Hi There Travel Guru's, It's been 4 years since my last adventure and I need some advice. I will be flying solo from Toronto to Amsterdam in June and have quite a bit of flexibility with dates. Looking at flights, Icelandair's would be under $900, with a stopover in Iceland. I am thinking that if I did a Layover (stopover?)for a day or two or three in Iceland (getting over my Jet Lag at the Blue Lagoon Spa, and doing some sightseeing) before arriving in Amsterdam , the savings on the non-direct flight would help to supplement the stop, and make for a nice extra-adventure. Has anyone out there done that? Is it a good idea or am I just complicating things? I may never be in Iceland again, and if it doesn't break the bank..........should I go for it? Is there a "service fee" for stopping for a few days? Will I have to wait for space on a flight to Amsterdam or would I book everything now, when I buy my ticket?? (I'm really sorry if this is already covered somewhere. I've been reading postings for days and couldn't find it covered)
Thanks Sylvia
I don't think there's any cost to stopover in Iceland. That's the beauty of it. The stopover option has been very good for tourism in the country. You'll need to check their terms for details on the program. Iceland is an amazing country. I had a cousin stationed there as a Marine guard in the U.S. Embassy. He said the people are absolutely beautiful, and the young adults are a bunch of party animals. If you can run with the bohemians, it's just that much better. I think you'd book the whole trip on Multi-flight section of the website.
We did a stay-over in Iceland on the return trip a few years back and stayed with local friends there. It truly is an amazing place to visit. Last time I checked, there was no extra fare for staying on either the front or back end of your trip...up to 7 days. You simply book it all at once on a single ticket. We had the benefit of locals shuttling us around to all kinds of sites, but had that not been the case, I would have opted for a tour that covers the major places you would be interested in experiencing. Google the official tourism site for Iceland, and check out Icelandair's website for ideas on things to do and see. Also, get a good guidebook, like Lonely Planet's on Iceland. Icelandair is a great airline...757s, so just one aisle, but newer cabins with leather seats and all the electronics. Food is extra $...it's fair to okay. FAs are super professional. Keflavik airfield is very small and super easy to navigate. You'll clear immigration there, so you'll hit the ground running at Schiphol. I just did a trip in September from MSP to AMS and back...I didn't stay over this time in Iceland, but I sort of appreciate that break in the middle of a transatlantic flight. You have to land in Iceland anyway...why not stay there for a few days...how many chances will you have to see Iceland in your life? BTW, Iceland used to be break-the-bank expensive before their economy imploded...it was cheaper (relatively speaking) for a while, but it's rebound to an expensive place is evident again. Expect Scandinavian-like costs. Happy travels.
Thank you so much Michael. I think I am going to head over to the Book Store for the Lonely Planet guide as soon as I get out of work!!
My Stepdaughter is Icelandic and actually lives in Reykjavic, but, well, I am her Wicked Step Mother and I wasn't sure if she would be able / willing to have me as a guest. I just heard from her and she is Thrilled that I am coming and insists I stay with her. I guess I am not that Wicked a step mother after all!!!
David and Bets, Thanks so much for your reply. I think I am going to go for it as it would be a shame to miss the opportunity. I will be posting some more questions about other parts of my summer adventure soon and look forward to your opinions again.
Any suggestions for specific things to do (or not do) while in Iceland?
Made a trip to France and we stopped in Iceland which I still talk about. We were in Iceland barely two days and could have stayed another day just to soak up this unusual place!! Took a bus tour and did the Blue Lagoon. We had no problems with the airline schedule but things could have changed. No extra charges, etc. Enjoy!!!
Carol
Staying with friends or family in an expensive place is a great way to make it much more affordable...that's what we did in Reykjavik and what I try to do (not always possible) when I'm in Toronto, which is often these days. Here's a money-saving tip on the Blue Lagoon: With a car, you can park and walk all around the lagoon itself without spending a dime on the expensive spa and restaurant...unless something has changed, one may walk all around the patio/walking area for free. It's pretty spectacular, but all of that interesting colored water folks are bathing in is really a pumped-in byproduct of the ubiquitous geo-thermal power plants...totally safe but not quite the same feeling as a natural lagoon when you learn this...I was kind of surprised and a bit let down. Still, it impresses and is well worth the visit (a free visit).
Michael, I am lucky that my step daughter is happy to host me (I just wasn't sure til recently) and so I will be able to have a less expensive visit. Although I think it would be nice if I took my Hostess out for dinner. Is that going to Break the Bank?? Any suggestions on where I could take her?
I love the idea of a deal to the Blue Lagoon!
Carol, hmmmmm, maybe I will make my 2 day stay a 3 day stay. I'm so glad to hear such positive reviews from everyone.