Don't Do This in Iceland - 18 Things to Avoid When Traveling in the Country
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 พ.ค. 2024
- If you you avoid doing these 18 things while in Iceland, you're more likely to have an awesome trip and you will help to preserve the beauty of the country.
For weather warnings check out these two sites:
safetravel.is/
www.vedur.is/
Food stores in Iceland to avoid
10-11
Samkaup strax
My video about a $900 speeding ticket in Iceland
• $900 Speeding Ticket i...
Check out more of my adventures in Iceland and abroad on my other social media channels:
Instagram - @allthingsiceland
Facebook - @allthingsiceland
Twitter - @jewellschambers
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#iceland #icelandtravel #whattodoiniceland
When I visited Iceland, I went with an Icelandic friend to watch a geyser that would regularly erupt. There was a warning sign, but other than that, there was nothing to prevent you from walking directly up to the geyser hole and looking in. I mentioned to my friend that in the US there would probably be either a fence to keep people back or a guard who would stand there to move people away from the hole. I said that in the US if they only had a sign by a geyser and someone went over to the geyser and got hurt or killed then the government would be sued for not doing more to protect them.
My Icelandic friend said, “If you tried to do that here, you would be told that you were an idiot for sticking your head over a geyser.”
😂😂
They did in New Zealand, got too close and it blew. People got killed or terribly burned. It was carnage! We still have them in hospital without arms and legs, burned to a cinder. So listen carefully to your guide!
And this is the PRIMARY reason I want to Emmigrate to Iceland...
Though I do agree with the sentiment, considering that 2/3rds of the geysers in the entire world are in yellowstone national park in america, this is a bit overkill. There are no fences or anything like that. It's nature.
Knowing what and not what to do beforehand makes the vacation more enjoyable.
Indeed
@@AllThingsIceland Thank you 🤗
Off road driving, and littering? I can't believe people are so arrogant. The simplest way to put it is: Don't act like you own a country you are visiting. Iceland is someone else's home.
Exactly! it is so surprising how reckless people can be.
@@AllThingsIceland Sad thing is people can do that anywhere they actually live too, but tourists wherever they go are even more 'entitled'. Too many people travelling in these times, that could do with using the time to stay home and learn how to adult........
This annoys me ANYWHERE. People often throw trash on the ground when a perfectly good trash receptacle is within steps. People throwing items out of their car window really pisses me off. Would it have killed them to keep the trash in their car until they found a more appropriate place to throw their refuse??
@@RobespierreThePoof You are right about the off-roading. I live in Washington, and there are two counties here where the beach is considered a legal road-- I guess that's not 'off' roading at that point lol
Even if it’s your own country, nobody “owns” nature. It’s never ok to litter!
Warning signs have traditionally been sparse in Iceland. I you see a warning sign, however understated, you have to read it AND heed it. Warning signs in Iceland REALLY mean business!
Same in Norway! They will talking about setting up a fence and warning sign at the Pulpit Rock near Stavanger, and Norwegians went like "Are people really that stupid? Do they not SEE that it's hundreds of meters down?"
I have seen abandoned cars in Iceland. Keep in mind that the whole fucking Island is a massive volcano. When they say dont off road they mean it. Unless you want to personally meet daddy valcano.
The off road thing: 100% accurate. I report every single person i see driving off road and give the police their license plate number. Most people will do the same and the fine you get if you do drive off road can reach absurd amounts.
Yea, it is quite a lot. Glad you report people. :-)
@V W ah, so you think its cool to ruin the environment for your own convenience? Selfish.
The fact that people do that at all is infuriating and baffling to me. That type of behavior is unacceptable anywhere; it sounds like something a rich kid would do. I will be visiting in February, and if I see anyone driving off road I am going to report the ever loving crap out of them, haha!!!! Vengeance! Who do you report it to?
