Solo travel has taken on new meaning in recent years as numbers have grown dramatically not just because of travel restrictions being lifted after the pandemic, but because of the number of remote workers and Digital Nomads drastically increasing.
As one of the dreamiest destinations on the planet, there are many inquiries regarding Iceland solo travel.
Why Has Solo Travel Increased so Dramatically?
Solo travel is the number one travel trend with interesting statistics such as the fact that solo travelers make up 11% of the overall travel market. 1 out of every 6 people have already gone on a solo travel excursion in the past and solo travel bookings have increased by 42% in the past couple of years.
Now, there are many reasons for this and a recent survey revealed the following:
After the Covid pandemic, more people have been bitten by the travel bug. It seems that experiencing lockdowns was enough for most of us to realize that we want to extend our horizons.
Unfortunately, as is the case with most things adult, syncing one’s schedules with friends and family is a near-impossible task. So, many who might prefer traveling with others are forced to tackle the trip solo.
There is an incredible wellness wave sweeping the world with many individuals becoming more and more self-aware. Many take on these solo travel trips as journeys of self-discovery.
Many see solo travel as a sort of declaration of self-independence. This is especially true when it comes to more and more women traveling alone.
Many simply enjoy the flexibility solo travel brings with it. You can go wherever you want, you don’t need to accommodate someone else when planning your itinerary and you don’t need to share any personal space.
Some want to take a proper break from their lives, which includes the people in it. Getting away from one’s usual environment and not having to answer or think of anyone else is exactly the relaxing breakaway that some individuals need.
If you are a single person with no dependents who work remotely and want to immerse yourself in the culture of another country for some time, there’s really no reason not to.
So many put their things in storage, pack up and leave for an extended period of solo travel elsewhere.
Sometimes it’s simply a case of a difference in interests. Not everyone wants to go searching for gorillas in the dense jungles of the Congo. In these instances, you might just have to take on a solo travel trip since there’s no one else that’s interested in doing it with you.
Is Iceland Safe to Travel Alone?
This question comes up a lot, and understandably so when taking into account that 84% of solo travelers are women. The good news is that Iceland has yet again officially been named the safest country in the world. And it’s won this title for more than a decade each year.
So traveling to Iceland alone is probably the safest travel you’ve ever done, which especially offers some peace of mind when you’re a solo female traveling to Iceland.
When is the Best Time to Go to Iceland on a Solo Travel Trip?
Well, that will very much depend on your preferences, budget, and what’s on your Icelandic bucket list. The summer months offer some of the best weather, but you’ll need to brace yourself for the summer crowds and the steep peak season pricing.
Summer is characterized by increased daylight hours (20+ hours of daylight at the height of summer). Whilst this can be great for those who want to experience the Midnight Sun phenomenon, the lack of darkness means that you won’t be able to spot the Northern Lights very easily.
The warmer temperatures of the summer months also won’t allow you to go ice cave exploring due to safety reasons.
During the winter months (December to March), Iceland truly turns into a winter wonderland, but it also brings along its own drawbacks.
Certain regions and areas on the island are closed during the colder months and road conditions can be quite treacherous if you’re not a very confident driver. This all makes things such as road-tripping, camping, etc. very difficult, Especially when you’re alone.
In terms of cost-effective travel whilst retaining most of the weather perks without the overcrowding, many opt to visit the island during the shoulder months.
Some Helpful Tips When Going to Iceland Alone
If this is your first Iceland solo travel trip, the following tips will help you make the most out of your time on the island:
If you’re going to Iceland alone, you won’t have some of the budget benefits that a couple or a group might have. That means that you will need to travel cost-effectively. Opting to rent a campervan or go camping will help you save a lot of money in accommodation costs and might even allow you to extend your trip.
There are certain areas and regions in Iceland that are extremely remote. In fact, it’s so remote that it is recommended that driving these routes is done in a convoy of at least 2 vehicles to ensure that help is always nearby if need be.
We’re not saying that you need to stick to the boundaries of Reykjavik on your solo travel trip, but venturing out in the Icelandic wilderness by yourself is not a very responsible move.
Always let someone know of your whereabouts. Whether you’re checking in with family and friends back home or the hostel reception. Just let people know where you’re going to be and what you’re going to be doing if you’re planning on doing some adventurous day outing such as hiking.
Watch out for itinerary burnout, specially during the summer months. The summer months bring along with them increased daylight hours that can be extremely beneficial, especially if you enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking in Iceland.
But don’t overdo it. Many stuff their increased daylight hours to maximum capacity and have to tap out by day three.
If you’re traveling alone in Iceland it’s a good idea to get some local insight. Ask for some guidance in terms of planned routes, which places to visit, which to avoid, etc.
There is a local saying on the island: “you can experience all four seasons in a day in Iceland”. So, we recommend always keeping a close eye on the Iceland weather forecasts and the Iceland road conditions before heading out and ticking off outdoor activities and attractions.
If you’re flying solo, but would like to meet some people to hang out with during your trip, your best bet would be the book into a hostel and book some spots on group tours. This way you’ll not only meet new people but meet like-minded people.
Some of the Best Things to Do in Iceland on a Solo Travel Trip
Choosing things to do in Iceland whilst on a solo travel trip can be tricky if you’ve never been to the island. The following activities and attractions are perfectly safe to do solo and bring with them memories that will last a lifetime:
Explore the Capital City
Reykjavik is the ideal city to explore on your solo travel trip. There is plenty to do – from visiting the museums to shopping on Laugavegur Street and admiring the architecture such as the impressive Hallgrimskirkja church.
Get Pampered at the Blue Lagoon
Iceland is known for its hot springs and the Blue Lagoon is probably one of the most famous. Go and soak in the relaxing warm waters, lather the silica-rich mud all over your skin, and, as an extra perk, you can book yourself a treatment package at the spa.
Go See an Eruption of Water
Yes, you heard right. Volcanoes are not the only things erupting in the Land of Fire and Ice. If you go visit the Geysir Geothermal Area, you will get to see Strokkur geyser. This sulfurous water pool will start to bubble every 4-10 minutes and then erupt – shooting water up to 20 meters into the air.
Visit Some of the Island’s Waterfalls
Not only does Iceland boast 10 000 waterfalls, but they also come with pretty impressive titles such as “most powerful waterfall in Iceland”. It’s highly recommended that you tick off at least a few of these must-visit falls whilst on your Iceland solo travel trip. A few of the ones not to be missed are Dettifoss, Seljalandsfoss, Gullfoss, and Svartifoss. Undoubtedly, visiting the best waterfalls in Iceland is an unforgettable experience.
Ride an Icelandic Horse
The island literally has its own breed of horse. Icelandic horses are much shorter and stubbier than other horses, making them look more like ponies than full-grown horses. They have a long pelt during the winter months and they are known for their incredibly friendly nature, and are famous for their extra gait called the tölt.
There are horse tours and horse farms all across the island where you can get to ride and spend some time with these amazing and unique creatures.
Iceland: the Ideal Solo Travel Destination
Iceland solo travel comes highly recommended. Except for the magnificent views, spectacular landscapes, and many once-in-a-lifetime experiences it has to offer, it’s also the one country that’s wearing the crown as the safest in the world.
Use this article as a guide to decide when you would like to travel to Iceland and we hope to see you on the island soon!
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