After speaking with a group of travel agents, Iceland natives, tour guides, and former Iceland cruisers, we finished packing for our trip to Iceland. Here’s what we are bringing and why. We cover clothing, summer weather in Iceland, 220 Volt power considerations, rain gear, hiking boots, toiletries, midge protection, and more. See the complete video on YouTube now!
So many people are asking us what you need to pack to go to Iceland in June. We didn’t know either so we asked my friend Magnus, who lives in Iceland. He helped us figure out what we need to bring – and what we shouldn’t bring – on our trip. We’ve done a lot of research and talked to travel agents, people in the tourism industry, and others who have visited Iceland. We’ve gathered a lot of useful tips.
We’re going on a 10-day cruise with three stops in Iceland, three in Norway, one in Amsterdam, and one in Belgium before landing in Southampton. We’re heading to Reykjavik for two days before the cruise, but we’re skipping the Blue Lagoon. A woman who has been there several times warned us about it being a bit gross and prone to evacuations due to volcanic activity. Instead, we’re opting for the Sky Lagoon, which is more controlled and has better vistas. We’re also planning to do the full Golden Circle tour around Iceland, which is highly recommended despite the frequent rain. We’ll document everything and share it on our channel.
When we come back, we’ll make another video about whether we packed too much, what we didn’t need, what we missed, and if we should have packed more.
We’ve included handy Amazon affiliate links to the product we recommend. As Amazon associates, we earn from qualifying purchases, and you’ll help support our blog and YouTube channel – so thanks!
So, let’s talk about travel. You can’t drive to Iceland; there are no tunnels or bridges. It’s really out there in the North Atlantic. Did you know that Iceland is greener and Greenland is icier? Getting there takes a while. From Florida, we’re flying to Atlanta, then to JFK with a six-hour layover before taking an overnight flight to Reykjavik. Most flights into Iceland arrive in the morning.
First up, airplane travel essentials. You’ll need a neck pillow. We got one from Napfun, made of memory foam, which you can wash if it gets dirty. It’s super soft and compresses nicely for travel. Under $20, this neck pillow may save you thousands in chiropractor bills. https://amzn.to/3VefYtf
Next, compression socks are a must, especially for long flights. They help with blood circulation and prevent clots. My doctor recommended them because they’re especially useful for people with diabetes or those prone to DVT. Mens: https://amzn.to/3wMVCOp Womens: https://amzn.to/44VQPGQ
We also found these handy and very cool phone clips that attach to the airplane tray, making it easier to watch movies without straining your neck. https://amzn.to/3wGDe9X
And don’t forget backup batteries for your phone. The MagSafe batteries by Belkin are great, and many planes have USB chargers now, but it’s better to be prepared with your own power sources. https://amzn.to/4dTftfv
Another tip: bring a face mask. Planes can be germy, and you don’t want to get sick right before your trip. https://amzn.to/450AwsE
We’ll be wearing noise-canceling headphones, which are great for blocking out the constant hum of the engines. Felicia’s Bose: https://amzn.to/4aRnvTz Tim’s Sony: https://amzn.to/44Y1TDo
It’s important to be prepared for lost luggage. Always pack a small carry-on with a change of clothes, toiletries, and essential electronics. AirTags or similar tracking devices can help you keep track of your bags. https://amzn.to/44WjWKm
For power needs, remember that Iceland and Europe use different plugs. Most electronics like phones and laptops are dual voltage, so you’ll just need plug adapters. For high-wattage items and things with heating elements, like hair dryers, some people recommend a power converter. But they often don’t work so it’s often easier to buy those items in Europe. Here’s our favorite adapter: https://amzn.to/4bS1ViC, and the dual-voltage hair dryer brush Felicia bought: https://amzn.to/44VRiZC
Icelandic currency is another thing to consider. They don’t really accept American dollars, so it’s best to exchange money at a local bank rather than the airport to avoid high fees. Tipping isn’t customary in Iceland, but it’s appreciated for tour guides.
As for clothing, layers are key. We’ve packed merino wool shirts, long-sleeve t-shirts, and thermal pants. Wool is great because it stays warm even when wet and dries quickly. For outer layers, we have water-resistant hiking pants and jackets. Footwear is also crucial. Waterproof hiking shoes are a must, along with merino wool socks. We’re bringing gloves and hats for the colder weather, and of course, our bathing suits for the Sky Lagoon. Here are some links to the sweaters, pants, and jackets we purchased on Amazon.