Thank you for mentioning not stopping in the middle of the road. The elves hate that and nobody should mess with them
:-)
I live near Yellowstone National Park. Every year someone falls into the hot springs thinking they are “ soaking pools”. They also think they can pet the Bison. Usually a trip to the hospital follows, if they are lucky.
Survival of the smartest
It’s so sad that a lot of us Americans don’t even research the customs of other countries before we vacation. It’s so embarrassing.
It's funny because people other than Americans do these things here too. It's bizarre to see it.
The customs of Europe are being absorbed into other cultures. We took Europe for granted.
I'm German, and hearing this list, I realized I know way too many people, that might show some of this behavior.
Yes it is. We should all research before we travel.
Yeah i'm American and I definitely thought it was appropriate to pee&poop wherever I wanted, while wearing my weather inappropriate clothes. On my way to speed offroad after littering and drinking overpriced alcohol before midnight. Silly me. 🙄
irrelevant but your hair looks amazing
LOL that's not irrelevant to me. Thanks!
@@AllThingsIceland I was watching another of your videos and it made me curious about your hair. Do you do it yourself? Or is there a salon with experience in your type of hair?
I despise litterbugs!!
I feel like these are rules THE WHOLE WORLD should be doing anyway.
A couple of these things are different in a few other countries where there is a legal tradition of assumed public right of way for walking, camping, etc on any undeveloped land. But if you’re from one of those countries you really need to understand that is NOT the norm and not ok everywhere. Unfortunately, sometimes, particularly among vanlifers (people who travel in vans that have been converted to tiny home interiors), you’ll see blogs and videos promoting a somewhat arrogant assumption that they can just use any out of the way spot as home base for the night...use it to dump their toilet...etc.
DewDryte naaah.. in my country buy water, tap water is not entirely safe here
please send this to everyone that is coming here. We are so tired of dealing with some of these problems
Hopefully many people will see this video before they come here.
As a boorish American, I feel like this list is directed at me.
😂
I'm from Hawai'i, we have nearly the same exact problems with drivers!!!!
Many of these same rules apply to Maui Hawaii.
The trick to having perfect Icelandic weather wherever you go is of course to make friends with an adorable Icelandic Troll, named Fred, and praise him before you embark on an adventure😁
Sell this video to Icelandair.... exelent points you got .... vel gert !
LOL it would be awesome if they wanted to sponsor. Thanks for watching and commenting.
I'm in the UK and people litter and it annoys me too! I've seen people standing next to a public bin (trash can) and have still thrown their trash on the floor! It's like - ARGH!! Iceland looks stunning so who would want to trash it up?
Ahh, it’s so annoying when people do it. I don’t know why some people do my dispose of their trash properly. Maybe they are just being lazy. 🤷🏾♀️
@@AllThingsIceland Just subscribed - I only came across your videos the other day and they are really good :)
Having lived in San Francisco and now living in Seattle l learned how to master wearing layers.
When I visited Iceland last year there were so many warning signs at the geysers telling people not to walk across the terrain as it would damage the eco-system and was very dangerous, and this tourist family just ignored it and walked across the terrain. It's a miracle they didn't get scalded!
@TheKleinmeisie. Same thing here at Yellowstone Park. It crushes the top layer and at times people end up scalded. Or worse, they are never recovered.
They got killed in New Zealand and some terribly hurt
burn them all.
@Tineke Williams I have alcohol available for less money than allowed in iceland 🇮🇸 😅 😑 😳 and more like liberty cap's wee
I went in 2014, we went around the island visiting various places, it was the single most amazing thing I ever done! We were able to see the nothern lights, there was a vulcanic warning, we got strained on the top of a rocky mountain with our cars and almost died(DON'T GO OFF ROAD!!), I forgot my suit case in one B&B and couldn't come back for it(we would miss our flight) so the lovely lady sent it back to me no costs added. So many wonderful memories ❤
Did you mention that in winter the car tyres should have spikes?
