Why You Shouldn’t Travel to Iceland this Summer

In recent years, Iceland has been a place that has appeared as one of many travelers’ dream destinations. The majority of these explorers venture to this foreign land in the summer but adventuring throughout Iceland in the winter is a journey you won’t want to miss! I took the road less traveled and booked my trip to the world’s northernmost capital city, Reykjavík, for the middle of January. Many aspects make people hesitant to visit Iceland in the off-season, but this winter wonderland is an experience you’ll never forget. Not convinced? Well, try these perks on for size!

It’s not that cold!

Despite Iceland’s northern location, the winters are pretty mild. Average winter temperatures tend to hover around 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius. While that may seem pretty cold to those who love the heat, it is generally not as harsh as the winters you would experience in the Northern United States or many parts of Europe. Additionally, as long as you pack the right number of layers and outdoor gear, it won’t be much of a problem!

You Can Travel on a Budget

During the winter months, flights, rentals, and accommodations tend to be cheaper than during the summer. These discounts make your vacation more affordable if you’re trying to cut down on costs. Iceland does have a reputation of being a bit on the expensive side for travelers due to the fact that they have to import a large portion of their goods, so you might as well benefit from less expensive airfare and seasonal lodging deals!

Avoid the Crowds

An obvious perk of skipping the peak season is that you’ll get to experience Iceland’s beauty with far smaller crowds. Whether you decide to rent a car or partake in tour groups, the sights will have a lot fewer people flocked around them. For example, when I toured the famous Golden Circle, my tour could have held up to twenty people. However, due to the time of year, we had a total of seven including our guide. Take advantage of the offseason and behold the beauty of Iceland’s landscapes all to yourself.

Hot Springs

Thanks to Iceland’s geothermal activity, one attraction that the country is recognized for is their geothermal pools. There’s nothing quite like sinking into a bubbling outdoor bath while the surrounding air temperatures are freezing. The most famous (and touristy) of these would be the Blue Lagoon. This lagoon is incredibly beautiful in color and is a once in a lifetime experience, but I preferred the afternoon I spent at a local bath, Sundhöllin. Regardless of how much you’ve been dreaming about the Blue Lagoon, I’d recommend also trying a local, public bath. It is much less expensive, and I found it to be more authentic and relaxing. There are also many other natural pools throughout the countryside. Both the Blue Lagoon and other pools offer different hot spring experiences, but either way, your soak surrounded by snow will be one to remember!

Easily Watch the Sun Rise and Set

Iceland’s light casts a stunning glow over the entire landscape. Though it is dark for a majority of the day during the winter, this makes it incredibly easy to witness every time the sun ascends and descends. Golden hour seems to last forever. December has the shortest days, and the hours of light get longer moving throughout January. Though it was a bit strange to adjust to at first, the darkness didn’t bother me. Every morning, the snow-covered landscapes were cast in a light pink glow, and every night, a warm orange haze descended upon us. The beauty of these sights made the short days worthwhile!

The Northern Lights

Need I say more? In addition to the beautiful sun cycles, the shortness of daylight gives you a better chance of seeing the Northern Lights. In the summer, Iceland only gets a few hours of darkness per day, so you are less likely to observe this phenomenon. Witnessing the dancing lights of the Aurora Borealis is an item on many travelers’ bucket lists, so why not maximize your chances of seeing their magic?
Iceland in the winter is mystical and enchanting. From glaciers and ice caves as blue as the ocean, to cascading frozen waterfalls, to black sand beaches contrasted again the white falling snow, to the golden glow illuminating every landscape, each day spent in this winter wonderland is unforgettable. Many of the vast panoramas seem almost extraterrestrial, and the thin blanket of snow only made them more mystical. Every adventure is filled with breathtaking sights and traveling in the winter has many highlights that you would miss out on in any other season. If you’re hesitant about venturing with a vehicle in the snow and ice, there are many affordable tour companies that have various excursions available for booking. Additionally, the city of Reykjavík itself is very walkable. Though it is Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavík has a slight village-like feel and is an adorable place to explore.

