Before you travel to Iceland, read Family Travel Forum's visitior's guide. Brush up on your history and learn how to get the most out of your trip.
In 1783 the Laki volcano in this glacier-covered country erupted in a violent and prolonged paroxysm, killing a fifth of the country’s population. For 10 months, 30 billion tons of lava and sulfuric acid belched forth, creating a noxious haze that killed crops and livestock in Europe as it wound its deadly way west. Some experts say it was this eruption that led to crop failures in distant France, setting the stage for the French Revolution.
In 1996, Icelanders held their breaths, as did much of the world, while a volcano under the vast glacier Vatnajokull (vat-na-ya-schkul) erupted, melting the ice and creating a powerful underground lake desperate to break free. When it finally burst through the surface, it was violent and awesome, washing away bridges and roads, leaving a menacing sight of quicksand formed by suddenly saturated earth, which twisted like ribbons.
There are still active volcanoes in Iceland. The spring 2000 eruption of Mount Hekla has generated a lot of media attention, and tourist interest has followed suit. Four-wheel-drive Jeep tours are currently running to the volcano, offering stunning views of the eruption area, free of risk from the fumes.
Icelanders Live On The Edge
And yet, in what is surely a testimony to the wondrous ironies of life, Icelanders voted themselves the happiest people on the earth! They are fiercely loyal to this “Land of Ice and Fire,” however unsettling it may be to live here. In part, I suppose, such devotion has to do with the stunning physical beauty and purity of the land, and a deep if homogeneous culture that ties and binds the Icelanders into a tight community of survivors.
Steam rises eerily from the ground, a sign of the vast geothermal energy trapped in the earth. In 1930, Icelanders cleverly piped this energy to nearby towns to heat their homes and water. Today, Iceland burns no fossil fuel (there is virtually no pollution) and many cities are heated by these geothermal springs.
Then there are the vast, white-blue glaciers that cover the entire country, except for the coast where most of the country’s 302,000 people live. 50 percent of the population lives in or around the capital, ReykjavÃk (“Smoky Bay” in English).
Iceland seems forever misty and moody, with fast-moving clouds, wheeling gulls and a silence that is almost unsettling. It’s a nature lover’s paradise. The land is hauntingly beautiful and, in the classic Western sense of beauty, so are the people. Taller than the average European, they are strikingly blonde with very blue eyes and finely chiseled features – befitting their Viking heritage. Honest to a fault, reserved and very taciturn, Icelanders still use the patronymic name system. The surname is the father’s name with son or dóttir (daughter) added to it. Thus the former Icelandic president (the first woman elected president in a Democratic society) is Vigdis Finnbogadóttir, or Vigdis, daughter of Finnbogi.
A Small-Town City
Iceland is well worth a five- to seven-day visit. The country is easily accessible, very simple to navigate, and really quite unique. Flights leave directly to Keflavik airport from Boston, Halifax, Baltimore or New York or Orlando – about a four-hour flight from Boston via Icelandair. When you clear customs, it’s embarrassingly easy – grab the Flybus in front of the tiny airport ($15 U.S.) and enjoy the moonscaped, 40-minute ride to ReykjavÃk. U.S. astronauts practiced for their moon walk on these lava fields. The reason is quickly obvious.
ReykjavÃk itself is a Lilliputian city. Everything is small scale with a distinct, charming, village feel. But don’t let that fool you. It’s a sophisticated city and an expensive country. Because Iceland is an island, everything costs more than anywhere else, it seems. A hamburger and a beer could cost you $22. The portions are very small, but the food is artfully prepared and the service almost painfully caring. Lamb and fish are the staples of the Icelandic diet (supposedly there are more sheep in Iceland than people). Don’t get talked into trying the Hakrl and Brindivin – rotten, ammonia-scented shark meat washed down with an Icelandic spirit called Black Death. I’m still recovering from my macho “double dare” involving the deadly duo.
