Travel Answers

Hi everyone!

I would appreciate some help from you! :) I see many of you visited Iceland or live there, to you're perfect to ask some questions.

You see, this summer I am going there to do EVS voluntary project in Reykjavik, for 1 year! The only thing that concerns me is the food. I have this diet recommended by my therapy - chinese traditional medicine, also similar to ayurvedic principles etc. That means I'm vegetarian (but sometimes I let myself eat fish, because well, I just like it!), I don't eat a lot of diary products (when I do, I watch with what I'm combining it with), eat a lot of different vegetables and fruits, cook only on coconut oil and sometimes also buy some special foods like: spices (big spice lover), quinoa, tapioca, pinenuts, goji berries ETC. Some main things, like a toothpaste, schampoo, face cream and body lotion, I also rather buy organic (certified).

I really can't imagine what are prices for this kind of food and products like. I'm going to self-cater there, don't intend to eat outside in restaurants. Yes I heard that Bonus is the cheapest, but why is it so cheaper then the other shops? Is it possible that the food is more artificial? I AM planning to have a low or normal budget, but still wish to buy good quality food, and if so - sometimes affording even the organic-one. Can anyone recommend me some good shops with special foods or organic veggies, that don't have such fancy prices, perhaps? Or can anyone give me some info about cold pressed coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil? Because I was thinking about bringing a few stuff with me, but the suitcase will be packed with other things, and I don't even know if people are allowed to do that. I mean if the prices are relevant to ours (here in Slovenia... since we all get quinoa or coconut oil from same countries), or not much higher than here, I will of course buy all when I arrive and won't bring food with me like an obsessed fool :).

I'm not picky, but I love to cook and love good food, and that is not neccesary to be expensive or fancy, just healthy and tasty.

Ooh, and where do they have best fish markets? :)

Uuh this is kinda long, I hope anyone reads it. But I'd be really really thankful if you did!

REGARDS FROM SLOVENIA, BY ANA

I'm going on my own to Iceland for 70 days (roughly 2 months) for tour and photography in the middle of April to about July 5th. I was thinking of renting a studio apartment in Reykjavik, which I've read could be as low as $650 per month? My plan is pretty basic, just rent an apartment for 2 months and occasionally travel by bus to destinations outside of Reykjavik. Other than that, I will probably only be spending on food. I don't drink alcohol (I'm 18) and I don't eat meat other than fish. I plan to do grocery shopping and cook my own meals with the exception of maybe buying small pastries from coffee shops.

We're just beginning to brainstorm a trip to Iceland. We would like to spend a few weeks touring in a smallish camper or motorhome. I've poked around online and found the prices for this in the summer months to be pretty outrageous (US$350-400/day). For 2-3 weeks we would be looking at something like $8000 which seems a bit excessive.

So, the question is, does anyone have experience shipping a vehicle to Iceland? We are in California, but it would be easy enough to drive to New York, or some other East Coast port. We have our own small motorhome that I doubt would fit in a container. The other option would be a full-sized van converted for camping.

And, what about importing? I wonder if it is an option to buy a van here - ship it there - spend our time traveling - and then sell it (profit or not) - and come home empty handed.

Any advice would be wonderful.

(I should add that we are two adults and three small children...)

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