Want to visit Iceland to experience nature in its un-jaded form? Read the article to learn about the best time to visit Iceland. I will also list the things to do and places to visit in Iceland, which will help you create an itinerary with a budget.
Iceland has its fair share of folktales and historical sagas, making it an adventurous and unique experience for a person to have. There are places that you can visit which will give you some of the most unique and imaginative adventures of your life.
With a collection of 200 volcanoes, Iceland boasts remarkable features worth visiting. Visitors’ unworldly experiences should be preserved, as industrialization can easily misuse natural resources.
This Is The Best Time To Visit Iceland & These Are The Things You Should Do!
Sustainable development is one of the significant parts of the Tourism Policy Framework 2020-30 that the Ministry of Culture and Business Affairs has developed.
Quality of life of the natives, positive visitor experiences, conservation of the environment, decreasing carbon footprint, innovation, and creation are the highlights. Things to do and places to visit in Iceland reflect these highlights.
If you have an active imagination, Iceland is the place to go! The land of fire and ice gives you the feel of returning to the New Stone Ages, where horse riding is regular. Want to know the best time to go to Iceland? Read along to know the best time to visit Iceland.
Iceland
Tourism is one of the major sectors from which the country gains economic stability; however, it was severely impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, the tourism economy accounted for 73% of the total tourism expenditure.
However, tourism in Iceland saw a gradual fall as there was a 78% decline in the rate of tourists visiting in 2020. Even though the tourism visitation rate has recovered in 2021, it remains below the actual rate in 2019.
The country needs to have a considerable rise in the number of tourists visiting the country so that it can contribute to the GDP. So, visiting Iceland will contribute to the growth and development of the economy!
What Is The Best Time To Visit Iceland?
You can visit Iceland based on your planned itinerary, even though it is generally said that summer is the best time to visit! If you plan to check out the northern lights the best time of year to visit Iceland is to book your tickets between September and March.
If you have other plans related to summer activities, you should visit Iceland in the summer between June and August. However, if you are tight on the budget, you should visit Iceland between January to May. Flights, accommodations, and car rentals will be quite cheap.
The country as a travel destination is moderately expensive with its natural wonders and captivating landscapes. The tickets from the USA to Iceland range between $700 and $1100. You can easily save money and travel with a fixed budget!
What Are The Things That You Can Do In Iceland?
“How much would we accept for a mountain? Two billion? Twenty billion?” is a line that will resonate with you from the documentary Dreamland released in 2009 internationally. The film shows some beautiful and untouched nature being exploited by industrialists and business people.
I also learned from the documentary that exploiting something that does not need improvisation can nullify all attempts to grow, develop and succeed! The country experienced a crash in the economy in its effort to make it the largest aluminum producer in the world.
It wastes the unlimited wealth of opportunities Iceland has from its natural resources and features. Based on this realization, I have composed a list of places that shows how nature can be a perfect strategy to bring in money! know more about the best time to visit Iceland!
1. Don’t Miss The Northern Lights
The Northern Lights is one of Iceland’s main attractions, also known as aurora borealis! They are known to be elusive as there must be perfect conditions to see them, such as less or almost no clouds, no light pollution, and flaring activity in the magnetosphere.
It is a natural display of light that can only be seen between the months of winter, from September to March. The attraction is only visible in the northernmost parts of the world. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the green, gold, and purple waves dancing in ribbon-like formation.
There is no telling when they will appear, or for long they will appear in the sky; however, there are probabilities to ensure you see them. Guides in those areas do have an understanding of the appropriate vantage points.
2. Give Horseback Riding A Shot
Icelandic horses are different from normal horses worldwide with their muscular build and short legs! They are quite popular for their reliability. They are sturdy and smaller in their size and are often confused with ponies instead of horses.
Going horse riding across the ice is a perfect way to experience the country and the riding. The breed is actually from Scandinavia and has evolved differently across the ages.
