, that's fine. In any case I will make an enquiry to Discover the World about a few things too tomorrow. :)

[bigcumba]

Feb / March will likely be worse weather wise as it's still very much winter for them. At the end of October / November it'll probably be cold but not freezing, but likely to be windy and maybe a bit wet, but given the quirks of Iceland's weather - favourite saying there is 'if you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes' - because it's so changeable, so you could get lucky and get a dry mild spell. Snowmobiling is a definite at any time of year on the glaciers, so yes, that's highly recommended - did it myself and thoroughly enjoyed it! 2 days will give you plenty of time to suss out the capital, the main touristy areas are fairly central with one or two exceptions. Like I mentioned before, take a wander up the hill to the Perlan, and the church tower as well - cost a few quid for that but the views are amazing. Day trips - the Golden Circle is a must, and if the South Shore adventure is running, that also is a must a it visits some spectacular waterfalls among many other scenic areas. Must admit I'm bloody jealous, if I had the money I'd be joining you as your guide! :rolleyes:

Best tip for what to take clothing wise is plenty of layers, as you'll find yourself having to adjust to the ever changing weather! Also make sure you have good waterproof gear, because you will get wet at the waterfalls, they are big and throw up a lot of spray! Good walking boots are a must as well.

[John]

Oh no! I didn't really give much thought to how wet it would be around the waterfall areas. If there's a lot of water spray, that won't bode well for a digital SLR camera hanging around my neck. Hmmm. I'm happy to take it to dry places though, and I can't wait to see the views. It must start getting Spring-like around late April/early May? Seems like their seasons run almost to the same months as ours, but we're maybe 1-2 months ahead, and their seasons start and finish a little later on than ours. It's got to be ever so slightly marginal. Funnily enough I've just been out with my camera to Alexandra Palace and met a lady who I got chatting to (as you do if you're a photographer :D) about Iceland. "Oh, why do you want to go there? I thought it was dull" she said [and she hadn't been]. :yikes:

Clothing-wise, I need to buy loads of stuff. I'll need to buy some walking boots. Got plenty of layers. Will need a waterproof jacket too. Probably will also need some sunglasses, given how open the wilderness is, and how bright the snow will reflect.

I can't wait to get out there, and I know how jealous you are! But we'll most likely wait now until winter has passed by. So I reckon April time. Grrrr. I don't mind the cold at all, but I don't fancy being out in it all day if it's going to be really windy as well. Oh, I wish I'd known he was up for it in June! Then we'd have been and gone already.

[Win2Win]

Iceland it just starting to thaw out in April! It's frozen solid in March. Not forgetting they don't get anywhere near as much daylight as us.

[bigcumba]

When I went I just took my 35mm compact zoom, that was easier to get in and out of the case for quick snaps when it was wet. Spring does start late there, though Reykjavik is always milder than most of the rest of the country anyway because it gets the tail end of the Gulf Stream, they actually had a snow free winter in the city itself last year - quite unusual, but no doubt down to global warming and likely to happen more often.

The tourist season starts kicking in around April but doesn't pick up fully till June / July, so it will be nice and quiet at that time compared to peak season. Cheaper too! If you did want to venture into the interior, the roads don't open till June, but again you've got all the main places I mentioned earlier still available. There will be plenty of snow on the mountains so photography should be great, especially on clear days as the air up there is so clean you can sometimes see the Snaefellsjokull volcano / glacier from Reykjavik and it's about 100 miles away! For that reason too the sunglasses are a must. If you ski, there's a large area not far from the city.

That woman sounds typical of the ignorance that folk have about the place. To be honest I'd rather keep it that way - so it doesn't become too inundated.

Waterproofs - get trousers as well, I don't know what's best these days but I found Berghaus goretex jackets and trousers to be brilliant as they are totally breathable, waterproof and you don't get sweaty.

As for the daylight hours once you get past the Spring equinox on March 21st they actually get more daylight than us through until the Autumn one.

[John]

Would be really handy if I also had a compact camera with me, that'd at least make sure my SLR didn't get damaged. Late April/early May sounds absolutely ideal in that case; I want to go before the main tourists season starts and so that would make sense. If it's cheaper, well that's a bonus.

Snow on the mountains. :D BLISS! My idea of a perfect place is one which links urban with rural wilderness, and it sounds like you hit the scenic landscapes venturing anywhere out of Reykjavik.

