Iceland was voted the No. 1 travel destination for solo female travelers in 2023. And it’s easily one of the world’s most amazing locations to visit. One many people have on their “travel bucket list” largely thanks to the popularity of the Game of Thrones television series.
If you are keen on planning the solo trip of a lifetime to this amazing island then keep reading because I’m going to offer up five simple travel tips.
Solo Travel Tip No. 1: Pack Accordingly
It gets cold up there, and it stays cold all year long. That is not an exaggeration. And the high winds can make the temperatures feel much more severe than they are. That’s why it’s mega important to pack for the cold weather when planning this trip of a lifetime to Iceland.
When it comes to packing, the key thing to remember is that layering is your friend!
It all starts with the thermals. Some might want to call them Long Johns, but as long as they are made of comfortable wool and cover the entirety of your body, you’re good. Secondly, don’t underestimate the importance of the warmest thermal socks and quality weather-resistant gloves.
Don’t skimp on a solid piece of headgear or two to help fight off the strong winds on the tenderest of meats. And last but certainly not least, you’ll need a quality water-resistant/proof coat that you can rely on.
Beyond that, make sure that you have enough clothing to rotate so that you can continuously layer up properly. As long as you do that effectively, you are going to find that you can keep warm no matter how biting it may get.
Want More Packing Tips For The Solo Trip of a Lifetime to Iceland?
Solo Travel Tip No. 2: Avoid Tourist Traps
There are a lot of popular places to visit in Iceland. Many of them are genuinely amazing, and many more of them are majestic to witness. But there are more than a couple that are tourist traps. Although some of them are unavoidable, the Golden Circle as an example, others you’ll not want to shy away from, like the Sky Lagoon.
The tourist traps are easy to spot, however, because they are often a lot more expensive. To better plan your solo trip of a lifetime in Iceland, don’t forget to do some due diligence. Often visitors can get similar experiences in other parts of the country at a cheaper price. It’s amazing how much you can save and still have a great time if you are aware of this fact.
Solo Travel Tip No. 3: Hire A Car
Iceland is one country where you might consider hiring a car to get around. Renting a car allows you to enjoy slow travel, a sustainable traveling method, on the island at your own pace. Exploring the breathtaking Icelandic landscapes one region at a time.
What’s more, car rentals are relatively cheap compared to other European countries. Icelandic roads are well-paved and easy to navigate, too. Of course, you should always keep your wits about you as the roads can be icy in extreme weather conditions. Always check the weather before getting behind the wheel, and do not overlook insurance protection. Accidents happen often in Iceland because people do not heed the regularly updated weather advisories.
Solo Travel Tip No. 4: Bring Extra Money
The fourth of these solo travel tips for the solo trip of a lifetime to Iceland is that it’s expensive there. Bring more money than you thought you would spend because there will undoubtedly be reasons to need it.
If you want to save a little during your Icelandic adventure, consider getting any alcohol duty-free on the way in, share meals whenever possible, or shop for travel snacks at the local shops as an alternative to eating out.
It also helps to book excursions ahead of time. Doing so can help you better budget spending money daily as you participate in the pre-planned events. A Meredith travel recommendation, remember to leave room for tipping tour guides and wait staff in the budget.
Solo Travel Tip No. 5: Get An Expert Opinion
If you’ve got more questions, Meredith has answers!
Traveling as a solo female traveler can be massively intimidating. Trust me, I get it. I was in your shoes once, too. Now, after eight years of solo female traveling and solo living abroad, this avid traveler is prime to assist you with whatever your travel needs may be.
- Are there solo traveling backpacking routes on the African continent?
- Which airlines participate in & support sustainable travel practices?
- What are the best ways to prepare to move abroad as a solo female?
- Do I need a Covid test for the border crossings on my international journey?
Get to the heart of your solo traveling deterrents on a FREE 15-minute 1-on-1 with Meredith. Perfect for the first-time solo female traveler or someone entertaining the idea of solo living abroad.
Once we both get a taste of your level of adventure and strategic traveling needs, you can resign to select a 30-minute or 60-minute Strategic Solo Traveling Consultation.
Need More Inspiration to Plan Your Solo Trip of a Lifetime?
Follow in Meredith’s footsteps on an epic 9 action-packed days adventuring Iceland as a solo female traveler. Of course, if you’re feeling apprehensive about planning a solo trip of a lifetime to Iceland or anywhere else, I’m here to help!
