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.

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Resources Mentioned

ATH Trip Survey

Brandon Presser: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Website

#53: Planning Your Best Trip Ever
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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

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:

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 in Iceland

(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 in Iceland

(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) Exploring Iceland with Kids

(1:01:20) Destinations Similar to Iceland

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

(1:06:32) ATH Iceland Trip

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

(1:16:23) Award Hotels in Iceland

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