You can walk the town easily. Walk around the little pond, check out the pocket-sized Parliament building, the National Theater, and the symphony hall. For such a small and young country (no humans had set foot in Iceland when the Parthenon was already 800 years old), Iceland has several theaters, a national ballet company, a symphony orchestra, and a dozen or so galleries and museums.
English is spoken everywhere. But listen closely to the rich Icelandic language, a language unchanged for centuries. Visit the National Library and the Arni Magnusson Institute. Both contain copies of the famous Icelandic Sagas, those sprawling, Homeric, dramatic accounts of early Icelandic history that captivate young and old alike. The Njalla Saga is the most famous; and if you persist politely, one of the staff in either place might read a part of it to you in the deep, resonant, rolling Icelandic language.
Useful facts for travel to Iceland
Official Name: The Republic of Iceland
Government: Republic run by president, prime minister and parliament
Main City: ReykjavÃk
Languages: Icelandic. Some knowledge of English is almost universal and most people speak Danish or another Scandinavian language. French and German are also quite commonly spoken.
National Holiday: June 17, the anniversary of the establishment of the republic in 1944.
Religion: The established church is the Evangelical Lutheran Church. There is a Catholic church in ReykjavÃk and a number of churches for other groups.
Currency: The Icelandic monetary unit is the króna, comprised of 100 aurar. The coins and notes in use are 5, 10 and 50 aurar; 1, 10, 50 and 100 krónur coins. The notes being 100, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 krónur. Foreign exchange is available at all bank branches around the country. Also, the Tourist Information Centre and McDonald’s in ReykjavÃk. Travellers’ checks widely accepted.
Airlines: Icelandair (1-800-223-5500). Flights are available out of Halifax twice a week; out of Boston, five times a week; and out of New York, seven times a week. There are also limited flights available out of Baltimore/Washington DC, Orlando, and Minneapolis. Schedules vary seasonally. Offers packages for two-night hotel stay, daily breakfast and airport transfer. Lowest off-season fare is around $370 round trip; high-season (summer), around $1000 round trip. Flying time is 4 to 4-1/2 hours on Boeing 757-200s.
Visas: None for U.S. citizens.
Best Books to Buy: For historical and cultural interest, Iceland 4th Edition by Insight Guides, Langenscheidt, 1999. For the more curious, Lonely Planet Iceland, Greenland & the Faroe Islands, by Deanna Swaney, Lonely Planet, 2001.
Dress: In the summer, bring lightweight woolens, a sweater or cardigan, a rain-proof coat and sturdy walking shoes and your swimming suit. Campers will need warm underwear, socks, rubber boots and sleeping bags.
Climate: Because of the Gulf Stream, Iceland enjoys a cool temperate ocean climate – damp summers and fairly mild winters. However, the weather is very unpredictable and tourists should be prepared for the unexpected.
Natural Resources: Fish, hydropower, geothermal power, diatomite
Meals: You can go to local cafes and have an excellent meal for lunch or dinner for $10. An extravagant meal can cost up to $100. Liquors of any kind are expensive. Tipping is not customary in Iceland – service is invariably included for restaurants, hotels, taxis, hairdressers, etc.
Hotels: There is a wide variety of accommodation, ranging from first-class hotels of international standard to inexpensive guesthouses, B&Bs, and youth hostels.
Communications: Iceland has modern communications, including direct dialing via satellite to all four corners of the world.
Useful Number: The Iceland Tourist Bureau (212/885-9700).
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
This site is really helpful. Will bookmark this and share with friends.
this is a beautiful piece of work!
this is a beautiful piece of work!
We went to Crown Paradise Cancun on 22nd Aug 09, a family of two kids age 9 and 3. It was the best experience. I have been to Maui, Hawaii in the summer of 2006, it beat that up. Couple of steps from the club to one of the best beach so you don't have to go exploring the place for beach fun. Take fresh cooked warm meals to the beach along with drinks, it is so convenient. You can never be hungry as room svcs is 24 hrs. 5 fancy restaurants you can dress up and go in the evening. Child care facilities all included. The perks are endless and the people are friendly.
Would love to go back in a heart beat
Really nice post. Thanks for sharing us.
