5. TECHNOLOGY including CELL PHONES, CAMERAS and COMPUTERS
1. GETTING TO ICELAND
Q. What’s the best way to fly into Iceland?
A. Usually people book their flights based on price and loyalty programs. Cost will be different depending on where you are flying from. In any case, note that this tour starts and ends in Reykjavik.
Q. What time should I arrive at the airport in Keflavik?
A. Many international flights arrive very early in the morning. Note that the first activity on Day 1 is a morning visit to the Blue Lagoon–located closer to the airport than to Reykjavik. (Check the Iceland itinerary or with our Client Liaison for details on how to get from the airport to the Blue Lagoon.) If you arrive a day or more in advance of the tour start, we can provide some guidance on where to stay as well as details on how the group is getting to the Blue Lagoon from the city.
Q. Will I be met at the airport upon arrival at the Keflavik airport?
A. We can arrange for an airport pickup for the drive to either Reykjavik (if you arrive earlier than Day 1) or to the Blue Lagoon if you arrive the morning of Day 1. Note that it’s far more economical to take a shuttle bus to either place. These run regularly from the airport to the Blue Lagoon and to the city.
Q. Do I need a visa to enter Iceland?
A. Residents of many countries do not need a visa to enter Iceland. You can read more about whether you need a visa and about getting a visa here.
Q. If I want to arrive prior to the start of the tour or stay on beyond the last day, can you book additional hotel nights for me?
A. If you arrive into Iceland prior to the tour start date or depart after the tour’s last day, we can book additional nights for you. Please note that hotels in Iceland are very expensive. We therefore recommend that you book your own AirBnB or budget-friendly hotel.
Q. What is the best way to depart after the tour?
A. There is no formal breakfast or activities on the final day of the tour so you can make plans to leave at any time on that day. Most international flights depart in the afternoon, giving you some time to relax in the morning before making your way to the airport. While we can arrange for transportation from Reykjavik to the Keflavik Airport, it’s far more economical to take a shuttle bus or a taxi (if you share). Buses run regularly from the bus terminal to the airport and can be booked in advance. We recommend that you then take the short taxi (or Uber) ride to the bus terminal.
Q. Will bottled water be readily available on the tour?
A. Bottled water is not included at our request – we encourage you to bring your own insulated reusable bottle for the tour. Bottles can be refilled at the hotels or at restaurants during your time in Iceland.
Q. What kind of food should I expect on the tour?
A. Breakfasts will be served at the hotels each day and will include a wide variety of pastries, eggs, deli meats and cheeses, and fruit.
Most lunches will be out at restaurants and will include a variety of options from seafood to soup to pizza.
Dinners will either be at either local or hotel restaurants and include seafood, fish, soups and other international fare.
Note that in order to keep costs to a minimum, some meals are not included in the tour cost to give everyone the option to eat as much or as little as they like.
Q. Do you recommend any special vaccinations for this trip?
A. There’s nothing you need specifically for Iceland. However, you’ll want to consult with a travel doctor for medical advice.
3. HOTEL INFORMATION
Q. What’s the name of our accommodations?
A. Hotel information is listed on the tour itinerary, but we usually don’t have this confirmed until right before the tour (in case there are any last-minute changes). We will provide this information a couple of weeks in advance of the tour start date and we encourage you to leave this with family and/or friends in case of an emergency.
Q. Do the hotels provide shampoo and conditioner?
A. There is shampoo and soap at the hotels but if you need conditioner or have favorite products, it’s best to bring your own travel-sized versions.
Q. Are there hair dryers at the hotels?
A. Yes, hair dryers are available at the hotels.
Q. Are my items safe in my room?
A. Your items *should* be safe in the room. However, we recommend that either put valuables in the room’s safe or that you bring small luggage locks to secure the zippers together so that no one is tempted to peek in your bag(s).
When something goes missing, it’s usually later found in the bottom of one’s luggage. In the meantime, hotel staff are the first to be blamed. It’s best to keep your items (especially valuables) locked up so that this is not even a question.
4. PACKING INFORMATION
Q. Is it OK to have more than just a carry-on for the tour?
A. While you will be more comfortable moving around with fewer (and smaller) bags, it’s fine if you need to check a bag. There will be porters and hotel staff to help with luggage at each hotel.
Q. How should I dress/pack for this trip?
A. You’ll receive a full packing list for the tour that will help guide you. You will not need any dress clothes per se as we will not being going out anywhere that would require them.
Though the tour is scheduled during summer, be prepared for a wide range of temperatures. Daytime temps could be as high as the mid-60s and drop down into the 40s at night. Dressing in layers will be helpful to be ready for any weather.
Lightweight travel pants or leggings will be most comfortable. Short and long-sleeved shirts along with some cool weather gear like glove and a hat will be handy.
It could be cooler in the bus and in restaurants so have a light jacket or wrap that you can wear.