There is a story of 4 teenagers driving a spiked car responsibly in very icy conditions in the Hafnarfjordur harbour and the car just kept going and fell into the sea.
They survived some suffered vmbrain damage.
I'm not trying to scare you but do not muck around when it is icy or blizzard wether.
If the Icelandics are worried about the weather you definitely should be too.
Pretty much the same thing in our lovely mountain town in Kimberley bc ..tourist are everywhere and they stop anywhere 😂 for wildlife ,tree, mountain etc ..trash everywhere suck bad
OMG...You’ve sold me on Iceland...I now have to visit there! Thanks.
Yay!!
When we were in Iceland and rented a car we got a very stern, detailed warning about what to not do, where to not go, what we were responsible for, what could get us in trouble... If someone gets a fine, they can't say they weren't warned!
This should be mandatory to watch before you enter the country
In 2017, I landed, got my car and drove straight to akeuryi. It was so great to get away from a large city, and I loved the area. I think most people park in Reykjavik and do day trips. I did all mine from the north. It was the best two weeks of my life! I got a room at a house in Petersbourg, and went to Bonus and bought basics.
You make a great representative for Iceland. I love your videos. And also you have such a beautiful smile and thank you for taking care of our planet!👍👍✌️🙋♥️🇺🇸💐
I feel like this is good advice for life in general, not just Iceland. Great video!
I've told tourists buying lots of bottled water that it's the same water as from the tap (because I genuinely felt offended), they looked at me like I was some kind of a psycho and went on to buy the water anyway. It was like 12x 2L bottles
We just spent 4 weeks in New Zealand. 4000 plus km in a camper van. It took us three days of driving before we saw the first piece of trash on the highway. The country is so clean. All the hiking trails were so clean, not even a candy wrapper on the ground. We started to play a game, " spot the trash" as we drove but there was nothing to see.
Great list, these are very important. It hasn't changed much in 15 years. I was only able to live there a year, it was the best year of my life. Will add: Don't scald yourself with the hot water tap and never let go of your car door, in the wind, until it's closed. We called it the Keflavik crunch. The water is so good! I camped all summer and would fill up my water bottle "in the wild". 🤯 The south coast is amazing but I love the north. Would actually get better weather around Akureyri. Had magical moments all around the country. Have been hesitant to go back because there were very little tourist when I lived there. So afraid it won't be the same.
to everyone who dont know people have died from some of those so be safe
Our water in the north west of England is beautiful. My son and family live in Milton Keyenes say that even food tastes better and we only need a teaspoon of shampoo to wash your hair, also we don't need water softeners in dishwashers or washing machines plus our kettles last longer.
That’s great.
Jennifer Holden the same here in the Highlands of Scotland - our water is delicious, and we even have nationally broadcast adverts saying be eco and drink our exclusively available, delicious water ☺️
Clearly people need to hear this advice, or you wouldn't be talking about it, but...my mind is still boggled by how basic the things are you're talking about as far as safety and like basic courtesies...I just can't even. Your videos are great, you're so well spoken and you're just really kind while explaining these things. Like unbelievably kind. I'm also an American, currently been living in rural Japan for over 5 years now. I don't get why people, in general, in like the US just seem to not care about keeping things places and just like litter and do other disrespectful or weird things when they travel...but it's not great. Again, I don't get it, but people legit need videos like yours here...and I hope people actually listen to this. "annoying and strange that anyone has to say this." Perfect quote.
Love your vídeos lots of good information, thank you
Hey Jewells! Just wanted to take a moment to tell you that I've done a great deal of listening to your station before my first trip to Iceland, and all of the stuff you've included in here has been super helpful. Thank you for sharing it!
So glad to hear that!! It’s my pleasure. 😊
We had tourists getting too close to a vulcano and it blew! People got killed or burned. It was terrible!
Informatively enlightening
Thank you
I have no intention of ever going to Iceland, but I just love these videos. You are so cute!!
