Iceland’s growing popularity as a tourist destination leaves most travelers with the same two conclusions: The country is incredibly beautiful and expensive. With some helpful tips, you can keep your family trip to Iceland fun and budget-friendly.
Rent a Car
The vast, diverse landscape of Iceland can be pricey to traverse using taxis, buses or other modes of public transportation. Renting a car is the best way to explore the country while on a budget. Not only is renting a car more affordable in the long run, but it also allows visitors to make quick visits to small towns and natural wonders along the way. Enjoy the savings and flexibility on your trip.
Explore Natural Reserves
Take advantage of Iceland’s majestic scenery and stop as often as possible, exploring natural parks and reserves. From Snæfellsjökull National Park to Þingvellir, Vatnajökull National Park and Skaftafell, visitors observe incredible waterfalls, glaciers, mountains, volcanoes, thermal pools and stunning wildlife — all within budget. Iceland’s national parks and wonders are all free or affordable to visit; just pay for parking.
Photo: Glowonconcept | Dreamstime
Take a Guided Tour
Set aside a day or two to explore Iceland with the help of a guided tour. Iceland Travel offers a variety of daytrips showcasing the natural beauty of the Aurora Borealis, Crystal Caves, volcanoes, wildlife, Game of Thrones tourism and snowmobiling excursions. Tours are available for several days or more, but tend to be pricey and more structured than a single-day guide.
Explore Local Towns
Take advantage of the many towns spread out along your Icelandic adventure. Each offers sightseeing, shopping, dining and local flare for tourists on a budget. Visit like a local and inquire about the best places to go and avoid the more touristy locations.
Skip Tourist Destinations
The Blue Lagoon, now a famous and expensive natural resort and spa, was once just a humble hot spring. There are many hot springs located throughout Iceland and in the national parks free to visitors. Discuss with locals and do some research before hand and explore the budget-friendly natural wonders.
Instead of embarking on a whale-watching excursion — which can be expensive — opt for a coastline view of the water from the land. Check in with the locals and head to the suggested locations for whale watching. Take in the incredible view from the cliffside and save some money in the process.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedSlideshow
Apr 17, 20256 Egyptian Tomb Sites for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these Egyptian tomb sites with us.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: A Destination for All Ages
However one is traveling, what matters is having fun and creating unforgettable memories. Among many ways to travel, multigenerational trips — on which grandparents, parents and children get to spend quality time together — are gaining popularity. Setting out on this sort of adventure? Madrid has something to offer everyone!
Destinations / North America
Apr 16, 20254 Interactive Wildlife Conservation Experiences for Earth Day
Calling all animal-loving family travelers! This Earth Day, consider a visit to one of these destinations offering interactive wildlife conservation experiences.
Destinations
Apr 16, 20255 Places Around the World to See Holy Week Observances
Holy Week, the period between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, is observed in a variety of ways throughout the world, often with colorful pageantry mixed with solemn reminders of the week before Christ’s crucifixion. Tourists are welcome at most observances, some of which take on a festival air, especially on Easter Sunday. Here are some places family travelers might consider traveling.
Destinations / North America
Apr 16, 2025North America’s First National Park City Named
The National Park City Foundation just designated Chattanooga, Tennessee, as North America’s First National Park City, and family travelers will quickly discover why. Already named Tennessee’s Most Scenic City, Chattanooga takes a new title thanks to its appreciation of all aspects of outdoor life, from preserving lakes and forests to being stewards of native plant species.
Destinations / North America
Apr 15, 2025This Underrated San Diego Neighborhood is a Gem for Families
Families heading to San Diego often look for big-ticket thrills like Sea World and San Diego Safari Park, but sometimes it’s the neighborhoods that let you get the most out of a visit. It’s how you get to discover the personality of San Diego.
ShareThis