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
Brandon Presser: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Website
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:
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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Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
