There’s no better way to appreciate the rugged beauty of nature than a family road trip, especially along Iceland’s south coast, one of the world’s most geologically diverse regions. If you plan your Iceland getaway with the family carefully, you can turn an Iceland south coast road trip into a bucket list adventure.
Clean, green Iceland has a sophisticated infrastructure, including a Ring Road that many film buffs take a few weeks to drive. While that will lead you to some of the country’s most interesting volcanoes and geothermal features and “Star Wars” filming locations, it’s too much time in the backseat for most children.
When to Go: Iceland’s South Coast Itinerary
Instead, tour the country’s southern coast, which can be done in four days.
Renting a campervan or RV is a fantastic way to explore Iceland with maximum flexibility and freedom. This mode of travel allows you to set your own pace, discover hidden gems off the beaten path, and fully immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes around you.
Note that between May and September, the road conditions should be good. June and July bring the famously long days of the midnight sun, and warmer temperatures linger into August. Weather is always unpredictable because rain and strong winds are common. During the winter months, rent a four-wheel drive vehicle to grab any opportunity to see the Northern Lights.
Iceland is known for its outdoor adventures, so we’ll point out a few excursions sure to interest kids, no matter what they’re into. Here are some favorite places to stop on your Iceland south coast itinerary.
Day 1: Reykjavík to Westman Islands – 187 miles roundtrip
Since you’ve flown into Reykjavík, why not spend a few nights relaxing and indulging in the city’s famous foodie scene (anything seafood.) It’s easy to arrange a day tour by ferry to the Westman Islands from the port of Landeyjahöfn. This route passes waterfalls, volcanoes and glaciers and, around the many fjords, you may see whales and puffins.
On Heimaey, the largest of the Westman Islands, the small Eldheimar Museum commemorates the 1973 volcanic eruption. This good news bad news event lasted for months, forced thousands to flee and expanded the region’s landmass by 20%. It’s a great introduction to geologic features that make Iceland’s scenery so spectacular. Some day tours also include hiking around the island to see the Eldfell volcano or boating around nearby waters.
Just to the east is Eyjafjallajökull, the famously active volcano whose 2020 eruption sent a huge cloud of ash over Europe that disrupted air travel for nearly a week.
Day 2: Reykjavík to Geysir on the Golden Circle Route – 75 miles
Ready to hit the road? Begin by following the old Viking trail through many small fishing towns on the so-called Golden Circle, a route that returns to Reykjavík.
Þingvellir National Park (pronounced Thingvellir) is famous for many reasons. It’s both a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the place where the world’s first national assembly met in 930 A.D. It’s also where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Watch your step because constant volcanic activity has torn open fissures in the earth that fill with water. Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake, has such clear spring-fed waters that divers and snorkelers from around the world come to explore. Let the backseat know that the park has also been a popular filming location for “Game of Thrones.”
From here, it’s on to the Haukadalur Geothermal Area, with the not-very-active geothermal feature called Geysir that gave its name to Old Faithful and other fissures that shoot steaming water from the earth’s core. Let the kids hunt for venting steam and mud pots, all signs of volcanic activity that are easily seen along the many trails here and in the forest.
The more impressive geyser Strokkur is nearby; unlike Geysir, it shoots out flumes from 45 to 120-feet tall every 10 minutes or so. There’s also the active Litli-Geysir nearby.
Geysir Geothermal Region Tips!
Older kids will be fascinated by LAVA, the Iceland Volcano & Earthquake Centre that combines lots of amazing movies of erupting volcanoes in a very cool science museum devoted to this fascinating geology. From Thursday-Sunday, buy Family Pack tickets that include a film plus all exhibits for two adults and unlimited children under age 17.
This area is a good base for a few nights. There are small horse farms and hostels like Geysir Hestar that provide good value. Even better, accommodations include private cottages if you’re concerned about encountering crowds. This is the place to arrange horseback rides.
Be sure to have water bottles for everyone in the family and snacks for a picnic whenever you find solid land.
Day 2-3: Geysir Region to Gullfoss – 35 miles
Spend day two on local excursions, either a guided horseback ride with a local who can explain the region’s volcanic history, or a dip in Iceland’s oldest swimming pool.
Swimming pools — natural geothermal lagoons but sometimes manmade ones — are very popular in Iceland. Did you know that swimming is the national sport? Secret Lagoon in the nearby town of Flúðir dates back to 1891 and it’s no longer a secret. Change at their bathhouses to soak in the natural springs that stay at a toasty 100-102 degrees Fahrenheit all year.
About an hour from Flúðir is the fifth tallest waterfall in Iceland, Háifoss. Hike from the end of the rough gravel road to the base of the falls; your family will feel they own the place because there are so few other visitors. There are also many other lesser known geothermal wonders around.
