There’s nothing quite like packing the backpack and heading off on a journey to some far-flung and exotic place filled with the promise of adventure. And few places in the world are more far-flung and exotic than Iceland.
Over the last few years Iceland has become one of the top vacation spots for nature lovers looking to experience some of Earth’s most untapped and awe-inspiring natural wonders. Visitors come for the monolithic glaciers and singular hot springs that are only found this near to the top of the world. Time seems to come to a standstill during the summer when visitors can experience the “midnight sun.” And through fall and winter those in Iceland are treated to the natural wonder of the Northern Lights that ignite the evening sky on a regular basis.
But before the Icelandic adventure can begin, it is important to understand the basics of this northern island nation. Those armed with a cursory understanding of Icelandic culture and travel requirements are ensured to have a great time free of hassle.
THE BASICS
Other than citizens of Nordic countries, a valid passport is required of all those planning a visit to Iceland. Members of certain European countries such as France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland may enter using an ID card issued by the relevant immigration authorities in their countries. For more information on visa requirements contact the Icelandic immigration service via email at utl@isholf.is
LANGUAGE
Icelandic is a Nordic language that has changed little since the days of the settlers. But those English-speakers visiting Iceland are in luck, as most of the populous speaks both Dutch and English, as they were required to learn both languages in school.
COMMERCE/BANKING
The average office schedule in Iceland is 9:00am to 5:00pm. However, most banks operate on a slightly shorter schedule, from 9:15am to 4:00pm. Many supermarkets are open to 11:00pm seven days a week.
CURRENCY REGULATIONS AND EXCHANGE
Iceland currently has no limit on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into the country by visitors. There are many currency exchange houses open outside of normal banking hours that can change foreign currency into Iclandic Krona. Also, most establishments in Iceland accept traveler’s checks.
POST OFFICES
Post offices are ubiquitous in Iceland and are found in every developed community in the nation. Most are open from 8:30am to 4:30pm Mon-Fri. Many post offices in larger cities are also open on Saturdays from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
TELEPHONES/FAX
Iceland’s telephone country code is 354. Thos who want to call outside of Iceland to Europe or America must dial 00 then the country code then the phone number. Fax machines are available at most post offices and Internet cafes throughout the country.
HEALTH
Iceland’s pristine natural environment ensures good health for most of its citizenry. The water is safe to drink as well. Pharmacies and doctors are readily available in Iceland and visitors are not required to get vaccinations before entering the country.
SAFETY
Iceland is generally considered a safe country. Visitors should be conscious of the minor dangers of petty theft and avoid wandering around alone late at night.
These are some of the basics for those who intend to visit Iceland. In the end, Iceland is a fairly safe country that makes it easy for visitors to enter the nation. There are few constricting regulations or bureaucratic hoops to jump through, and this allows tourists to get right down to the main goal of enjoying the country. So by keeping these quick tips and pieces of info in mind, every visitor to Iceland should enjoy an amazing holiday.
I’m thinking about/within the planning stages of going through Asia and europe throughout this year’s year.
Instead of this as being a hectic & rushed, short vacation, I’m planning with this to become a long leisurely trip (a minimum of three to four several weeks (otherwise longer) through Europe & one to two several weeks in Asia)
Because this is not merely likely to be my first “solo trip” without my parents & family (yes, I understand, that’s embarrassing!!) but additionally my very first time traveling worldwide to overseasOrnations, except for likely to India with my loved ones, to go to relatives, I’d really appreciate any help, advice or travel tips will be able to receive from individuals acquainted with travel in Asia and europe,
Additionally towards the usual/classic European & Asian travel locations (France, Japan Germany, Hong Kong, Europe, Holland/Netherlands, Italia, The country, etc.) I’m also thinking about going to many “off-the-beaten-path” places like Latvia, Lithuania, Thailand, Belarus, Malaysia, Belgium and Ukraine.
The tentative list of all of the nations I am thinking about going to about this trip are:
Europe
England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Iceland, Portugal, The country, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Europe, Monaco, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, Malta, Italia, Vatican City, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Germany, holland, Denmark, Norwegian, Sweden, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, A holiday in greece, Hungary, Slovakia, Belgium, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus, Kaliningrad, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Russia, Poultry, Cyprus
Asia
Japan, China, Mongolia, Columbia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan
I’m searching for suggestions about the very best several weeks to visit where (by having an believed travel range from The month of january & August of 2009, as I must finish my travel and become in the united states by start of August 4-5, 2009 in the latest), what you should pack to have an extended trip, the very best & most secure, yet most reasonably listed hostels, inns, or hotels, and the ways to circumvent within or between any particular locales,
What types of clothing along with other supplies must i pack and just what stuff can one bid farewell to and merely buy there?? For instance should i
pack enough tampons/pads for the entire trip or can one simply take a couple of, or enough for a short while and obtain the relaxation in Asia and europe??
What clothing must i pack? How about other supplies like tooth paste, shampoo and conditioner, etc?? What, and just how much should i pack of individuals??
Also, aside from a three years of senior high school The spanish language & a semester approximately attending college – lots of which i’ve now forgotten, I’m don’t (yet!) speak the word what(s) of the nations I’m going to be going to, so I’ll be taking with the a speaking translator with languages for many, if not completely the nations I am likely to. But would that be one-on the sides? I am talking about basically put what I wish to say within the translator, plus they translate it, the way I recieve the response of the individual I am talking with?
Nonetheless, I’d still prefer to acquire some tips from anybody who knows the above mentioned named nations, and may assist me to.
Thanks!
i’ve got a project and that i need three reale interestin factz bout all these nations: Jamaica, Panama And Nicaragua ,, South america, Columbia, France, Italia, Iceland, Ukraine, Canada, and Mexico……i want kool factz(but real plz!) such as the jamaican flag may be the only flag on the planet that does not share colors using the american flag….PLZ Assist Me To!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!