Iceland is known as one of the safest countries in the world. However, mass tourism in Iceland really only began about a decade ago, and tourists are still getting used to the safety rules. They're honestly not that difficult to follow, but Americans do have a sort of...cavalier attitude toward following the rules that does not always bode well for traveling in Iceland. Clients dying on vacation would NOT be good for business. So - when you travel to Iceland - please follow these rules!
Be Mindful of Railing and Fences
As Americans we tend to duck under railings, and hop over fences to get where we want to go. Do NOT do this in Iceland. Icelanders, on the whole, have a great respect for nature and the environment. This means they abide by the railings and fences - and may not have signs everywhere pointing out every danger that lurks. So even if you don't see a big sign telling you you'll die if you hop the fence - just don't do it!
Pay Attention to Signage on the Beach!
There are stunning beaches in Iceland - with one of the most beautiful being Reynisfjara, a sprawling black sand beach in South Iceland. From the sand you'll see the Reynisdrangar rock formations - which according to legend were created as two trolls were attempting to drag a three-masted ship to land. They, along with the ship, turned to stone when the sun hit them. You can also see Dyrhólaey Peninsula - the remains of a volcanic island that is now home to thousands of puffins (if you're there at the right time of year). Standing on that beach is an awesome experience - the actual meaning of the word (not the 80's colloquialism we all use now). The beach, however, is also home to sneaker waves - huge coastal waves that can appear suddenly between much smaller waves. These large waves rise incredibly quickly and can easily knock someone off their feet and drag them out to sea. The waves create suction, the gravel sand is pulled from beneath your feet, and you're dragged out into the freezing water. When this happens - Icelanders will not attempt to save you - because they know it's impossible. Here's the thing - this is COMPLETELY AVOIDABLE. Here are the do's and don'ts:
DO: Stay on DRY sand!
DON'T: Turn your back on the ocean
DON'T: Go swimming or surfing there - no matter how strong a swimmer you are.
DON'T: Follow the other tourists who aren't paying attention to the signage. You'll see people on the beach, and you may think - "Oh, this isn't as dangerous as Jillian said it was." It is. They either weren't told about the danger or they're disregarding it. They're WRONG. Do NOT become those tourists my friend's family talks about at dinner.
Download and USE the Weather Apps!
The weather in Iceland can change on a dime. You need to download the apps, check them, and adhere to the warnings. (I always include a list of recommended apps in my Iceland travel guide that I send prior to departure). You need to check in with the concierge and front desk workers at your hotels, and you need to stay on main roads. If an Icelander tells you that it isn't safe to do X, Y, or Z that day - it's NOT SAFE. As Robert Burns, the Scottish poet said, "The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry." I'm a planner, by nature and by trade, and I love planning clients' trips. That being said - you need to be flexible in travel - and especially in Iceland!
Do Not Venture Out into the Fjords Alone!
There are tour guides for a reason. And yes, I agree you don't need a tour guide for every little thing you do everywhere you go. But there are some places you DO need a tour guide. Hiking glaciers, going through lava tunnels, traversing the highlands - these are places you should hire a qualified tour guide. Most of us go to the hair salon for a hair cut. We take lessons to learn an instrument. In this instance - hire the professional! (And yes, I have a list of tried and true tour operators I match my clients with). They know the landscape, and their knowledge and expertise will keep you safe - and also give you a better overall experience.
Ok - these are my top ideas for keeping safe. Is there something I missed? Let me know!
Curious about fun active adventures for your family in Iceland? Check out our blog post HERE
Ready to talk about your family's trip to Iceland? Set up an initial free consultation HERE.
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