Top European Budget Travel Bargain - Iceland
The huge financial crisis in Iceland, which resulted in the nationalization of its banks after their currency almost entirely collapsed, still leaves Iceland as Backpackability’s top travel bargain in Europe for 2009. With exchange rates twice as good as what they used to be, $1 USD now equals 130 ISK (Iceland Kronas). Inflation has not doubled in the meantime, so expenses to travel there are still at a steep discount compared to what they were before the collapse.
A major reason why I’ve chosen Iceland as the top travel bargain is…
Iceland Air!
Iceland’s air carrier has ridiculously great rates to get there. Think around $500 round trips, and these are regular fares, not the bogus advertised specials that last 2 hours. Additionally, Iceland Air offers an amazing deal if you do not wish to spend all of your time in Iceland with their Iceland Stopover Promotion. When you fly via Iceland Air, you can stopover for free en route to your European destination or back to your home to check out the country. So if you’re flying to places like Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Stockholm, or Oslo you can stop in Iceland for a few days only at the cost of your time (and lodging/food - which is ridiculously cheap. see: exchange rate).
Now what to do since I’m in Iceland
Iceland is a beautiful country, home to the most wonder geological features imaginable - geysers, volcanoes, mountains, and the oh so awesome steam pools that you can bathe in. So you will more than likely be doing things of that sort outside. You should be all clubbed out from Europe if you’re just stopping over, so don’t have too high of hopes for a crzy nightlife scene. But the relaxation and awe that Iceland offers in its beauty and small town charm.
Icelandic culture is definitely interesting, and they are home to the Sigur Ros, one of my favorite bands. Be sure to check out their DVD Heima before going, as it is essentially an Iceland promotional video with the amazing sights and footage they have. Furthermore, Iceland believes in elves. Enough said really.
Nearly everything in Iceland goes in and out through Reykjavik, their main urban center and home of most things modern in this natural paradise - including Iceland Air. So you’ll be here.
Check out Iceland’s Updated Travel Costs now reflecting the new currency (Coming soon, they’re hard to find)
