I am a big fan of creating 'fall back plans' for each day. There are always going to be plans that don't work out (volcanos, weather, too busy, etc) and having something else to do will save you from sitting there trying to figure out what your Plan B (or even Plan C) is going to be is great. Also, sometimes you find out that the thing you had planned to do for all day only takes 2 hours and now you have a day to fill.
Couldn’t agree more Jeannie, planning is essential, just got back to the UK after our second father/daughter trip in the last three years and each trip has had to be planned meticulously, make sure you can do the mileage necessary to get to each location comfortably for your group without compromising on time spent at each location. Time out for eating and comfort breaks can be difficult especially when out in the wilderness. If you get it right it is so rewarding, getting it wrong can ruin a holiday. No one itinerary fits all. Your advice has helped us have two incredible tours of Iceland, thank you ❤️🇮🇸
I love reading comments like this! YES, planning is so important, and being able to adjust is also very important. I'm glad you had a wonderful time. Thank you for tuning in!
Great point about pacing. It really does determine how much you want to do- as opposed to feeling like you have to do everything. One of my best vacations had a day of downtime for every day of touring. You do want to be able to relax on vacation, right? Thanks, will remember this.
We just got back from a ring road trip, Jeanie's guides and maps were the best money we spent on our trip. We were able to find a lot of spots and waterfalls all to ourselves using her Gems.
5:35 Ten thumbs up for mentioning toilets!! You are so thorough! I have been travelling with people and we are out 5 hours, 8 plus hours, and I am the only one who needs a bathroom break! Couple that with the complete lack of facilities in some places and I feel like I am an alien who has different needs than most when I am completely healthy. I have often had to completely dehydrate myself (not drink at all and eat little) and then later feel really poorly, just so I can do some outings as there is so often a lack of toilets. It's like some places/venues/events think peeing is a privilege and not an involuntary bodily function. Using a toilet is part of civilized society. So if you say there are few public bathroom facilities in Iceland, what do people do? Or should I not ask 🙃. I understand not having toilets at the top of a mountain, or the end of a long hike, anywhere remote, but if it is a site seeing destination with a parking lot there should be facilities and for sure at every gas station. Not to mention people who have health needs that may require more bathroom breaks.
This is the one thing that I'm not looking forward to. My last trip was Japan which is the land of plentiful, easily accessible, clean toilets which sounds like Iceland is the opposite of.
I'll be going to Iceland the first few days of November and i realized very quickly I would have to prioritize the the things I really wanted to do. We actually won't be doing the Golden circle at all this trip which probably sounds crazy, but, other things took precedence and we dont want to be rushed or have to drive after dark in winter. Thanks for all the great information!
I am planning a trip for next May, solo for part of it. A friend might come for a long weekend girls weekend of, food, bars and nice wine. I am analysing whether to join a group tour over 5/6 days or do day trips. The group tours are very expensive and I like down time chilling...I am planning to stay in Reykjavik for a week n a half. The day trips seem to be about £70. I don't want to drive.
🇨🇦 Love your videos about Iceland! I'm lucky enough to have visited twice around the summer solstice. Wherever we travel, we always carry a couple of Sporks and a foldable insulated bag that slips into a day pack for picnic lunches to save on some meal costs. As soon as we arrived in Reykjavik, we headed right for the Bonus store and stocked up on packed lunch items: bread, cheese, veggies, Skyr, juices etc. The guesthouse we used had a kitchen area with a fridge available to store our items and light cooking facilities. We also always travel with reuseable water bottles, great for the delicious Icelandic water! Whether we were on a bus tour or in our rented car, we always had plenty to eat. These savings allowed us to splash out occasionally on restaurant meals - pricey, but delicious! Your videos evoke wonderful memories of Iceland and I hope to return again, perhaps in winter next time! Thank you!
I really like this video. One thing I would like to add from my recent experience (June 2023) trip to Iceland is that to always have a plan B. Our plan was to cover the whole ring road in 11 days and we did do most of it. However, we had to skip the Godafoss/ Dettifoss area due to hurricane grade wind. We had to add an extra day in Hofn and return to Reykjavik. Then we changed plan to do Snæfellsjökull National Park & Hraunfossar from Reykjavik. But we didn't have enough time to cover Dettifoss / Godafoss area. This worked out for us. But I think if we had a plan B, then we might have been able to cover that area. Thank you for all your videos. It really helped us in planning our first solo mother/daughter trip.
