Archive for November, 2009

THEY SAID IT

Monday, November 30th, 2009

“Iceland, a remote North Atlantic nation of volcanoes and glaciers midway between the United States and the European continent, has long been a temptingly exotic destination of milky-blue geothermal lakes, stunning fjords and waterfalls and tales of Vikings and elves. Sadly, it’s also been way too expensive for most people. No more. The collapse of the island’s overextended banks … brought on a full-blown recession, and airfares and hotel rates have plunged by half. Round-trip airfares to Reykjavik from the United States now start at less than $500, and package deals, including stays at some of the island’s best hotels, are proliferating.”

– Laurie Goering, Chicago Tribune, “Iceland’s Economic Meltdown Opens Door For Tourists,” Oct. 4

“Since the financial crisis, Iceland has been forced to retreat back from high-octane bubble living to nature. Fortunately, there is a lot of that nature to retreat to. It is a breathtaking world of volcanoes, endless prairies and ethereal winter landscapes. Not, you might think, the most obvious place to stick millions of the world’s computer servers which are, for all their uses, rather less attractive. But the country now wants exactly that - to become home to the world’s computing power. In Iceland, with its year-round cool climate and chilly fresh water, just a fraction of this energy for cooling is needed. It means big savings.”

– Simon Hancock, BBC, “Iceland Looks To Serve The World,” Oct. 9

“When shopping for airfare, it’s easy to overlook smaller, unfamiliar carriers. But these so-called B airlines may offer the best deal.”

– Michelle Higgins, New York Times (Oct. 25). She considers Icelandair among the “good bets” for travel to Europe.

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WHERE DO EVENT PROFESSIONALS LIKE TO STAY? ONE GUESS

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

Business travelers know a thing or two about the best places to meet in the world. Recently SITE, a global network of meeting, travel and event professionals – 2,000 from 87 countries – has awarded its prestigious Crystal Award to the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica. The Crystal Awards Recognition Program is a way to honor top professionals who deliver programs that connect motivational experiences to solid business results. This recognition serves as a benchmark for international events and is regarded as one of the highest honors in the travel industry. Got a meeting to plan? We’ve got the place. In fact, we have a whole country.

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SPEND A DAY RIDING THE GLACIERS

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

They come right to your hotel in super big trucks capable of navigating remote corners of Langjokull, Snaefellsjokull and other Icelandic glaciers not for from Reykjavik. When you get there, off you go on snowmobiles, with guides leading the way. Snowmobile excursions are arranged by experienced agents who also provide all the warm gear needed.

Arctic Adventures offers daylong trips beginning at around $200. They leave directly from Reykjavik and require at least two people. Guided glacier trips continue through the winter. The wildest excursions are to Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier, covering much of southeast Iceland, including several active volcanoes. Participants must be 21 and have a driver’s license, but no previous knowledge of snowmobiles is necessary. For more information: Adventures.is/Iceland/SnowScooter/

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SWAY TO THE MUSIC

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

It’s difficult to think of Iceland without thinking of superlative music. From Bjork and The Sugarcubes, Sigur Ros, Mum and Mugison and many other classical, jazz, folk and pop artists, this small and remote North Atlantic nation has punched well above its weight over the last two decades.

If anything, the island’s incessant soundtrack is growing ever more dynamic, as artists and bands, inspired by the continual international success of their peers, continue to create original, world class music.

IMX, an exciting government sponsored initiative aims to bring together the disparate strands of Iceland’s eclectic scene under one roof. By increasing access to information about artists, collaborating with companies to promote Icelandic music and organizing marketing strategies, festival and event participation, IMX hopes to increase the visibility of Icelandic music. See and listen for yourself. IMX’s landmark Web site serves as the first-ever one stop shop for Icelandic Music. Bookmark it today: www.icelandmusic.is.

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FILL YOUR HOLIDAY STOCKINGS WITH ICELAND PRODUCTS

Monday, November 16th, 2009

Tired of giving soap-on-a-rope again to your dad? Or a pair of slippers for mom? Break out of the rut with a unique product from Iceland, the Niceland. The 15 percent tax-free refund for tourists on a minimum purchase of about $40 (5,000 ISK) adds to the shopping nirvana. Here are some ideas:

Laugarvegur – Iceland’s Fifth Avenue

Strolling down the main shopping street, Laugarvegur, in Reykjavik will make you think you’re on one long catwalk of tres chic boutiques. Some of our favorites are:

Kisan with its ultra sumptuous hand-knit sweaters and unique home goods (www.kisan.is).

