‘I still don’t know why, exactly, but I do think people can have a spiritual connection to landscape, and I certainly did in Iceland.’ – Hannah Kent

I took a redeye from Pittsburgh and landed very early in the morning in Reykjavik. I booked a discount bus ticket via Get Your Guide and did not notice a single difference than the more expensive ticket. My voucher noted that the company merged with Flybus (the more expensive by, like, $30) so I unsure if/when this economy ticket would actually be available but gave it a go-and it went perfect. Due to the merger, I do not know if this will still be an option. I went directly to my hotel and dropped off my stuff. Iceland is significantly more expensive than when I went 6 years ago. I just booked a cheap room with the best location. My hotel was fine but the walls were thin. I just recommend booking a place in your budget and what you’re looking for. After that, I had time to wander before my puffin tour.

After a quick breakfast at a cafe, I checked out the famed Hallgrímskirkja church. For some reason I never went the first time, so knew I needed to make the stop. It was not too crowded and, even though it was a gloomy outside, the light was amazing inside. What was most interesting to me was the exterior. I always assumed that it was smooth but it is not, it is very rough. You can climb to the top but I chose not too. It was really overcast, cloudy, and a tinge of smoke from the volcanic activity (which I never saw any of as the active period had passed), the view would have been terrible so I decided to save a few dollars. Iceland is expensive (like I spent $40 on a bowl of pasta) so save money where you can because the rest of the time you just justify that you’re on holiday and stop paying attention. Which explains my next splurge…

As I was walking around the harbor, I saw Fly Over Iceland-an immersive experience where the rider learns some of the lores of the island as well as its unmatched beauty. I had run into a woman on the bus to my hotel who mentioned she was going to go and did not think anything of it. But as I was walking, I came across it. I had a couple hours yet until my afternoon booking so thought, why not. Fly Over Iceland is an immersive ride (almost like 4D) where you board a contraption and seemingly fly through the sky. It was a bit disorienting but I got used to it quickly. Now, it’s something like $50, and I am not saying it was worth it or not but I had a lot of fun. I do wish it was longer (maybe only 15 minutes) but that was because it was a blast.

After a quick bite, off to see puffins! It was around $65 for a one hour boat tour. This is something that I probably would not do again. Seeing them was cool but do to regulations and bird safety (which I fully support), the boat does not get very close-which made it hard to see even with my prescription sunglasses. I also did whale watching and saw a lot of puffins flying around on that trip, which I do recommend. On the island it was hard to see if they were sea birds or the puffins and I only saw which was which after I saw the photos with my Lumix G9 zoom lens. It was also only slightly less cold then I was when I did whale watching in January. A side note, my old light puffer has lived better days so if anyone has any recommendations for a light weight, warm, hooded one, let me know-is the Patagonia worth it?

After my jaunt with the puffins, I headed to my hotel to change into my swimsuit and sweats to hit the Sky Lagoon. This was an activity where you just have to not think about the cost ($170, including transport and spa experience) and just focus on the relaxation of it all. I did the Blue Lagoon on my first visit and loved but it ruined my hair for a few days (always do it towards the end of your trip) and the Sky Lagoon does not have the same issue. I also did the spa package and holy moly, I have never been so relaxed which is saying a lot for a severely anxious, ADHD/mild OCD gal. It a seven-step ritual (I only did six because I was not going to do the cold plunge as I am naturally cold and feared I would never get warm lol).

The Sky Lagoon overlooks the bay and you can enjoy a variety of drinks-I had one of the seasonal cocktails and tasty! I bought a waterproof pouch for my phone and worked great! I had a lot of people ask me about it. I also loved that it was not too crowed. Even in the rituals, I was the only person in a couple of the rooms. I went at 6 and it closes at 9, so that may have played a part in it. I spent about 2 hours there and have never felt better plus repped my favorite team across the pond! While there are a couple other thermal areas I want to visit, I would recommend Sky Lagoon over the Blue Lagoon.

I had a great first day in Iceland but the adventures were only beginning!