I don't ski, but if they do lessons then I'll give it a try. My sister went skiiing for the first time last year in the Alps and said she found it really difficult, so given that my balance is absolutely awful I don't stand a chance!

Thanks for the clothing advice - I really have nothing waterproof so I'll need to get myself sorted out. Hmmm, would you say there are any parts where waterproof gear isn't needed? Particularly on the run up to summer?

I'm little around much over the next few days, but I'll return to this thread post-Sunday 13th. Thanks for all your help mate. :)

[bigcumba]

Get yourelf a decent waterproof jacket, but since you're not going to be wearing the trousers all the time you could easily go for cheap and cheerful with those - a tenner should see you sorted, and you can just pack them till you need them at the waterfalls.

Yes, you're not far from the scenic stuff in Reykjavik, the views from the city itself are very nice anyway, across to Mt Esja which at that time of year will have a lot of snow on it, plus as I mentioned, go up the Hallgrimskirkja church tower for some really spectacular views. The church itself is stunning - as you walk up the hill towards it you see it head on, and it looks like a space rocket, almost shuttle shaped!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallgr%C3%ADmskirkja

Just found out something you may appreciate - April sees the Reykjavik Blues festival!

http://www.blues.is/english.htm

If you get the chance to see Pinetop Perkins you're very lucky indeed - he'll be about 97 by then, an absolute legend!

[John]

Looked at this a bit more this weekend, and I can see how easy/simple it is to get from Reykjavik to the scenic parts - it's not actually that far to travel. Obviously the South Coast tour as previously mentioned is further, and involves a long coach journey, but having said that it's probably well worth doing.

We're definitely looking to go in April-May time now - planning time is needed, as is the need to maximise the most of the greater number of daylight hours.

That church looks like something out of a Star Wars movie! You really wouldn't believe it's actually a church!

As you know I love the blues, but my mate isn't so keen. :( I'd love to go to the festival though... COME! :D

[Win2Win]

You see more if you take the helicopter/plane tour

[bigcumba]

I'd love to go to the festival though... COME! :D

I'd love to go back John, but my finances stilll being as precarious as they are I doubt I could afford it... I'll see how things are though after New Year, but don't get your hopes up!

[Win2Win]

....but don't get your hopes up!
He hasn't been getting anything up lately! :rolleyes:

[bigcumba]

He hasn't been getting anything up lately! :rolleyes:

:laugh I'm sure he'll appreciate that!

[John]

:laugh Thanks for that piece of inspiration!


You see more if you take the helicopter/plane tour

Maybe, yeah. But it's not always about seeing more, it's about being immersed in the scene around you, and walking around experiencing views close-up.

[Win2Win]

........it's about being immersed in the scene around you, and walking around experiencing views close-up.
You can't get more immersed than flying into the bowls of the Grand Canyon :)

Helicopter will take you to the peak of a live volcano in Iceland, you can bake a few spuds :thumbs

[counterfeit]

For God's sake - get on with the ::swear holiday.

:D:D:D

[Win2Win]

For God's sake - get on with the ::swear holiday.

:D:D:D
:laugh

Since he first mentioned it, I've collected enough air miles to get to the moon! :wink

[counterfeit]

My wife wants to know how he can be so decisive - it's taken her 12 years to decide it would be ok to go to Greece. :splapme

[John]

Okay! I'm going next week! :yikes:

I've bought the following for the trip:

* Waterproof jacket (Gore Tex)
* Lightweight fleece
* Walking boots (Gore Tex)
* 65L main rucksack (main luggage) that came with a waterproof cover
* Camera bag which will act also as a daysack for carrying around each day (has a space for waterproofs too)
* Spare camera memory cards
* Spare camera battery
* Tripod
* Remote switch
* Thickish socks
* Eye mask
* Walking trousers
* Waterproof 'over' trousers

Missed anything?

Still need to sort out some cheap waterproof trousers I think. Let's just say that the walking boots I bought don't exactly look great with skinny jeans, which are what I wear every day! I walked for 45 minutes in my walking boots to break them in a bit and will get a couple of walks in this weekend too. Definitely taking some plasters with me, even though they're really comfortable.

Also need to buy Icelandic money beforehand and I'll probably do that a few days before I go. Certainly not at the airport as the rates aren't so good.

