Iceland: Planning an Epic Adventure with Brandon Presser

#115: Award-winning travel writer, Brandon Presser joins Chris to share the beauty and wonder of Iceland. They discuss everything you need to know to plan the ideal trip, including when to visit, suggested itineraries, cultural norms and social etiquette, top hot springs, waterfalls and hiking destinations, the perfect season to chase the Northern Lights and novelty Icelandic cuisine. Finally, Chris offers tips on how to maximize your points and miles to make your Iceland trip more affordable and enjoyable.

Brandon (@brandpress) is a well-traveled writer who has visited 130+ countries, immersing himself in different cultures and documenting his experiences. He contributes to some of the world's top travel publications and has published over 50 travel guides, including Iceland - Lonely Planet Country Guide, which he wrote after spending six months in the country.

Full show notes: https://allthehacks.com/iceland-brandon-presser

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Resources Mentioned

All the Hacks Trip Survey

Brandon Presser: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Website 

#53: Travel Hacks for Planning Your Best Trip Ever

#101: Planning the Best Japan Trip Ever

Capital Region: Reykjavík | Kópavogur | Hafnarfjörur

Tourist Routes: Ring Road | Golden Circle (Geysir, Gullfoss, Thingvellir) 

Accommodations: Blue Lagoon Retreat Hotel

Visit: Blue Lagoon Spa Package | Elf Garden

Hot Springs/Pools: Vesturbæjarlaug | Sky Lagoon | Krauma | Secret Lagoon | Hvammsvík  

Dine/Drink: Fish Market | Fish Company | DILL | OX | Anna Jona | Hlemmur Food Hall | Posthus Food Hall  

Cafes: Reykjavik Roasters | Kaktus Espressobar

Western Region: Borgarnes | Stykkishólmur

Visit: Snaefellsnes Peninsula | Borgarnes Museum

Hot Springs/Pools: Krossneslaug | Laugarnes

Dine/Drink: The Settlement Center Restaurant

Westfjords Region (Brandon's Favorite): Ísafjörður   

Visit: Dynjandi Waterfall

Northern Region: Akureyri | Mývatn | Húsavík

Activities: Whale watching

Hot Springs/Pools: Hofsós Swimming Pool | Forest Lagoon | Geosea

Eastern Region:

Visit: Skaftafell Glaciers

Hot Springs/Pools: Vök Baths

Southern Region: Keflavík | Vík í Mýrdal | Skógar | Þórsmörk | Hvolsvöllur | Hella 

Visit: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon | Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach | Skógafoss Waterfall

Activities: Fimmvörðuháls Hike

Icelandic Sweet Treats: Hraun | Licorice

Guides: Midgard Adventure

Northern Lights Information: Icelandic Meteorological Office 

Find Up-to-Date Restaurant Recommendations: The Reykjavik Grapevine 

Beyond Iceland:

Newfoundland

Bonavista Peninsula

Skerwink Trail

Northern Norway

Lofoten 

Greenland

Flight Distance Tool: Great Circle Mapper

Full Show Notes

(02:55) What Makes Iceland Special

(06:43) Planning a Perfect Trip to Iceland

(08:56) Four Days in Iceland

(10:32) When to Travel to Iceland

(13:33) Iceland's Culture and People

(16:47) Cultural Norms and Social Etiquette

(18:05) Iceland’s Must-See Destinations

(20:47) Exploring Different Regions in Iceland

(28:49) Hiring a Guide in Iceland

(34:41) Chasing Northern Lights

(36:57) Getting Around Iceland: Transportation

(39:00) Flying within Iceland

(40:56) Exploring Reykjavik

(45:37) What to Eat and Drink in Iceland

(47:00) Iceland's Hot Springs Culture

(51:23) More on Reykjavik

(52:18) Learning the Icelandic Language

(58:11) Hidden Gems in Iceland

(58:55) Iceland with Kids

(1:01:20) Destinations Similar to Iceland

(1:05:16) The Hidden World of Icelandic Elves

(1:06:32) All the Hacks Iceland Trip

(1:08:44) Miles & Points for Iceland

(1:16:23) Award Hotels in Iceland

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