Great article! It's good to know that there are lots of arts and athletic activities for kids to do at these lighthouses
Great article! It's good to know that there are lots of arts and athletic activities for kids to do at these lighthouses.
here is new information about the Alashan Desert in Inner Mongolia that listed in the UNECO, I think.
I love the grassland, horses, sheeps, clean and blue sky, red sun and silver moon, …
My husband and I are looking to host a family reunion in June, 2010 for about 25 family members – we would need lodging for all (8-10 bedrooms) and meals. All coming from Maryland – need travel information; driving distance and nearest airport. Thanks you
Pick this one Claudie!
According to a report by Channel 6 in Wilmington, Bald Head Island was named for a geographical feature, not an anatomical one. In sailors' terms, the "head" of an island is its highest peak, the landmark most visible at distance from the sea.
When first seen, this island next to the Cape Fear River (and a very important navigation point) could be spotted by its highest point, a sand dune at the river's mouth. A high point or 'head' covered in sand was known as a 'bald head' therefore the island's name.
let us know how your visit goes!
I already know Puerto Plata, I visited it last year when some friends and I went to pick my big brother up at charlisangels Caribbean vacations, he was spending an single vacations there. I have to admit this city has beautiful places.
hi
This is a beautiful island. I was there with my 5 year old just before Hurricane Wilma damaged the reefs, and I hear that it's all come back nicely. It's a great beach for kids cause it's very clean sand, with shallow warm water. No surf either…
I represent (and use) a helicopter rides company based in Charlottesville, VA. Helicopter rides attract both attention and bump attendance to any event where they operate. The company is called Cardinal Helicopter Company, Inc.
Please contact me for further info and prices for any festival you sponsor in the Norfolk region that could enjoy a boost in attention & attendance.
Thank you very much-
Jan Wilkins
President, Jan Wilkins Enterprises – Roanoke, VA
thank you about your comment. we organise trips and excurcion to the desert of erg chebbi .if you need info contact us at .www.salemdesertcameltrips.com
What is the origin of the name, "Baldhead Island"?
Need a form traveling with my daughters and my dog to Canada
For a safe and affordable vacation in a country where same sex mariage is legal, your stay with us will be unforgettably restful, welcoming and adventurous. The Centre Goéland, a non-profit and charitable centre in Prince Edward Island Canada can offer your family a vacation experience with a cultural and linguistic flair on the southern Acadian coast of Prince Edward Island. Our retreat and camp centre caters to groups and offers packages as per your groups' request. Contact information: http://www.centregoeland.org,info@centregoeland.org, Fax:902-854-3454, Phone:902-854-2546. Ici on parle français.
We had a terrible time with the dot2dot service. When we arrived at St. Pancras we were not able to find the van. We called for assistance but were put on hold for 15 minutes. Unfortunately, there is only a fifteen minute window to catch the van. Even so when we finally got through the agent directed us out the wrong door and the call was disconnected. When we called back we were on hold for another 9 minutes when we saw a dot2dot van drive by us and ignore our attempts to wave it down. We ended up catching a very expensive cab to Heathrow. When we contact dot2dot about this thinking we could get at least a partial refund we were told to kiss off. They claim there service is good, but 15 minute holds and wrong directions under these circumstances is not good service.
Other than that this is a good article.
What kind of form need kid to have to travel with no parents. Parents will met him(her) at distanation aeroport.
Thanks.
Skiboards are not just for kids.
A very nice overview of the city with lots of great information (And thanks for mentioning the CVB, Positively Cleveland, as a resource for travelers.) I'd just add two points–for those who haven't been to Cleveland in years, there are some new downtown dining/nightlife districts in addition to the west bank of The Flats that include Gateway, East Fourth Street and the Warehouse District. And, in addition to nearby Geauga Lake, there is what has been repeatedly voted the greatest amusement park in the world–Cedar Point. Also, travelers looking for discounts might want to try the Cleveland Plus Pass, a multi-attraction discount ticket that gives admission to 10 major attractions at a savings of 30% or more.
