Iceland FAQs for winter
1) Outdoor clothes: First let me tell you what I will be wearing. I recently bought a pair of Marmot Scree Pants that are one size too big for me so that I can wear my smart-wool long underwear bottoms underneath the pants. On top of this, I will often be wearing my waterproof rain pants. Not because it will be raining, but because they are thin and light weight and make a great wind and snow barrier if needed. Snow pants usually have bulky insulation, but if you get cold easily, you might consider bringing some along as well. You will be more comfortable with multiple thin layers as long as the layers are big enough sizes to wear all three together. If the clothes are tight, they will not keep you warm. It is the trapped air that keeps you warm. Layers for the upper body should be the same. Most of my jackets are light weight wind proof fleece. Nowhere in Iceland will we need to "dress up fancy" and everywhere we go, including New Year's Eve dinner, wearing hiking and outdoor clothes is acceptable.
2) Luggage types: Most people arrive with rolling luggage. I still prefer a backpack because I like having my hands free. As we move between hotels, there will be door to door service and someone to help with luggage.
3) Outdoor activities: You will not be expected to endure any long cold outings. If you are going horse-back riding, you might consider bringing clothes that are more insulated, like ski clothes. But if the weather is bad, we can cancel and do something else. The Super-Jeep tour is all day, but we will have the vehicle for warmth and shelter. There are no long outdoor treks on this tour.
4) Hairdryers: Do not bring your hairdryer. For all electrical items coming from the States, you will need a European outlet plug adapter. Hairdryers pull too much electricity for an outlet adapter to handle and it will melt. Most hotels and guesthouses will have hairdryers available. If you need one, please let me know and I will double check with the hotels on your itinerary. If you need your own hairdryer, you can buy one at the duty free store before you leave the airport in Iceland. At the Keflavik/Reykjavik airport, there is a duty free store right next to the baggage claim carousel, so while you are waiting for your luggage you can buy a European plug hairdryer.
5) Meeting place: After you land in Iceland proceed to the “Passport Control”, where you will get your passport stamped. After that, follow the sighs to “Baggage”. In the baggage claim carousel area, there is a large duty free store. You will have time to buy items there if needed. After you get your luggage, follow the exit signs and you will enter a small “Welcome Lobby”. I will be there wearing my “Kaiyote Tours Iceland Hat”. You will be receiving a “Kaiyote Tours Iceland Hat” before you leave the States, so please wear your hats so we can find each other.
6) Money exchange: In the “Welcome Lobby” at the airport, there are ATM’s and also a bank money exchange teller. The exchange rate that is given at the bank teller counter is very good. I recommend exchanging money there.
7) Special diets: Please let me know if you have any special diet restrictions. Also, it is nice to know if there are some foods that you absolutely hate and will not eat.
8) Sunrise and Sunset: In Reykjavík, on winter solstice, the sun rises at 11:20 am and sets at 3:30 pm. In the winter, the time of “twilight” is about one hour and 20 minutes before sunrise and after sunset, so there is about 7 hours of light. If it is a clear day, it is very sunny and bright. Winter twilight is very beautiful.
Please let me know of any questions that you might have.
Iceland FAQs for the month of May
1) Domestic flight: If you are traveling to the Westfjords or Northeastern Iceland, there will be a round trip domestic flight. On these flights you are allowed one 13 pound (6kg) small carry-on bag and one 44 pound (20 kg) checked bag. There are no exceptions and you cannot pay more money for more weight.
2) Luggage types: Most people arrive with rolling luggage. I still prefer a backpack because I like having my hands free. As we move between hotels, there will be door to door service and someone to help with luggage.
3) Outdoor activities: You will not be expected to endure any long cold outings. If the weather is bad, we can do something else. There are no long outdoor treks on this tour. The month of May usually has very nice weather. It is the driest month of the year and so there is a lot of sunshine.
4) Hairdryers: Do not bring your hairdryer. For all electrical items coming from the States, you will need a European outlet plug adapter. Hairdryers pull too much electricity for an outlet adapter to handle and it will melt. Most hotels and guesthouses will have hairdryers available. If you need one, please let me know and I will double check with the hotels on your itinerary. If you need your own hairdryer, you can buy one at the duty free store before you leave the airport in Iceland. At the Keflavik/Reykjavik airport, there is a duty free store right next to the baggage claim carousel, so while you are waiting for your luggage you can buy a European plug hairdryer.
5) Meeting place: After you land in Iceland proceed to the “Passport Control”, where you will get your passport stamped. After that, follow the sighs to “Baggage”. In the baggage claim carousel area, there is a large duty free store. You will have time to buy items there if needed. After you get your luggage, follow the exit signs and you will enter a small “Welcome Lobby”. I will be there wearing my “Kaiyote Tours Iceland Hat”. You will be receiving a “Kaiyote Tours Iceland Hat” before you leave the States, so please wear your hats so we can find each other.
6) Money exchange: In the “Welcome Lobby” at the airport, there are ATM’s and also a bank money exchange teller. The exchange rate that is given at the bank teller counter is very good. I recommend exchanging money there.
7) Special diets: Please let me know if you have any special diet restrictions. Also, it is nice to know if there are some foods that you absolutely hate and will not eat.
8) Sunrise and Sunset: In Iceland, on May 15th, the sun rises at 4:10 am and sets at 10:45 pm. In the summer, the time of “twilight” is very long and by the end of May there is no complete darkness at all. All hotels have very thick window coverings, so you can sleep. If you are sensitive to light, I would suggest buying a high quality and comfortably eye-mask.
Please let me know of any questions that you might have.
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