By Katie Allie
These are my stories from the road and hard-won guidance from a thoughtful traveler. If I’m making you curious about getting lost and finding the good stuff in this great big world we all share, then I’m doing something right.
I once had a layover in Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik. Flying in on a clear day, I soared over the famed Blue Lagoon, brightly colored wooden houses, black mountains and spewing geysers. I mean it when I say I was speechless, and I was definitely intrigued. In fact, it made such an impression on me that a couple years later, I bought tickets to see things from the ground up. What I found when I got there was surreal natural beauty, friendly people, fantastic food and a remarkably easy time getting around. I suddenly realized this would be perfect for families who want to get out there with their kids. If you’ve done Disney World and are ready for something new, read on.
They speak English.
And if I’m being honest, they probably speak it better than we do. Icelandic children begin learning English from a very early age, so everyone speaks it. Signs, menus, you name it—they’re all in English. No language barrier means fewer frustrations for you and your family.
A waterfall just off Highway 1 in Iceland
You won’t get lost.
There is one main highway in Iceland, the Ring Road or Highway 1, which traverses the circumference of Iceland and passes an endless number of breathtaking waterfalls, geysers, volcanoes, villages, glaciers, lagoons and beaches—and I could go on. Even more awaits you in the interior, but be sure to check with your car rental company to see if this is feasible or if you need to hire a professional guide. There is no traffic and no confusing signage, which means no getting lost.
Iceland is the safest country in the world.
According to the 2016 Global Peace Index, Iceland has topped the list of safest countries in the world for the sixth year in a row. While you should always be aware of your surroundings, whether you’re in a foreign country or not, the likelihood of being the victim of even petty crime is very low in Iceland. Most residents I spoke to thought nothing of walking alone at night in the capital city, with homicides being virtually unheard of. That makes bringing the whole family along—and letting the kids off-leash a little bit—much less stressful.
An iceberg floating in Jokulsarlon Glacial Lake
It’s weird and wonderful.
Iceland is astoundingly beautiful. There is an enormous number of activities, from diving between two of the earth’s tectonic plates and floating on the Jökulsárlón glacial lake to lounging in a thermal bath, so your whole family is guaranteed to be wowed and tired by the end of the day. I also love Icelanders because they’re delightfully weird. For example, a survey taken in 1998 revealed that more than half the country believes in elves. Not the Santa Claus type—actual elves. And they have official seers and committees in place to this day to help them plan construction and road projects so as not to disturb them. Don’t believe me? See this article in The Guardian that explored Icelandic elf beliefs in 2015. Turn the kids loose searching for elves in the great outdoors, and watch the Icelandic magic unfold.
About the Author
Katie Allie is a West Virginia native who holds degrees in English and elementary education. A teacher by trade, she spent years in a classroom before branching out as a travel consultant and writer. With five continents under her belt and an affinity for noodle soup, it should come as no surprise that she loves to write about food and talk adventure. She may be reached at hello@acrossthelinetravel.com.
