We're going on an adventure!

We are taking a long trip to Iceland this year.  It is going to take quite a bit of planning since we must rent a car, find accommodations around the country and not to mention, pack and plan for traveling with our baby for about 2 weeks.  To help me plan and to keep it fun and organized, I have decided to post regularly about our Iceland 2011 preparations.  It has been very helpful to come across travel blogs (I don't claim that title here) especially when they have traveled to Iceland.  While we have been there before, it was not for as long, and not with a baby.  So, here's to planning a trip to Iceland (or any trip abroad).   Enjoy the preparations!
 

 

*Preparing to go*

 

Best time to buy tickets to Iceland:  We started checking the prices in Oct. when it was cheapest.  We didn't buy until December and it was a little bit more, but still inexpensive.

Cheapest time to travel to Iceland: Off Season, like any other place, roughly:  Jan - May & Sept - Dec. 

Best time of year to travel to Iceland:  The best weather is in June through Aug.  The sun is out most of the day, really (it sort of sets around 9PM).  The summer months are the high season so, these months are most expensive.  However, spring and fall aren't bad, just wetter than the summer months.  (The climate is similar to NYC if that gives you any perspective.)

 

The Route: When we go on road trips, we journey pretty spontaneously.  How do we stay focused on seeing a lot?  We usually choose a "goal" city to reach every other day or so.  This keeps us from spending too much time in one place.  When you want to see "it all" you want some sort of schedule.

The Timeline: With about 2 weeks, we'll spend up to three days in each region.  For example, we fly in early.  Then we'll immediately head to the NW region to our first spot, probably stopping at the Blue Lagoon on our way. Jet lag is apparent but with two drivers we should be fine.  Then the plan is roughly: NW-2days, N-1days, NE-2days, W-1days, SW-2days, S-3days, Reyk-2days... We have a couple of days to give if needed.

*Planning Tip* - Grocery Stores:  Another way we plan our travel route and time line is by where the grocery stores are.  Food can quickly add up and especially Iceland isn't known for its bargain eats.
(I'll do separate post on eating for cheap.)

// More Iceland travel tips to come.  A post about accommodations is next...