Although a majority of people prefer to go to more tropical places like the Bahamas or Tahiti for the summer, there is still a certain charm to going to places with colder climates. One such place is Iceland. While it is a predominantly cold country, and summertime only lasts a few months there, it is still a beautiful place with incredible sights such as geysers and the legendary Aurora Borealis. These attractions make it worth taking some time out there.
However, before you set out on your Arctic adventure, you should pack some essentials with you. Below we look at some of the things you will need for a trip to Iceland.
Passport
Although this might seem obvious, it is imperative that you bring your passport with you. Your passport is the first thing that customs will look for before you even get a chance to get on the plane. So it is imperative that you have your passport with you at all times. Keep it close, and store it somewhere that is easy to reach and remember.
It is advisable that you bring a passport holder with you. You could make it even safer if you tie it to your jeans or your bag. These kinds of precautions might seem a bit much, however, your passport is the most important thing to have with you while traveling. It is your protection against unjust prosecution, and it is your ticket home. So it is imperative that you have it with you at all times.
Eye-Protection
Whenever you travel abroad, it is important that you wear eye protection. Remember that you are traveling to a foreign land, and you will need to be as safe as possible. Eye protection is particularly important in Iceland because winter sports like skiing and snowboarding are very popular there. So if you are going to visit Iceland, you will most likely want to try it out. This is where ski or snowboard goggles come in handy.
If you are going to buy ski or snowboard goggles, you should be as discerning as possible. Luckily, companies such as Fetop offer top-quality goggles at the best prices possible. By purchasing Fetop ski & snow goggles, you’ll have great eye protection during your winter activities.
Winter Gear
Iceland is notoriously cold, so you will need to bring the right gear. When you choose your winter gear, it is important that you choose clothes that are capable of retaining heat. It is also a good idea to bring thermal underwear because it will give you an extra layer of protection against the cold winter winds.
Camera
Iceland has one of the most beautiful landmarks in the world. It is a land of vast mountains and cold expanses. It is also one of the few places where the Aurora Borealis occurs. So if you are going to go on a trip to Iceland, you should bring a good quality camera with you. This will allow you to take pictures and record your adventures in the best way possible.
It is also a good idea to bring a GoPro camera and a tripod. With a GoPro, you’ll be able to take moving shots and videos, without having to constantly hold it. A tripod will also make it easier to have a group picture taken.
Hiking Shoes
During your trip to Iceland, you will be doing a lot of walking. So it is important that you have good quality hiking shoes with you. When you choose hiking shoes, comfort is very important. Remember that you will be walking and standing for hours on end. You will also be visiting a lot of landmarks in Iceland, so they should be as sturdy as possible.
It is also important that you choose leather hiking shoes because they are more sturdy and last longer in cold climates. You could still use synthetic leather, but they should at least be fairly new. If your synthetic leather boots are already a bit worn, they won’t survive in the cold Iceland climate. Your hiking shoes should also have cleats on them. This will ensure that you keep your footing while walking through slippery ice or snow.
Portable Lighting
Whether you are staying at a hotel or camping, it is very important that you bring adequate lighting with you. You never know if the place you are staying in will have a power outage, and Iceland in the nighttime becomes particularly dark. So it is imperative that you have portable lighting at the ready.
For lighting options, it is best if you have a waterproof and shockproof flashlight. They are a bit more expensive compared to less sturdy versions, however, in emergency cases, they are very much worth it.
Adapters
When it comes to traveling, it is important that you keep all of your electronic devices charged at all times. This is a bit tricky if you come from the states, or countries that use a different voltage. So it is imperative that you bring adapters with you. It could be very frustrating to have a bag full of photo and filming equipment and not be able to use them.
Swim gear
Although Iceland is not really known for sunny beaches, it is still a good idea to bring swim gear with you. There are a multitude of hot springs throughout Iceland, and it would be such a waste if you went to Iceland without enjoying them.
Conclusion
Iceland is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and it is totally worth visiting. Before you go on your arctic adventure though, you should have some essential pieces of equipment with you. With these pieces of equipment, you’ll be able to enjoy Iceland to the fullest.
This free guide, A First-Timer’s Guide to Northern Lights in Iceland, can also help you out.
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