Iceland
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Iceland |
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Click on any one of the following below for specific information on getting around the Iceland; attractions, museums, tours, and other places to go and things to see and do; and some ideas for accommodations and dining in Iceland.
General Information on
Iceland
Iceland has
something for everyone, whatever the season, and you can choose from a grand
spread of special interest options or combine your pleasures into a truly
diverse tour. You can have the time of your life by just taking a few days’
break or even on a stopover en route to Europe.
(The following information was taken from the CIA World Fact
Book)
Settled by Norwegian and Celtic (Scottish and Irish) immigrants during the late
9th and 10th centuries A.D., Iceland boasts the world's oldest functioning
legislative assembly, the Althing, established in 930. Independent for over 300
years, Iceland was subsequently ruled by Norway and Denmark. Fallout from the
Askja volcano of 1875 devastated the Icelandic economy and caused widespread
famine. Over the next quarter century, 20% of the island's population emigrated,
mostly to Canada and the US. Limited home rule from Denmark was granted in 1874
and complete independence attained in 1944. Literacy, longevity, income, and
social cohesion are first-rate by world standards.
Iceland's Scandinavian-type economy is basically capitalistic, yet with an extensive welfare system (including generous housing subsidies), low unemployment, and remarkably even distribution of income. In the absence of other natural resources (except for abundant geothermal power), the economy depends heavily on the fishing industry, which provides nearly 70% of export earnings and employs 6% of the work force. The economy remains sensitive to declining fish stocks as well as to fluctuations in world prices for its main exports: fish and fish products, aluminum, and ferrosilicon. Substantial foreign investment in the aluminum and hydropower sectors has boosted economic growth which, nevertheless, has been volatile and characterized by recurrent imbalances. Government policies include reducing the current account deficit, limiting foreign borrowing, containing inflation, revising agricultural and fishing policies, and diversifying the economy. The government remains opposed to EU membership, primarily because of Icelanders' concern about losing control over their fishing resources. Iceland's economy has been diversifying into manufacturing and service industries in the last decade, and new developments in software production, biotechnology, and financial services are taking place. The tourism sector is also expanding, with the recent trends in ecotourism and whale watching. The 2006 closure of the US military base at Keflavik had very little impact on the national economy; Iceland's low unemployment rate aided former base employees in finding alternate employment. For additional information, visit https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ic.html
Probably the best time to visit would be in the summer when Iceland is temperate, moderated by the North Atlantic Current. Although it is summer, you can still expect it to be cool so, bring a light jacket. The winters are normally pretty mild (for the area), but are often windy and damp. It's strategic location between Greenland and Europe makes it the westernmost European country, with Reykjavik the northernmost national capital in the world. More of the land is covered by glaciers than in all of continental Europe.
You will need a passport to visit Iceland, and perhaps a visa.
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Passport Visa Express specializes in obtaining Passports for United States Citizens who wish to travel internationally within the next 30 days. We work directly with the U.S. Passport Agency assisting you in expediting your passport application in as fast as the same day! Our passport consultants have many years of direct experience working with the Passport Agency. |
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Currency Information and Money Matters
The currency is the
Icelandic krona (ISK). Icelandic kronur per US
dollar - 63.391 (2007), 70.195 (2006), 62.982 (2005), 70.192 (2004), 76.709
(2003).
Currency
Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports,
railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency
exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and
rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a
nightmare. Order in advance from
All
Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and
money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and
transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious! Current Exchange Rate:
Check Today's Exchange Rate
The Icelandic people speak several languages including their native Icelandic, English, some Nordic languages. German is also widely spoken. I have found that it helps to know at least a little bit of the language as I travel in other countries. You do not have to be able to be a fluent speaker, but knowing a few key words and phrases will really help. I have found that, although almost everywhere I go I can find someone who speaks English, knowing just a few words of the local language can really be a help. And, it lets others know I am at least interested in their language. Visit the Getting Away Language Learning Center where you can find out how to learn another language, or where to purchase books, dictionaries, electronic translators, software and more
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
Travel
Etiquette
Behavior and customs vary greatly from country to country. We
discuss the correct travel etiquette so that you won't be caught out.
TravelEtiquette was formed to offer a unique reference
point on essential etiquette advice and information for worldwide
travel. Our features and articles are written by professional
journalists and experts - who have a particular interest, or a
background in this area. So – know before you go. Visit
TravelEtiquette so you will know how to, as the old adage states, “When in Rome,
do as the Romans do.”
Electricity
You will probably need a converter. Find the converter you will need in the
Getting Away
Travel Store. Additionally, you will find just about anything and
everything you will need when you travel. Across the state, country, or
to a destination on the other side of the world, you'll find what you
need in the Getting
Away Travel Store!
Travel
Insurance
If you need medical
care while you are away, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not
accept payment through your insurance company and that you will therefore to pay
in full for your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for
reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit
card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local
embassy or representative. For compensation, you must be treated by licensed
medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation
and receipts. It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel
insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country. Visit
the Getting Away
Health
and Safety Tips for Travelers
page for additional information about insurance.
Travel Warning
Check with the U.S. State Department for
Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets & Public
Announcements.
