#Taxi services in Reykjavik

[taxi-in-iceland]

Creating Memorable Iceland Experiences with Custom Travel

Travelers from all over the world have always been enthralled by Iceland, the country of fire and ice. Its breathtaking scenery, which includes enormous glaciers and tumbling waterfalls, along with its rich cultural history make for an experience of a lifetime. Although there is no denying Iceland's charm, seeing the country's most well-known attractions isn't enough to make an experience genuinely unforgettable. The secret to discovering Iceland's charm in a way that speaks to each person's unique tastes and interests is the custom travel Taxi service in Reykjavik.

Personalized Itineraries: The Heart of Custom Travel

Creating unique routes is the foundation of custom travel. An itinerary that is specifically tailored to your interests and preferences is created, unlike ordinary excursions that adhere to strict timetables and predetermined itineraries. Are you an enthusiastic hiker who can't wait to discover undiscovered trails? Or are you a keen photographer who wants to catch the Northern Lights in all their splendor? Perhaps you have a fascination with Icelandic history and tradition, or perhaps your fantasy is to bathe in a remote hot springs area away from the masses. A personalized schedule guarantees that your trip to Iceland will be more than simply another vacation—rather, it will be a compilation of experiences that are exclusively yours.

Exclusive Experiences: Beyond the Ordinary

In Iceland, custom travel also provides access to unique experiences that are frequently inaccessible to regular visitors. Imagine going on a private glacier trek with a knowledgeable guide who explores the myths and science of these glacial behemoths. Think about going on a customized culinary tour to sample traditional Icelandic cuisine prepared by neighborhood cooks at off-the-beaten-path eateries. These unique experiences, which might include a private whale-watching excursion, a visit to a remote hot spring, or an inside peek at a typical Icelandic farm, give your vacation a deeper, more genuine feel.

Flexibility and Freedom: Travel at Your Own Pace

The freedom that personalized travel provides is one of its biggest benefits. You may make last-minute changes to your schedule when you have a personalized one. Maybe the weather is ideal for a last-minute vacation to the Blue Lagoon, or perhaps you want to spend an additional day visiting the Golden Circle. Custom travel gives you the freedom to choose at your speed and according to your schedule, unlike group trips that follow established itineraries. This adaptability guarantees that your trip to Iceland will seem more like a customized experience than a pre-arranged tour.

Expert Guidance: Local Insights and Hidden Gems

For a personalized vacation experience, collaborating with a travel expert possessing a comprehensive understanding of Iceland is priceless. You won't discover advice from these specialists in internet reviews or guidebooks. They are knowledgeable about hidden jewels that only locals know about, the ideal times to visit well-known sites to avoid the crowds and the subtle cultural differences that can enhance your stay. Their advice may take your trip from ordinary to spectacular, whether it's setting up a visit to a lesser-known but no less beautiful waterfall or suggesting a family-run guesthouse where you can enjoy genuine Icelandic hospitality.

Sustainable Travel: Respecting Iceland’s Natural Beauty

One of Iceland's main attractions is its natural beauty, however, this duty for sustainable travel equally applies. Personalized travel enables more deliberate and eco-friendly decision-making. Travel experts can assist you in booking eco-friendly lodging, planning activities that minimize your effect, and promoting regional companies. You may make sure that your visit has a good impact on Iceland's environment and communities, protecting its beautiful landscapes for future generations, by choosing a customized vacation.

Creating Lasting Memories: The True Value of Custom Travel

Making memories that will last a lifetime is the ultimate aim of every trip. Personalized travel is more than just going to a place; it's about creating memories that last long after you've left. These unique encounters become treasured memories, whether it's the breathtaking view of the Northern Lights dancing across the sky, the exhilaration of riding an Icelandic horse across tough terrain, or the peaceful hours of contemplation beside a remote lake. They are the moments you'll relive in your memory every time you think about Iceland, the tales you'll share for years to come, and the pictures you'll proudly hang on your wall.

