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).
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“We could change our clothes less often and the world more often.”
Wow. Just… wow.
Congratulations :]
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Thanks for writing. I hear you and respect your view point. I guess it's all in the attitude and approach. Just concerned that the spas may promote a self-centered attitude, but you don't think so and that's cool.
Best
I love holidays and weekend breaks. Recently we stay at an authentic Castle in France.
It would be good to have more chains like Premier Inn, especially in Europe
Inn
Give Kids the world
Dreams for some, Nightmears for others
Everyone that visits Give Kids the World comes out very please, that's because of the great treatment and better yet for its facilities, well thats what people see from the outside what goes on inside is a different story. The worse this that could ever happend to any one trying to provide for their home, I am a ex-employee and I want the world to know while you may see all of us with a smile in our face, thats not what we truly feel. In this company there is what's called competition for power, also hatred between employees and most of all ethnic racism there is no such thing as employee relationship due to the bad administration that depends on what people can say there for approving of those they like and getting rid of those that they don't that many not occure with all hispanics only with those thats are not liked.The sad part about all of this is that every conversation White American has with their Group is no simpler then how they are going to get rid of the next guy without even investigate anything about that person as has happend in the past few months all put together but a group whos leader is Richard Bortula (profecional racist) and has use people like Jhon Bushko to put together stories about all the hispanic which get carried out to the person in charge of executing their employees no matter how profecional or respectful they are whith out any respect the person I am talking about is Neal McCord Acompanied by the person in charge of human resorces Taberi Scott(another racist). She is in charge of dismising inocent hispanic for no operant reason yet the other American who have been know for several offences and untocheble for these two people. The last thing is when Richard Bortula uses two other latins to accuse another latin of racism that leading to his dissmisal and not giving him any explanation not even the benefit of the doubt. Ladies and Gentelments unfortunately this is an institute were the main goal is to provide well being and happy relationships but all of this happenings is due to the administration once again. All I have to say is, what kind of dreams is a kiss going to have when his or her dad cant buy them a chritsmas present, This is not a dream this is a Nightmear.
I know a natural supplement for flu and colds. It is not like cough and cold preparations in the stores which only deal with symptomatic relief. It strengthens our resistance to the viral infection.
This natural supplement is Sinus Eliminato Complex.
Sinus Eliminato complex is made up of Carpinus Betulus (Hornbeam) buds, Rosa Canina (Dog Rose) young shoots, Sambucus Nigra (Black Elder) buds, Populus Nigra (Black Poplar), Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) and Juglans Regia (Wlanut) buds.
Fecka (2009) has isolated tannins and polyphenols from Rosa Canina. Polyphenols act as antioxidants. They protect cells and body chemicals against damage caused by free radicals, reactive atoms that contribute to tissue damage in the body. In addition, polyphenols also activate the key enzyme (AMP kinase) that can exert an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the activation of inducible inflammatory proteins that normally occurs once the innate immune system has been activated.
A study done by Roschek et al (2009) has shown that Sambucus Nigra (Black Elder) has flavonoids which bind to and prevent H1N1 infection.
Also contained in Sinus Eliminato are a variety of plant growth hormones and vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D, which can certainly fight off infection and boost immune resistance during the cold months!
WHY WASTE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS during this economic recession for only temporary symptomatic relief when you have a natural supplement which you can buy for $ 30 a bottle and experience relief after 1-2 weeks and boost immune resistance as well to prevent repeated viral infections which can cost you thousands of dollars in clinic visits, medicines and hospitalizations? NOT TO MENTION your lost time in work.. and the time you can spend with your kids and loved ones!
Sinus Eliminato Complex can be purchased at PSC Nutrition’s website: http://store.plantstemcells.net.
For more top tips and advice on fun family holidays and breaks in London, including family friendly hotels and things to do visit http://www.takethefamily.com
I don't get why Brian Head is up there – it does have a lovely ski school for kids but it can't even come close to the other areas you mention or many other western US resorts for a family experience. It's really a day trip for people who live in Las Vegas!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful story. You make some great points and I hope to have the experience you did one day.