Books, Maps and Other Resources
My favorite guidebooks when I am traveling is
Fodor's. I find them to be quite complete, easy to use, and almost always on the
money with helps and tips for traveling in the country I am visiting. Click on
Fodor's Travel Guides
to find the perfect guidebook for your travels.
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I always research the destinations to which I intend to travel with books and maps. I normally use Fodor's as I find their guidebooks very informative and easy to read and understand. Click on the Amazon logo to search for travel books and maps. If you don't find what you are looking for, click on the Getting Away Travel Bookshelf to find some of my favorites! Still can't find what you need? Contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com |
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Getting To
Iceland
By Air
By Sea
Iceland as a "Stop Over"
How to get to Iceland by
air:
The best way to get there may be via Icelandair.
There are daily non-stop flights to Reykjavik (Keflavik) from
Baltimore/Washington, Boston, Minneapolis and New York - and frequent flights
from Orlando. Flight times are as short as 4 1/2 hours.
Iceland makes a great "Stop Over" for travelers to Europe as there are direct flights from Reykjavik (Keflavik) to Europe. They are: London, Glasgow, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, and the Faroe Islands. In addition, Milan, Madrid and Barcelona flights are operated during the summer months. Icelandair also code-shares with SAS via Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo to the following destinations: Helsinki, Hamburg, Gothenburg, Munich, Dusseldor, -Brussels, Zurich and Vienna and code-shares with British Midland via London to Belfast, Dublin, and the East Midlands.
How to get to Iceland by sea:
There are no scheduled passenger sea-links from the States but many cruise lines
make stops in their itineraries. These include: Holland America Line, Cunard, Seabourn Cruise
Line, Crystal Cruise, Silversea Cruise, Princess Cruise, Royal Caribbean
International, Orient Lines, Abercrombie & Kent, Lindblad Special,
Expeditions, and Europ Cruises.
SMYRIL LINE: The Faroe Island's Smyril Line operates a weekly passenger and car ferry service during summer from Bergen in Norway and Hanstholm in Denmark to Lerwick in the Shetland Islands, the Faroe Islands and Seydisfjordur in Iceland.
So, many people discover Iceland by taking advantage
of "stop-over"
opportunities while on their way to or from somewhere else. Then they're hooked
and often plan their next vacation to be solely an Icelandic one!
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At
Travelocity, not only can you find
the lowest fare or best schedule on over 400 airlines, but you can also
find
Great
Car Rental Deals, Low hotel rates when you click on |
For Flights, Hotels, Cars, Cruises, Vacations, Tours and Travel Deals, Click on Global Travel International. If the link does not work properly, type www.gettingaway.globaltravel.com in the address line of your browser.
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Getting Around in
Iceland
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Rent your car in Iceland at the best prices from Auto Europe. Want a car, but don't want to rent. If you need a car for at least 17 days, and you are at least 18 years old, Getting Away and Auto Europe can hook you up with a new Peugeot through the exclusive Peugeot Buy Back Program. In Australia, France, Germany, New Zealand and Spain, you can even rent a motor home. |
Coming Soon. In the mean time, let me know if you have something you believe should be added to this area. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Some Things to See and Do in Iceland
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| Worldwide Riding Vacations : A Global Guide - Not just a guide to dude ranches, this handsome updated edition lists more strenuous and interesting equestrian trips by continent and then by country. Printed on heavy coated stock and illustrated with many color photographs, it includes over 100 entries. Each lists the company, address, phone number, E-mail, FAX, closest airports, price, and when available. There are descriptions of accommodations, meals, activities, and the horses and riding equipment, as well as a list of equestrian travel agencies and associations. British equestrian writer Ruler writes frequently on riding vacations and is an amateur horseman. Sacks, a former college professor, now owns a horse farm. Includes ideas for riding vacations in Iceland. |
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Cities and Towns in
Iceland Coming Soon. In the mean time, let me know if you have something you believe should be added to this area. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
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Suggestions for Accommodations in
Iceland
There are hotels and guesthouses to suit all tastes and budgets, from the most
luxurious to the simple and sufficient. Several travel agencies and airlines
have special accommodation offers that can only be purchased outside Iceland.
Children’s discounts are also widely available. Prices for hotels and guesthouses vary according to facilities and services
offered, but prices for a single room with shower/bath range from US$ 50-170
(breakfast is usually included), and for a double room with shower/bath from US$
70-230.
| Click on Andorra for suggestions for accommodations in Andorra prepared for Getting Away by the Hotel Club Hotel Club Discount Hotel Reservation System. |
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Getting
Away Accommodations Finder! |
Visit Getting Away Accommodations, world-wide reservations available on line. And, if you are looking for a nice resort, check the Getting Away Resort Accommodations page or ResortDiscounts.com where you can find discounts at some of the world's most desirable resort locations
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Suggestions for Dining in
Iceland
The
Iceland Tourist Board recently conducted a survey among American travelers to
Iceland, in which they were asked what they thought of the country’s culinary
offerings. Happily, the vast majority found that the quality of dining in
Iceland was simply exceptional, and an excellent value for the money.
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Some Favorites in
Iceland
Coming Soon. In the mean time, let me know if you have something
you believe should be added to this area.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Some Interesting Links About
Iceland
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
