Iceland: Planning an Epic Adventure with Brandon Presser
May 10, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep 115•Transcript available on Metacast Episode description
#115: Award-winning travel writer, Brandon Presser joins Chris to share the beauty and wonder of Iceland. They discuss everything you need to know to plan the ideal trip, including when to visit, suggested itineraries, cultural norms and social etiquette, top hot springs, waterfalls and hiking destinations, the perfect season to chase the Northern Lights and novelty Icelandic cuisine. Finally, Chris offers tips on how to maximize your points and miles to make your Iceland trip more affordable and enjoyable.
Brandon (@brandpress) is a well-traveled writer who has visited 130+ countries, immersing himself in different cultures and documenting his experiences. He contributes to some of the world's top travel publications and has published over 50 travel guides, including Iceland - Lonely Planet Country Guide, which he wrote after spending six months in the country.
Full show notes: https://allthehacks.com/iceland-brandon-presser
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Resources Mentioned
All the Hacks Trip Survey
Brandon Presser: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Website
#53: Travel Hacks for Planning Your Best Trip Ever
#101: Planning the Best Japan Trip Ever
Capital Region: Reykjavík | Kópavogur | Hafnarfjörur
Tourist Routes: Ring Road | Golden Circle (Geysir, Gullfoss, Thingvellir)
Accommodations: Blue Lagoon Retreat Hotel
Visit: Blue Lagoon Spa Package | Elf Garden
Hot Springs/Pools: Vesturbæjarlaug | Sky Lagoon | Krauma | Secret Lagoon | Hvammsvík
Dine/Drink: Fish Market | Fish Company | DILL | OX | Anna Jona | Hlemmur Food Hall | Posthus Food Hall
Cafes: Reykjavik Roasters | Kaktus Espressobar
Western Region: Borgarnes | Stykkishólmur
Visit: Snaefellsnes Peninsula | Borgarnes Museum
Hot Springs/Pools: Krossneslaug | Laugarnes
Dine/Drink: The Settlement Center Restaurant
Westfjords Region (Brandon's Favorite): Ísafjörður
Visit: Dynjandi Waterfall
Northern Region: Akureyri | Mývatn | Húsavík
Activities: Whale watching
Hot Springs/Pools: Hofsós Swimming Pool | Forest Lagoon | Geosea
Eastern Region:
Visit: Skaftafell Glaciers
Hot Springs/Pools: Vök Baths
Southern Region: Keflavík | Vík í Mýrdal | Skógar | Þórsmörk | Hvolsvöllur | Hella
Visit: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon | Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach | Skógafoss Waterfall
Activities: Fimmvörðuháls Hike
Icelandic Sweet Treats: Hraun | Licorice
Guides: Midgard Adventure
Northern Lights Information: Icelandic Meteorological Office
Find Up-to-Date Restaurant Recommendations: The Reykjavik Grapevine
Beyond Iceland:
Newfoundland
Bonavista Peninsula
Skerwink Trail
Northern Norway
Lofoten
Greenland
Flight Distance Tool: Great Circle Mapper
Full Show Notes
(02:55) What Makes Iceland Special
(06:43) Planning a Perfect Trip to Iceland
(08:56) Four Days in Iceland
(10:32) When to Travel to Iceland
(13:33) Iceland's Culture and People
(16:47) Cultural Norms and Social Etiquette
(18:05) Iceland’s Must-See Destinations
(20:47) Exploring Different Regions in Iceland
(28:49) Hiring a Guide in Iceland
(34:41) Chasing Northern Lights
(36:57) Getting Around Iceland: Transportation
(39:00) Flying within Iceland
(40:56) Exploring Reykjavik
(45:37) What to Eat and Drink in Iceland
(47:00) Iceland's Hot Springs Culture
(51:23) More on Reykjavik
(52:18) Learning the Icelandic Language
(58:11) Hidden Gems in Iceland
(58:55) Iceland with Kids
(1:01:20) Destinations Similar to Iceland
(1:05:16) The Hidden World of Icelandic Elves
(1:06:32) All the Hacks Iceland Trip
(1:08:44) Miles & Points for Iceland
(1:16:23) Award Hotels in Iceland
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