Anyway, lots more to write but I'm knackered so will add more on this in the next few days. Can't flipping wait to go! :D

[samantha1303]

Okay! I'm going next week! :yikes:

I've bought the following for the trip:

* Waterproof jacket (Gore Tex)
* Lightweight fleece
* Walking boots (Gore Tex)
* 65L main rucksack (main luggage) that came with a waterproof cover
* Camera bag which will act also as a daysack for carrying around each day (has a space for waterproofs too)
* Spare camera memory cards
* Spare camera battery
* Tripod
* Remote switch
* Thickish socks
* Eye mask

Missed anything?

Still need to sort out some cheap waterproof trousers I think. Let's just say that the walking boots I bought don't exactly look great with skinny jeans, which are what I wear every day! I walked for 45 minutes in my walking boots to break them in a bit and will get a couple of walks in this weekend too. Definitely taking some plasters with me, even though they're really comfortable.

Also need to buy Icelandic money beforehand and I'll probably do that a few days before I go. Certainly not at the airport as the rates aren't so good.

Anyway, lots more to write but I'm knackered so will add more on this in the next few days. Can't flipping wait to go! :D

A volcanic ash mask would come in handy right now

[bigcumba]

One tip - buy your Icelandic money when you get there, much better rates than you'll get here. At least that's how it always used to be - mainly because it's a 'small' currency compared to the likes of the US dollar and the Euro. Apart from that, yes waterproof trousers if you'll be anywhere near any of the major waterfalls.. serious amount of spray and you'll get wet! Lastly.. can you sneak me on as hand luggage? :laugh

[John]

If you can fit inside one of these then you're more than welcome to join me mate!
http://www.maclife.com/files/u36/0905_Fastpack_250_Stuffed_380.jpg :D

Thanks for the tip about getting Krona once there – do you mean at the airport?

We've got 2-3 days in Reykjavik first of all, though there could have been a :icon_tong up with the Golden Circle Tour as it isn't listed on our booking itinerary, even though we required it (and was listed on our quote before we made the booking). I've made an enquiry about it so just awaiting a reply.

Then we fly to Akureyri in the North and hire a car, 5 days staying at Myvatn, driving around; both Husavik and Dettifoss are on my agenda, as well as Myvatn lake itself supposedly being spectacular.

Then we're flying back to Reykjavik for one full day and overnight, before we come home.

Cannot wait, been looking at some photos (but not too many) on Flickr, the place just looks so barren and incredible.

[mathare]

Who you going with Johnny?

[John]

I'm going with an old workmate who I met during my brief spell working in York. The good thing is that we both bought DSLR cameras at the same time last year so we're both in the same camera boat, which is good! Took me 20 minutes to set up and set down my tripod – sunset and sunrise will have been and gone in the time it takes me... :laugh

Just found out the Golden Circle tour ain't got our names on. :cryer Somewhere along the line there was a :icon_tong up, perhaps we didn't check as thoroughly as we should have, but it was on the latest quote we received prior to making the booking. I'm a bit annoyed about it but fortunately there's still time to book the tour. Though I'll be most likely booking it through someone else online as I can get it cheaper...

[bigcumba]

Thanks for the tip about getting Krona once there – do you mean at the airport?

Yep, that was the recommended way to do it when I went.. though given that last trip was 14 years ago it may be worth giving your travel company a ring and asking their advice just to make sure.


We've got 2-3 days in Reykjavik first of all, though there could have been a :icon_tong up with the Golden Circle Tour

That's the one everyone does from Reykjavik, hope you can get it booked up as it's well worth it.. the Geysir area is amazing, Gullfoss is beautiful and the Thingvellir lake and park area give you an idea of just how incredible the forces that have formed Iceland are - it sits right on the divide between the European and American tectonic plates.. the lake sits in a dip in between. It's a lovely area.. and very important historically to the country.


Then we fly to Akureyri in the North and hire a car, 5 days staying at Myvatn, driving around; both Husavik and Dettifoss are on my agenda, as well as Myvatn lake itself supposedly being spectacular.

The flight alone to Akureyri will be spectacular if you get a clear sky.. you'll travel over part of the interior, probably not at that great a height, and over some of the mountains and glaciers.. first time I did it from Isafjordur in a 9 seater plane, felt like I could stick my leg out the door and leave a footprint in the ice. Second time around I did it one of the main interior routes, that was spectacular too.. like a cold desert through the interior.