Fashion forward KronKron located in a loft-like boutique filled with bold Prints and patterns (www.kronkron.com)

Trilogia is the jewel in the crown of Laugarvegur shopping. Part boutique, part art gallery, it is named as having one of the city’s strongest mixes of Iceland and international collections, selling work by recent fashion graduates alongside big brand heavyweights. Find designer labels like Alexander McQueen, Chloe, Preen, Erotokritos, Orion, Pepa Delight, Robert Cary Williams, and Antipodium – serious fashion with a lot of attitude thrown in. The store is frequently converted into an art gallery for true fashion is really an art.

Naturceuticals from The Blue Lagoon

You don’t need to go to Iceland to give the best skincare Iceland has to offer. Blue Lagoon Iceland skin care is a true naturceutical brand, providing a perfect harmony between nature and science, and it’s available to you right now. The spa’s production methods are green and environmentally friendly, and high-performance formulations pamper all the senses and make one’s daily skin care regime a joyful Icelandic experience. All products are hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested so skin feels pure, rejuvenated, glowing with energy.

All bath and skincare products are available online at bluelagoon.com/Shop/. There’s an on-line store locator, or you can order on-line – product is stocked in the U.S. for faster delivery. U.S. residents that order in November receive free shipping on orders over $100.

Shop for gifts and souvenirs ‘til you drop

Making your shopping trip complete are a wide variety of traditional Icelandic gifts and souvenirs. Iceland’s largest souvenir shop is called The Viking, located in the hearts of Akureyri and Reykjavik.

Throughout the country you’ll find hand-knitted Icelandic woolens, sheepskin outerwear, lava-laced pottery, Viking inspired novelty gifts, stunning photographic books, music and artwork from local artists – all are available in shops throughout the country and in the duty free stores of Leif Eriksson International Airport in Keflavik (www.dutyfree.is).

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NEW YEAR’S EVE IN ICELAND IS FOR PARTY PEOPLE

Thursday, November 12th, 2009


One of the oldest holidays in the human calendar, the dawning of a new year has always been a raucous occasion, especially in Iceland. Bring your drinking hat, your dancing shoes, and your fireproof underwear for this one.

New Year’s Eve in Reykjavik always begins with a hearty dinner followed by bonfire parties and the singing of traditional Icelandic folk songs. Keep an eye out for the elves and trolls who are said to join the human inhabitants in their revelry. Then at the stroke of midnight, enjoy a show the likes of which you have never before seen. It may not be as organized as the 4th of July fireworks in New York harbor, but it is certainly no less thunderous and impressive as it’s thrown against the backdrop of the Aurora Borealis.

Feast your senses on the sights and sounds, and then join the masses as they head into the city center for some serious clubbing. It’s the dawn of a new decade. New Year’s in Reykjavik will ensure that your 2010 will be one to remember.

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LONELY PLANET: ICELAND CONSIDERED BEST VALUE FOR 2010

Monday, November 9th, 2009

In Lonely Planet’s fifth eagerly-awaited annual collection of the best places to go and the best things to do around the world for the year ahead, Iceland is one of only 10 countries or cities considered a “Best Value” destination for 2010. It shares the list with London, Las Vegas, and Thailand. You can see the announcement here:

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/press-centre/press-release.cfm?press_release_id=439

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2010 captures the world’s hottest travel trends, destinations, journeys and experiences for the year ahead, bringing together the expertise of Lonely Planet authors, staff and travelers.

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CRAVE A BIG MAC ON VACATION? DON’T COME LOOKING AT US

Friday, November 6th, 2009

Iceland is set to lose all three of its McDonald’s locations, all in Reykjavik. Frankly, it always puzzled us why people would want a Big Mac anyway, what with world class gourmet restaurants on every block, the freshest seafood on the planet, and the water – don’t get us started on how crisp, clean and pure the water is.

The cratering of the Icelandic economy, paired with the expense of importing nearly every single ingredient on the menu – packaging, meat, vegetables, cheese – forced brothers Jon and Magnus Ogmundsson to close their franchises, despite a big run on Big Macs during the closing days. Don’t ask us why, but the media is fascinated with Iceland – this story made worldwide news.

Iceland already had the third priciest Big Mac on the planet, behind Norway and Sweden, and the need for a further price hike effectively swung a wrecking ball into the Golden Arches. They plan to re-open the locations under a new name – how’s this guys: McEinar’s? or McThor? They’ll use local ingredients, so keep an eye out for an Egg McPuffin on your next trip.

