Solo Travelers in Iceland

Solo Travelers in Iceland

Solo traveling is a great way to discover yourself as you explore destinations of the world. It is increasingly becoming popular especially for the young generation and also the older tourists. The land of fire and ice is one of the best destinations for solo travelers. It offers an incredible combination of safety, simplicity, and endless adventure, which is the goal of every lone traveler. The natural beauty, outdoor pursuits, delicious food, peacefulness, fresh air, pure water and a fascinating local culture are out of this world. It gives you an experience of a lifetime! Even if you want the independence of solo travel, you can still join local expert guides on daily visits to explore new places. Here is why your next trip alone should be in Iceland.

Iceland is Incredibly Safe

As a solo traveler, safety is one of your concerns. I have a good report for you; Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world! It has consistently been ranked as the safest country in the world by the Global Peace Index. With approximately 360,000 people, serious crimes are very low. It seems like everyone knows everyone. Icelanders have cultivated the cohesiveness in the community where they check up on one another to ensure that people are happy.
This togetherness has instilled the positive values and norms among the citizens. You don’t have to worry about being pickpocketed, harassed, or cheated. Things like travel scams are unheard of. Icelanders often leave their houses and cars unlocked. This is not to say that the nation is perfect, but it is far much better than in many countries. Amazingly 98% of the Icelandic police force do not carry guns. In Iceland, more fear comes from nature than from the people. On top of safety, Iceland has accessible Wi-Fi and good phone reception, even in the northernmost area. So, even in isolation, you will still be in touch with family and friends. You are also able to ask for advice or assistance when necessary.

Iceland is a Haven of Adventures

There are plenty of things to do on your solo trip. Iceland has it all. You can never run out of things to do, from marveling at the magnificent waterfall adorned with rainbows, to exploring the charming little side streets in the capital city. It is an ideal place for an adventure and is also easy to navigate. You can go hiking, bathe in geothermal pools, explore the beaches, snorkel in Þingvellir National Park, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and much more. Fimmvörðuháls is an excellent place for hiking. The trail takes you between two glaciers (Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull) and across a breathtakingly beautiful landscape. It is easy to book trips and excursions that suit your taste. On top of the day tours, you can also enjoy the nightlife in the capital city. Reykjavik has a lively social scene that is accessible to lone travelers. Nightlife is centered around Laugavegur, the main shopping street in the City. There is a good combination of cafes, dance venues, restaurants, and bars. It is a great way to socialize and make new friends.

Group Tours

Tours are a great way to meet new people and socialize; sometimes, you can end up making friends for life. There is something good about sharing experiences with other people. There are many guided tours and excursions in Iceland that you can join as a solo traveler to explore the country alongside an expert guide and like-minded adventurers. GJ Travel in Reykjavik gives you a chance to explore the hidden gems of the island and an unforgettable experience that you can’t have by touring alone. You can join their trips to local beaches, ice caves (during winter), the Golden Circle, the Ring Road trip, go whale watching or puffin watching, and much more.

Friendly Locals

Icelanders are famous for their friendliness and hospitality. Welcoming visitors is an essential part of their culture. So, making some new friends should be your goal. You can explore Iceland without feeling alone. It is not a wonder to be offered hiking tips, travel advice, or even invited for a meal during your trip. If you are lucky, they might share the fairytale stories with you.

You Will Enjoy Freedom

One of the top advantages that come with solo traveling is the freedom that one experiences. You can enjoy the flexibility that groups don’t have. You are the one to choose the activities to partake in, how long to stay, where to stay, whether to rent a car or not and so forth. You can even make a last-minute change. However, you need to be highly organized. Make sure you remember all the essential items you need for your trip. If you are a bit forgetful, make a list of the items on your phone. You should also take the necessary precautions and have an emergency contact, but don’t forget to enjoy yourself.

No Language Barrier

Traveling alone requires a destination where you can be understood and become part of the local social life. It helps you to find your way around and make your travel expectations clear. Though the Icelandic language is rated as one of the hardest languages to learn, 99% of the Icelanders speak fluent English.
English is taught as a second language in the nation. So, you will be able to communicate with the tour guides, restaurant staff, and mingling with the locals during your lone trip. But, you may encounter a few people in the rural areas that don’t speak English. Tourist infrastructure such as maps and signage are bi-lingual.

A Great Place to Unwind

Iceland is a fantastic destination for isolation where you can unwind, relax, and get some fresh air. It is a place where you are not afraid of being alone. You only need to give your mind and body a break and let the landscape do the talking.

Iceland is Beautiful in All Seasons

Iceland is so accommodating at any time of the year. It is a year-round adventure though the season you go will impact what you’ll see and do. In summer, the sun can shine past midnight while winters leave you with a few hours of daylight. You will be able to catch some midnight sun during summer and it is very comfortable to explore Icelandic landscapes. However, the prices skyrocket as this is the high season for tourists in Iceland. The colder months are an ideal season to catch the northern lights, glacier walking, and visiting an ice cave. The crowds are also smaller in winter. The choice is yours.