Page 4 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – March/April 2018

AAA
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ICeLAnd
Journey to the Land of Fire and Ice
Ahidden treasure since the days of its discovery by Norwegian explorers, Iceland is a hotbed
of surprises – even beyond volcano Eyjafjallajokull and the famous steaming Blue Lagoon. According to legend, the misnomer for this green land was intentional, a deterrent to settlers who might want to intrude on the Vikings’ newfound haven. Now, like a bud unfurling in the spring, it grows ever greater on the consciousness of global travelers
as more Americans flock to this country than
there are residents. Since 2010, travel to this once virtually unknown destination has erupted like
the geysers you’ll
find in its Golden Circle, making there no hotter place to explore than Iceland.
Europe’s closest American neighbor, recently popularized as a filming location for HBO’s landmark Game of Thrones series, is also
one of Europe’s
most accessible
destinations, with
flights as short as four to five hours from the United States’ East Coast. From Reykjavik’s trendy dining and nightlife to the majestic landscape complete with volcanoes, black-sand beaches, waterfalls, and glacial lagoons, it’s easy to see to see why American’s are continuing to flock to the “Land of Fire and Ice.”
Activities from whale-watching to volcanic cave exploration provide myriad opportunities for vacationers to discover one of the world’s last
environmentally pristine destinations. Quaint fishing villages, medieval trading posts, and many more opportunities allow visitors to dive into full cultural immersion. And of course, don’t forget the opportunity to view one of the most awe-inspiring natural phenomena, the Northern Lights.
Even with the plethora of experiences available, the most appealing is the draw of the Icelandic people. Warm and friendly, they love speaking with visitors and sharing the history of their small country. Ask about tales of the Huldufolk, or Icelandic elves
to be regaled during your travel. Be assured that not much will be
lost in translation; Iceland’s residents are English- speaking, and ease of communication lends itself to a family-friendly and safe experience,
as well as an entertaining one.
No visit would be complete without a stop at Reykjavik, the northernmost
capital of a sovereign state. As the country’s largest city, the fact that it’s immensely safe, clean, and green by design is that much more remarkable. In fact, Reykjavik was named the #1 “Cleanest World Capital” by Forbes magazine.
For shopping, this is where you’ll find the second- largest mall in the country and museums, both indoor and open-air. And for adventure ... well, look anywhere. There are bike trails and coastlines to zip
past, salmon and trout to be fished for, whales and puffins to meet, and horses and cars to take off-road. Plus, with its location, in under two hours you could be inside a glacier or in a volcano in under one.
But there’s more to it than what you see by day. Its nightlife makes the most of the summer’s midnight sun and the aurora borealis can make chilly winter evenings magical. Other natural attractions include geothermal spas and beaches like the Blue Lagoon and Nautholsvik, set against volcanic craters and forest reserves.
One of the best ways to experience Iceland, however, is by escorted tour, which allows visitors to see more and experience rarer encounters than venturing out solo. A tour of southern Iceland
will have you walking on black-sand beaches and standing next to some of the most picturesque waterfalls in the world.
Among the most popular of all tours is that of the Golden Circle, a popular route along Ring Road. The three primary stops are Strokkur Geyser (which erupts every five minutes or so), Gullfoss Waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park. Along the way, you may even have the opportunity to stop and see Icelandic horses. They may be smaller in size, but don’t call them ponies!
From just this overview, it’s easy to see why Iceland is quickly becoming a top bucket-list destination for a variety of traveler demographics. From adventure-minded Millennials to mature travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this friendly, wild country offers just the beautiful escape from the mundane that ordinary vacationers are looking for.
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march/april 2018 – Discoveries eDition
Now!