This is a simple list things I observed during my time in Iceland:
Everything is imported other than fish and lamb so food is very expensive. Come to think of it, everything is pretty expensive in this country.
The roads aren’t in the best shape and only certain roads are plowed and de-iced, which can be a bummer if you don’t rent the right rig. (ex. Golden Circle past Gullfoss in early spring).
Hard to use google maps and the neccessary GPS available at the car rental is quite expensive (around 16 USD a day).
Most affordable (for average young traveler) Air BnB’s are shared spaces and are often located in less desirable areas (mainly pertains to Reykjavik and other towns).
Rotten egg smell. A trade off for the infamous geo-thermal activity in parts of Iceland. There is a heavy sulfur smell, which definitely gets old after a few days.
Everything closes early! It is a very inconvenient country when it comes to just about everything other than the airport. Grocery store hours were incredibly hard to get used to, which can be frustrating when you are trying to travel the country “on the cheap”.
Food quality isn’t great. Be ready to live off of juices and cold cuts, which isn’t bad for the first couple of days. Fish of the day is always a good choice, but is still incredibly expensive.
All of the “you gotta hit it” stuff is very crowded, which can definitely detract from its beauty (especially Gullfoss).
This country will blow your mind. If you like gigantic waterfalls, unique wildlife, grandeur landscapes, hot pots, and natural phenomenons you better get your ass here now before everyone else does.
Amazing places to soak your bones! This was probably my favorite aspect of Iceland. Whether you find yourself at the infamous blue lagoon (make sure you make a reservation) or a hidden gem off of the hot pot website you’re bound to feel physically and mentally rejuvenated. If you’re going to go the corporate route my personal favorite was Laugarvatn Fontana, which is located right off of the Golden Circle Road and isn’t as touristy as one might imagine.
The country is extremely easy to navigate if you do a little bit of research prior to hitting the road and GPS is a definite must.
Icelandic natives were extremely helpful and most spoke english. Like any culture, you may encounter a sassy one once in a while.
Farm stays, farm stays, farm stays!!! Don't spend more than a day or two in the city! Farm stays are all over and are incredibly charming. We stayed at Holmur A Myrum on the SE coast and they were so accommodating. This is an affordable way to see the country side and get familiar with the culture.
Iceland Air. If is your first time going to Iceland I recommend the stopover, which allows you to experience the culture for up to seven days without anything other than a passport. The airline itself is incredibly hospitable and user friendly. Just pop in for a few days before continuing on. Whats the harm in that?!
Food may be expensive and unexciting at times but it is quite healthy...unless you’re eating at one of their many KFC’s.
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