How to Plan a Trip to Iceland

Iceland is a beautiful country, and has a wide range of activities to interest any type of vacationer. From nightclubbing to birdwatching, golfing and even volcanoes, Iceland really does have it all. And one of the best things about it is it's still relatively unknown as a vacation destination. So if you go, you won't find yourself in a crowd of other tourists. Plan a trip to Iceland now, before the word gets out!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Airline tickets
• Traveler's checks, credit cards and a supply of Icelandic krona

1. Book your tickets on an international airline. Although several international carriers do fly to Iceland, Icelandair tends to offer special package deals. And the terrific Icelandic food they serve on the flight will give you a sneak preview of all of the good things to come.

2. Be sure to pack a variety of clothing for all types of weather. Despite its name, Iceland can be fairly temperate in winter, but it can also be quite chilly in summer, and the weather really can turn on a dime. Light layers is the way to go, and always carry an umbrella.

3. Check into all of your favorite activities-if you're a birdwatcher, buy a field guide to Icelandic birds. If you're a golfer, read up on Iceland's link. Horse lovers may want to plan a pony trek, and travelers who love the nightlife will want to check online for reviews of the hottest bars and clubs in Reykjavik.

4. Read up on Iceland's fascinating history if that interests you. It was originally settled by Vikings, and Icelanders are very proud of their heritage as told in the sagas and eddas that are some of their greatest works of literature. If contemporary literature is more to your taste, look for works by Nobel Prize-winning 20th century author Halldor Laxness.

5. Anticipate all of the delicious meals you'll likely be eating. Scandinavian cuisine is often maligned as being bland, but that is far from the case with Icelandic fare. The freshest salmon, the finest cheeses, and did you know that most of the pineapple sold in Europe is actually grown in Iceland? The readily available geothermic power has made it possible to cultivate these and other fresh fruits in green houses year round, and on particularly tasty Icelandic dessert consists of rich, creamy vanilla ice cream topped with a dark fudge sauce and served with a generous wedge of fresh pineapple.

6. Get on the plane and go! You're sure to have the vacation adventure of a lifetime, one you'll no doubt want to repeat as soon as possible.