Iceland is USA Today’s top travel destination for 2011 because altogether a trip to the beautiful island just became more affordable with cheaper, more direct flights and the deflation of the country’s currency.
Now is the time to plan a summer trip to Iceland for many reasons.
First, there are many new flight options which make traveling to Iceland much easier. This June, nonstop flights with Delta Air Lines will be available for the first time from New York City to Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. Also for those with a tighter budget, low-cost carriers, such as Iceland Express, will offer flights from major cities such as New York, Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles.
Second, the country’s financial downturn is an advantage for travelers. As of September 2010, the U.S. dollar equals 180 Icelandic kronas. This gives a whole new meaning to getting a bang for your buck. Some of Europe’s most incredible attractions, dining and shopping are in Iceland and became much more affordable.
The name Iceland is deceiving when it comes to describing the beautifully green region. In the summertime, Vesturbæjarlaug Geothermal Pool is rated the number one sight in Iceland by the well-known travel website Lonely Planet. The volcanic water keeps the pool at a comfortable 85-degree temperature. Vesturbæjarlaug also offers three hot, Jacuzzi-like pools perfect for relaxing sore or tight muscles from the flight. Reykjavik’s local hang out is the best way to spend a lazy morning overhearing the city's latest gossip. Known as the heart of the city’s social life, Vesturbæjarlaug is filled with locals of all ages relaxing and socializing. But be careful, Icelanders are very concerned with tourists dirtying up their clean, chemical-free pools. Visitors are encouraged to take a shower before getting in the pool.
But if you want a more spa-inspired sense of relaxation, the Blue Lagoon is the place for you. Holding over six million liters of geothermal seawater that maintain a constant temperature of 104 degrees, the lagoon is an outdoor haven. I can already imagine slathering on some pure, white geothermal mud to deep cleanse and exfoliate my skin. Afterwards, I would relax in one of the man-made cave steam baths. My wallet may suffer a little, but it’s a small price to pay to be pampered like a queen.
After relaxing all morning, the next thing to do is re-energize with an authentic meal. According to Lonely Planet’s website, Iceland also offers some of the best dining in Europe. In Reykjavik, the restaurant Indian Mango was ranked two out of almost 45,000 things to do in Europe. The restaurant offers Icelandic-Indian dishes and specialties, including duck marinated in a unique blend of Indian spices. Though more of a pricey establishment, the five-star quality food and service make the meal worth every penny.
If a cheaper meal is more appealing, you’ll be happy to be informed Icelanders are known to be addicted to hot dogs. The best hot dogs come from Bæjarins Beztu, an establishment run out of a van near a harbor in Reykjavik. Eat a dog with ketchup, mustard, remoulade and crunchy onions and you’ll be eating like a local.
What’s left to do but shop? Iceland has something to catch everyone’s interest. For the music aficionado there is the three-floor shop 12 Tonar, a hang out responsible for launching some of Iceland’s hottest new bands. Drink some coffee, listen to some music and buy a CD from Lonely Planet’s second most popular place to shop in Europe. For the fashionista there is the Kringlan Shopping Centre, which is filled with designers such as Prada and Hugo Boss. Even those not into fashion can appreciate designer items at post financial crisis prices.
In the end, visiting Iceland is the most exotic budget traveling anyone can do. So why not plan a trip? You already know I am.
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