What's more fun for kids than camping?
Tent 4 Rent offers complete, set up, tent accommodation for small and bigger families. You don't have to take any camping and or kitchen gear. Just pack up your personal stuff and enjoy a relaxing camping trip that even fits in te smaller budgets.
My name is sanjib adhikari. I am a register trekking guide in the Nepalese Himalaya. After working several years as a porter, and becoming fluent in English and Chinese languages, I became a guide in 2001. I have spent the past 7 years as a professional trekking guide, .I have been working 6 years in severl companey but now I am currently working as an independent guide.
During the last 7 years, I have become very familiar with many Trekking Destination, including The Everest, Annapurna and Langtang Regions, As well as Mustang, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Helambu. I am very knowledgeable about local flora and fauna, cultural history and environmental issues in the areas where I trek. For Trekkers hoping to climb high passes and peaks, I can accommodate this challenging and rewarding adventure. My experience includes mera peak, island peak, kalapathar, gokyo peak, tseryo ri and I have led expeditions across many high passes in Nepal, Larkye pass, Ampulapcha Pass, Chola pass, Renjula pass, Tashilapcha pass, Ganjala pass, thorong pass, Tilicho pass, (Mesokantola pass)
There are many types of treks in Nepal, ranging from relaxed easy trekking where you can experience Nepalese Culture and Village life to tea-house trekking in popular regions, to unique treks into areas of Nepal that are off the beaten track and seldom visited by foreigners. All treks offer spectacular scenery and a viewpoint into Nepali culture. I can tailor our treks to meet your wishes.
My clients have been very pleased with my professional guiding services, and you may read some of their comments. i can offer you a unique and challenging experience of a lifetime! Please contact me at the email address listed below if you have questions or would like discuss a possible trek! I will look forward to hearing from you!
Thank Your,
Independent Trekking Guide in Nepal
Email: sanjibac@gmail.com.com
sanjib-adhikari@hotmail.com
http://www.nepalguideinfo.com
wow…very nice views and good adventures,and everything there were look like morning pearl bright lighting,and it's seems to me that was very happy family enjoying them happily and freely as their desires appeared on each them own faces,mates.I ask you might add any other interesting views like those above available .
THANK YOU
Sue Morse: Please see the form at the end of the article. Fill it out with the proper informatin and the forms will be sent to you. Thanks!
please email me a travel permission letter and also a medical permission letter.
Thank you
My name is Mercedes Abreu I was a Teachers' Assistant at John Young Elementary School.I love children! During the summers I would babysit kids whos parents had to work during the day.I have also worked whith many diffent age groups,ranging from new born to school aged children.
i like 2 job there what i can do
Online shopping is a wonderful way to save time as well as money. Greatskin often have great sales and many even have free shipping. These tips will help you find the coolest gifts for the best prices, all without leaving your house. Discount coupons or free shipping voucher policies are normally entered during the checkout process or in the shopping cart. As each online store is different, it is important to read fine print regarding the e-voucher and prior to discount coupon codes or promotional offers use.
parisattitude was indeed hepful during our stay in Paris on june 2009.
nice hotel to stay
i'm feeling watch envirment
It is an interesting experience to find prejudice you thought never existed. Great story!
This is awesome. You set the scene really well.
I love how you only focused on the greeting. Very memorable.
Wow, what a privilege! Twelve private accesses per year!
You guys really need to add a place to click on for the prices because i 39 and was hoping to take my ten kids up there camping but i do not know the prices… and i actually thought about being a regular camper there. your gonna loose alot of money since no one even knows how much we are supposed to pay!!!!
TRAVEL BUDDIES and TOURS
Dear buddies
We here at Travel Buddies and Tours are happy to offer fresh and unique tours to our travelers. Each tour has its own specialties and advantages that none other has. Also our company is able to plan and design tailor made tours to suit your budget and every desire. Our main purposes are planning excellent tours with reasonable prices, serving fresh and healthy foods to suit every diet, providing experienced drivers, skilful guides and great chefs and ensuring the upmost safety in transportation. The staff at Travel Buddies and Tours have great passion to develop and contribute to responsible tourism activities in Mongolia. We look forward to your participation on our tours.