😂 Thanks 🤗
I just got introduced to your channel this week - and I love it 🥰 and something I love is the way you speak English ... it’s so clear and has a wonderful rhythm
Me too informative to say the least.
Super helpful, thanks!
My pleasure
A lot of the things you said do no do is fairly common sense esp in the western countries. You’d think, but washrooms do they provide facilities in the out doors? Example Canada, it’s big and distances are great but you’ll get anything from flushing toilets to septic toilets dotted on the highway, we have a potty in the car if your kids just can’t wait then we bag it to dispose of it in the next stop. But we have a lot of potty stops so most adults can wait. If you are elderly then put on ‘depends’ or go before you set out.
I was expecting more social norm information but this was helpful too. tysm :)
I used to live in a beach town and I could not believe the number of fools who would go swimming when hurricane flags and signs warning of undertow and rip currents would go up. And every time a couple of those fools would invariably drown
Thanks for the advice
Very informative. Thank u
I recently developed an interest for Iceland and the Nordic countries. Thank you for the informative video and thank you for touching on that whole "overcrowded" theme I keep seeing all over the place. I am Puertorican, that's all I have to say about overcrowded... lol
My pleasure and thanks for watching.
😂 about the overcrowded part.
Am planning to visit Iceland in December this year....
Don’t anyone Fricking dare off-road in our country, the ground is so precious and filled with moss.
Exactly 😊
Excellent advice!
Thanks, great tips.
Being from the hill country where we get flash floods I must agree about the water crossing advice. People think it's all hunky dory to cross and then all of a sudden they have lost their vehicle or even their lives.
Good Tips ! 👌🏽
thank you, and learning more about Iceland online.
Thank you so much for pointing out the off-road driving and poop people. It's very annoying that people still do this!
Having just returned from almost two weeks in Iceland, I can say this is all very on point and helpful! We knew most of it ahead of time and other stuff became obvious quickly, but this video is a great reinforcement of rules specific to Iceland but also ... most other places. Thanks, Jewells.
Good job! Thanks for the info. Makes me want to move to Iceland!! 💕
Glad I found your channel. Awesome video.
Yay! Thanks. 😊
...thanks so much for the vid, very helpful!
My pleasure and thanks for watching. 😊
Great advice video!
Thanks for watching!
Amazing what is allowed but I can understand the logic behind it. Very informative and I wish you the best in your studies there be safe ❤
I love your Locs!!!!!!
If you are planning to visit Iceland, make sure to get my free Ultimate Packing Checklist. It has all the essentials you need and more to have an awesome trip -
allthingsiceland.com/iceland-packing-checklist
Love your video:)
Elísabet Alexía Jónsdóttir Takk kærlega!
Number #13 is a good rule for basically every country. I'm from Amsterdam, and though I find it a cool city, I know there's much more out there. We're not the only old place of the country and we do have an overcrowding problem, so I'd urge tourists to definitely check out other towns and cities. Outside of capital cities it's often cheaper as well.
I can't wait to visit Iceland again. I didn't get out of the city last time, so I've so much more to explore!
Super informative and smart info! Thank you!!
My pleasure. Thank you for watching and commenting.
I’m so happy that you are living this experience with your husband. You appear so happy! Thank you for your channel and videos!
Hi. Great content.
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for a good video.
From a thankful guy in Iceland.
Mín er ánægjan 🤗
Love your videos
Thank you 😊
I love your channel and hearing you talk about Iceland! Thank you so much! BTW, you and your husband are adorable.
Thank you 🤗
Nice.
Nice!!! It’s been my dream to travel there
I hope you do get to travel here. 😊
Nettó was closer than Bonus tho😩 it was by Nova, and easier to walk to...
11:03 I live in Tennessee within America. It is normal for people to pop a swat in nature here and the environment is bioactive and warm enough that the soil can slowly turn it into dirt. But, with how cold Iceland is and there not being bioactive soil, I imagine it would not biodegrade like it does here in TN. I don't think visitors think about the ground being different.
