As an EIGHT time solo traveler to Iceland, I have some tips to share! Read on to learn them all!
I just returned from an extended camper van adventure in Iceland and wow, Iceland blows my mind again! This was my eighth visit to this beautiful gem of a country, but my longest and toughest one to date. The weather was uncooperateive and I had to adjust my plans allot, but this was all part of the wonderful experience. I am still processing my many memorable moments, and I can’t wait to share them with you. It was quite the adventure, from spending several days at the largest puffin colony to whale watching, epic highland hikes, and aurora hunting- there was so much to share!
However, many lessons became apparent during this visit that I want to share with you so you can have THE best experience during your camper van adventure as possible.
If you are a female solo traveler considering a camper van visit to Iceland or anywhere else, this is for you! This would also benefit any solo traveler of any gender and type of travel.
So here it is…my best advice for solo travelers in Iceland:
- Don’t overbook your days. In a place as full of things to see and do as Iceland this is very difficult to do. Especially if you enjoy hiking and photography, as these activities sometimes take up hours a day. My recommendation is to plan for 2-3 activities a day at the most, and if it’s a long hike, make that the day’s plan and that’s all. It is tempting to keep driving late into the night, but I caution you not to underestimate the driving in Iceland; two hours around the fjords can be exhausting, and on a long drive day, you want to plan for plenty of time to take adequate breaks and get a good night’s rest for the following day. If you are Aurora hunting, don’t plan anything for the next morning. Instead, sleep in and hit the road well-rested to enjoy a leisurely and safe drive to your next destination—plan extra time for driving so you can take coffee breaks or stop at a scenic sight. Don’t rush Iceland; instead, choose your top sights must-dos and relish them. This is the best way to experience Iceland; trust me on this! You can always return
- Treat yourself. It is tempting to eat grilled cheese and hot dogs in the camper every day. They are quick and delicious, but it is good to plan a few times during your trip when you cook wholesome meals for yourself. A camper van adventure is an experience, and cooking is part of it! Also, plan a day to sample the local fair at a café or restaurant and visit a local hot spring for a rejuvenating soak! I recommend Mvatn Nature Baths in the North or Sky Lagoon or Hvammsvisk in the West area. For a good camper van meal, keep it simple. A simple camper van meal is sauteed sweet potatoes with spinach, pepper, and eggs! Chop up the potatoes into small chunks and toss them into a pan with butter or olive oil. Sauté until softened. Add scrambled eggs and spinach. Add a choice of spices. Cook until the eggs are to your texture liking, and voila!
- Take care of your skin and hair. This is not for aesthetics but for good reason. The wind can be as intense in Iceland as the sun. On my first visit, I spent one whole hour combing the knots out of my hair one night! If you have long hair like I do, it is best to apply some leave-in conditioner and pull it back in a bun or a braid when exploring. Also, the sun can be very strong, so be sure to pack your sunscreen!
- Book at least one guided tour. Budget for at least one guided tour during your trip. This is a great way to meet like-minded travelers, learn local history and customs, and see parts of Iceland that are inaccessible due to dangerous driving. If you are lucky like me, you might make new friends! Here are a few of my top tour companies in Iceland where I have always had a great experience: Midgard Adventure , Borea Adventures North Sailing
- Journal daily. Solo travel teaches you a lot about yourself. This is not always an easy thing, especially when you begin to discover some things about yourself you feel you may need to work on. It is one of the best paths to self-discovery. I have had some of my best ideas or thoughts come on a long drive or evening sitting outside my camper. It is lovely to have a daily journal where you can record some of the things that come to mind. It can be as effortless to what your day was like and what you are grateful for or more reflective and long; during my trip, I also made a few video journal recordings, which are always wonderful to look back on years later. I have one from three years ago when I visited Iceland in the winter and talked about how I felt this wouldn’t be my last time there. Boy, was I right! Plus it can help you assist for your future travels!
- Obey weather warnings and plan accordingly. On a sunny, calm day, there is no other place I would rather be than standing on a mountain in Iceland or beside the sheep on a grassy field. However, Iceland’s weather can be harsh and unpredictable. My best advice is to approach your trip with a flexible mindset and always put safety first. Check vedur.is before heading out and planning accordingly. The nice thing about the camper van is you can move around as needed and plan by the weather report or follow the sun. I opted to stay put for two days during a bad storm in the south. Sure, I would have instead been out adventuring, but why put myself in harm’s way when I can be safe at a campground, relaxing and enjoying the ambiance? As a solo traveler, you are responsible for your safety and all decisions, so make good ones! Safety first, and obey nature. Have a plan B and be flexible when the weather turns. It is a good idea to research some indoor activities for your visit, such as museums or cute cafes, as a backup plan for days you have a hike planned. One of my favorites I visited during a storm in the West Fjords was Café Litle Baer in a hospitable atmosphere. They serve delicious waffles and coffee, and it was all part of my Iceland experience!!
- Be aware of your surroundings. Iceland is one of the safest countries for solo female travelers. With a low crime rate, it’s a great place to get started with solo travel, but this doesn’t mean you should completely let your guard down. Be aware of your surroundings when traveling in and around cities or hiking alone. Practicing mindfulness is always good, regardless, as it keeps us present in the moment!
There you have it! My top trips for solo women travelers in a camper van. Drop me a comment or question and I will be sure to answer them! Remember to slow down on your adventure, enjoy the moment, and put the camera down occasionally. Be present with Iceland and all it has to offer. You won’t regret it!
My go to camper rental in Iceland: Happy Campers
Goða ferd, ( Good travels!)
Arielle