I love your videos . Recently started watching them all for planning spring trip. I see lots of info for winter and summer . But Is there any specific itinerary for Spring, like first week of April? Thank you.
We did a whirlwind trip last year and it was great but at times yes it did feel like one of those time lapsed scenes in movies. An example was we went from Reykjavik to Snæfellsnes in one day and we wanted to make it back by 7 to go out to eat and we were literally stopping at places and counting down the minutes and seconds we had :) It would have been a lot better to do this in two days and spend the night there. But also this year going again (yay!) and at first we were going to do the Ring Road but then opted to do two base stays in two areas of the country to take them in and be able to enjoy local life a bit more. So Ring Road third trip... maybe next year?
Do you have a list of campgrounds for camper vans and the cost? We are doing the "camper van" thing to do a self-tour. Also, is there a place to store luggage at the Blue Lagoon? Cost of lockers?
Don't get me wrong, I like all of your videos myself. But I was just curious, do you know why your recent "How Homes in Iceland are Different Than the USA" video went supernova with more than a million views? It was a good informative video, I liked it, but all of your other videos, while usually getting a healthy number of views, have never really "Gone Viral" in quite that manner.
I think that video got alot views because so many people that are relocating there want to know more on the housing there. There are alot of videos but not enough on housing and details on the process of where to look, rents, areas ect. I've been looking myself for more in depth of homes for rent. And th actual process of renting when finding one.
I think it's the only country on the planet thats never been invaded and certain countries like US and Canada are weary and disgusted at what's been done to us the last 4 years and want to escape what could happen in the coming years and are curious to see what other options are possible
I am a big fan of creating 'fall back plans' for each day. There are always going to be plans that don't work out (volcanos, weather, too busy, etc) and having something else to do will save you from sitting there trying to figure out what your Plan B (or even Plan C) is going to be is great.
Also, sometimes you find out that the thing you had planned to do for all day only takes 2 hours and now you have a day to fill.
Couldn’t agree more Jeannie, planning is essential, just got back to the UK after our second father/daughter trip in the last three years and each trip has had to be planned meticulously, make sure you can do the mileage necessary to get to each location comfortably for your group without compromising on time spent at each location. Time out for eating and comfort breaks can be difficult especially when out in the wilderness. If you get it right it is so rewarding, getting it wrong can ruin a holiday. No one itinerary fits all. Your advice has helped us have two incredible tours of Iceland, thank you ❤️🇮🇸
I love reading comments like this! YES, planning is so important, and being able to adjust is also very important. I'm glad you had a wonderful time. Thank you for tuning in!
Great point about pacing. It really does determine how much you want to do- as opposed to feeling like you have to do everything. One of my best vacations had a day of downtime for every day of touring. You do want to be able to relax on vacation, right? Thanks, will remember this.
I loved this video! Iceland is on my “bucket list “. It’s nice to know that not all places have restrooms! We take that for granted’
We just got back from a ring road trip, Jeanie's guides and maps were the best money we spent on our trip. We were able to find a lot of spots and waterfalls all to ourselves using her Gems.
I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you ❤
Can you do a video or provide any information about cruising around Iceland and making the most of the cruise stops please.
5:35 Ten thumbs up for mentioning toilets!! You are so thorough!
I have been travelling with people and we are out 5 hours, 8 plus hours, and I am the only one who needs a bathroom break! Couple that with the complete lack of facilities in some places and I feel like I am an alien who has different needs than most when I am completely healthy. I have often had to completely dehydrate myself (not drink at all and eat little) and then later feel really poorly, just so I can do some outings as there is so often a lack of toilets. It's like some places/venues/events think peeing is a privilege and not an involuntary bodily function. Using a toilet is part of civilized society.
So if you say there are few public bathroom facilities in Iceland, what do people do? Or should I not ask 🙃.
I understand not having toilets at the top of a mountain, or the end of a long hike, anywhere remote, but if it is a site seeing destination with a parking lot there should be facilities and for sure at every gas station. Not to mention people who have health needs that may require more bathroom breaks.
This is the one thing that I'm not looking forward to. My last trip was Japan which is the land of plentiful, easily accessible, clean toilets which sounds like Iceland is the opposite of.
@@ashakydd1 Japan sounds very civilized!
I'll be going to Iceland the first few days of November and i realized very quickly I would have to prioritize the the things I really wanted to do. We actually won't be doing the Golden circle at all this trip which probably sounds crazy, but, other things took precedence and we dont want to be rushed or have to drive after dark in winter. Thanks for all the great information!
