Solo Travel: Welcome To Iceland!

By Whitney Simmons

Preparation

I’d like to start by saying that 2018 started off with a bang!! Over the past few years I have been saying how much I wanted to go to Iceland, but I could never find the right time or the people to go with. But here we are at the top of 2018 and I booked my first International SOLO trip to ICELAND!! I found a good deal on WOW airlines from BWI Airport, and then purchased a flight on American Airlines from Charlotte Douglas Airport. Everything came to under $600!! Talk about excited and scared at the same time. In the middle of December, I reached out to my travel guru Jess (@MygorJessworld on Instagram) and she helped give me the motivation I needed for my first solo trip across seas. Now, I am a native New Yorker, but I definitely have Southern blood now and I knew I had to pack properly so I wouldn’t freeze to death! Here is a list of things I purchased for Iceland:

• Columbia ArcticTrip II Interchange jacket (Omni heat thermal reflective)
• Northface Fleece
• Columbia Women’s Minx mid II omni heat snow boots (They run small I went up 2 sizes for thick socks)
• Arctix insulated snow suit
• Microfiber Travel towel
• Terramar cloud nine 4-way stretch turtleneck
• 2 pairs of thick heat trapping insulated thermal socks
• Women’s knit hat winter beanie
• Touchscreen gloves
• Uniqlo Heat tech–leggings, long sleeve thermal shirts, turtlenecks, socks

Now, the reason my list is so long is because I definitely didn’t have any of the things I needed before this trip so purchase at your own discretion. Hotels were extremely expensive so Loft Hostel was recommended to me. I have never stayed in a hostel alone so staying in an all-female dormitory was new for the introvert half of me. You can pay for everything with your US debit or credit card, the Iceland currency is krona, or some places even took US dollars. They will automatically ask for you to pay in krona but if you ask, they will let you know if they take dollars and issue you change in krona. There is literally Wi-Fi everywhere so I never felt out of touch with anyone. Reykjavik is a huge tourist place and all the tour companies have transportation set up any and every way possible. I reserved a ride to pick me up from my hostel stop to take me to the Blue Lagoon and I had a transfer that would take me from the Blue Lagoon to the Airport.

The flight was fairly short, roughly 5 hours and I slept the whole way there. I knew WOW airline was a low-cost airline, so that means they will charge you for every little thing including water. I packed a sandwich, brought an empty water bottle to refill at the airport, and a bag of almonds. EVERYTHING in Iceland is expensive. So, I recommend finding a hotel, hostel, or any place that may include breakfast or offer breakfast for an inexpensive price. A burger and fries cost about $21 so you can only imagine what everything else cost. I recommend packing more snacks with you to bring across waters. A lot of people went to the grocery stores and bought food to cook. Me personally, I am not cooking on vacation lol.

During the month of January, there is not much daylight in Iceland. The sun does not rise until about 1030a and the sun will start to set at about 430p. So that means you need to get out and about to get as many pictures as you would like in the day time. I did a Northern Lights tour and I had no success with seeing the lights because you need clear, and dark skies. Mostly all the tour companies will let you reuse your vouchers if you have no success seeing the lights during your visit. I used Gray Line tour company and my voucher is good for two years.

I think one of the best parts of my trip was getting to meet and spend time with my bunkmates! I traveled to this country alone and I never felt alone at all because of these dope females. They both happen to be from Chicago but haven’t met each other before this trip. Also, while at the Lagoon, I had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with another solo traveler named Selma and she happens to be from New York just like myself. We both realized we would never see the world if we waited on anyone to join us. It was bittersweet when I had to leave, but I know I will see her again one day. Everyone questioned if I was really by myself the whole time because someone was always taking my pictures. Well I had to make them aware that I met people and I am glad I stepped out of my comfort zone.

I took a tour using Gray Line to South Iceland, which took me to many waterfalls including Skogafoss Waterfall and to the black sand beach. From Reykjavik, it takes about one hour and a half to get South Iceland. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.

The Blue Lagoon

Now I know everyone has a million questions about the blue lagoon! This experience was amazing for me. The Blue Lagoon water is 100 degrees, so although it is freezing in Iceland, the temperature in the water will offset the temperature outside. The Lagoon facility is beautiful with many showers, changing rooms, lockers, and even a luggage storage area. They provide shower gel and hair conditioner for you to use before you enter the lagoon. Robes, towels, and slippers may be rented on arrival or purchased in your package prior.

Reflection

I wouldn’t change anything about this experience I had in Iceland. I learned a lot about myself during the short period of time. How I no longer want to be an introvert, and stepping out of my comfort zone to embrace new things. I was scared out of my mind to be alone in a strange place. That has definitely changed for me and I cannot wait for my next adventure, solo.

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Stay tuned for the launch of my blog site WorldWide with Whit!