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TRAVEL DEALS OF THE MONTH

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

Winter Fun in Iceland

Guðmundur Jónasson Travel is offering three winter fun packages filled with sightseeing programs and activities.

• Winter Fun Package 1: Iceland at Its Best (departs daily)

There is a lot to see and a lot to do in a short time. Explore Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, walk around the world-famous Geysir hot spring area, visit the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall and enjoy the excitement of northern lights hunting.

Included: Return airport transfer without guide to accommodation, 2 ½ hours Reykjavik City Tour with guide, entrance to the National museum of Iceland, 3 hours northern lights evening hunt with guide, 8 hours Golden Circle Tour with guide, admission to Geysir museum, 3 nights accommodation of your choice including breakfast. $260 per person for guesthouse accommodations. Valid Nov 2009-Mars 2010, except over Christmas/New Year.

• Winter Fun Package 2: Like a Viking (Thurs. to Sunday only)

Explore a new world, like the Vikings did. Fight the winter blizzard, like the Vikings do. Discover some of the most spectacular scenery on earth, like the Vikings did. Learn about living in wilderness with volcanoes, hot springs, glaciers, fjords, lava fields and waterfalls. Come and be a Viking in Iceland.

Included: Return airport transfer without guide to accommodation, 8 hours Golden Circle Tour with guide, admission to Geysir museum, 9 hours Saga Circle Tour in West Iceland with guide, entrance and light lunch at the Saga and Viking museum in Borgarnes, 3 nights accommodation of your choice including breakfast. $310 per person for guesthouse accommodations. Valid Nov 2009-Mars 2010, except over Christmas/New Year.

• Winter Fun Package 3: Shop and Relax (Groups only, daily departures)

Come to Reykjavik, where shopping is fun, where foreign currency is king and where you can find the special gift from Iceland for your friends and family. It’s shopping with a twist in the world’s most northern capital. Travel from shop to shop and in between, relax in a hot pot (outdoor thermal pool).

Included: Return airport transfer without guide to accommodation, 2 ½ hours guided walking and bus tour Reykjavik, entrance and transfer to local geothermal swimming pool, three transfers between accommodation and the two shopping malls on day 3, entrance and towel at Blue Lagoon (either on arrival or departure depending on flight times). 3 nights accommodation of your choice including breakfast. $260 per person, min. groups of 10 only. Valid Nov 2009-Mars 2010, except over Christmas/New Year.

For more information: Guðmundur Jónasson Travel, +354-511 1515, [email protected], www.gjtravel.is

Travel Deals from our friends at Icelandair this month include:

Aurora Adventure

The Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights, are undoubtedly one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena. What could be greater than viewing them in the realm of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier? Stay in Hofn in Southeast Iceland, a region where tall glaciers stretch towards the sea. It’s a spectacular place to enjoy glacier hiking, ice climbing, ATV black sand safaris, and the spectacular and photogenic views of the glacial lagoon.

Four night stays are available now through Dec. 15, 2009 and Jan. 6 – Mar. 31, 2010 from $1,429*. For more information, click here.

$100 Off The Winter Wellness Spa Getaway

Your spa vacation just got even less expensive: our previous discount has been chopped by a further $100. Revive yourself with a visit to Reykjavik, with its clean and crisp air, geothermal pools and dynamic people. Relax and recharge your body and soul, and allow yourself to enjoy the spectacular nature Iceland has to offer. Stay at the Park Inn Island, which is within walking of three of Reykjavik’s best known spas (Laugar Spa, NordicaSpa and the Blue Lagoon Spa in Reykjavik) as well as the city’s largest geothermal swimming pool, or the Icelandair Hotel Loftleidir, with included pool and spa facilities.

From $789* per person based on double occupancy. Departures: Oct. 1, 2009 through April 27, 2010. Click here for more info.

A Very Viking Thanksgiving

How about going out for dinner this Thanksgiving? Way out. Thanksgiving is a popular holiday in Iceland (really: who doesn’t enjoy a feast?) and you can enjoy turkey – and then some – in an exotic location worthy of telling your friends about. Iceland is just five hours from America – and a perfect place to have a great time while you’re counting your blessings.

Departures November 25. From $999* per person based on double occupancy.

*Prices quoted are exclusive of applicable taxes and official charges by destination of approximately $100-$270, per person including the Sept. 11th Security Fee.

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