You’re so welcome! Thanks for watching!
I am planning a trip for next May, solo for part of it. A friend might come for a long weekend girls weekend of, food, bars and nice wine. I am analysing whether to join a group tour over 5/6 days or do day trips. The group tours are very expensive and I like down time chilling...I am planning to stay in Reykjavik for a week n a half. The day trips seem to be about £70. I don't want to drive.
🇨🇦 Love your videos about Iceland! I'm lucky enough to have visited twice around the summer solstice. Wherever we travel, we always carry a couple of Sporks and a foldable insulated bag that slips into a day pack for picnic lunches to save on some meal costs. As soon as we arrived in Reykjavik, we headed right for the Bonus store and stocked up on packed lunch items: bread, cheese, veggies, Skyr, juices etc. The guesthouse we used had a kitchen area with a fridge available to store our items and light cooking facilities. We also always travel with reuseable water bottles, great for the delicious Icelandic water! Whether we were on a bus tour or in our rented car, we always had plenty to eat. These savings allowed us to splash out occasionally on restaurant meals - pricey, but delicious! Your videos evoke wonderful memories of Iceland and I hope to return again, perhaps in winter next time! Thank you!
Thank you for watching ❤
I really like this video. One thing I would like to add from my recent experience (June 2023) trip to Iceland is that to always have a plan B. Our plan was to cover the whole ring road in 11 days and we did do most of it. However, we had to skip the Godafoss/ Dettifoss area due to hurricane grade wind. We had to add an extra day in Hofn and return to Reykjavik. Then we changed plan to do Snæfellsjökull National Park & Hraunfossar from Reykjavik. But we didn't have enough time to cover Dettifoss / Godafoss area. This worked out for us. But I think if we had a plan B, then we might have been able to cover that area. Thank you for all your videos. It really helped us in planning our first solo mother/daughter trip.
You are so welcome ❤
Excellent! This apply to every trip to every where!
coming in clutch with the list of places to stay.
Thanks for watching❤️
I love your videos . Recently started watching them all for planning spring trip. I see lots of info for winter and summer . But Is there any specific itinerary for Spring, like first week of April? Thank you.
Jeanie you are right ! I think holidays also counts on something that you have to have in mind. A lot places in holidays are closed.
Yes! Thanks for watching ❤
Love all your videos. Always so informative and super helpful!
I’m happy to help! Thanks for watching ❤
Very helpful, thanks
Jeannie, my wife is very sensitive to cigarette smoke. Is there smoking in restaurants and other venues? We love your videos, thanks!
Is there smoking in restaurants? She has asthma and it’s a concern for a potential visit. Thanks.
We did a whirlwind trip last year and it was great but at times yes it did feel like one of those time lapsed scenes in movies. An example was we went from Reykjavik to Snæfellsnes in one day and we wanted to make it back by 7 to go out to eat and we were literally stopping at places and counting down the minutes and seconds we had :) It would have been a lot better to do this in two days and spend the night there. But also this year going again (yay!) and at first we were going to do the Ring Road but then opted to do two base stays in two areas of the country to take them in and be able to enjoy local life a bit more. So Ring Road third trip... maybe next year?
Do it! ❤
Do you have a list of campgrounds for camper vans and the cost? We are doing the "camper van" thing to do a self-tour. Also, is there a place to store luggage at the Blue Lagoon? Cost of lockers?
Hello! Very interesting info.Where can i download your map with all the rest rooms please?
Most toilets are payable.. Only the ones in the N1 gas stations aren't I found
So your pre-written itineraries are the same for everyone? 🤔
Don't get me wrong, I like all of your videos myself. But I was just curious, do you know why your recent "How Homes in Iceland are Different Than the USA" video went supernova with more than a million views? It was a good informative video, I liked it, but all of your other videos, while usually getting a healthy number of views, have never really "Gone Viral" in quite that manner.
I think that video got alot views because so many people that are relocating there want to know more on the housing there. There are alot of videos but not enough on housing and details on the process of where to look, rents, areas ect. I've been looking myself for more in depth of homes for rent. And th actual process of renting when finding one.
I think it's the only country on the planet thats never been invaded and certain countries like US and Canada are weary and disgusted at what's been done to us the last 4 years and want to escape what could happen in the coming years and are curious to see what other options are possible
If you have IBS make sure you plan out the toilet stops in case of an emergency 😂.
Hi we made a purchase Stephen.kitching
South and west guide but have not received email with links , please can you send . Thank you