Conclusion:

It takes more than simply seeing the sites to make a bespoke vacation to Iceland unforgettable. It's about fully experiencing the nation's distinct beauty and culture in a way that speaks to you on an intimate level. You may make sure that your Taxi Reykjavik airport trip across Iceland is as distinctive and remarkable as the country itself by selecting a customized strategy. Whether it's your first time here or a repeat visit, personalized travel from Puffin Taxi gives you the chance to have an authentically unique experience in Iceland, making memories that will last a lifetime.

[puffin-tours-iceland]

Why do you need to take a taxi over public transport in Reykjavik?

Travellers can choose from a variety of modes of transportation to fully see the stunning city of Reykjavik. Although using public transportation is an option, there are many arguments in favour of using a cab for more effective and easy travel. In this article, we will explore the advantages of opting for taxis in Reykjavik over public transportation.

Let's read it out:

Convenience and Time-Saving

The ease with which cabs may be utilised in Reykjavik is among its main advantages. In the city, taxis are widely accessible. You may hail one down or locate them at special taxi stops. This eliminates the need to wait for bus schedules or travel far to get to a bus stop. Additionally, taxis are always open, so you may go late at night or early in the morning.

Straight Paths and Effectiveness

In Reykjavik, taxis reduce the number of stops and transfers by taking you straight to your destination. Taxis enable you to get where you're going without making needless stops, in contrast to buses that could have predetermined routes and schedules. This effectiveness is particularly useful if you have a busy schedule or need to visit several locations quickly.

Comfort and Privacy

Public transit cannot compare to the comfort and privacy that taxis provide. Enjoy a calm, air-conditioned trip away from the throngs of people that frequently accompany buses. Taxis also provide a private area where you can unwind, talk on the phone, or even work if necessary.

Convenience of Luggage

Taxis are a hassle-free option if you're travelling with large or bulky bags. You won't have to bother with a confined storage place or carrying your baggage aboard a bus. Taxi drivers typically assist with luggage, making the trip to the airport or your lodging stress-free.

Accessibility and Accessibility Needs

In Reykjavik, accessible taxis are frequently available to accommodate patrons with limited mobility. These cars are better suited for those with impairments or those in need of help since they have lifts or ramps installed.

Security and Dependability

The taxi services in Reykjavik are renowned for their dependability and safety. Licencing cab drivers are subject to stringent restrictions and go through training. All passengers are guaranteed a reliable and safe means of transportation thanks to this.

Door to Door Assistance

Taxis deliver you directly to your destination and offer door-to-door service. You won't have to walk further from bus stops to get to your destination—be it your hotel, a restaurant, or a tourist spot.

Group Travel and Cost Sharing

If you are travelling with a group of people, sharing a taxi can be a cost-effective option. Splitting the fare among friends or family members often makes taxis competitive with or even more affordable than purchasing individual bus tickets.

Conclusion

Although many visitors may make good use of Reykjavik's public transportation system, travelling by cab adds a degree of comfort, efficiency, and convenience that can greatly improve your trip. Whether you are a tourist exploring Reykjavik's attractions or a business traveller with time constraints, the taxi service in Reykjavik offers you a reliable and stress-free way to get around. Also, you can take a taxi from Reykjavik Airport to your hotel or any other destination for hassle-free shifting.

[usafphantom2]

British F-35Bs Deploy on Air Policing Mission for the First Time

Four F-35Bs of 617 Squadron have deployed to Iceland to begin a NATO Air Policing deployment, the first ever deployment of its type for the F-35 in British service.

Kai Greet

RAF F-35B Air Policing

An F-35B of 617 Squadron, Royal Air Force, taxiing to depart RAF Marham for Iceland to begin a NATO Air Policing deployment. The aircraft is carrying two ASRAAM air-to-air missiles on its external hardpoints. (Image credit: UK Ministry of Defence)

The NATO Icelandic Air Policing mission dates back to 2007, put in place following the end of a permanent U.S. Air Force fighter presence in the country, which does not have its own air force. Various NATO nations have taken turns to deploy fighter aircraft to the joint civilian-military airfield at Keflavik, around 30 miles from the capital city of Reykjavik.