I especially like that you wish that kind of eye-opening experience for the people you care about too.
Can anyone tell me where I can buy golden russet apples.
Thanks
I did my essay on Honduras too! How refreshing 🙂
Vanessa, great article! Another great source of both domestic and international vacation condos/resorts/villas/homes is http://www.VacationValuesClub.com With over 2 Million weeks in 200 countries, there are a lot of choices at prices that are really affordable- especially for a family. Check it out
I love Europe!
We get many questions from parents about their kids traveling within the US, over state lines, with guardians other than their parents.
It is illegal to cross U.S. state lines with a minor without custodial parents' consent, and the age of "minors" varies across the states. However, the families within this travel community have never complained about having a problem when inviting friends of their children along on a trip, for example, so we have little experience with this issue.
Therefore, this article is for travel outside the United States, where there are clear international laws in place to prevent international child abduction.
Within the US, temporary guardians should use the same permission to travel letter as well as medical treatment authorization letter noted at the end of the article, when possible.
Keep in mind that these laws are in place to allow authorities to investigate a traveling party if they notice suspicious activity (such as children who resist going with adults). Of course, the majority of travelers will never be stopped and questioned. For most of you, if the birth parents are easily available by phone, then making a daytrip should not be a problem.
nice to know 😀
What a great article! We went to Tulum a few years back, before we had kids, and loved staying in the $15 cabanas on the beach but always wondered how to go back with the little ones … you have given us an option!
I would like to know if a permission letter from my son and Daughter inlaw and my grand Daughters birth certificate is enough to take my 10 yr old grand daughter
on a day trip in to the U.S.A
I agree that these ski trips are expensive, and although I enjoy going with the family I don't ski, and have no urge to learn at my age. I love going with the family however, but spend all my time at the spa and the lounge in front of the fire.
In this article the author comes across as the typical 'progressive' who feels apologetic about their country.
I found online trip planning tools to be a great resource when i wsa planning our reunion. Nice sites for planning are http://www.triporama.com and tripit.com. We planned out our hotels through http://www.groople.com and once through http://www.hotelscouter.com All the resources can be found with simple searches online. It used to be much different when we were growing with actual maps and stopping for directions.
Planning an event, whether large or small, can be a challenge
Hi, a tutu is what we would call a taxi in Anerica. They get you from one place to another and they are mad so different. They don’t have doors on them, they can fit about 3-4 people in them. They don’t have a steering wheel what the driver drive with is made like a motorcyle steering wheel. They are so fun and amazing… If you would visit the website at the bottom of my article you will get a chance to see one… Thanks for your interest in my article…
We are off to the Whitsundays with our two girls for ten days and the article sounds great. We're provisioning ourselves though, as we save alot of money each time we sail from Shute Harbour. We've also practised man-overboard procedure in our pool and have increased the frequency of our girls swimming lessons and have stinger suits.
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Nice article. I have traveled Ireland many times and loved staying in Self Catering vacation rentals. It's like having a home form home and provides lots of space for the kids.
"parents …will find that the special infant fare is currently offered on all major domestic airlines;" Not all of them. "Delta does not offer discounted infant and child fares for travel within the domestic U.S." according to their website.
Made my mouth water. A great piece. Can't wait to return to discover the places you did and we didn't.
Great piece! Very insightful!
what a fascinating article
it certainly makes the cove palace come to life
seems like a great place to go
alison you brought it to life
We did a similar trip when our daughter was 6 at Club Med. However, that was much more costly and with fewer options.
This sounds great.
I loved reading your article. Our family tends to vacation your USUAL way (that is, no big all- inclusive resort package) yet reading your piece I realized how much our teenage kids would enjoy that type of experience- whoa! A teenage LOUNGE? Cool!! So if indeed such a holiday can be had as you say at an economic price- why not? Who knows, maybe next time we might just head down to Mexico ourselves- the easy way!