Akureyri itself is a great town.. as for Myvatn.. might be a little early, but I suggest you be prepared for the midges if they're out.. Myvatn means Midge Lake.. and there can be literally billions of the wee buggers.. pray for a bit of a breeze. Do the tour around the lake, also there's one that visits some of the volcanic areas nearby - that's amazing too.. when I went the lava from a massive eruption 11 years earlier was still smoking.. If you're doing Dettifoss by car, you better have a sturdy 4 wheel drive as the road there is nicknamed the rock'n'roll road with good reason.. it's no more than a track and very very bumpy, but seriously, you cannot miss it.. it's the biggest waterfall in Europe by water volume. Husavik is a stunning wee town, with a thriving whale watching industry now - it used to be a centre of the whaling itself so the guys involved know where to look.

If you have a free day at Myvatn.. book the trip to Askja.. it's a long long day, but it is so amazing... there's a volcanic lake there that has only existed since 1875, plus a smaller one that is heated by the underlying magma.. you can have a dip in it. It's 4000 feet up.. when I went it was just above freezing with horizontal snow and yu have to trek from the 'car park' to the caldera itself - couple of km.. but I loved it..


Then we're flying back to Reykjavik for one full day and overnight, before we come home.

Quite simply you won't want to come home.. you'll be hooked and want to go back. I am extremely jealous! :)

[John]

Yep, that was the recommended way to do it when I went.. though given that last trip was 14 years ago it may be worth giving your travel company a ring and asking their advice just to make sure.

Nice one Big Man I'll give it a go then. I'll call the travel company on Monday and see what they say first of all though. In some ways just to be on the safe side I might get it here though. Just in case my debit card doesn't work over there, for whatever reason. I'm sure it will work but I'd hate to run the risk of it not...


That's the one everyone does from Reykjavik, hope you can get it booked up as it's well worth it.. the Geysir area is amazing, Gullfoss is beautiful and the Thingvellir lake and park area give you an idea of just how incredible the forces that have formed Iceland are - it sits right on the divide between the European and American tectonic plates.. the lake sits in a dip in between. It's a lovely area.. and very important historically to the country.

I really need to read up a bit more on the country's history before I go. I don't know all that much about it. I'm sure on the tour, that the guides will tell us, but I always need to know some background information and I'll probably read up on it tomorrow. Anyway, we're booking the Golden Circle ourselves now, as it hasn't been included as we initially thought, and I can't blooming wait! I'm really looking forward in particular to Thingvellir, is it actually a National Park containing wildlife?


The flight alone to Akureyri will be spectacular if you get a clear sky.. you'll travel over part of the interior, probably not at that great a height, and over some of the mountains and glaciers.. first time I did it from Isafjordur in a 9 seater plane, felt like I could stick my leg out the door and leave a footprint in the ice. Second time around I did it one of the main interior routes, that was spectacular too.. like a cold desert through the interior.

Fantastic! I mean that's one of the reasons why we're doing the flight to Akureyri really. Given that we're not hiring an 'offroad' car so-to-speak and sticking to the ring road, at least we'll hopefully get some amazing views flying over the interior. We're doing it from Keflavik and I think it takes about 45 minutes.


Akureyri itself is a great town.. as for Myvatn.. might be a little early, but I suggest you be prepared for the midges if they're out.. Myvatn means Midge Lake.. and there can be literally billions of the wee buggers.. pray for a bit of a breeze. Do the tour around the lake, also there's one that visits some of the volcanic areas nearby - that's amazing too.. when I went the lava from a massive eruption 11 years earlier was still smoking.. If you're doing Dettifoss by car, you better have a sturdy 4 wheel drive as the road there is nicknamed the rock'n'roll road with good reason.. it's no more than a track and very very bumpy, but seriously, you cannot miss it.. it's the biggest waterfall in Europe by water volume. Husavik is a stunning wee town, with a thriving whale watching industry now - it used to be a centre of the whaling itself so the guys involved know where to look.

Heard an awful lot about the midges around the lake! We're going to be in Myvatn for 5 nights :yikes: so probably we should take/buy some sort of repellant to get rid of the little buggers? Hmm, I never knew the route to Dettifoss was going to be a tricky one! Thanks for the heads up. Well, we'll see... yes we did plan to do it by car and no we won't have a 4WD... so we'll have to see if we're able to do it. I mean since we'll be in Myvatn for quite a while we've a lot of opportunities in all directions to see what else is nearby. I've found some really good itineraries, and I've still got those PDFs you sent me so will look again at the Northern ones. :)


If you have a free day at Myvatn.. book the trip to Askja.. it's a long long day, but it is so amazing... there's a volcanic lake there that has only existed since 1875, plus a smaller one that is heated by the underlying magma.. you can have a dip in it. It's 4000 feet up.. when I went it was just above freezing with horizontal snow and yu have to trek from the 'car park' to the caldera itself - couple of km.. but I loved it..

