Holidays in Iceland - Learning the Iceland Customs

Known as the Land of Fire and Ice, Iceland is home to many volcanic mountains and glaciers which provide a magnificent scenery for tourists. It also offers a range of outdoor activities, like whale-watching, kayaking and horseback riding. Iceland has an interesting culture, as well, so before you hop on a plane to Iceland, it is good to know even just a bit of it, like learning the basic Iceland customs. Just like other Western countries, one of the customs in Iceland is to shake hands when greeting while saying `hello`. A kiss on the cheek is acceptable, too, along with the greeting `Sael` or `Saell`, an expression which means `happiness`. Another of the Iceland customs is to remove your shoes in the hallway upon entering someone`s home. It is also common for Icelanders to invite guests to their home, so don`t get surprised in case someone invites you. Just be sure to bring a bouquet of flowers or any other gift when you go. When at table, you don`t have to say grace before meals. You don`t need to express gratitude, either, like the French or the Japanese (by saying expressions like `Bon Appetit` or `Itadakimasu`). Instead, eat heartily then thank your host after the meal by shaking his hand.You also have to remember that believing in trolls, elves, ghosts and other mysterious beings is a part of the traditions in Iceland. Indeed, many Cheapest car rental Iceland will tell you that their unique rock and lava formations are the work of elves or trolls. Elf `habitats` are also protected. Of course, you don`t have to believe in them but don`t treat the subject too casually, either.As a tourist in Iceland, you`ll also be glad to know that tipping is not one of the customs in Iceland. No one will expect you to tip or throw you a mean glance if you don`t, whether you`re at a hotel, cab or restaurant. Still, feel free to be generous when you want to.

Driving a 4x4 Car for Iceland Travel

Iceland is one of the most unique travel destinations in the world. Most visitors arrive by plane, but there is a ferry service from Denmark that takes about two days. Once in the country there are a few ways to get around such as local tour flights, bicycling or even hitchhiking, but most experts recommend a 4x4 car for Iceland travel to get the most out of your trip. It is actually relatively cheaper to use a rented car instead of a tour company excursion, because there are no entrance fees to the sites worth seeing. The national or main road in Iceland is Route 1, commonly known as Ring Road. It has 830 miles that encircle the island, and it connects most of the towns as well as the scenic sights. Driving in Iceland requires caution because you may experience unfamiliar conditions. For example, there are a number of single lane bridges on Route 1, and the rule is to let the closest vehicle cross first. It is also not uncommon to see sheep, horses and cows along or in the road. The rule of thumb is to expect these animals to dart in front of you, so extra caution is required. Often a paved road changes to gravel, and this can cause accidents. There are also blind curves and narrow roads that could be very dangerous. Mountain roads are usually closed in winter, and most can only be driven with a Car rental Iceland. If the letter "F" prefixes a road number (e.g. F128), a four wheel drive is required to drive on the roads.Many vacationers start their tour in Reykjavik, the northernmost capital city on earth. Reykjavik is known for its exciting nightlife and shopping. The city has museums, art galleries, botanical gardens, musical venues, festivals and other cultural activities. It is a great place for whale watching, horseback riding and nearby hiking.

Holidays - Reykjavik

Iceland may not be your first choice for a holiday, but its capital city, Reykjavik, is a destination that has a lot to offer its visitors, whether it`s an adventure break or a peaceful city trip that you are looking for. After your flight, you may want nothing more than to relax and unwind and there is no better place for doing this than the geothermal Blue Lagoon spa that is, rather handily, not far from the airport. In the spa you can soak in the shoulder-deep 37 degree milky blue water whilst you are surrounded by snow but if you would prefer, you can also relax by slipping into the sauna, having a cleansing silica face mask and to top it all off you can have one of the trademark blue-coloured cocktails.Although Reykjavik is the country`s capital city, it is not very big and only has a population of 115,000 so it is difficult to get lost there, however, if you do lose your way it is only a matter of looking for the Hallgrimskirkja, the largest church in the country, as this dominates the skyline.The church is named after the religious poet Hallgrimur Petursson and is Reykjavik`s most famous landmark. The modern architecture of the building is stunning and so it is perhaps a little disappointing to see the sparse interior compared to the intricate exterior of the building. However, the impressive pipe organ inside is worth a look, as are the impressive panoramic views from the tower.In the city centre, it is easy to pass an hour in the main street of Austurstraeti by wondering around the shops or just by sitting in one of the cafes. If you are looking for a more cultural activity, then you can head to the Car rental Reykjavik Art Museum.Even though Reykjavik has several museums and a theatre, and can easily keep you occupied for two or three days, if you were to venture inland then Iceland has even more to offer.