Family Adventure in Iceland: A Journey of Discovery

In the aftermath of lockdown, our family made the conscious decision to explore the wonders of the United Kingdom. The complexities and stress associated with international travel—especially the extensive testing requirements—prompted us to rediscover the beauty closer to home. To our surprise, we found that we did not require the sun, the pool, or the beach to create lasting holiday memories. Instead, it was the diverse experiences we shared as a family that truly resonated with our children.

Following our exploration of Scotland, Ireland, and Lapland, Iceland frequently emerged as a topic of conversation among fellow travellers. This sparked our interest, leading us to ask: Why Iceland?

As we got into our research, it became clear that Iceland was a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be uncovered. The extensive list of attractions and activities was nothing short of overwhelming! Over the last few years, we had developed a passion for self-drive holidays, embracing life on the road. A valuable tip for anyone considering a self-drive adventure is to invest in travel packing cubes— a different colour for each family member can significantly simplify packing and organization.

Thus, we embarked on our journey to book a self-drive holiday in Iceland, opting for the summer months when more sites are accessible and wildlife, such as puffins, can be spotted. Our ten-day itinerary encompassed the Golden Circle and the picturesque south coast, with a preference for self-catering accommodations that offered both cost-effectiveness and convenience for our family of five, particularly with a son who has a nut allergy. Another helpful tip: the Google Translate app can be a lifesaver. Simply select the camera feature, hover over packaging labels, and it will translate the text for you—an invaluable tool when navigating food options.

Our Top Sites:

- Geysers - Waterfalls: My personal favourites were Bruarfoss and Seljalandsfoss - Þingvellir National Park - Reynisfjara Beach and Dyrhólaey in Vík - Diamond Beach

Our Top Experiences:

- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Zodiac Boat Tour (an exhilarating way to get close to the icebergs) - Glacier Hike (the children were enthralled by the opportunity to fill their water bottles with glacier water) - Inside the Volcano Experience - Snowmobiling on the glacier - Puffins tour - Blue lagoon - Zipline in Vik - Lava show in Vik - Geothermal baking

Now you know why Iceland is such a great destination and should be on your bucket list!