PS: We are interested in Eastern Europe and are considering a family holiday in Serbia or Croatia- Any suggestions? Maybe there are some good family deals over there?
Indy is a great place to visit … so many things to do, yet very walkable and convenient. And affordable.
"Chinggis" Tourist Camp is located in the Southern Part of Terelj National Park ( GPS: N47°49.893', E107° 31.339') in the beautiful natural Tuul river Nomad's Sacred Valley of streams, pine trees with mountains and steppes in the background , just 55km (25miles) from Ulaanbaatar city."Chinggis" Tourist Camp is Highly recommended by "Lonely Planet Mongolia", by the author Michael Kohn and Mongolian Tourism Board. "Chinggis" Tourist Camp, was inaugurated in July 2002 in memory of "Chinggis" Khaan's 840th Birthday Celebration!.This lovely traditional tourist camp owned by Samar Magic Tours LLC, lies on the bank of "Tuul" river between 107°31'29" Longitude and 47°49'32'' Latitude. The average altitude is 1446m (4338 feet) above sea level. "
-A 40 meter (~133,3 feet) Statue of "Chinggis" Khaan on a big horse on Tsonjin Boldog Hill is located just ~3kms (~1,5miles) to "Chinggis" Tourist Camp.
-Around 15km (~7.5miles) Southeast of the "Chinggis" Tourist Camp is an 8th-century Turkic Stele of Tonyukuk.
Hi Shamita,
What’s a tutu… it sounds pretty funny.
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Whew!*sigh of relief* Fathers are really amazing, they can comfort you whenever possible. This post made me realize that diffrent people has diffrent cultures, it just that, sometimes, we need to trust others, as one saying goes “If you’ll never learn to trust, how can you find the good guys?” 😉
Life’s really like that, sometimes, learnings come from unexpected places. Good for you atleast that experience made you a better person.:)
hi to all my family?
The author mentions 2 highly regarded companies, Nabila Tours and Sonesta, an American hotel chain that has boats on the Nile. Both companies have links in the story, and both can help with land arrangements as well.
Another author traveled with Oberoi Tours, an Indian hotel chain with Nile boats, and loved her trip. You can read about it on http://www.travelBIGO.com.
For more help, please fill out a Custom Trip Plan request form at this link: http://www.travelbigo.com/trip_plans/new and we'd be glad to help you.
Wish all the family have a nice time in China.
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Halong Bay Kayaking: Halong bay cover the area of 1600square km with 3000 plus islets rising above the emerald water. This 3 day trip is not only for the adventure- bound traveller but also for those who appreciate seafood or time on the water
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Festival Hue: Visit Hue by the waterway. The all day boat trip give us a chance to visit the ancient capital of Vietnam: tomb of the Emperor, Perfume river, Pagodas… Hue own its beauty to its narrow treet, tranquil garden houses and old pagodas
Vung Tau Golf tour: Located just 100 km in the west of Hochiminh City, Vung Tau is perfect relaxing place for the locals in the City. The trip combine golfing and relaxing in the top resort of Vietnam.
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RoomSaver's website says that they are available in all of the lower 48 states, so they are no longer limited to 33. I love using them myself, both for the discounts as well as the free maps! I even follow them on Facebook and Twitter!
Who can you recommend to book us an organized tour for a family of three. Travel would be between December 21, 2009 and January 1, 2010.
This is such a good story and you make a really good point about how people — often more than places — make up the travel experience. I hope I sit next to you on a plane some day.
hello, i would like to spend ma holidays in engaging in that forum, so i need an invitation letter. Hope to hear from u.
Ruth.
I'm goin to travel to another state to see my family, and my cousin wants me to take her 6month baby boy so the family can meet him. What kind of form would I need in order for me to travel with my cousin's baby?
Please e-mail me and I woild appreciate your help.
wonderful!!
Please send me a copy of letter of concent so that I may use it to travel with my children Thank you