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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My fiance and I are looking to go to Iceland in November 2013 for our honeymoon. I am wondering how far in advance we should book tickets to get the best price? Right now on Icelandair they are 667 round trip. I think thats a pretty good price, but I'll be kicking myself if the price drops. Any experience with that?

Hi, I'm looking to visit in September but I don't really know anything about Reykjavik apart from bits I've read online. I'm looking at booking Reykjavik Residence Hotel, do any local people know what it is like? How far is it from the main part of town (I've checked tripadvisor but it would be nice to know what locals think). How much money will I need for 3 nights Thurs - Sun. I'll be travelling as a couple and will want to do a few tours and go out at night for meals and drinks. I've read that alcohol is really expensive, we are in our 20's and probably drink more than we should! Is it easy to get to and from the airport? On a Sunday also? Thanks.

We are thinking of spend our Anniversary in Reykjavík, a complete strange environment to us, due to the weather, the usual beach, swiming, and side-walk cafe peopel watching activities are out. So what can we do for 3~4 days there? We are a couple love music/arts, local gourmet eating, cafe, can any of your veterans recommend any adventures there? We are flying from New York, good thing I heard it won't take long to be there. Heard warm natural spring spa is pretty cool there. Thanks! Strad

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a) Which month of year is best to come to Iceland to see the Northern Lights ? b) Is renting a car and driving on my own a good idea ? Thank you all who answers my questions.

Hi, I'll be staying in the center of Reykjavik (near Hotel Borg) and have found sites saying "take Bus S1 or S2 from the Hlemmur or Laekjertorg bus stations." I looked up the Straeto website (and various city maps), but can't find these bus stations mentioned on these sites. Can anyone please point me in the right direction? Thanks very much. Cathy

In regards to budgeting, I need to have an idea of how much things cost in Reykjavik. A beer, an average taxi fare, a subway or bus token (do they have a subway?), a moderately priced meal, etc. I will be visiting in March and I have my airfare and accommodations booked so that is not an issue. I'm just wondering how much I should anticipate spending if I am there for 3-4 days. Thanks.

Hi everyone, me and a couple of my friends just booked our flights to Iceland for March 9th through the 16th. We have an apartment in Reykjavik for the better part of that week and are planning to hostel it for the first couple of nights. We are looking to break out of the normal Cancun or Miami mentality and try something different. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for things to do in the area during the day or some good places to go at night. Much thanks to any input! -Casey

Hi, After a year of wanting to check out Iceland ive finally booked my trip. I should be there from the 5th December to 14th. Just wondered if any like minded folk were going at the same time to make the trip a little less lonely. Im wanting to see most of the sights (Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, Northern lights etc). Luke

Hi, I'm going to Reykjavik from December 3rd to 6th. I would love to see the Northern Lights, but I rather find a couple of other peoples with the same mission to see it than joining the tour. I plan to stay in a Kex hostel during that time, and am wondering if there is anybody out there or planning to travel at the same time as me and would like to plan something together to see the Northern Lights. Or I am wondering if it is common that at the hostel maybe people try to find other people to go see it together? Thanks!

Hi! I'll be in Reykjavik, Iceland, from December 23 through the 27th - quite suddenly as a solo traveler (ending up in London on the 30th for a wedding). I'm staying at the Hotel Borg right in the center of Reykjavik. I've never been to Iceland before. I compete in triathlon, so I figure that part of the time I would go for really long training runs around the city to check out the area (getting lost in the process is part of the fun). I may also consider going ice climbing at some juncture. So.......Here's my "issue" - spending Christmas day by myself seems less than ideal - especially when I'll be going solo for about a week before and after the Holliday. I imagine that I am going to feel like I'm Herbie on the Island of Misfit Toys (a seasonal and timely Rudolf reference). I've travelled by myself before with inspiring success - including a cross U.S.A. bike trip. But, this is Christmas. It's different. Any suggestions would be appreciated. And........may I be so bold to suggest that any other solo travelers in the area are welcome to contact me. Dinner or a beer would be welcomed and considered. I'm male and pretty easy going just in case this factors into the equation. No matter what, this is going to be a great trip. My email is scobdob@hotmail.com. THANKS! - Scott