Q. Will I be responsible for carrying my own luggage?
A. You’ll have very little interaction with your luggage as the guides and hotel staff help with moving bags from the bus to the rooms and then back to the bus. We do encourage you to pack light so a small roller bag that is carry-on size (under 22″) would be ideal. But because you need cool weather clothes, you may need a bigger bag than that.
Q.What type of shoes should I bring?
A. Our rule of thumb is not to bring more than two pairs of shoes – one pair for walking and perhaps a pair of tennis shoes or small boots (depending on the weather forecast).
There is a fair amount of walking around, so make sure your shoes are comfortable. Consider shoes with ankle support if you need something sturdier for hikes/walks.
Q. What type of day bag do you recommend for touring around?
A. Iceland is a very safe country. Having said that, if you’re concerned about your valuables staying safe, we recommend a shoulder bag or backpack that has safety features, such as one from PacSafe. Most of their bags have slash proof panels and handles so that an opportunistic thief can’t just grab your bag and run.
Q. Should I bring a swimsuit?
A. Definitely. You will need this for the visit to the Blue Lagoon and there may be saunas or other lagoons you’ll want to visit outside of the group’s activities.
6. TECHNOLOGY including CELL PHONES, CAMERAS and COMPUTERS
Q. Is WiFi available at the hotels?
A. Yes, there is free WiFi available at all of the hotels.
Q. What sort of power adaptor do I need?
A. Iceland uses what’s considered a type C power plug. It should look like this>>>
Q. Will I need a converter for my electrical devices?
A. You will need a converter for any devices unable to handle 220 (hair dryer, curling iron, etc.). Most electronics these days (such as a laptop and iPad) have a built-in converter that protects the device from power surges.
Q. Can I use my cell phone in Iceland?
A. Yes! And there are a few ways to use your cell phone in Iceland.
The easiest way is to purchase an international data plan from your provider. Most cell providers offer international day passes for about $10/day. These automatically activate and charge you once you connect to the local provider.
Much more cost effective is to download an e-sim app like Airalo (for $3 off, use code ELIZAB3290). This allows you to connect to the local network to use data. It can be a little tricky getting this set up and using it with your own number, but we can help you once in-country. A plan for your entire time in Iceland should cost no more than $20.
Lastly, you can simply turn your data off and only use your phone when there’s WiFi.
Q. What sort of camera do you recommend?
A. While it’s not necessary, if you are so inspired (financially and photography-wise), consider bringing a camera with a telephoto lens. For those with photography experience, you may already have a favorite brand. For those with less experience or looking for your first camera, consider a more a versatile camera such as the Sony RX10 IV (this is what Beth shoots with) or similar.
7. MONEY, GIFTS, TIPS
Q. What’s the currency used in Iceland?
A. The krona is the currency used in Iceland. Consider downloading an app such as Converter so that you have quick access to the exchange rate.
Q. Are ATMs available?
A. There are plenty of ATMs in Reykjavik. You can also use your debit/credit card for any purchases at restaurants for drinks during lunch and dinner, as well as for souvenirs.
You’ll want to let your bank know in advance that you are traveling so they don’t deny usage of your card thinking it’s a fraudulent charge.
You’ll also want to find out what, if anything, your bank changes for international ATM withdrawals. If it’s based on each transaction, you’ll want to take larger amounts of money out rather than making numerous small withdrawals so as to limit the charges.
Q. How much money should I bring with me?
A. It really depends on your spending habits. Because you’ll be able to use your debit/credit card for purchases, you likely won’t need much (if any) cash in hand. Having said that, bringing some small bills to tip waitstaff if you like is fine.
Q. Do I need insurance for this tour?
A. We do suggest that all tour participants acquire travel insurance, but it is not required.
We have partnered with Travel Insured International. We HIGHLY recommend travel insurance (no matter who your provider is) to protect your travel investment from any future issues.
Q. Is there a schedule for installment payments?
A. We don’t have anything formal set up, but you can definitely send in payments on your own schedule. Some people send in monthly payments while other people send in payments when it’s convenient. You might consider talking to your bank to send regularly scheduled checks until the tour is paid in full by the final payment due date.
Q. Will I receive a refund if I have to cancel my participation in this tour?
A. Once you have paid a deposit, there is a cancellation fee if you cannot join us. The cancellation fee depends on the tour and how far in advance of the tour you cancel. Our refund policy is covered in our Booking Terms and Conditions and is also outlined on the Registration Form that you’ll receive within 24 hours of registering with a deposit.
Any refunds will be sent by check within two weeks of our receiving written notification of your cancellation (email notification is fine). We will respond via email and ask for confirmation of your mailing address for any refunds. Address must be confirmed within six months, otherwise expect forfeiture of refund as we close out our books at that time.
Q. Will you be sending an updated itinerary with our overnight accommodations so we can leave it with folks at home?
A. Yes, you’ll receive the hotel information as well as emergency contact information one or two weeks before departure (note: it is subject to last-minute changes).
Q. What’s the emergency contact info that I can give my family?
A. About two weeks before your departure, you will be given a cell phone number for your tour escort and someone in-country employed by our local tour operator.