#115: Award-winning travel writer, Brandon Presser joins Chris to share the beauty and wonder of Iceland. They discuss everything you need to know to plan the ideal trip, including when to visit, suggested itineraries, cultural norms and social etiquette, top hot springs, waterfalls and hiking destinations, the perfect season to chase the Northern Lights and novelty Icelandic cuisine. Finally, Chris offers tips on how to maximize your points and miles to make your Iceland trip more affordable and enjoyable.

Brandon (@brandpress) is a well-traveled writer who has visited 130+ countries, immersing himself in different cultures and documenting his experiences. He contributes to some of the world's top travel publications and has published over 50 travel guides, including Iceland - Lonely Planet Country Guide, which he wrote after spending six months in the country.

Full show notes: https://allthehacks.com/iceland-brandon-presser

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Resources Mentioned

All the Hacks Trip Survey

Brandon Presser: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Website 

• #53: Travel Hacks for Planning Your Best Trip Ever
• #101: Planning the Best Japan Trip Ever

Capital Region: Reykjavík | Kópavogur | Hafnarfjörur

• Tourist Routes: Ring Road | Golden Circle (Geysir, Gullfoss, Thingvellir) 
• Accommodations: Blue Lagoon Retreat Hotel
• Visit: Blue Lagoon Spa Package | Elf Garden
• Hot Springs/Pools: Vesturbæjarlaug | Sky Lagoon | Krauma | Secret Lagoon | Hvammsvík  
• Dine/Drink: Fish Market | Fish Company | DILL | OX | Anna Jona | Hlemmur Food Hall | Posthus Food Hall  
• Cafes: Reykjavik Roasters | Kaktus Espressobar

Western Region: Borgarnes | Stykkishólmur

• Visit: Snaefellsnes Peninsula | Borgarnes Museum
• Hot Springs/Pools: Krossneslaug | Laugarnes
• Dine/Drink: The Settlement Center Restaurant

Westfjords Region (Brandon's Favorite): Ísafjörður   

• Visit: Dynjandi Waterfall

Northern Region: Akureyri | Mývatn | Húsavík

• Activities: Whale watching
• Hot Springs/Pools: Hofsós Swimming Pool | Forest Lagoon | Geosea

Eastern Region:

• Visit: Skaftafell Glaciers
• Hot Springs/Pools: Vök Baths

Southern Region: Keflavík | Vík í Mýrdal | Skógar | Þórsmörk | Hvolsvöllur | Hella 

• Visit: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon | Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach | Skógafoss Waterfall
• Activities: Fimmvörðuháls Hike

Icelandic Sweet Treats: Hraun | Licorice

Guides: Midgard Adventure

Northern Lights Information: Icelandic Meteorological Office 

Find Up-to-Date Restaurant Recommendations: The Reykjavik Grapevine 

Beyond Iceland:

• Newfoundland
• Bonavista Peninsula
• Skerwink Trail
• Northern Norway
• Lofoten 
• Greenland

Flight Distance Tool: Great Circle Mapper

Full Show Notes

(02:55) What Makes Iceland Special

(06:43) Planning a Perfect Trip to Iceland

(08:56) Four Days in Iceland

(10:32) When to Travel to Iceland

(13:33) Iceland's Culture and People

(16:47) Cultural Norms and Social Etiquette

(18:05) Iceland’s Must-See Destinations

(20:47) Exploring Different Regions in Iceland

(28:49) Hiring a Guide in Iceland

(34:41) Chasing Northern Lights

(36:57) Getting Around Iceland: Transportation

(39:00) Flying within Iceland

(40:56) Exploring Reykjavik

(45:37) What to Eat and Drink in Iceland

(47:00) Iceland's Hot Springs Culture

(51:23) More on Reykjavik

(52:18) Learning the Icelandic Language

(58:11) Hidden Gems in Iceland

(58:55) Iceland with Kids

(1:01:20) Destinations Similar to Iceland

(1:05:16) The Hidden World of Icelandic Elves

(1:06:32) All the Hacks Iceland Trip

(1:08:44) Miles & Points for Iceland

(1:16:23) Award Hotels in Iceland

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