Iceland, the land of fire and ice, is a captivating destination that offers a unique experience for solo travellers. This nordic nation is renowned for it’s dramatic landscapes, including volcanoes, glaciers, geysers, and waterfalls. But is Iceland a suitable place for those who want to embark on a solo adventure? Can you explore this remarkable country without a car, and is it possible to do so on a budget? In this article, we will answer these questions and more to help you plan your unforgettable solo journey to Iceland.
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Is Iceland Good for Solo Travellers?
Iceland is an excellent destination for solo travellers and here’s why:
Safety: Iceland consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. Iy’s low crime rate and friendly population make it an ideal place for solo exploration. Whether you’re wandering the streets of Reykjavik or hiking in remote areas, you’ll feel secure.
English Proficiency: Most Icelanders speak english fluently, so you’ll have no trouble communicating during your trio. This makes navigating the country and seeking assistance much easier for solo travellers.
Adventure Opportunities: Iceland is a haven for adventure seekers. You can go glacier hiking, explore lava caves, and take a dip in hot springs, and even snorkel between tectonic plates at Silfra.
Well marked trails: Iceland offers an abundance of well-marked hiking trails and paths, perfect for those who love the great outdoors. Wether you’re a novice or an experienced hiker, there are options to suit your skill level
Can you Visit Iceland Without a Car?
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a car to explore Iceland. While having a car offers flexibility, solo travellers can still have an amazing experience using alternative transportation options.
Public Buses: Iceland has an extensive bus network that connects major towns and attractions, The “Ring Road” (Route 1) is well-serviced buses, making it possible to travel around the entire country without a car.
Tours: Joining tours is a convenient and affordable way to explore Iceland’s beauty without driving. Guided tours can be extremely affordable way to experience one of the most expensive countries in the world. Plotpackers, who are a UK based tour company offering affordable group trips, as well as self guided tours. You can use my discount code “PAIGE” for 10% off ALL self guided tours, and ALL Plotpackers group trips. Although this discount is not applicable to influencer trips, or any trips led by myself.
Is Iceland Very Expensive?
Iceland is listed as one of the most expensive countries in the world, but with careful planning it can be travelled with a good budget!
Travel in a group to lower the price: As said previously you can travel Iceland via a group trip. Which can make travelling Iceland far more attainable as travelling in a group can bring the overall price down for a solo traveller. You can read my full blog post on group travel here. Plotpackers group trips to Iceland are at an accessible price point of just £599 and the trip includes;
- All accommodation
- Travel 300km across Iceland’s Golden Circle
- Watch Strokkur Geyser’s Erupt
- Gulfoss Waterfall
- Secret Lagoon
- Walk between Tectonic Plates
- Thingvellir National Park
- Explore Kerid Crater
- Adventure day down the South Coast
- Visit Seljalands Waterfall
- Visit Skogafoss Waterfall and scale the mountain beside it
- Visit the iconic Solheimajokull Glacier
- Visit Reynisfjara: The Black sand beach
- Explore Reykjavik
Want the affordable trip, but want to do it solo? no problem!
If the dates don’t suit you, or you want a solo trip to Iceland, you can book the exact same trip via self guided. Self guided allows you to pick any dates that suit you, and you can book either a solo trip, or with friends/family/partners/etc etc.
For example, if you and your 3 friends wish to travel Iceland together but don’t want the hassle of having to find accommodation and booking all the tours individually, you can simply book a Plotpackers self guided tour to Iceland and have it all booked for you. The price is still £599, and you can just turn up and have the ease of a having a full itinerary planned and booked for you.
USE CODE 'PAIGE' FOR 10% OFF ALL PLOTPACKERS GROUP TRIPS AND SELF GUIDED TOURS
Accommodation: Consider staying in hostels and guesthouses to save on accommodation costs. Hostelworld is great to check out hostels and dorms when travelling. They also have a solo app so you can connect with travellers that will be staying at the same hostel as you.
Activities: Look for discounted activity bundles, explore free attractions like hiking trails and some waterfalls, and take advantage of the numerous natural hot springs scattered across the country.
Travel during shoulder season: Visiting Iceland in the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) can help you save money on flights and accommodations. Additionally, these seasons offer milder weather and fewer crowds, allowing for a more peaceful exploration of the country.
Share costs with fellow travellers: If you meet other solo travellers during your journey (which you absolutely will) consider joining forces and sharing expenses. You can split the cost of car rentals, guided tours, and accommodations!
Cook your own meals: Eating out in Iceland for every single meal can add up! You can save a significant amount of money by cooking your own meals, at least most of them. Most hostels and guesthouses provide kitchen facilities, and grocery stores like Bonus and net offer affordable options for purchasing food supplies.
Be mindful of currency exchange rates: Keep an eye on currency exchange rates to get the best value for money. Exchange some currency before your trip and use credit cards with no foreign transaction fees for convenience and savings. Revolut is a great travel card, you can read more about it on this in depth blog post about travel cards.
How Expensive is a Solo Trip to Iceland?
Iceland’s reputation as an expensive destination can be daunting, but with careful planning, it’s possible to manage costs effectively. To give you a better idea of the expenses involved, here’s breakdown of the average daily costs for a solo trip to Iceland.
Accommodation: Hostels and guesthouse offer budget -friendly options, with prices ranging from $30-$100 per night. Mid range hostels start at approximately $150 per night.
Activities: The cost of activities and excursions varies greatly. Some, like visiting natural attractions or hiking can be free. Others, such as glacier tours or whale watching, can range from $60 to $200 or more. Consider bundling activities to save money and plan your budget accordingly.
Food: dining out in restaurants can be expensive, with a meal at a mid range restaurant costing around $25-$50. To save money, considering eating at local cafes or gran and go places, you can get a meal for $10 to $20. Shopping at supermarkets and cooking your own meals can keep daily food expenses at around $15 to $30.
In summary, a solo trip to Iceland can be as affordable as $100 to $150 per day if you make conscious choices, such as staying in hostels, cooking your own meals and taking local transport. However, if you opt for more comfort and guided tours, your daily expenses can range from $150 to $300 or more. Keep in mind that exchange rates and the season you visit can also affect your expenses.
Is Iceland Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
Iceland is renowned for it’s safety, and this applied to solo female travellers as well. Here are some reasons why Iceland is considered a secure destination.
Low crime rate: Iceland consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world, with a very low crime rate. Violent crime is exceptionally rare, and personal safety is not a significant concern.
Gender equality: Iceland is known for it’s strong commitment to gender equality. Women’s rights are protected, and gender- based discrimination is uncommon. This commitment extends to safety and respect for women.
Helpful locals: Icelandic people are known for their friendliness and willingness to assist travellers. If you ever need help or directions, locals are usually more than happy to provide guidance.
It’s important for all travellers, including solo females, to exercise basic precautions, such as letting someone know your itinerary, avoiding remote areas alone at night, and being mindful of your belongings. But overall, Iceland is a welcoming and secure destination for solo female travellers.
Iceland not only offers stunning natural beauty but also opportunities for solo travellers to explore the Land of Fire and Ice safely and within a budget. By following these tips and tricks, you can make your solo trip to Iceland not only an unforgettable adventure but also a budget friendly one.
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