- Merino Wool Base Layer https://amzn.to/3R2bOSD
- Merino Wool Leggings https://amzn.to/3QZCbIW
- Merino Wool Socks https://amzn.to/4dTfUq5
- Felicia’s Waterproof Jacket https://amzn.to/4dXjtvy
- Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe https://amzn.to/4507JnP
- Touch Tips Gloves: https://amzn.to/3VcTSHs
For sleeping when there’s nearly 24 hours of daylight, grab this very cool eye mask: https://amzn.to/3R1Megu
Another interesting tip: bring lavender spray to repel midges, those little biting flies that can be a nuisance in the summer. Head nets can also be helpful. Tim’s head net is here: https://amzn.to/3QZCh3g, and the lavender spray here: https://amzn.to/4e9NgkT
For daily excursions, a good backpack is essential. We got a Swiss Gear backpack with lots of compartments, perfect for carrying laptops, water bottles, and extra layers. Speaking of water bottles, we’re bringing insulated stainless steel ones (NOT plastic) since Iceland’s tap water is some of the best in the world. Backpack: https://amzn.to/3UPnol6 and water bottles: https://amzn.to/44UNKXH
Finally, for small necessities, we have a compact, organized electronics case for all our cords and chargers. Our magnetic USB cables are here: https://amzn.to/4by1ZnJ The case is here: https://amzn.to/4bwEprn
We’re also bringing travel laundry detergent sheets for washing clothes in the sink if needed. Laundry sheets: https://amzn.to/3wN5aJh and the foldable laundry basket: https://amzn.to/3QWMD48
And thanks to our friends at Level8 for these amazing hard-shell suitcases! https://amzn.to/3WSLeiN
Considering a cruise to Alaska instead of Iceland? Which is a better cruise destination? Tough choice. This may help.
Both Alaska and Iceland offer unique and breathtaking cruise experiences, each with its own set of highlights. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which might be a better fit for you.
Alaska Cruise Experience:
- Scenery: Alaska boasts stunning landscapes with glaciers, lush forests, and majestic mountain ranges. The Inside Passage is particularly famous for its scenic beauty – but only when it’s not raining.
- Wildlife: Alaska is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. You can expect to see whales, seals, bald eagles, and bears, among other species. But you can see a lot of those animals in zoos, aquariums, and Florida too. Bears will kill you, so there’s that.
- Activities: Alaska is a slice of America. Think Maine with taller mountains. Shore excursions often include activities like glacier trekking, train rides, dog sledding, and kayaking. Towns like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan offer rich histories and cultural experiences. Not our thing, but 80 year-olds seem to like it.
- Accessibility: Cruises to Alaska typically depart from major cities like Seattle and Vancouver, making them relatively easy to access for North American travelers.
Iceland Cruise Experience:
- Scenery: Iceland offers dramatic volcanic landscapes, geothermal hot springs, stunning waterfalls, and rugged coastlines. The fjords and remote islands provide a unique backdrop you won’t see in Alaska.
- Cultural Highlights: Iceland is Europe! Icelandic cruises often include visits to towns like modern Reykjavik and charming Akureyri, where you can experience local culture, history, and cuisine.
- Activities: Excursions might include hiking, exploring ice caves, bathing in hot springs, visiting geysers and lava fields, and experiencing Northern Lights.
- Wildlife: While nowhere as diverse as Alaska, Iceland offers opportunities to see puffins, whales, occasional trolls, and unique marine life.
- Accessibility: Cruises to or from Iceland will require a flight or two for most, adding some additional expenses. Many are one-way cruises that terminate at a different port.
Considerations:
- Climate: Both destinations can be cool and wet, but Iceland’s weather is particularly unpredictable. Packing appropriately for rain more than shine is essential.
- Cruise Season: The best time for Alaska cruises is from May to August to avoid cold September/October rain, while Icelandish cruises are typically best from June through September.
- Travel Distance: For North American travelers, Alaskan departures may be more convenient and require less travel time compared to reaching Iceland or England.
Ultimately, the better experience depends on what you value most—wildlife and expansive forests in Alaska (yawn), or gorgeous waterfalls and geothermal wonders in Iceland. Although both offer unforgettable adventures and spectacular natural beauty, you can probably guess which we liked best.
We hope these tips help you prepare for your own trip to Iceland. We’ll share more about what worked and what didn’t once we’re back. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel here and leave your own tips in the comments. See you on the other side of the world!
