Welcome To Iceland
In my quest to visit thirty countries before turning thirty, I signed up for an Iceland group trip with Under30Experiences – a company whose name perfectly matched my mission.
Normally, I’m a solo traveler, making friends and choosing experiences on the go. So, I was tentative about group travel, even small group tours. I’m not one who likes being carted around to Instagram-famous spots (think: Blue Lagoon) with busloads of other tourists. However, knowing very little about Iceland, except that a car is essential to fully enjoy it (and I don’t drive), I searched for a 5-day trip to Iceland that included transportation.
The moment I stepped off the plane, I was hooked. Iceland is the most beautiful country in the world, with stunning waterfalls, volcanoes, rivers, mountains, and beaches around every corner. My apprehension about group travel vanished instantly, thanks to our incredible Trip Leader, Stephanie. She showed us an insider’s view of Iceland, taking us to places where we were the only people around. She was a walking encyclopedia on Iceland, answering every question and giving us a complete picture of the country’s nature, people, and culture.
It’s been just over a year since my Iceland adventure, and I’m already itching to go back. I visited during the summer and enjoyed long daylight hours, but I would love to return in the winter for a chance to see the Northern Lights over snowy landscapes.
If you need convincing to book your trip to Iceland, check out my tour highlights and eight reasons to take an Iceland group trip.
8 Reasons to Take An Iceland Group Trip:
Reason #1: Be welcomed by geothermal warmth
Reason #2: Travel in style
Reason #3: Capture picture-perfect moments
Reason #4: Cozy up inside a volcano
Reason #5: Discover hidden waterfalls
Reason #6: Indulge in farm-fresh food
Reason #7: Explore a giant glacier
Reason #8: Embrace sustainable tourism
Bonus Reason: Meet incredible people
Until Next Time
Reason #1: Be welcomed by geothermal warmth
Situated where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, Iceland is filled with erupting geysers, hot springs, and steaming geothermal pools. On the first day of your trip, you’ll unwind at Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal pool. Experience the healing powers of the springs with multiple soaking pools offering sweeping views of Laugarvatn Lake. Get the full experience by alternating between the thermal pool, a cold plunge (either via a bucket for the risk-averse or directly into the freezing lake for the bold), and the sauna. Repeat as needed!
Tip: Extend your trip by a day and visit the Sky Lagoon in Reykjavík for an extra dose of geothermal bliss.
Reason #2: Travel in style with these small group tours
One of the big selling points for any U30X trip is the small group sizes. With only 15 people on my Iceland trip, we all fit comfortably in a minibus driven by our fearless leader, Stephanie. When she wasn’t sharing facts about Iceland, she was a world-class DJ, blasting songs to enhance our Icelandic experience. We learned about the drama of the Eurovision Song Contest while listening to the “Eurovision Winners” playlist on Spotify.
We couldn’t escape the catchy “Jaja Ding Dong” song from a Will Ferrell movie about Iceland. Give it a listen if you dare because it’s sure to get stuck in your head. Right when we thought we had it out of our heads, someone would shout “Jaja”, and someone else would respond “Ding Dong” bringing us back to square one.
On Day 3, we ventured from the black sand beaches into Thórsmörk in a decked-out Superjeep. Split into two groups, I called shotgun in Jeep 1 and quickly assumed the mantle of co-captain. It didn’t take me long to discover the walkie-talkies between the jeeps. Between waterfall stops, we radioed jokes back and forth.
“Jeep 1 to Jeep 2: What do you get if a dinosaur kicks you in the butt? …A Megasoreass!”
If modern transportation isn’t your thing, don’t fret. On Day 4, you’ll have the option to take it old school and ride an adorably plump and fluffy Icelandic horse out to a waterfall near Skálakot Manor.
Tip: If you arrive early or plan to extend your travel, the FlyBus makes it easy to get around Reykjavik, visit nearby attractions, and get to the airport.
Reason #3: Capture picture-perfect moments
Iceland is undoubtedly the most beautiful country I’ve ever visited. Every natural landform has an Icelandic name that’s impossible to pronounce (or spell, but I’ll try my best)! Throughout your trip, you’ll be introduced to Icelandic landmarks like: Gluggafoss, Dímon, Fjöru, Þórsmörk, Merkurker, Gígjökull, Básar, Stakkholtsgjá. Despite the difficulty of the names, you’ll become friends with these amazing natural wonders. You’ll quickly fill your camera roll as you get your photo snapped with your new ‘friends.’