Tours offered include:
Horseback adventures
Nomads tours
Real adventures that take you off-the-beaten-track
Walking tours
Cycling tours
Fishing and hunting tours
Jeep tours
Volunteer vacations
A combination of all orany of the above.
Services:
Finding travel buddies – you can find your travel buddies here.
Tourist information – we can provide the information that you need.
Renting cars – we organize vehicle rentals for traveling around Mongolia.
Hiring guides – if you need a guide or interpreter, you can hire from us.
http://www.travelbuddiesandtours.blogspot.com
zozo_1031@yahoo.com, etn_urtnasan@yahoo.com
Address East side of State Department Store, Travel Buddies and Tours
Contact: +976-88536061, 95215728
im happy to indoors your resort.. i hope that sometimes i could be useful movers and doers in your society…. mwaaaahhhhhhh mwahhhhhhhh hugsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss kissssssssssssssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeees
dear you
we want to travel to your country but we can't.we need visa for it and visa need to invitation and invitation letter need to your kind attend.
please inform me.
sincerely yours
well come to himalayan federal democracy country of nepal I am sujanNepal (independent trekking and tour guide of Nepal since 9 years. I am a register trekking guide. I have been working in Nepal tourism industry since 11years as a professional trekking guide. I have a wide variety of skills in this sector and can guarantee that foreigners who visit with me in Nepal are truly positive and happy with me and confidently recommend my service to new visitors to Nepal. I offer any kinds of trip in Nepal like; trekking, tour, rafting, jungle safari, ticketing, hotel reservation and many more…. TREKKING IN NEPAL Trekking is the most popular adventure activity in Nepal. The experience of walking through Nepalese villages, learning their cultures and Enjoying real natural views along the way are considered once in a life time experience. The Nepalese landscape with varying altitudes up to 5600 meter for trekking at various routes are best experience for true Nepalese lifestyle of indigenous people, their culture, religions and habitat. http://www.nepaltrekkingtour.com offer full ranges of Best Quality trekking trips that available in all Trekking Regions of Nepal. However, Annapurna, Everest and Lang tang. NEPAL TOURS Tour is the easiest way to explore Natural beauty, cultures, religions and people of Nepal without Physical efforts. Most of our tours include scenic overland drive or breathtaking flights from one interesting place to another place we organize all available tours in Nepal (Cultural & Religious Tours, Honeymoon Tours & wildlife tours) at best price with Quality services and Accommodations as your choices and requirements. Some of Our Best of Nepal tours are as follows: ADVENTURE TRIPS IN NEPAL Nepal is country of full Adventure Activities. Wild life Safari, Bungy Jump, Canyoning, White water Rafting, Rock Climbing, Kayaking, Paragliding, Ultra Light flight, Everest View Flight, Cable Car Ride are the most exciting Extra Adventure Activities of Nepal. I organize all these Activities anytime before and after you''re Treks, Tours or climbing as per guest''s requirements. If you wish to experience all Activities in Nepal, you are most welcome for trip of once in a lifetime Adventures. ADVANTAGES TO TRAVEL WITH ME( SUJAN) Quality services at Low Price with Great value Safe & Comfortable Holiday Complete Hassle free Services Flexibility in all programs Comfort Accommodations & Hygienic meals Professional, Experienced, Experts & Dedicated Staffs Government Authorized Independent Guide sujan
sujan.nepal100@gmail.com
for detail information other activities visit our home page
http://www.nepaltrekkingtour.com
http://www.mountaintrekkingguide.com
00977-9841035868
Hello,
This is a nice and valuable article. Thank you very much.
I like to work beside the beach such as having shop, ship, and selling sea shells
I like to work beside the beach like have shop ,ship or sea shels
Great title, great story.
Amen. Terrifying. It’s amazing that you got to travel there, though.
Wow, what a great opportunity!