617 Squadron’s F-35Bs have assumed the mission from the U.S. Air Force’s 492nd Fighter Squadron, whose F-15E Strike Eagles have been stationed at the base since June. Prior to this, four F-35As were provided by the Royal Norwegian Air Force.

This makes the UK the second nation to deploy the F-35B variant on the Icelandic Air Policing mission, after Italy augmented its four F-35As with two F-35Bs during their 2022 detachment as the existing support element in place provided an opportunity for cold climate training.

For the UK, the decision to send F-35Bs rather than the more usual Typhoons is a chance to demonstrate the stealth fighter’s multirole abilities. While the aircraft do maintain an air defence role when stationed aboard the Royal Navy’s two aircraft carriers, the UK’s homeland air defence is provided exclusively by Typhoon FGR4s, and these have always been used for prior air policing missions.

The Typhoon fleet inherited this responsibility from Tornado F3s retired in 2011. In comparison, the aircraft replaced, either in full or in part, by the F-35B, like the Harrier GR9 and Tornado GR4, lacked significant air-to-air capabilities and were not ideally suitable for air policing deployments.

F-35B ZM148/014 departing RAF Marham for the deployment to Iceland. Note two ASRAAM fitted to external hardpoints, and radar reflectors fitted to the aircraft’s upper fuselage. (Image credit: UK Ministry of Defence)

The RAF’s most recent deployment to Iceland with Typhoons was in 2019, where 180 practice intercepts were made and 59 training sorties flown. Alongside various air policing deployments, the RAF Typhoon force has also had to maintain a standing deployment to RAF Akrotiri on the island of Cyprus for Operation Shader – the UK’s counter-ISIS effort – since 2015. By making the Lightning force available for air policing missions, some strain on the Typhoon fleet can be lessened.

Speaking in his role as Minister for the Armed Forces, Member of Parliament Luke Pollard said: “The UK is unshakeable in its commitment to NATO. With threats increasing and growing Russian aggression, it is vital that we stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies… …This latest air policing mission in Iceland displays the UK’s ability to operate and deter our adversaries across the alliance’s airspace.”.

Group Captain John Butcher, Commander of the UK’s Lightning Force, which now comprises two frontline squadrons, one training squadron, and one development squadron, further remarked: “This will be the first time that the Lightning Force has deployed to contribute to NATO Air Policing, and will no doubt once again prove the flexibility that this platform offers as it demonstrates its capability to operate from both a land and maritime environment.”

Iceland’s strategic position in the North Atlantic, as part of the Greenland-Iceland-UK (GIUK) gap, makes it a valuable but also vulnerable NATO member state. Airspace incursions by Russian military aircraft following the withdrawal of U.S. Air Force F-15s from Keflavik in 2006 spurred the creation of the NATO air policing mission, and Russian military aircraft continue to be intercepted off the Icelandic coasts.

Keflavik has never been a stranger to military operations, having been constructed during the Second World War for United States military use, though in the post Cold War era there was a lull in its utility. When the permanently based F-15s left much of the US’ other based units did so along with them, putting the US-run base into mothballed status. The airfield, though, did remain open as the base for NATO air policing, and as Reykjavik’s second airport.

It wasn’t until 2015, after the Russian invasion of Crimea and uptick in long range Russian Air Force and Russian Navy operations that the base was fully reactivated. While no permanently based fighters returned to Iceland, it has become a significant hub for NATO maritime patrol aircraft and even, more recently, US strategic bombers. P-8 Poseidons operating from Keflavik monitor not only local waters and GIUK gap, but also the Baltic region and Barents Sea.

