Hello, we are very late with planning our summer trip. We are a family of four. One of the places under consideration is Iceland. My husband spoke to a travel agent who did not recommend Iceland due to volcano concerns. Any input? Looking around on the internet, it seems to be a fine destination choice. But it's the internet so.... Any advice is welcomed. Thanks!!
Posted by
Freedonia
15588 posts
Iceland is a great place. The volcano is having very little affect on tourism.
However, it is late in the game and you may find your choices are limited.
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
2168 posts
The travel agent does not know what they are talking about. The volcano is not affecting anything except for the locals in Grindavik, and on occasion when the Blue Lagoon closes to be safe.
That said, I would not try to come this summer. You are very late for planning as Iceland tends to book out about 9-12 months in advance. For a family trying to find lodging, that will become near impossible at this point. I hate to sound so disconcerting, but I would hate for you to buy airline tickets and then be up a creek. Start planning now for next summer and you can have a really nice trip!
Posted by
Connecticut
648 posts
Don’t be discouraged about planning your summer trip to Iceland. Two summers ago just after the last eruption our booked tour of Iceland was canceled due to lack of interest. In only a few days we were able to put together a private tour around the perimeter of the country (and the major sites) with no obstacles. We had a fantastic time. Give this a thought from a different perspective - people ARE probably staying away assuming the volcanic activity is an issue, thus more room for the brave hearted. Go, go, go and enjoy!
Our cancellation occurred this month (May) two years ago for an early August tour. We had zero issues organizing a wonderful trip immediately.
Posted by
Big Island of Hawaii
711 posts
I would agree that this is too late to plan a self-drive vacation in Iceland for this summer. On other forums people are saying that they are finding it hard to find lodging. Iceland is becoming very popular and the number of hotels, B&Bs, etc. hasn't caught up yet. A fall back might be to find lodging in Reykjavik and do day trips from there, but then you'd be wasting a lot of time going over the same roads.
Normally I'd recommend that you look for a tour, but not with kids (assuming they are not grown-ups).
Posted by
Charles Town
3 posts
While the Reykenes peninsula is experiencing a more active period, don't let it deter you from visiting Iceland. As others have mentioned, it has been impacting a very specific area. If you are leaning towards Iceland know that summer solstice and then throughout July is particularly crowded in the prime tourist areas. Check out the areas you think you'd want to visit prior to making air reservations to verify availability of hotel, camper van and campground, or whatever your preference in the locations you prefer. The farther east you are in Iceland, the fewer people you'll encounter. Wherever you choose, have a great trip!
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
2168 posts
The situation 2 years ago is vastly different than current conditions. Even last year the entire golden circle up the south coast was 100% sold out for the summer by March. This year I was trying to book for late September at the end of March and I had a difficult time, and this was only for 2 people. A number of our places are shared baths and no meals, in very remote areas, I.e. no restaurants close by. We were lucky to snag those.
Posted by
OP
29 posts
Thank you everyone for your advice. Sorry I'm so late in responding. Well, although it is late, we are going for it. We haven't really had a problem finding a flight or accommodations, I was able to book last night. Just now deciding on tours. Fingers crossed the volcanos behave!
Posted by
Des Moines, IA
21 posts
I don't know about finding lodging on short notice in the summer. But we did a trip last June and booked our tours in April or May and were fine. And I didn't think any of the places we visited were crazy busy or anything.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2472 posts
Though I wouldn't change my plans to visit Iceland, you might not want to pin your hopes on a Blue Lagoon visit specifically, as the volcanic activity near there has started up again as of last night. You might get some amazing views (from a safe distance).
Gifted NYT article: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/29/world/europe/iceland-volcano-erupts-grindavik.html?unlocked_article_code=1.v00.RJjb.6LzeRa4mnJgK&smid=url-share