Warning: Beware of the person on your trip who is secretly taking your photo. They may capture the perfect candid shot or, in my case, catch you right as you fall over.
Reason #4: Cozy up inside a volcano
Take the ferry off the coast and spend the day exploring the Vestmannaeyjar Islands. Together, you’ll hike up the active Eldfell volcano. At the top, you can slide under a rock and feel the warmth of the volcano. It’s like a little hot pocket.
You’ll then have the afternoon free to explore the town. If you want to learn more about the recent eruption, head to the Volcano Museum. You’ll also have time to visit the whale sanctuary and see beluga whales and puffins.
Tip: Iceland didn’t get the nickname “the land of fire and ice” for nothing. From thermal pools to cold plunges and windy ferry rides to volcanic "hot pockets," you’ll want to dress in layers.
Reason #5: Discover hidden waterfalls
It’s impossible to write about Iceland without mentioning waterfalls. It’s like airports and overpriced sandwiches – they just go hand in hand. Starting on Day 1 in Þingvellir National Park, you’ll immediately be greeted by waterfalls and will continue to see them cascading down every mountain you drive by for the rest of your trip. All natural water sources in Iceland are safe to drink. Fill up your water bottle at any waterfall and taste crisp, clean Icelandic water straight from the source. We all noticed we stayed very hydrated because of the quality of the water.
Tip: Pack water-resistant everything! Icelandic weather can be unpredictable, even in summer. Don’t worry; the rain will add to the magic of your photos. Even if the weather holds out, with waterfalls spraying mist, there are plenty of opportunities to get damp.
Reason #6: Indulge in farm-fresh food
Staying on a sheep farm promised fresh meats and produce for dinner. As a vegetarian, I’m always a little nervous about pre-planned group meals. Some cultures aren’t as familiar with vegetarians (I’ve been hungry on trips before). While everyone else was tucking into their lamb stew, I was thinking of ways to rescue the cute baby lamb outside my window and wondering what my meal options would be. I’m happy to say I always got a delicious specialty vegetarian meal. Icelandic vegetables are unbelievable, as they are grown in volcanic soils with pure spring water.
After a morning of hiking, we tried the famous Icelandic-style hot dogs served on a toasted bun with crispy fried onions, raw onions, sweet brown mustard, ketchup, and rémoulade. These hotdogs (even the vegetarian version) were amazing!
On the final night, as we stayed up to view the midnight sun, we spread out the specialty Icelandic goodies we had collected over the week and tried them all. Honestly, I wouldn’t try the pink squishy pig candies again, but everything was interesting. I’ll leave the other treats as a surprise for you to experience.
Reason #7: Explore a giant glacier
On Day 4, you’ll do something truly remarkable – hike on a glacier! Geared up with a pickaxe and crampons, take a walk across Sólheimajökull, just one of many glaciers on the South Coast of Iceland. Drink from streams on the glacier, peer into dark crevices, or just look really cool with your pickaxe.
Tip: With a little help from your guide, you could get an epic James Bond-esque shot of you scaling the glacier.
Reason #8: Embrace sustainable tourism
We stayed in cabins on the Smáratún Farm, an almost zero-waste establishment. They recycle, protect local flora and fauna, and believe in farm-to-table dining. Being eco-friendly doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. The farm was fantastic accommodation; it was beautifully situated and had everything we needed.
On the final night, we participated in a tree-planting ceremony to minimize our carbon footprint and reforest Iceland.
Tip: If you’re planning to spend extra time in Reykjavík, several hotels are environmentally friendly and sustainability-conscious. These accommodations are great for eco-minded travelers who don’t want to compromise on comfort.
Bonus Reason: Meet incredible people
Okay, you got me. This one isn’t Iceland-specific, but it’s one of the main reasons I continue to choose Under30Experiences for my group travel. The people you meet are the best – young, fun, and ready for adventure. Creating unforgettable memories with the amazing people you travel with is not typically included in ordinary vacation packages, but it is always the case with Under30Experiences. I formed lasting friendships with my fellow travelers and even have plans to meet up with a few of them in Europe later this year.
Until Next Time
If you’re dreaming of exploring Iceland but, like me, need a travel group, Under30Experiences is the way to go. This 5-day group trip was full of unique and unforgettable moments. Thanks to the small group size, like-minded adventurers, expert local guides, and a unique itinerary that captured the true essence of Iceland, I had a fantastic travel experience.
Book your Iceland trip or Iceland trek and, who knows, maybe we’ll be on the same trip, singing “Jaja Ding Dong” together!