On two occasions, in 2021 and 2023, U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit strategic stealth bombers have forward deployed to Keflavik for Bomber Task Force exercises. These came after a brief stopover by a B-2 in 2019. These deployments are somewhat out of the ordinary for the B-2 force, who usually operate from airfields specifically equipped to care for the stealth aircraft’s delicate radar-absorbent material coating.

While many of the deployments to Iceland are operational ones, the combination of different assets from different nations in one area also presents good opportunities for joint training exercises. B-2s deployed to RAF Fairford, UK, in 2020 flew to Iceland and joined with F-15Cs from RAF Lakenheath and F-35As that were deployed by Norway on the Icelandic air policing mission to conduct integration and interoperability training.

A Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4 at Keflavik Air Base on a previous air policing deployment in 2019. (Image credit: UK Ministry of Defence)

About Kai Greet

Kai is an aviation enthusiast and freelance photographer and writer based in Cornwall, UK. They are a graduate of BA (Hons) Press & Editorial Photography at Falmouth University. Their photographic work has been featured by a number of nationally and internationally recognised organisations and news publications, and in 2022 they self-published a book focused on the history of Cornwall. They are passionate about all aspects of aviation, alongside military operations/history, international relations, politics, intelligence and space.

@TheAviationist .com

[sunmarketing]

Akureyri and Northern Iceland

Today’s Destination is: Akureyri and Northern Iceland

Today’s Misstep- My hostel was self-service, and someone was in my bed.

Travel Advice: Be on time if you are on a tour.

  FAQ: How do I navigate the city bus system when I don’t speak the language?

  Response: I traveled around the world for 90 days, and most of the time, I did not speak the language of that country. I had some challenges riding the bus in some cities; for example, Reykjavik, Iceland, was a minor disaster. You can use travel apps like Rome to Rio for bus or train travel guidance. You'll be able to get to the station early so that you can ask other people about the timing of the bus. In Goa, India, I waited at an unmarked bus station, but it never came, so I took a chance with a motorcycle taxi. Later that day, I waited at another bus station and was unsure where the bus would go, left or right. No one spoke my language. I finally got on my first of 4 buses to my destination. In hindsight, a taxi would have been a better option had one been available. Most of the time, you will get on the right bus, and you will be able to get to your destination. If you’re not in a hurry, even better. Enjoy the experience and travel light.

Today’s destination: Akureyri and Northern Iceland

  On my around-the-world trip, I had planned to drive the Ring Road in Iceland for 7 days, the final destination on a 90-day adventure. After many months of planning and reserving a car rental, I canceled with about 2 weeks' notice and decided to fly to the northern part of Iceland for a 4-day trip instead.

  I bought a round-trip ticket to Akureyri, and the airport to get there was tiny, so small that there was no security screening for passengers. There were about 40 people on the plane.

  Once I landed, I discovered there was no bus service to town, as it was not profitable. I hitched a ride to the cruise ship terminal with some airline pilots from Denmark who were with Viking Cruises whom I met on the plane. The terminal for boats was much busier than the one for planes. Five colossal cruise ships—mega-ships—were docked in town. I met a cruise ship passenger, Kelly, from Long Beach, California, sitting on a bench. She was retired, single, and had no kids. She broke her ankle, and walking the stairs is challenging for her now. She was sweet to meet.

  The town has only 20,000 residents.

  When the cruise ships left town, the city became peaceful and relaxed. 

  What did I do those days? It was a great adventure, as I had booked a hostel near a bus stop and Netto grocery store. I took a day trip to Lake Myvatn, the fourth-largest lake in the country. We saw the Godafoss, the waterfall of the Gods. I explored some caves and volcanic areas from afar. While there, I witnessed a long-distance run of 100 kilometers. The run starts at midnight, and I could watch the runners up close and even be at the finish line for several of them. How exciting. I also enjoyed the public pools with the locals every day I could. I felt like a local and explored the hikes and neighborhoods on the city bus. 

https://www.visitakureyri.is/en/see-and-do/events-festivals/sulur-vertical

Today’s Misstep: My hostel was self-service, and someone was in my bed.

