Iceland help please

Savvy_Sue

I've had a quick skim of a couple of Iceland threads I found, but this is where I've got to ...

I'd like to go to Iceland with DH early in June.

We want to fly from Bristol.

We're a bit limited with dates, can't take a full week off work.

And I've got a limited amount of time to research it ... because if I don't book it, it's not going to happen.

So, where do I start - book flights and hotel separately and add bits, or find a package and hope it's not too packagey, or find a friendly travel agent to help me sort it out?

wondercollie

Icelandair does it all for you. Airfare, hotels, cars, day trips.

Plug your details in and the website does it all.

We did five nights last year.

Take loads of cash and an empty credit card.

Shimrod

You might find it cheaper booking a flight and hotel package, rather than separate flight/hotel.

You don't mention whether you want to travel around at all, or base yourself in Reykjavik - I would suggest the latter if you are going for less than a week, there is more than enough to fill your time.

A hire car would give you more flexibility, allowing you to go at your own pace, and it's easy enough to get around and would probably work out around the same as booking trips with the tour companies.

If you aren't getting a car, then pre-book the flybus https://www.re.is/flybus/ for a quick getaway from the airport. Tours can be booked with many companies - your hotel will most likely be able to this for you. Two examples (for tour ideas and prices ) are Reykjavik Excursions(https://www.re.is/) and Gateway to Iceland(http://www.gtice.is/) .The former is probably the largest operator and the latter specialises in smaller groups.

I've never been in June, but I was looking at visitor statistics for Iceland last week, and they have doubled between 2012 and 2015, so it's worth booking as early as possible as Iceland can 'fill up' in terms of available accommodation. Prices double in summer compared to low season (I prefer October for northern lights), so as wondercollie says - make sure you have plenty of cash!

Doshwaster

I've never been but Rick Stein's recent recent Long Weekend there made it look very tempting. Not sure about the fermented shark though....

If you missed it you can see the episode here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0795rt5

Shimrod

or for a more humorous take, Travel Man is available for 8 more days here: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/travel-man-48-hours-in/on-demand/58579-003

Ballard

I booked a flight with wow air as they were considerably cheaper than icelandair. I'm only going for a long weekend and have booked Airbnb in Reykyavik.

I'm not going until November so can't give any feedback but price wise I'd suggest that you look at wow.

richardw

Look at easyJet and Wow air and pick the best flight timings.
Then look at the reviews on booking.com

Shimrod

richardw wrote: »

Look at easyJet and Wow air and pick the best flight timings.
Then look at the reviews on booking.com

Icelandair often have special discount fares, so don't assume they will be the most expensive. The last two years I have been, they have been £13 & £20 per seat cheaper once you include hold luggage (and of course you get free seat selection, free coffee/tea and a little more legroom than Easyjet). Easyjet from Manchester do have a better outward bound time giving you more time in Iceland on your first day - that's probably more important if you are only going for a weekend.

richardw

Icelandair don't fly from the OP's preferred airport BRS.

Savvy_Sue

Thanks all. I've gone a bit dithery about where to go but all the suggestions are appreciated, I had hoped to take all our (adult) sons with us but that fell through, and I think they'd enjoy it so might put it off until they can all get their acts together (some hope).

With Iceland, we are limited to Wow and Easyjet if we want to fly from Bristol. I know Other Airports Are Available, but having used some of them I haven't yet found one I'd want to use again for a short trip ... because it takes so flipping long to get to them!!!

gizmo111

I wet in February from Bristol, for 7 nights which was a little too long, booked with Travel Republic and stayed at OK hotel in Reyjavik self catering, was £402 using EasyJet flights including the bus from airport to hotel. Excursions to blue lagoon, northern lights and golden circle were reasonable price, food and drink is the big expense there. But well worth a trip.