Good one. Hope to go there one day
Thanks! I hope you do too.
Just stumbled upon your channel today. Some of these remind me of my home here in Alaska: glaciers, windstorms, northern lights, tourists stopping in roads for pictures of bears/moose, etc. I hope to visit Iceland one day and thank you for all of your wonderful insights!! Love your channel!
Thank you 🤗
thats a reason to go there the water !love water
Agreed. The water is amazing. 😊
I am delighted to have come across you. You get it. I could and I have said all of these these things myself. But somehow you are a better representative of my my country here than I will ever be. Go girl go!
Aww, thank you! 🤗
In Scotland if you do #14, you'll also likely catch some buck shots. Lol
lol
🤣🤣🤣🤣 I don't blame them. Using the public places as a toilet is disgusting and vulgar.
In Amsterdam tourists look up at houses and walk backwards on a cycle path to get a better view of said house. Some even walk backwards on a road with cars. I never understood that. I saw beautiful things in Thailand but was always careful.
This is my new favorite channel
Yay! So awesome to hear that and thank you for watching.
I’ve seen people toss trash out of their car and can’t understand why wouldn’t you just wait until you reach your destination and dispose of it properly. It boggles my mind how little care people have for sanitation.
I love learning about how to be respectful of countries but still learn. I would love to hear your thoughts of the coolest places to go to that you wouldn't think to do in Iceland. Like I heard there's an elf school. Are there any things off the beaten path you would recommend?
One of my favorite places that I don't hear many people talk about is Ásbyrgi in north Iceland. It's spectacular. Also, traveling around the Westfjords is always amazing.
Their tap water is just so delicious 😍
Agreed!
Pls write the points you say in the description box it is always easy to check up on some points also you make good videos💙💙
Ok, thanks for the suggestion.
Thank you for the tips. Planning a trip in March 2020.
I'm going in March 2020 too
Me too!
@@HoneyDipClothing what days are you guys going ?
The 22-27th
19th-23rd
Alot of that is common sense, but it's good that you're pointing it out
So many great places to visit where other tourists will not spoil your experience.
Point# 14: Are there conspicuously advertised restroom areas in out of the city locations? When you're planning to go to rural areas, I suppose you should consider if and where there might be rest areas. I can understand doing NUMBER2 just anywhere could be an issue. Number1 not so much!!
Good video, great information
Thanks for watching!
I recently came across a video of tourists getting out of their cars to look at bison who were walking down the road in Yellowstone. Not smart - some of them weigh 2000 pounds.
Sounds irresponsible.
@@AllThingsIceland Yup. And I saw one today where some guy decided to taunt a bull. He's lucky that the bull decided to walk away. Other people haven't been so lucky.
"Inspired by Iceland" should offer you a job.
That would be awesome!
_#7 Do Not Stop in the Middle of the Road to Take Photos_
Imagine having to tell people this.
I discovered your channel this morning BTW, I'm really enjoying everything I've watched so far! :D
Bro someone stopped ON A BLIND HILL and my family nearly got killed!
about #14 go before you go. lol. there are no rest areas like in the states. none. zippo. and do not count on any being open at any remote areas like seltun . they have specific times and hours when the rest huts are open. and not many gas stations like in the US. plan plan plan. oh...and another thing....do NOT let go of your car door when getting in and out...lmao. i was warned of this when picking up our rental car and thought how stupid. i did not think it was stupid after the first time i got out of the car. oh my....these are my two tips i give friends who are going for a visit. enjoying your videos...
Who in the world is pooping wherever?? Lol. Most of these are just plain common sense and it's kind of sad they need to be stated. So excited to visit Iceland in July 2023!!
As an Icelandic person, hear hear lady!
You could take almost all this and give as advise to tourists coming to Disney World!!
Very interesting