While I’m sure summer in Iceland has its own set of perks, all of these winter advantages make the colder season the perfect time to explore this wondrous country. The variety of sights and experiences that Iceland has to offer are incredible. To witness your very own winter wonderland filled with once in a lifetime memories, skip the summer season and experience Iceland’s frozen fairytale!

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The World’s Best Beaches

When it comes to beaches, it can seem like they’re all the same. After all, it’s just a combination of sun, sand, and water, right? Any smart traveler knows, however, that not all beaches are alike and each have unique qualities that make them special. There are many ways beaches differentiate themselves from one another. Some of those characteristics include geography, climate, entertainment, and popularity. Tiplr’s editorial staff has chosen of their favorite beaches from all around the world for you check out on your next trip, with additional travel tips included.

El Nido

This beach community located in the Philippines features stunning blue waters and white, sandy beaches. More and more smart travelers have discovered El Nido’s Big Lagoon which you NEED to visit by boat to truly appreciate its exotic beauty.

Tulum

Tulum may be known for ancient ruins like the famous Chichen Itza, but it’s presence alongside the beautiful Caribbean waters is what makes it a top beach spot. It’s also a beach for history fans to visit. Instead of simply lounging around, travelers can get incredible ocean views while discovering the fascinating history of the Mayan people.

Trunk Bay

You can head to Trunk Bay while visiting Saint John in the British Virgin Islands. Located in Virgin Islands National Park, with turquoise waters and white sand, it’s a beautiful atmosphere for enjoying all sorts of water activities.

El Pescador State Beach

When visitingLos Angeles, most travelers tend to flock to Santa Monica Beach or Venice Beach, but El Pescador makes our list because of its low-key vibe. It is located to the north of LA in Malibu along the Pacific Coast Highway. Here, a traveler can enjoy a Southern California beach without the busy crowds.

Tahiti Beach

Don’t let the name fool you, this beach is located in The Bahamas, not French Polynesia. What makes it a special spot for travelers is that it is only accessible by walking, biking, or taking a boat. The beach features numerous coconut trees around it, and it is known as a popular spot for finding shells, starfish, and sand dollars.

Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is probably the most famous beach in Australia. It’s located about thirty minutes outside of downtown Sydney. What makes Bondi unique is that it’s a top location for surfing, and caters to surfers of all levels. If surfing isn’t your thing, however, there’s also tons of restaurants, cafes, and shops nearby to enjoy as well.

Milos

The beaches on the Greek island of Milos are out of this world when it comes to stunning landscapes and unique trademarks. The beaches include caves once frequented by pirates, volcanic rocks, and catacombs. It is also noted as the place where the Venus de Milo was discovered.

Fernando de Noronha

This beach paradise is located in Brazil. What makes it truly special is both the wonder and mystery surrounding it, as well as the strict rules that allow it to remain such an authentic, isolated paradise. It is located off of Brazil’s northeast coast and is an ecological reserve protected by the government, which means only a limited number of tourists are allowed to visit at a time.

Coumeenole

When most people think of beaches, warm-weather destinations come to mind. However, there are also many stunning beaches in different climates, including beautiful Ireland.Coumeenole is located in County Kerry. In addition to sand and bright-blue ocean waters, the beach is surrounded by the gorgeous green cliffs that Ireland is known for. Whether you are standing on top of a cliff overlooking the water or below on the sand, this place will not disappoint.

Colomitos

Colomitos is a small, isolated beach cove to the south of downtown Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. It is so remote that it can only be reached by foot using a trail through the jungle starting from Boca de Tomatlan.

The emerald-green waters are unique for a Pacific coast location, which also makes Colomitos so special. With the beautiful jungle surrounding you, it’s an exquisite beach spot not yet overrun by tourism. Cash home buyers Dallas Tx.

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