A couple of years ago I took my son to Iceland for a three‑night break in October, and it is still one of the most memorable trips I have ever done. It is a destination I now recommend wholeheartedly to couples, friends and families who want a short escape that feels completely different, without flying halfway around the world.

From steaming blue water and black lava fields to glaciers, geysers and dolphin‑filled seas, Iceland has a way of capturing your heart very quickly.

A Dreamy Start: The Blue Lagoon on Arrival

One of the things that made our trip feel so special was how it began. As soon as we landed, we were taken straight to the Blue Lagoon. There is something wonderfully indulgent about stepping off a flight and then, not long after, lowering yourself into warm, milky‑blue geothermal water surrounded by dramatic volcanic scenery.

The water was beautifully warm, like slipping into a giant thermal bath, and the steam rising against the dark rocks felt almost other‑worldly. We treated ourselves to the classic silica face mask, slathering it on and letting it dry while we floated, then washed it off to baby‑soft skin. There is also a swim‑up bar, so you can enjoy a drink while you soak and simply take it all in.

It was such a relaxing way to start the holiday, and I would absolutely recommend doing the Blue Lagoon on arrival. It really sets the tone for the rest of the trip

Our Base in Reykjavik

We based ourselves in Reykjavik and stayed in a hotel that was ideal for a short break. The location worked perfectly for us: walking distance to the city centre and also down to the harbour front, so it was easy to explore on foot in our free time. After busy days out on excursions, it was lovely to come back somewhere comfortable and convenient without needing taxis everywhere.

On our first evening we joined a Northern Lights cruise from Reykjavik harbour. Although we were not lucky enough to see the Aurora that night, it was still a really special experience.

Being out on the water, wrapped up warm with hot drinks in hand, looking back towards the lights of Reykjavik was magical in its own right. Sometimes travel moments are not about the “headline” sight, but about the atmosphere and the time you spend together, and this evening felt exactly like that.

If you are set on seeing the Northern Lights, I always recommend planning a few nights in Iceland to give yourself the best chance, and to see it as a bonus rather than a guarantee. There is so much else to enjoy.

Day two was a real highlight. We were picked up by super jeep for a Golden Circle tour, which takes in some of Iceland’s most iconic natural sights.

Along the way you typically see:

• Powerful waterfalls crashing into rugged gorges
• Geysers erupting from bubbling geothermal fields
• Wide, open landscapes that make you feel very small in the best possible way

The standout for us was snowmobiling on the glacier. Being out on the ice, with endless white stretching in every direction, was honestly one of my favourite things I have ever done. The thrill of speeding across the glacier with my son, surrounded by that vast, frozen landscape, is a memory I will never forget. It is an incredible way to experience Iceland’s wild side.

The following day we headed back out to sea for a whale watching excursion. Nature always plays by its own rules, so although we did not see any big whales, we were treated instead to a huge pod of around 20 dolphins.

Watching them play and swim alongside the boat was wonderful, and we really enjoyed chatting with the crew on board, who are so passionate and knowledgeable about the marine life around Iceland. Even when you do not spot everything you hope to, being out on the water with that fresh North Atlantic air is an experience in itself.

That same day we joined a food tour in Reykjavik, which was such a fun way to get to know the city. We wandered between different local spots, trying Icelandic specialities and discovering places we might never have found on our own.

A highlight was a visit to the famous hot dog stand, a simple but iconic stop that even Bill Clinton is said to have enjoyed. It is those little stories and local touches that really bring a destination to life.

On our last day we had some free time to explore Reykjavik at our own pace, which I always like to build into an itinerary.

We:

• Walked up to the striking cathedral, with its commanding views and bold architecture
• Strolled down the colourful Rainbow Street, full of shops, cafés and street art
• Visited the Viking ship sculpture by the harbour, a beautiful, modern piece that looks out to sea
• Stopped for cake and coffee, simply soaking up the relaxed, creative feel of the city

Having that slower time to wander, people‑watch and dip in and out of cafés really rounded off the trip perfectly.

Our three‑night October escape to Iceland was short but incredibly rich in experiences. In just a few days we:

• Bathed in a world‑famous geothermal lagoon
• Cruised under the night sky in search of the Northern Lights
• Explored the Golden Circle and snowmobiled on a glacier
• Headed out to sea for wildlife spotting and saw a pod of dolphins
• Ate our way around Reykjavik on a food tour
• Enjoyed leisurely time in the city, discovering its landmarks and little hidden corners

It is a destination that works brilliantly for couples, families and groups of friends. The flight from the UK is relatively short, yet you feel like you have been transported to another world. For a long weekend or a four‑night break, it is hard to beat.

When I look back on that trip with my son, it is the combination of adventure, scenery and shared moments that stands out most. Iceland gave us memories I will treasure forever, and it is somewhere I truly recommend to anyone looking for something special.

If you would love your own unforgettable Iceland adventure, I would be delighted to help you plan it, tailoring everything from the excursions to the pacing, so all you need to do is relax and enjoy.