Get up close and personal on the slippery stone walkways at Gullfoss, a short drive away. Also called Golden Falls, it thunders down 105 feet in two enormous steps into a canyon carved by the Hvítá River.
Gullfoss & Flúðir Region Tips!
Don’t rush your way through this beautiful region.
If your family is adventurous, this is the place to book a jetboat tour or try river rafting on the Hvítá River. Be sure to keep an eye out and a camera ready for the rainbows created by the clouds of mist.
Day 3-4: Gullfoss Falls to the Blue Lagoon – 120 miles
Often considered the last stop on the Golden Circle which returns back to Reykjavík, the manmade Blue Lagoon is on the Reykjanes peninsula, about 10 miles from Keflavik Airport.
Enroute, stop at Kerið Crater. The large crater filled with blue-green water is easy to recognize as a former volcano. It is said to be 3,000 years old and is just about an hour’s drive south of Gullfoss on Route 35.
Make an unusual detour before you reach it to Sólheimar Eco Village, a sustainable farming and arts community. Founded in 1930. it’s supported by the Church of Iceland. Their mission is to foster individual success, especially for those with disabilities. Make time to visit; volunteers are welcomed. In addition to organic farming, greenhouses and guesthouses at this eco-tourism community, on-site workshops produce candles, carpentry, weaving, soap and arts n’ crafts.
Don’t miss the Blue Lagoon on Iceland’s south coast, justly famous for its volcanic architecture and strikingly blue 104-degree hot springs. The other-worldly color is created by an abundance of Sulphur, Silica and algae; the muddy bottom is considered medicinal.
Blue Lagoon Sightseeing Tips!
With a reputation for enhancing the skin (basic admission gets you a Silica mud mask), an Instagram presence to rival the Kardashians and easy access by motor coach from Reykjavík, you can imagine how crowded this day spa can get.
To optimize your photo opportunities and social distancing, consider staying the night in the posh hotels, or booking a day at the on-site Retreat Spa, with its private pools, treatment rooms and bathing section.
Day 5-6: Moving East Along the Iceland’s South Coast – 210 miles
Not ready to go back home? The south coast’s natural attractions don’t cease at the Golden Circle. Families with more time should drive east from the Kerið Crater. Head along the shore road to Skógafoss, a tall and broad waterfall whose dense mist guarantees a rainbow on almost any sunny day.
At Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, watch, in real time, as chunks of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier break off into a deep lagoon. The stunning sight is caused by recent ice melt. This living climate change lesson is best appreciated on the ferry and inflatable boat tours that run May to October. From the vessels, you can get close up to the mother Vatnajökull Glacier and icebergs. Look out seals and other wildlife that make this frozen landscape their home. From here, it is about 230 miles west to Reykjavík.
Budgeting South Coast Road Trip Tips!
Plan your itinerary carefully and choose Iceland’s south coast accommodations to meet your budget and family needs. True outdoorsmen will appreciate the many camping options available along the route, as long as you know your camping style and can plan ahead to have everything you need on hand.
An important note: The local currency is Icelandic krona (ISK) and while your trip may be very rustic, food, hotels, guided tours and fuel can be expensive. By some traveler accounts, family trips can easily cost $300+ per person per day. However, if Iceland is on your bucket list, there’s nothing like a south coast road trip to fulfill your dreams.
This blog post written by the Family Travel Forum staff has been sponsored by AirCharterServiceUSA.com to help families planning an Iceland vacation.
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.
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People who choose to book trips for summer or further out should do so with caution; the coronavirus pandemic is unpredictable. And many reservations may claim flexibility. Amid so much unknown, there will be one certainty: the headaches of rescheduling and canceling.
With a rugged interior featuring 286 peaks topping 3,000 meters Taiwan’s railway system is shoehorned onto the coastal margins where most of Taiwan’s cultural life is concentrated. Whether you ride the high-speed service from Taipei City to the second city of Kaohsiung or spend a week slowly circumnavigating the island by local train, all journeys are within eyeshot of either the cobalt-blue Pacific Ocean, flatlands of verdant rice-paddies, or towering mountainsides
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Amazing Post! about Amsterdam
There’s one street in Baltimore that’s more festive than the rest. Every holiday season, the neighborhood of Maryland’s miracle on h Street is decked out in Christmas lights and festive displays. From a tree made of hubcaps to classic candy cane fixtures, each house is uniquely decorated.
Considering Northeast Ohio has plenty of breweries, as well, Thomann was asked if it’s more likely we’ll find the members of Dorfrocker touring different venues tasting beers or visiting the Rock Roll Hall of Fame?