Awesome! That's what my walking boots are for! So it's a 4,000 feet (apx 3/4 mile) trek up hill? Not sure how far Askja is from Myvatn either, but I'll look at a map and find out. Volcanic lake sounds so surreal, something I'd really want to check out!


Quite simply you won't want to come home.. you'll be hooked and want to go back. I am extremely jealous! :)

Well, I hope you're right! :D Going to be an awesome holiday. I've never done any sort of holiday where it's this barren before, this isolated. I've only really been to major cities and surrounding areas of cities – or at least I have certainly since I've been going on holidays without the 'rents for the last 10 years or so. Have you any plans to go back at all in the future?

[John]

Oh, I got some el cheapo walking trousers today, and a waterproof pair of 'over trousers' for when I'm likely to get soaked. Bring it on! :)

[bigcumba]

Thingvellir is a national park yes, not a lot of wildlife to see though, it's more just about the history and beauty of the area.

Whereabouts at Myvatn are you staying? Is it the Hotel Reynihlid? That's the one I stayed at.. nice hotel.. there was a small earthquake first time I went.. rattled the windows and glasses in the bar and they had probs with their hot water supply for a few hours.. you should get details there of whether you can make it to Dettifoss in a normal car.. it certainly wasn't recommended when I was there. we're talking bits of track where 10mph is the max you can go because of the bumps.. but there are always daytrips that take in Dettifoss, the canyon downstream, the horseshoe shaped and Lost World - like Asbyrgi canyon, and on to Husavik via the most northern part of the coastline - with views to Grimsey island which sits on the Arctic circle. Again it's a long day if you do it, but every single step of it is worth it.

Askja - don't even think of doing that by car.. it's a long way into the interior, and the weather up there can be very wintry even in midsummer as I found out.. so do it by day trip.. they take you to the car park at the edge of the caldera at 4000ft, you don't have to climb that height.. but you do have a long walk through pretty rough terrain to get to the lakes.. but again it's worth it for the views.

It is worth having a wee read up on the history and folklore of the place as it is interesting, but you will get plenty of that sort of thing on the guided tours.. they are very proud of their history and love sharing the folklore and sagas..

[Win2Win]

John going for the Multi-Quote record I see :D

[bigcumba]

Forgot to add as well John, while you're at Myvatn.. if you're at that hotel I mentioned you'll see an amazing crater in the distance.. called Hverfjall.. it's around 600ft high from the surrounding area to the highest point around the crater rim, and it's maybe a 5 mile hike from the hotel.. I just decided to go for it one day and it's well worth the walk.. the views from the top are spectacular across the lake and surrounding area.. and the inside of the crater is wicked - it's full of grafitti made of boulders and stones!

[John]

Sounds like you got your fingers burnt the first time at Hotel Reynihlid! We're not staying at that one no, I'll send you details of where we'll be if you like though.

We'll have to check if we're able to do Dettifoss in a standard vehicle, I'll also ask my workmate how he did it as he drove around Iceland for a few days last summer time. In any case we're certainly prepared for long days and we do have an early morning flight once we're there. Not too mention near-constant daylight hours! I'm taking a sleeping mask so I can at least try and get decent shut-eye and be up early each day in order to head out.

I'll take your advice about Askja – sounds pretty rough and obviously recommended as a day trip. You've certainly got me with the stunning views, including your post above about the 600ft crater! I got myself some kick-ass walking boots so nothing is going to stop me exploring/negotiating rough terrain, even if I have to crawl! There's so much to see and do, we're certainly not going to be stuck for ideas. Anyhow, I'm falling asleep at my keyboard so I'll write some more when I've a bit more time in the week (and when I've read up on activity days!) before I go. :)

[John]

Oh, sulphur lakes – I know they're common in Myvatn but I wondered if that was the case across the whole of Iceland? It's certainly interesting as to how sulphur forms inside the lakes, I imagine it has a lot to do with the hot springs. A guy I spoke to in one of the outdoorwear shops yesterday was telling me that Icelanders heat their houses from geothermal hotspots i.e. from the springs. That is, it's converted to electricity. Everything just seems so pure and clean.