Hi! I'll be in Reykjavik, Iceland, from December 23 through the 27th - quite suddenly as a solo traveler (ending up in London on the 30th for a wedding). I'm staying at the Hotel Borg right in the center of Reykjavik. I've never been to Iceland before. I compete in triathlon, so I figure that part of the time I would go for really long training runs around the city to check out the area (getting lost in the process is part of the fun). I may also consider going ice climbing at some juncture. So.......Here's my "issue" - spending Christmas day by myself seems less than ideal - especially when I'll be going solo for about a week before and after the Holliday. I imagine that I am going to feel like I'm Herbie on the Island of Misfit Toys (a seasonal and timely Rudolf reference). I've travelled by myself before with inspiring success - including a cross U.S.A. bike trip. But, this is Christmas. It's different. Any suggestions would be appreciated. And........may I be so bold to suggest that any other solo travelers in the area are welcome to contact me. Dinner or a beer would be welcomed and considered. I'm male and pretty easy going just in case this factors into the equation. No matter what, this is going to be a great trip. My email is scobdob@hotmail.com. THANKS! - Scott

My husband, our two kids and I will be in Iceland for 5 days in November. We have been poking around to find a guide/tour for our last day and were thinking of spending it touring the Reykjanes area before heading to the airport mid-afternoon. We have gotten quotes from several tour companies and guides which are all WAY out of our range. Recently we heard from another whose quote was less than half what the others asked. My question is does anyone here have experience with any services offered by Gildo? travelcarsiceland.com/en/pri... If you do, I would love to hear about it! I am just a little wary given just how much less it is. Pleased, but cautious. So excited to get to Iceland! Joan

My husband, myself and our 2 young children are planning a trip to Reykjavik in Aug 2013. Can anyone recommend child-friendly and central self-catering accommodation? Doesn't have to be fancy, just clean :)

I'm travelling with my children of 6 and 8 to Iceland next summer. My daughter is very fond of animals and would like to visit a zoo. Has anyone been to the zoo in Reykjavik, or to the one in Selfoss? If so, are the recommenable? Thanks in advance.

I'm having a hard time finding the weather, etc for Iceland. I'm leaving Oct. 16 and back on the 20th. I don't want to check bag on airline. IcelandAir tour says glacier walk (crampons provided) and day at spa. Should I bring hiking boots/shoes? Warm coat/parka?? Also, any advice for what to pack in general. Definitely want to hit the Blue Lagoon, so I suppose a swim suit is in order??

We are three girls and we are going on a trip with our high school. we are staying at "Reykjavik Downtown Hostel" and we would like to know.. 1. Is there a cheep grocerie store close by? 2. Where can we buy an Islandic sweater? 3. Is it at all possible for people at the age of 17 and 18 to buy alcohol inclusive the well know "Black Death"? 4. Is there any place near Reykjavik where you can see waterfalls? 5. What are the possibilities of whale watching? Sara, Michelle and Christine

what are the most popular turist attractions that we cannot afford to miss.

Hallo. Me and my friend are going to Iceland on a School trip. We are staying on a hotel in Reykjavik. And we would like to know where we can rid on a icelandic horse. We would also like to know where we can go to a good restaurant with seafood. Not to expensive. Thanks.

We are three girls and we are going on a trio with our high school. we are staying at "Reykjavik Downtown Hostel" and we would like to know..

Hello We are students from Denmark travelling to Iceland for 4 days on a study tour and we are going to stay on a hostel in downtown Reykjavik. We are interested in knowing where to find a restaurant in Reykjavik that serves local fish at an affordable price? Marie and Katrine

My fiance and I will be traveling to Reykjavik the day after our wedding in January 2013 for our honeymoon, we will be staying 5nights/6days. We booked our honeymoon through Nordic Visitor, and will be staying at the Fron hotel. There are many questions, lol! 1. What to pack/wear for January weather? 2. Money, how much cash/credit card/travelers check ratio should we have? I know Iceland is expensive, how much money should we actually bring? I'm being told by friends to not even bother with travelers checks, use cash or credit?

Hi, I have been looking through all of the information contained in the Reykjavik Travel Guide, including Regina1965's page, and I am so excited to book a trip for my second wedding anniversary this October. My question is, how will the weather be in October? Is there usually lots of rain, or snow? I really want to visit the Blue Lagoon, as well as explore the town of Reykjavik. Oh, another question, everyone is saying that Iceland is super expensive. Can I ask approximately how much Euros should I bring for two people for one whole week? Thanks in advance!

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I am looking for a good LOCAL restaurant with tradicional icelandic food in Reykjavik, which frequented by locals! And where to offers the best ice cream? Some recommendatinons? Tnx

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