Covid-19 certainly affects travels plan…Not long ago my friends were among passengers of the British cruise ship Braemar. And how could the US refuse to help the ship and close the borders?? Unlike the US, Cuba showed its humanity and friendship! Thank you Cuba
Would you like to stay in the gorgeous area around Keukenhof? You can! We have a broad range of great hotels and bed and breakfasts for you. Accommodations in Haarlem, Leiden or Amsterdam are also good options.
I will reach Amsterdam only on 19 May morning, the last day of the flower exhibit. Is it still worthwhile to go Keukenhof Gardens? Will there still be many flowers to be seen?
Tulips and other flowers mainly bloom during spring. March through May is therefore the best time to visit the Netherlands if you want to watch them in bloom. The world’s most beautiful spring park, the Keukenhof, is open during this time.
If a court order states that one parent can travel abroad with the child without the consent of the other parent, what documentation is required? We recommend carrying a copy of the court order stating that the other parent’s consent is not needed to travel abroad with the child. Any questions about the wording of the court order should be directed to a family lawyer.
If transporting your pet by air is the only option, find out whether they can travel in the cabin with you. Most airlines will allow you to take a cat or small dog in the cabin for an additional fee. But you must call the airline well in advance; there are limits to the number of animals allowed in the cabin. If you are transporting your dog, make sure they meet the size requirements. If you get overwhelmed by all the regulations, there are companies that can help you navigate through the process of flying with a pet.
Is a consent letter mandatory? There is no Canadian legal requirement for children to carry a consent letter. However, a consent letter may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country, airline agents or Canadian officials when re-entering Canada. Failure to produce a letter upon request may result in delays or refusal to enter or exit a country.
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2 adults available to drive your car from New Orleans to north suburb of Chicago mid October. Need 3 or four nights. Split the gas,
Dogs and cats should always be kept safely inside the car. Pets who are allowed to stick their heads out the window can be injured by particles of debris or made sick by having cold air forced into their lungs. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck.
Ever dreamed of driving along the cliffs that overlook the Pacific with the windows down? Or wanted to travel the historic Oregon Trail in a car instead of on a computer? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.
Rhonda, from a railman who started his train travel when he was 16, I would strongly suggest a Canadian Train Ride! Via Rail Canada offers four significant rides through wilderness and coastal areas with deluxe, overnight trains from Toronto to Vancouver ( 4 nights), and Montreal to Halifax, Nova Scotia (one night). Both offer a chance to have decent meals enroute, and sleeping car accommodations. Train crews tend to be a bit friendlier than south of the border, Canada, largely uninhabited, offers many scenic vistas with little hamlets few and far between, certainly a wonderful way for both of you to enjoy these new experiences.
Via Rail Canada also offers Railpasses, which enable you to travel on other routes as well for a bit of a price reduction. It’s all up to you!
Their website is http://www.viarail.ca for further information.
My son is a rail fan and we have traveled only in the US but I would love to surprise him with an excursion where he could talk to the train staff and railroad personnel. I would also like to include beautiful scenery as well for Both of us. My son is 16 and I am 59. We love to explore and don’t mind walking and roughing it!! any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won??™t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
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This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.
7 memorable Tips for Traveling to Mexico
Don stress if you don Mexico is agreeable to English speaking travelers, And there a ton of tips to get to know the country landscapes, terms, And younger culture.
yet still, If you new to traveling or have never been out of the us, A trip to Mexico may be somewhat frightening.
If you interested in learning some tips for traveling to Mexico, Take a look at our 7 easy to remember tips for your journey. We outlined some of the basics that you’d like to learn for your own aventura!
1. Choose the Right Transportation If you traveling to Mexico, You need to decide you might arrive by car, aeroplane, Or liner. It important to know how you want to arrive because it will searching,an extravagance,good to have city you arrive in, How much luggage you results, and so forth.
an individual can find international flights if you prefer to travel by air. instead, There are plenty of cruises to Mexico that you can enjoy if you like the amenities and beautiful views that are included in ship travel!
If you live nearby the border, Or just need to take a bit of a road trip, going down the road by car is always an option as well.
2. Use Pesos When You Can It best if you use the local currency pesos when you can. while touristy areas accept USD, They choose the rate at that they accept it, So it is possible to get a better deal if you just use pesos.
Consider exchanging USD for pesos somewhere in the usa before your trip and dividing up your cash between USD and pesos during your trip.
3. Know bathing room Etiquette In Mexico, The sewage pipes just aren built to handle a lot. this means that people rarely flush their toilet paper. rather than, There will often be a trash bin near the toilet for you to put your used toilet paper in.
further, Men may make of entering a bathroom labeled with an M, let’s assume that it stands for However, The M actually can stand for mujeres, Which is the word for in Spanish. Men needs to look for doors labeled H, Which stands for the Spanish word for men, Hombres.
