Planning on Iceland for your vacation but on a tight budget? Here’s a friendly suggestion – it’s not the best place for a thrifty getaway. But if Iceland’s on your must-visit list, here’s a wallet-friendly guide from my experience to help you out.
First off, the flights. My ticket cost $541.11, but I was able to use some airline points to offset the cost. Do note that the checked bag fees can get high if not booked in advance, so keep an eye out for extra charges.
Living and eating expenses in the North can empty your pockets faster than you expect – especially meals. My food costs came to $239.69, primarily consisting of pizzas and soups costing around $30 each meal. However, stocking up on some supplies and making your own meals could lessen the hit on your wallet.
Staying at “Alfred’s Apartments” right in the heart of Reykjavik set us back by $344 each for four nights. Though it’s not easy finding affordable accommodation for a group in the city, planning ahead could get you a good deal at a hostel.
Transport to and from the airport and the famous Blue Lagoon cost us $145, but it’s worth the experience. If you’re more adventurous, you might want to rent a car to explore the beautiful Icelandic sights on your own. Be warned that gas and car rental can be a bit pricey. It was $162.27 for our day’s rental and refueling.
On the fun side, we went on various tours such as the Golden Circle, a tour of Hallsgrimskirkja, on a boat to see Puffins, and a tour to go Into the Glacier, all of which summed up to $753.18. One word of advice: skip the Elfschool. It wasn’t as fun as it sounded.
For your evenings, you might fancy some local nightlife. Drinks can add up, but you can find places which offer complimentary shots. We spent about $85.21 on drinks.
Lastly, souvenirs: I collected an Icelandic Kroner coin and some other change which cost me about $6.11.
In total, five days in Iceland set me back about $1,590.46, which was less than the $3,000 that I initially budgeted for. Though not a budget trip, I still managed to save some, considering the high cost of life in Iceland.
In summary, if your budget’s a bit tight, there are much cheaper vacation spots. But if your heart is set on the Icelandic beauty, go ahead and make your plans early. That way, you can make the most out of your trip without too much stress on your purse. Safe travels!