3.Visit The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is a lake filled with glaciers; this should be on your bucket list if you visit Iceland. Some icebergs make a sound as they crunch and impact each other.
You can take a zodiac boat ride or stay on the shoreline, where you can watch the seals dip into the lake. You can walk down to Diamond Beach from the Lagoon with jet-black sand and glistening icebergs creating a stunning visual of the natural landscapes.
4.Go Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates
One of the best snorkeling spots in Iceland visits Silfra Fissure, where you will experience a dramatic visual representation of a glacier melt-water-filled rift. The tectonic plates between Eurasia and North America are drifting apart.
You will find yourself a dry suit, a guide, and snorkeling equipment with an entrance fee to Silfra starting from $119. You also get cookies and hot chocolate once you have completed the activity.
5. Tour The Golden Circle
The most sightseeing route, you must take a tour of the Golden Circle as it consists of the 3 major attractions, namely Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Thingvellir National Park. These locations are accessible from Reykjavik, the capital city.
Thingvellir National Park is a natural beauty and is quite important as the tectonic plates of Eurasia and North America are drifting apart in this very area. The location has waterfalls, deep gorges, and lava fields.
The Gullfoss waterfall is 105 feet tall and cascades down two rocky tiers getting the name “Golden Falls.” Visitors often find a rainbow over the waterfall, making it a beautiful visual.
6.Voyage Into Ice Caving And Glacier Hiking
Frozen landscapes are scattered across Iceland with floating icebergs, ravishing blue ice caves, and extensive glaciers. It is the winter months when you can see Iceland in all its glory when the environment reflects sparkling snow and obscure darkness.
The glaciers are the perfect frozen attractions you can access if you love hiking. It is something that can be performed throughout the year. You must wear crampons to walk the ice so that you encounter the indomitable giants up close!
Do not miss the ice caves just below the Katla volcano, with a variant of color in blue and white, creating a more gorgeous experience than you can ever have. However, ice caves are safer in winter as there is less risk of collapsing or falling rocks causing serious injuries.
To experience the ice caves, the best time to visit Iceland is in the winter months!
7. Hop Into Natural Hot Pool
Strokkur is the perfect place to start if you want to hop into a natural hot pool! The hot springs go up to 65 feet every 5 minutes, along with mud pools and steaming fumaroles surrounding it!
The abundance of volcanoes has created geological activities such as mud pools, hot springs, and volcanic vents; as the land of Iceland is only a few million years hence, it is still alive.
The erupting hot springs and mud pools are a perfect escape for tourists, and it helps them relax. The natural hot pools will ensure that relaxation is part of your itinerary after trying trekking or snorkeling.
8.Enjoy The Westfjords View
Are you a nature person? Most people travel to North and South Iceland, which is common for most. Don’t you want to experience something off-road and unique? Let me highlight some attractions that fulfill your craving for mysticism, magic, and folklore.
A cultural hub, Westfjords is engrossed in natural beauty, such as Hornstrandir with bird cliffs, Dynjandi waterfalls, Arnarfjordur Bay, Flatey Island, and Bolafjall mountain. The staggering beauty of the locales is fascinating and boasts of cultural history.
9. Swing Into The Blue Lagoon Spa
A geothermal spa in Iceland has become popular as The Blue Lagoon, which has one of the most beautiful surroundings and an atmosphere that relaxes your senses. It is closer to the airport, so with a busy itinerary, you can easily visit the place.
Blue Lagoon tours and the Shuttle bus to the Lagoon make it an easier place to visit. It is, however, an expensive experience. Hence, you can choose other areas, such as the Myvatn Nature Baths and Secret Lagoon.
10. Ramble On To Lake Myvatn In North Iceland
The area of Lake Myvatn is geo-thermally active. Therefore, hot pools and nature baths are spread across one of the largest bodies of water in Iceland.
