Iceland is a land of natural wonders. It's magical and how! Just a glance at it is enough to make you fall in love with its pristine landscapes. No matter which direction you are headed to, this land of ice and fire is going to win your heart with its sweeping vistas of waterfalls, geothermal pools, snow-capped mountains, glaciers and volcanoes. However, the country has been labelled for the longest time as a perfect place for adventure enthusiasts. But slowly and gradually, the country is warming up to the tiny travelers as well.
Parents driven by adventure are letting their kids tag along to show them the enigmatic land that Iceland is. And, kids are loving it too. In the recent years, more and more families have been embarking on a trip to Iceland. So, you should not deprive yourself and your kids from seeing this marvel. Just a few tips and tricks here and there, and you're going to have an epic time with your children.
Choose the right accommodation
Iceland has the image of being notoriously expensive. And, it can really get pricey where accommodation is concerned. The steep rates that hotels charge may not suit your budget at all. When you are looking for family sized places for your stay, then you are going to shed a lot more money. Thus, it becomes imperative that you choose an accommodation wisely. There are certain online travel portals that offer great discounts on hotel bookings. It is also advisable to book your hotel well-in-advance so that you get even lower rates. You can also look for other cheaper substitutes in the form of apartments and campervans to stay in Iceland. If you want to have an ultimate experience, then hiring a campervan that can easily accommodate your family is just the thing for you. An added advantage of renting an apartment and campervan is that you can prepare your own meals. And, that again is going to save you loads of money.
Pack for all seasons
Iceland has a very unpredictable weather. So, if one hour you're out and about under the warmth of the sun, the very next hour you'd be saying hello to rains. The weather here just keeps changing. Heavy rainfall, lashing winds, bright sunshine - you can see it all in a day! Thus, you cannot take chances with your clothing. You are going to get your clothes wet either by getting drenched in the rain or with the misty splash of the waterfalls. You also need to have proper hiking shoes because the many wonders require you to tread on unexplored trails. And, the raging winds can take over anytime. So, you need to have wind proof jackets with you as well. And, the icy cold temperatures call for layers of clothing. So, no matter which season you zero in on for visiting Iceland, pack and prepare for all weather changes you may encounter during your trip. Trust us, your kids falling sick would be the last thing you would want.
Take it slow with the itinerary
Iceland has a lot up its sleeve to appease your senses. There is absolutely no dearth of attractions to explore in the country. When you set foot in the country, you'd be enticed to see it all. Because, its beauty is hypnotizing. However, when you have kids in tow, it's best if you slow down the pace of your itinerary. We say so because the distance between different destinations can be vast and the condition of the roads can make it even longer. A 2 hour drive can easily turn in to a 4 hour drive because of the roads and the stop overs you would want to take to see the unexpected surprises of nature on the way. And with kids, it can be a little draining. So, do not put your munchkins and yourself through it. Just enjoy one thing at a time. And trust us, the whole vacation would feel like one happy picnic.
Safety should always come first
Iceland has a repute for being a wild and adventurous place. While it's good to go all the way and be your adventurous self, you cannot turn a blind eye to the safety of your kids. The safety lines are rare and do not warn you at most places. So, it becomes your duty to take care of how far should you let your kids go on their own. While hiking, make sure your kids have proper gear on to avoid any mishap. Stick to the marked trails and be watchful of your kids. Also, the oceans in Iceland are quite playful and unpredictable. So, don't let your kids near the shoreline, no matter how calm the waves appear. The currents are deceptively strong and the sneakier waves can catch even an adult by surprise. So, exercise close supervision at all times.
Make time for wildlife
Iceland is an ideal nation where you can spot some really fascinating wildlife. And, you do not have to venture in to the wild. It's easy to catch a glimpse of it while touring around the varied landscapes of Iceland. Take your kids on a boat tour to watch the whales do their antics right in the comfort of their home; or go exploring the sea cliffs to spot the comical Puffins or catch the Seals at their playful best as they splash around in the water.
But, out of all the wildlife encounters, your kids are absolutely going to love the Icelandic Horse. These small sized horses with a smooth gait and their friendly & affectionate nature are surely going to make your kids squeal with excitement. Riding these sturdy creatures amidst the magnificent environs of the Iceland is going to be your kids' forever favorite memory from the trip.
Well, keeping all these tips in mind ensures that there are not going to be any bummers in your good times on a family vacation in Iceland. Now you need not fret over the idea of taking your kids to Iceland.
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