4. Practice Some Spanish One of the most basic tips for traveling to Mexico is to learn a few Spanish phrases before your trip.
once you know basic things, Like how to ask where the bathroom is or how to order food, Will make your trip to Mexico a lot smoother. sometimes, The locals will appreciate the effort, Even if they undoubtedly speak English as well!
5. Adjust to the Time Whether you are changing time zones while having trip or staying in the same one, You find that Mexico runs on a lot more fluid schedule. Punctuality is less of a concern, So you take pleasure in it a lot more if you can relax and don push a strict schedule.
furthermore, Meals are spaced out a bit distinct in Mexico. You will usually have a large breakfast, associated with the main meal of the day between 2:00 together with 4:00 pm hours. then finally, You will enjoy a smaller meal at dusk.
6. Drink Bottled Water Bottled water can be found on just about any street corner for purchase. Why exactly do you wish to buy bottled water?
let me tell you, Most of Mexico plain faucet water is unpurified. Some hotels may have filtered water, But be sure to go shopping for a sign above your sinks before you test it out!
If you be residing in Mexico for a lengthier trip, Consider buying or bring a water filter with you to purify the tap water and avoid buying so much bottled water. You be decreasing costs and plastic consumption!
7. Stray off the Beaten Path While sightseeing attractions and famous beaches are always fun to see, Traveling to lesser known places will offer you a more authentic taste of Mexico.
of which this isn an excuse to be reckless or oblivious to your surroundings. Be mindful of the areas you visiting and research where you will make sure it a safe area.
Now You Armed with all very reputable Tips for Traveling to Mexico Mexico is a diverse country with so much to see and offer.
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Many parents of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder dread traveling or often avoid it altogether. Most people with ASD do better with routine and structure and a break from that (vacation) can often lead to stress and even meltdowns. Additionally, traveling by air can include having to navigate a multitude of unpleasant experiences from airport security procedures, moving sidewalks, and boarding tunnels to cramped seats, unfamiliar noises, and lots of strangers. Experts indicate that preparation and practice is the key to a successful flight and travel. Before your trip, talk with your child about what to expect. Go over the details of the travel: how you’ll get to the airport, wait in line, go through security, find your departure gate, get on the plane, buckle seatbelts, and spend time onboard. Flying to See Janet: A Fun Guide to the Airport Experience is a book you can use to prepare children for the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the airport experience. You can also write your own social story.
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Emily, my coming of age years were the late 1970s, early 1980s at the YMCA. I agree with you about the open showers versus the individual shower stalls. From a guys perspective, I spent many nights and weekends swimming or playing basketball at my local YMCA. Showering with not only my friends, but over the years, dads, neighbors and guys from church. It really makes one comfortable, not in a sexual way, with one self and others. Never had the nude swimming, I think that ended in the 1960s as women/girls joined the YMCA, forcing may YWCAs to close their doors.
Amelie, here in the US a number of Korean Spas have opened. As with Japanese, Korean families bath together (grandmother, daughter, grand-daughter), (dad, son) separated by gender. They are starting to attract a diverse clientele (age, race, etc). So who knows, maybe the nude swimming will return to the Y someday.
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Note that Global Affairs Canada cannot provide you with advice about the Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad beyond what is offered on this website.
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helo, do you happent allow drive passengers to another state?
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I’m so happy that you enjoyed your experience at the Onsen!
I’ve never been to an Onsen, but I would love to get to visit one some day.
Back in the 1980s and 1990s my mom was the head supervisor at a YWCA in Ohio. I practically lived in the YWCA (not literally, of course) for the 19 years that my mom worked there. I had a part time job at the YWCA for a few years in the 1990s.
One of the great things about spending so much time at the YWCA was that I grew up using the locker room all of the way from a young child to a young woman and being 100% comfortable with both my own nudity and the nudity of all other females.
I feel that it was so much better back then when the Y had one big room full of shower heads on the walls than it is with stalls these days. The group shower setting was great from a bonding experience. I feel that it’s much healthier psychologically speaking that females are exposed to other women’s and girl’s bodies, as opposed to feeling that we need to hide from each other and change clothes in toilet stalls or under towels.
One of the benefits of having a mom who was a supervisor of the Y was that after hours my mom and my sisters and myself could just skinny dip in the pool, and my sisters and I were allowed to have our female friends with us for a skinny dipping session on Friday and Saturday nights.
Also, my aunt and a few of my female cousins would skinny dip with my mom, my sisters and I every once in a while.
My mom said that she had heard that the YWCA used to have one night a week that was for nude swimming back in the 1960s and most of the 1970s. Obviously it was a female only facility at the time.
Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US-2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.
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Oh man. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I certainly appreciate your take on this though, a little humor goes a long way. I’m headed to Barcelona in a few days, so I’ll be sure to keep my valuables close. Thanks for sharing.