After a long day of exploring the beauty of Iceland and performing activities, enjoying the geothermal lake is the perfect way to end your day! It is also a cool place for bird spotting, as there are 58 species.
One of the biggest collections of flora and fauna, the lake is a beautiful place to visit where you can see Dimmuborgir. These volcanic rock formations are haunting and alluring while the name is equally exquisite, “Dark Fortress.”
11.Take A Food Tour Walk In Reykjavik
You have to enjoy the crowd in Reykjavik with its delicious food and the exciting nightlife. The nightlife continues till 4 AM as in the summer. You can enjoy yourself to your heart’s content as you can see that it’s bright as daylight outside, even during the middle of the night.
The city has authentic places to visit eateries, ensuring a beautiful personal experience. You should try the modern and traditional classic items popular in Iceland, skyr and Icelandic lamb soup. The soup represents what Iceland truly means!
You can walk down Laugavegur Street, where you can find perfect places for food and drinks. Take advantage of the Icelandic Lamb hot dog you can try in one of the original food stalls from 1937.
You can visit Cafe Loki, situated across from Hallgrimskirkja church, where you can try various Icelandic delicacies. You can’t miss Rye Bread Ice Cream! I would also recommend Black Death or the special beer drinks that are well-known across Iceland.
12.Go Whale Watching On A Cruise
Whale watching is one of the best experiences when you visit Iceland, especially because there are various species of dolphins, porpoises, and whales. There are tours from Husavik, Akureyri, and Reykjavik; hence, you can visit one of these places to access the abundant animal traffic.
There is a probability of watching killer and fin whales; however, there is a higher chance of humpback and minke whales.
13.Get A View Of The Fagradalsfjall Volcano Eruption From A Helicopter
One of the hottest fissure openings in Iceland is Fagradalsfjall Volcano which you can visit by flying around in a helicopter. The tour is 20 minutes, and a guide will tell you all about the active volcano.
On tour from the helicopter, you can see the aquamarine waters, which are based on Faxafloi Bay, and pass over Reykjavik city, getting a bird’s eye view.
14. Try Snowmobiling From Reykjavik
It is in the Gullfoss waterfall to try a snowmobile tour based on the second-largest glacier, Langjokull. The glacier is snowy, and snowmobiling is a perfect way to feel the glide across the landscape.
Conclusion
So, what do you think? Ready for a trip to Iceland? The places I have listed will satisfy you if you are a travel bug. Experiencing amazing Iceland will ensure you see all the places that tickle your fantasy and experience nature at its best.
Iceland has a mysticism to it, so visiting quaint little towns, remote lighthouses, mountains, thermal pools, and eateries across town are different ways to explore the city’s culture and ethnicity.
Comment down below about the place out of this list that you find the most interesting or is already on your bucket list to visit.
Sagnika Sinha is a content writer who is passionate about writing travel vlogs, entertainment and celebrity articles and literature-based pieces. With a 4 years experience in teaching, she loves reading books. A procrastinator by nature, she loves travelling, listening to music, planting and gardening.
Aging parents often need extra assistance when traveling, whether it's for a family vacation or for a necessary medical procedure. If your parents fall into this category, don't worry - there are ways to make traveling easier for them.
Let's check the 5 tips to travel for seniors with limited mobility you should know.
The Common Types of Wheelchairs for Seniors
The first step is to choose the right wheelchair. For traveling, you'll want to find a lightweight option that can be easily transported. There are three types of wheelchairs: manual, electric, and foldable.
1. Manual Wheelchairs
Manual wheelchairs are the most common type - they're also the least expensive. If your parent is able-bodied and only needs a wheelchair for short periods of time, this might be the best option.
2. Electric Wheelchairs
Electric wheelchairs like the Jazzy power wheelchair are more expensive than manual ones, but such a vehicle offers a number of advantages. They're easier to maneuver and require less effort to use, which can be helpful for seniors with limited mobility. Electric wheelchairs can also get features like cup holders and storage baskets, which can be handy when traveling.
