A January Week in Iceland
Updated: Jul 8, 2021
Northern Lights
Is Iceland on your list of must-visit destinations? I spent six nights in Iceland in January 2017 and I had an amazing time. Definitely one of my top five all-time favorite places, and one that I would love to return to soon.
How was Iceland in January? I have lived in Boston for the past thirteen years and I am finally more or less acclimated to the cold. Of course, every year is different, but when I was looking at the weather the week before I left, Boston was usually colder than Reykjavik.
Hraunfossar, Iceland
The first three days it was cloudy and rained, which made adjusting to the time change a challenge since I never saw the sun. Typically at that time of year sunrise is around 10:30 AM and sunset is at 4:30 PM. My last few days were sunny and cold and absolutely beautiful.
Gulfoss, Iceland
My reason for traveling was to attend the Icelandair Mid-Atlantic Trade Show. This was a great opportunity for me to meet with boutique suppliers (from Alaska to Scandinavia) who wouldn’t necessarily attend my usual luxury travel conferences, make personal contacts, and experience as many hotels, sites, and activities as possible.
Of course, I flew Icelandair’s Business Class product called Saga Class. From BOS-KEF I was on one of their new 767-300s which has 2-1-2 seating. On the return from KEF-BOS I was on the 757 which has 2-2 seating. The seats themselves (all with seat-back entertainment) and the amenities were the same, regardless of aircraft type.
I loved that the WiFi on Icelandair is gate to gate and is complimentary for those sitting in Saga Class. I pre-ordered my vegetarian meal and was pleasantly surprised that unlike most airlines, it was actually vegetarian and not vegan.
I started my trip with a long nap, as I was unable to get any sleep on the short five hour and five minute flight. Then I set out to meet up with a small group walking tour in the evening. It was a great orientation and introduction to charming Reykjavik.
The next morning I worked from my hotel room before heading to one of Iceland’s most popular attractions, the famous Blue Lagoon. I booked the Luxury Package (of course!), which truly is the only way to go.
I had my own private changing room with shower, access to an exclusive lounge with private indoor access to the lagoon, souvenir flip-flops and amenity kit, one free beverage of choice, complimentary towels and bathrobe, two faces masks included, and much more.
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
After my relaxing Blue Lagoon experience I went out for a night on the town with a small group Beer Tour. It was one of the best experiences of my trip. I learned a lot about the history of Iceland, met a fun group of people, and tried numerous traditional and micro-brew beers, as well as the traditional Icelandic spirit, Brennivín.
Polar Beer
I also did a full day Golden Circle tour with a foodie spin, the Into the Glacier tour, and a successful Northern Lights tour in a Super Jeep.
Plus five hotel site inspections, twenty-five travel supplier meetings, two hotel stays, and one quick souvenir shopping excursion.
This all added up to one amazing travel experience. I can’t wait to go back to Iceland, and I wouldn’t hesitate to do so in any season. If you go in winter you will have a chance to see the Northern Lights, there will be fewer crowds, more availability, and rates will be lower. However, anytime is truly a great time to go to Iceland.
Aurora Borealis in Iceland
I would love to utilize my expertise and personal contacts to help you plan a wonderful vacation in Iceland. Please get in touch via phone at 508-485-3061 or email to get started today!