In other words, there were no administrative people there at all.

When I arrived, someone was sleeping in my bed. That was disturbing because there was no one to ask for help. The person was sound asleep and sick, and they would not move to another bed. I had five other roommates, but I did not want to take one of their bunks. So, I went swimming in a nearby hot tub instead and relaxed.

That night, I sorted it all out. The other roommates, who were from Germany and China, were kind and friendly, which made it all worth it.

Today’s Travel Advice- If on a tour, be on time.

  You may need to hitchhike if you miss your guided bus tour, so don’t be late. The driver may need to pick up passengers at another stop or drop off others. You can’t keep them waiting, so synch your alarm to return to the tour when needed.

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[rhonddaandallaneuro]

The cruise ended today (Thursday) and sadly Rhondda has a bad cold. Not to be stopped however we did a huge walk around Oslo in the luring rain. Rhondda is tough.

Our motel is amazing, close to the train station and just down the road from where we staying when we return. The breakfast buffet offered on Friday morning is the largest and best we have ever seen. Huge variety of all foods. The shopping centre 100 metres away which also connects to the train station is seven stories high. Not that you can afford to shop over here.

The price of food and drink is a huge issue for travellers over here. Thursday night we decided to just have a pizza with a beer at local train station take away. Nothing flash until we got the bill A$107. This is bullshit. Even the public toilets costs K20 which is A$3. One learns to hold on over here.

Friday morning arrived as we packed up to catch the airport train shuttle. Did I mention after the worlds best breakfast buffet. The train to the airport takes 22 minutes and cost us A$8.50 as we are seniors. Loved this. The trains run every twenty minutes and travel at a great speed through snow covered fields. A taxi here to airport would have costs A$120.

The airport as I mentioned previously is very long and one could get really fit walking the length. Even the staff have motorised scooters to move around. The flight was smooth and on landing in Reykjavik we caught the local bus which cost Euro120 (A$185) (taxi A$300) and was packed. This bus takes you to a central terminal where you are loaded on different bus which drop you off at designated stops.

It was from here that we clearly understood Iceland is expensive and service lacking. We were dropped off at a local bus stop and told to walk the rest of the way. Gave us some idea where to walk but failed to mention our motel was over a kilometre away. The wind was blowing and we were freezing. Eventually found our motel after asking several locals of where to go. Not happy.

The motel is boutique but very clean and warm. The staff are helpful but I feel language is an issue as while they were trying their best we never really got a full explanation of what we were asking.

After settling in we headed off to get some tea and joined in the happy hour at local bar. Happy hour beer (half price) costs A$12.50 so we will be drinking during happy hour only. Hahah. Not that hungry we decided to share a kebab at local take away. This cost A$23.41. Breakfast which is free will be coming our main meal of the day.

Just sitting around now as we wait to do our first tour where we go to Blue Lake and have a mud bath.Also looking for the northern lights. looking forward to this very much even though it is freezing outside. Haha

[rentacar2018-blog]

Car Hire Girona Airport

Car Hire Girona Airport

Enterprise's Brad and Dave show how you get UK car hire with US customer service. We inquired several times and finally (around noon) decided that JB rent-a-car had breached the contract and we demanded restitution of our money. After air travel, choosing an airport rental car service makes for a convenient and stress-free way to get you on the road as soon as possible. And rental is based on the age and type of model of taxi leased. Wherever you decide to go, you'll find we're based at more than 1,300 locations in 99 countries worldwide - you can rent a car at the airport when you land, or just visit us downtown for quick and easy car rental. You no longer have to depend on a taxi or other transport system but can have a car of your choice to move around as and when you like to. It is not just for people who are visiting Dubai but even the locals can also best rent a car Dubai if they cannot access their own car due to any reason.