3. Foldable Wheelchairs
Foldable wheelchairs are a good option if you're traveling by car or plane. They're easy to transport and take up less space than other types of wheelchairs. Many foldable wheelchairs also have features like adjustable leg rests and reclining seats. This can make the vehicle more comfortable for seniors with limited mobility.
5 Tips to Follow When Traveling with Seniors with Limited Mobility
Whether it is about finding wheelchair support Moscow or looking for teeth whitening Vaughan, traveling with seniors is quite challenging. However, with the right tips by your side, you can always make it easier.
1. Choose the Right Destination
Before booking your tickets, make sure to do your research on the destination. Consider things like the weather, accessibility, and attractions that would be suitable for your parent. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and choose a destination that is known to be senior-friendly.
2. Prepare for Emergencies
Make sure to pack a first-aid kit and any medications your parent might need. It's also a good idea to have an emergency contact list on hand in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
3. Make a List of Bare Essentials
To make packing easier, sit down with your parent and make a list of items they will need for the trip. This should include clothes, toiletries, medications, and any other essential items.
4. Pack Light
This means only bringing the essentials and leaving behind any unnecessary items. This will make it easier to pass through airports and train stations, as well as reduce the risk of lost luggage. Make sure your parent is comfortable and has everything they need before leaving on your trip.
5. Bring a Wheelchair
If your parent is mobility-impaired, then it's essential to bring along a wheelchair. This will help them get around easily and avoid any potential injuries from walking long distances.
What to Bring with You When Traveling with Elderly Seniors?
A first-aid kit
A wheelchair
Comfortable clothes
Portable ramp
Snacks and drinks
Entertainment (books, music, etc.)
Emergency contact information
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Traveling with Seniors Safe?
Yes, traveling with seniors is safe as long as you take the necessary precautions. Make sure to plan your trip ahead of time and pack everything your parent will need to stay comfortable and safe.
What Are the Best Wheelchairs for Traveling?
The best wheelchairs for traveling are lightweight and easy to fold. This way, you can easily transport the wheelchair in a car or on public transportation. Look for a wheelchair that has large wheels for smooth maneuverability over different types of terrain.
Should I Rent a Wheelchair?
If you plan on traveling with a senior with limited mobility, it is a good idea to rent a wheelchair. This way, you will not have to worry about carrying the wheelchair around with you everywhere you go. You can also find wheelchairs that are specifically designed for traveling, which may be more comfortable for your parent.
Conclusion
Traveling with aging parents can be a challenge, but it is possible to make it work with some planning and preparation. By following our handy tips, you can make sure that your trip is enjoyable for your seniors.
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Beaches are one of nature's greatest wonders that attract millions of visitors annually. With their scenic vistas and the soothing sounds of waves, beaches offer a sense of calm and tranquility.
However, beneath their beauty lies many mysteries and surprises. From the endless motion of tides and currents to the minute particles that make up the sand, beaches hold remarkable secrets.
In this article, we explore some of the most fascinating yet unknown facts about beaches that will leave you astonished.
The Sand Shifting Spectacle
Have you ever noticed how the arrangement of sand on the beach appears to change with every visit? This is no illusion - and is always on the move. Prevailing winds and waves continuously transport sand particles up and down the coast.
It has been estimated that over 100 million tons of sand shifts globally every year! More perplexing is that the sand migrates in large belts called sand shadows that stretch for miles underwater. Intricate currents carry the grains long distances before depositing them in new locations. So, the very sand formations we see today were not here years ago, demonstrating the dynamic nature of beaches.
The Micro Marvels
Taking a closer look, each grain of sand is a minute miracle. Under a microscope, their shapes - rounded, angular, or elongated - tell stories of the forces that wore them down from rocks and polished their edges during travel. More incredible than their structures are their constituent elements.
Most beach sands contain over 90% silica in the form of quartz. But other common yet tiny components include corundum (a mineral harder than quartz), zircon, rutile, and monazite.
These durable crystals withstand erosion to eventually materialize as multicolored specks within the ordinary sand. Such compositional diversity packed into one scoop of sand bursts our perception of its simplicity. You can learn more about beaches by following Westhampton Beach news.
The Invisible Border Control
What truly demarcates where the land ends and sea begins is another enigma, revealed only at high or low tides. Known as the shoreline, this boundary between water and Earth is governed by complex tidal patterns. Differences in tidal ranges around the globe also make for head-scratching sightings.
In places like the Bay of Fundy in Canada, tides vary by over 16 meters - high enough to submerge harbors! On the contrary, tides along the Atlantic coast of the USA are a mild 1-2 meters. Consequently, exactly defining the coast is tricky business, owing to the ocean's fluid occupation and abandonment of shore spaces throughout each day.
The Living Beach Combers
Lurking within the beach sands is a whole unseen universe teeming with critters. A single handful contains multitudes of crabs, clams, snails, worms, and more - true beachcombers that sift nutrients from the grains. Some, like the mole crab, have adapted shovels and gills for an underground existence.
Others like sand dollars appear genteelly gliding over the ocean floor but are in fact agents of filtration. Their ensemble supports a delicate food web that cascades onto shorebirds, fish, and more. Together, these coastal colonizers comprise an integral living fabric woven into the very landscape we walk upon unaware.
The Secret Of White Sand Beaches
Most travelers envision picturesque white sand beaches when dreaming of tropical paradise destinations. However, few realize that the white sand creating such idyllic shores is far from a natural geological phenomenon. Its genesis can be attributed to an unlikely source - the excrement of colorful reef inhabitants known as parrotfish.
Parrotfish play a vital role in marine ecosystems through their prolific feeding habits. With their specialized beak-like jaws adapted for grazing coral structures, they consume vast amounts of dead coral rubble. However, their digestive systems lack the ability to break down the indigestible coral skeleton remnants. As a result, kilograms of crushed coral limestone are processed and expelled from the fish in the form of fine white granules.
To Wrap Up
These are but a few astonishing truths behind our literal and metaphorical shorelines. Indeed, beaches hold more puzzles and poetry than first meets the eye. Their ever-shifting sands, microscopic marvels, cryptic borders, and thriving undercover life form a picture far richer than their placid outward appearance projects. The more we learn to look, the deeper the discoveries and wonder we gain from nature’s simple yet most complex creations – the beach.
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While going about our busy modern lives we have a tendency to push ourselves too hard, and then push ourselves some more!
We feel we have to in order to keep up with the breakneck pace modern society runs at, as well as to meet all the financial demands it forces on us. It really can get to be too much, and we should remember to take a break once in a while before we suffer a breakdown! But how?
Let’s learn more about Thailand’s wellness retreat and how you can satisfy your hunger for traveling.
Relaxation Practices To Enjoy In Thailand
One of the best possible things we can do for our physical and mental well-being is to go get away from it all, and I mean far away! How far?
Our top recommendation for the ultimate in self-healing and relaxation is for you to experience a wellness retreat in Thailand where you can rejoice and recuperate in peace and serenity while being pampered by the charming staff who know just what you need!
To entice you further, let’s take a look at some of the delights that await you on your personal journey to tranquillity! There is a wellness retreat for any need, so you can pick and choose what suits you the most!
Yoga Practise–
Yoga is one of the most popular activities on offer at a wellness retreat, and there are many good reasons why!
This ancient Eastern tradition is quite at home in Thailand, where it is one of the most well-regarded methods for attaining a perfect balance of physical health and mental stability.
Yoga is very popular among world travellers because of a great many healthy effects associated with its practice- here are just a few to consider:
Pain Relief –
Yoga’s gentle stretching and healing poses are an excellent way to relieve the chronic pain in the back and neck we so often suffer from.
