A few words about budgeting in Iceland. First, it helps hugely if you have friends who are providing you with a free place to stay, but obviously you can't count on that. While I didn't stay at any youth hostels this trip, I did on the last one, and they're inexpensive, friendly, and clean. The accomodations at Gistiheimili Áslaug in Ísafjörður were very generous for the price. Reservations are advisable during the summer; I managed to make all of my bookings over the web.
Domestic air service is handled by a variety of carriers, but the one I used, and which has the largest route network, is Air Iceland. Reservations can be made online, and all you have to do is present your confirmation at the airport.
Renting a car was extremely expensive but the freedom to get to remote
places was worth it. In Reykjavík, Átak
Car Rental has lower rates than chains like Avis and Hertz, though
it'll still be expensive compared to car rental in the States. During
the summer, you can reach all the places I went by bus. Check with
the local tourist office for schedules and fares, or check out bsi.is.
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| Kay & Craig, near Þingvellir |
Finally, though I've done Iceland alone before and will travel elsewhere
by myself in the future, there's much to be said for knowing great people
like Kay and Craig. Somewhat improbably, the fishing trip in Akureyri
was the high point of a fantastic trip, and it's only through the generosity
of Kay and Craig, and in turn Sigrun and her father, that the impromptu
expedition
happened at all. Thanks.
As always, I welcome questions or comments. E-mail
me.