Traveling alone through Iceland is a fascinating and adventure-filled experience. It allows you to discover the unique beauty of this Nordic country at your own pace and immerse yourself in its impressive nature.
We usually travel with friends, family, or partners, however, it’s possible that we don’t always coincide. Does this mean that your desire to travel will stay with you on the couch at home? Of course not! Traveling alone is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in other cultures. Are you brave enough to travel alone through Iceland?
In this guide, we will provide you with valuable advice and all the information you need to enjoy an unforgettable solo trip through Iceland.
Traveling alone in Iceland – The advantages of traveling on your own
For some people, traveling alone can seem incredibly intimidating, which is understandable. But traveling alone gives you an unparalleled sense of freedom. You can decide where to go, when to do it, and how much time to spend in each place. You don’t have to adapt to schedules or preferences of other travelers, and it’s also a great opportunity to connect with yourself and discover facets of your personality.
As humans, we tend to try to stay in our comfort zone, and traveling alone to an unknown country is not very encouraging. Even if it’s an incredibly safe place with no real danger. So try to overcome the fear of traveling. When we travel with known or beloved people, our stress levels decrease considerably.
The idea of taking a solo trip through Iceland has been on your mind lately, don’t deny it! There are many advantages to traveling alone, once you see the virtues, you’ll forget the problems.
Traveling alone will help you push your limits
Anyone who visits a foreign country will find themselves in some complicated situation at some point. It doesn’t matter if you travel accompanied or alone, setbacks are always lurking. Even if you’ve planned every little detail, unexpected situations always arise. No matter what kind of situation arises, if you are able to resolve it by yourself, your self-confidence and energy will increase incredibly. They will be anecdotes that will last in your mind for years and that you will always carry with you.
Traveling alone will open your mind
One of the most enriching aspects of traveling alone is the opportunity to immerse yourself in new cultures and traditions. Being alone, you’ll have the freedom to interact with locals, hear their stories, and learn about their way of life.
When you travel with friends or family, there are always fewer chances that you will opt for the most “risky” option. Without realizing it, you’ll end up talking to other travelers from distant countries and sharing interesting experiences and anecdotes.
Traveling alone through Iceland will help you connect with the locals and bring a smile to those more serious Icelanders.
You don’t have to keep up with anyone’s pace when traveling alone
Many people love to travel solo because it gives them a sense of freedom they don’t find in other situations. Having no schedules or limitations, simply going with the flow and doing what you feel like doing will be enough. You’ll decide where and when you want to eat, what to visit, or what to do, all according to your taste and without complications.
Traveling alone through Iceland – The perfect destination
Let’s be clear, Iceland is a perfect country for many types of trips. But undoubtedly, it takes the cake for solo trips. Pushing your limits is something wonderful to do, but common sense is always necessary. Safety is paramount whenever you travel, but it becomes especially important when traveling alone. Regarding this, we have good news for you.
Iceland is known for being one of the safest countries in the world. Its crime rate is one of the lowest you’ll find. If you’re thinking about how incredible the geysers must be, the volcanoes that dot the island, and the wonderful natural landscapes, you have no excuse. Most Icelanders don’t even lock their doors (well, in Reykjavik they do), I can hardly remember the last time I did. Why should I? Living in Iceland, after all, means trusting your neighbor.
The population is only 400,000 people, so we know what to expect. However, it’s always good to prepare for any trip, even if it’s to a safe and reliable place. Here are some tips for when you decide to set off on your own.
Guide to traveling alone through Iceland – Some tips
Unless it’s a travel agency that organizes it, all trips require prior preparation. However, something tells me you won’t opt for the services of a travel agency, so why are you reading this article? These are some of the main points to consider if you’re traveling solo to Iceland.
Always have a plan B
When traveling to Iceland alone, you must have your itinerary planned in advance. It is extremely important to remember that the weather in Iceland is very changeable. Because of this, your initial plans may be altered, so having an alternative prepared is always a good option. This way you can complete your itinerary successfully. Remember to check the weather forecast and the state of the roads daily.
Flexibility is the key to enjoying a solo trip through Iceland.
Download the 112 app on your phone
As mentioned earlier, it doesn’t matter if you travel in a group or alone. Any setback can always arise. You must be especially careful and cautious when traveling alone, and keep in mind all the situations that may arise during your trip. This app will give you much more security, as you can contact emergency services even in areas without coverage. Keep others informed of your situation, not only should emergency services be aware of your situation, also your loved ones.
Make sure to let them know what your route will be and the plans you have in mind. They’ll always be much more at ease knowing where you are each day. It’s also useful to activate the GPS locator function so they can see where you are at all times.
Get to know the locals
This may be difficult for shyer people but, give it a try! Interacting with locals is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Icelandic culture. You don’t need to be particularly funny or charismatic, just say hello and let the conversation flow. In Iceland, we’re very open to getting to know other cultures, we’ll be delighted to meet you!
Learn some words in Icelandic
“Hello” (“Halló”), “Goodbye” (“bless”)… Getting along with Icelanders is easy, but it’s always good to know some words in the local language. We’re aware of how complicated the language is, so we really appreciate foreigners venturing with some basic words. It’s one of the best ways to “get into” a conversation during your solo trip through Iceland.
Don’t forget your selfie stick
When you travel alone, the chances of getting good photos are limited. That’s why getting a selfie stick will always be useful, as well as the camera timer. Remember that Iceland is an extremely windy island, so leaving your phone or camera on a ledge is not a good idea. Even if the photo may turn out perfect, don’t risk it or you could lose all the photos taken up to that moment. It will be your personal camera assistant during your solo trip through Iceland.
Guide to traveling alone in Iceland
You’re finally ready for your next adventure to the Nordic country. Probably the best advice we can give you is: dare to try it. Probably not everything will turn out as you expected, which isn’t bad. There may be some complicated situations at times, but at the end of your trip, you’ll wonder why you didn’t dare to do it earlier. You’ll be left wanting more. Hurry up and pack your suitcase!“`
