Why Iceland is My Next Solo Trip

You guys, I am so excited. I just booked my next solo adventure! I am heading to Iceland for four whole days in January, (Yes January. No, I’m not crazy. Keep reading) and I think you can tell I am pretty excited about it. I’ve been hearing so many wonderful things about visiting Iceland, and the benefits of doing a quick stopover on your way to Europe from the U.S. Well, I just so happened to find a deal on Facebook, of all places, and decided to go for it. So now I am spending an extended weekend in one of the world’s up-and-coming travel destinations. Here are a few reasons why I picked Iceland for my first solo trip of 2017:

The Price is Right

Since I am going during the low travel season, I got a smokin’ deal on a roundtrip, non-stop flight through Iceland Air. They fly directly from Denver, and I always consider nonstop routes first and foremost when planning any trip. I don’t want to spend my time hopping around airports, so a Denver non-stop flight of any kind is always my first choice.

Iceland is known to be a little expensive. But since I am going during the low season, thankfully things are going to be more reasonably priced for a solo traveler like myself. I am planning to pay around $30 a night for a hostel, and the tourist attractions like the Blue Lagoon are also cheaper. Score!

The Weather Will Be Interesting

As a California native, but current Denver resident, my cold tolerance is relatively low. But because I am not quite used to the chill, I still find winter days and nights to be incredibly enchanting and mystical. Yes, it will be cold. But according to this website, the average temperature is 35 degrees during the day in Iceland in January. That is warmer than Denver during that time of year! Sure, I am going to need my down jacket and winter boots, but I am already dressing that way here in the Rocky Mountains, so I might as well be doing it in a beautiful foreign country. Plus, I have a better shot of seeing the Northern Lights this time of year. Another life list item to check off the list.

Flight Time is Easy

A mere seven hour direct flight from Denver, Iceland is easy to get to. You could really fly into Iceland Thursday red eye (arrive Friday morning) and leave Sunday and see what you need to see. I have a little more time, so I am making it a longer trip (leave Friday and return Tuesday) to hopefully get a good feel for Reykjavik and the surrounding cities.

Best of all, Iceland could also be built into another trip across the pond, say, on your way to Europe next summer. So now I get to see what I like about it in the low season, and hopefully stop over there again later in the year.

This Place is SAFE 

Although I consider myself a pretty savvy solo traveler (I don’t walk down dark alleys at night, I keep my money hidden, my backpack secure, and all that) Iceland is considered one of the safest places to travel. With only 330,000 residences on the entire island, it is really just a large city! Because of this, they have an extremely low crime rate. One of the greatest hazards is the weather, and although I am going in the winter, I am not planning any crazy excursions. So I am confident I will feel safe throughout my time there.

(you can read more about safety in Iceland HERE)

I will keep you posted on all the developments of the trip as they happen. Right now, my only goals are seeing the Northern Lights (not in my control, but come on Mother Nature) and sitting in the Blue Lagoon as long as possible (very much in my control, I am planning to spend a whole day there). I think this is going to be a trip I will never forget!

Have you ever been to Iceland? Would you recommend anything to do or see there? Tours to go on? Comment below! 

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You better believe I am going to be using my packing lists for this trip! Get your lists HERE: