Solo Travel – Iceland Adventures
Top Tips for Travelling Solo in Iceland
There are lots of reasons why many of us want to take holidays on our own but one of them has got to be the freedom, peace and solitude that a solo adventure can bring. Exploring somewhere new with no ties, no schedule and nobody else to please can be just what the doctor ordered for recharging our batteries and being at one with ourselves. A place that just screams tranquillity and rejuvenation is Iceland. Just imagine – soothing thermal lagoons, mountains, volcanoes, geysers and glaciers as the backdrop to your holiday selfies.
In summer, visitors to this uber-cool destination can enjoy long days under the midnight sun, whereas you can look forward to a fantastic display of the Northern Lights and glorious wintry landscapes if you go later in the year. Iceland’s scenery and ambience is a feast for the senses in any season. If you’re thinking of a trip by yourself to restore your body, mind and soul, Iceland could be the trip you’ve been dreaming of.
Why Iceland?
Apart from being beautiful and fascinating, Iceland is one of the friendliest places you could choose to visit on your own. Don’t be alarmed if locals strike up a conversation offering travel advice or invite you to join them for a drink or a meal. Making visitors feel welcome is high on the agenda for Icelanders. It also offers excellent services for travel, tourism, transport and has next to no health concerns. Solo travellers can expect to feel safe here so while you might worry about leaving yourself open to danger whilst travelling on your own, Iceland is one of the safest places on earth. That’s not to say it’s completely without its hazards but generally they are few and far between and the crime rate here is very low. Another good reason for choosing to explore Iceland on your own is that you’re unlikely to encounter language barriers except perhaps in more remote areas. Pretty much everyone speaks English so you can expect your guides, taxi drivers and hotel staff to understand you. Result!
Where to stay?
Obviously where you stay is a big part of your holiday planning but if you’re on your own, it makes sense to choose accommodation which caters for solo travellers without hefty under occupancy surcharges but also it has to be safe. You might also be travelling on a budget and need to take cost into account as well. Here’s a few recommended hotels to help you decide: –
Hotels: Where you hang your hat will depend largely on where you plan to visit when you’re in Iceland but assuming Reykjavik, the country’s dazzling capital is on your agenda, here are some suggestions that offer single rooms:
Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina
Hostels: Iceland has some really good hostels which are ideal for backpackers and low cost travel but they also offer the opportunity to meet like-minded folk to chat to at the end of the day and share your experiences. Solo travel is great but you might fancy a bit of company from time to time.
Try out www.budgetyourtrip.com for some hostel recommendations.
How to get there
EasyJet offer flights to Iceland’s Reykjavik Keflavik from Edinburgh, Belfast, Bristol, Gatwick, Luton and Manchester. Icelandair will get your there from Glasgow International and BA operate a service from London Heathrow.
Tours and Activities
If you’ve decided to explore Iceland, you’ve probably done a lot of the research already and will have firm ideas about things you want to see and do. However, if you need or want a little help – and why not make things a bit easier for yourself – you could try nordicvisitor.com
Nordic Visitor are a specialist travel company that offer flexible, individual and authentic packages all with your own personal itinerary. They have some super cool tours and experiences available and here are just some of the suggestions: –
Northern Highlights Circle Tour
Natural Wonders of Iceland
Highlights of the Ring Road
Winter Highlights and Northern Lights
They also have a good selection of self-drive tours, enabling you to cruise along at your own pace.
Another recommended tour company that offer Iceland trips and adventures is Tour Radar
They have some great tours lined up for single/solo travellers. One that might appeal to you if you don’t want to be away too long is the 6 day Around Iceland Adventure
You can explore the Golden Circle, hike the glacier in Vatnajökull National Park, enjoy the hot springs of Mývatn Nature Baths and take in a whale watching tour. This is a small group tour so even though you’re travelling alone, you can enjoy some company if and when you want it but still soak up the experience of being independent without having to drag your partner or your family along just because you want to go here. Sit back, relax and do your own thing but with the comfort of having everything lined up by a reputable tour company – it really does take the hassle out of sorting everything yourself but still have the joy of being away on your own. Sounds ideal if it’s your first time taking a holiday by yourself and not quite 100% sure about how you’ll get on.
Travelling on your own isn’t for everyone but if you are keen to give into your solo wanderlust, give it a go…it’s not like you’re leaving for good. Everything and everyone will be waiting on you when you get back but for now just suit yourself, and enjoy the ride!
As for Iceland…you couldn’t have picked a more dazzling and atmospheric country for your solo getaway