Physique Improvements –
The slow movements and deep breaths that yoga teaches us help to increase the flow of blood and warm up tight muscles, improving our flexibility while simultaneously giving us more stamina and building our strength.
Healthy Heart –
Practicing yoga has significant beneficial effects on the heart by reducing stress levels and decreasing inflammation. Yoga is a very efficacious tool in the prevention of heart disease.
Increased Energy –
Yoga gives us a refreshing feeling of increased physical and mental energy, as well as boosting our mood, helping us fight the ravages of stress and depression.
Spa Treatments –
No wellness retreat would be complete without enjoying the amazing relaxation and sense of well-being that spa treatments can provide! Here are just a couple of the many health-promoting pleasures that await you:
Herbal Body Wrap –
This soothing experience begins with the body being gently wrapped in towels, followed by a layer of herbal oil-infused linen sheets, topped off by a warm blanket.
As you rest in this heavenly healing wrap, your body will reap the benefits of these medical herbs, so you will emerge feeling refreshed with your energy replenished.
Aromatherapy Massage –
Of course, traditional Thai massage is rightfully famed as one of the world’s best and most effective examples of this ancient healing art, so take that and add the healing element of essential oils drawn from aromatic herbs to create a truly outstanding spa treatment!
The lovely scents of chamomile, lavender, mint, lemon balm, sage, lemongrass, basil, and more all work alone or together in combination to relax your body and soothe you through your sense of smell.
Tell your therapist what you wish to achieve, and they will provide you with the scent that fits you the best!
Weight Management Program –
What better way to manage your weight than to do it while enjoying the peace and privacy that a wellness retreat provides? Here are some of the tried and true methods the weight management experts at your wellness retreat will treat you to:
Healthy Menu –
Everybody hates to go on a diet, but you will hardly know you are on one thanks to the delicious, health-conscious menu of traditional Thai food that awaits you! You will feel fulfilled as you enjoy the great taste of these wonderful dishes, which will help you decrease that unwanted extra weight naturally!
Physical Fitness Fun –
Why should exercise be drudgery? You will be able to engage in a variety of fun physical fitness techniques like beach volleyball, hiking, and swimming! Feeling great and getting fit has never been this fun!
Reasons To Delve Into A Wellness Retreat In Thailand
Now that we know the different ways to dive into Thailand’s wellness retreats, check out some reasons to do so. From physical to mental well-being, these relaxing spaces often immerse you in a different space.
Tranquil Beauty of Thailand
Is there any question about the natural backdrop of Thailand? It is simply mesmerizing. Who doesn’t love to wake up to the pleasing sound of waves crashing to the coasts?
The best part about spending your resources on wellness retreats is that they give you a great sense of the tropical climate. You can exercise outdoor yoga that will strengthen your bond with the outside world.
Conventional Yoga Experiences
Thailand offers you a surreal yoga experience that you get nowhere else. Due to its age-old tradition, the nation has been attracting people from all over the world.
With the help of experienced yoga teachers, you can learn multiple asanas that calm both the human body and mind. Skilled instructors help you learn different breathing exercises and meditation.
Holistic Wellness
Retreats also offer comprehensive health experiences that nurture your spirit, mind, and body. Different activities like yoga and meditation will attract you to the country.
Daily meditation sessions, Thai massages, healthy meals, and Ayurvedic treatments promote renewal and self-care. So, if you want comprehensive care of your body, you shouldn’t miss this out!
The Bottom Line
The Global Wellness Institute lists Thailand as one of the best destinations for wellness retreats.
Thailand’s mild climate and easy-going people make it the perfect destination for anyone who needs to really get away from it all and treat themselves to some healthy me-time!
Don’t wait any longer; pack your bags and come visit us here in Thailand today; we guarantee you won’t just feel better; you will feel fantastic!
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