In fact, you can even consider getting luxury car hire services for your grand Holiday. First I asked at the airport about their vehicle fleet because I know that airports all around the town started to offer a car service. It's a car rental company that provides customers with peer to peer car rental services. Free to book, modify and cancel: Unlike other car rental comparison sites, we don't charge najam vozila sa vozacem any fee for booking with us and for modifying or cancelling your reservation. AND - thanks for he tip about rental cars at DEN. Our global locations offer a selection of cars to suit a wide range of needs, from city run-arounds to family saloons and people carriers. It connected with respected travel companies like Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, others including other offline travel agencies.

By selecting the size of a car, we can make the family vacation to be more comfortable: for example, an estate car is more ideal that time, since all the luggage and even the baby stroller or other bigger stuff shall be packed in the vehicle. It's unnecessary that one may get you a car hire to visit the town just in the airport. Founded in 1914, Sixt's goal in retiring rental cars from its fleet has always been to create the best overall used car buying experience. Green Motion Milano Malpensa Airport offers their rental customers the opportunity to reduce their excess by purchasing one of our excess reduction packages. Whether you need transport for employees, have seasonal rental demands, or need an alternative to pool cars, we can develop a flexible programme that's right for you.

In any case, the lessees' maximum liability will always be the vehicle's market value, according to the maximum price established in the Ganvam (Spanish Association of Car Dealers) guide in force at the time of the accident. If the rented vehicle is taken over - and the rental agreement has remained in the vehicle - a copy of the original agreement can be asked for during the opening hours, indicated on the website. Brisbane Airport is well connected to the city's public transport network, but often hiring a car works out cheaper. We also offer a wide variety of insurance options, including roadside protection, third party cover, personal accident protection and much more to ensure that you drive away from our Nice airport branch with peace of mind. Forget Europcar Hire and Budget Car Rental, Thrifty Car Rental and Hertz Car Hire, or Avis with their big prices.

Rule 2(l)(B) of Cenvat Credit Rules 2004 excludes from the definition of input services - Services provided by way of renting of a motor vehicle, in so far as they relate to a motor vehicle which is not a capital goods. Additional features: After you consider the services made available, you are certain to get more comprehensive features along with amenities than you get with a motor vehicle rental service that's located far from the airport when you stick to offsite companies. Car rent a car beograd hire at Rome Fiumicino Airport is made easy with Europcar. This means you can pick up your car from the airport but also reach us at our Reykjavik office if you have a problem with your car hire. Hire a car at Wellington Airport with Omega, and you can relax knowing that your very own set of wheels is locked in and ready to go. It's fast and easy to do everything online: use our quote generator, navigate the search process and pick the vehicle that suits you and your travel plans.

I think $2.50 per day of use would be fine, but not for EVERY day of the rental regardless of whether the service was used or not. Our Auckland Airport branch is located outside the airport terminal so we save on cost, and that means we can pass those savings on to you the customer on your car hire from Auckland Airport. Similarly, people aged 70+ may find some companies will charge a Senior Driver Fee, or may not rent to them at all. Whatever your travel plans, you'll need to hire a car that's up to the job. You have stumbled across this page because you were searching for information on rental cars in Manila, or possibly wanted to check out the credibility of JB Rent A Car , one of the most visible rental car companies when searching on Google. Splendid automobiles: Transfer Company always offer very latest and branded type of vehicles which is equipped with classic leather seats , latest navigation and alarming system for safe and secure drive at your destiny.

Various driving companies can be found all around town that rent vehicles or hire well trained chauffeurs to be at your full service. So, my rental is $53 a day. The taxi providers offer many types of cars like a sedan, saloon, SUV, MPV and executive cars along with high standard facilities. It can help associate the local and international travel agencies to encourage the travelers to rent a car bez depozita use their cars, giving them to increase their transaction, profitability, publicity and etc. Only in T2 "Car Rental Center" excepted for Sixt Card Holders, who will be served at our desk in terminal 1. You can proceed to the "Car Rental Center" outside the terminal building. ACE Rent A Car offers free and fast airport pickup for car and van rentals at Miami International Airport (MIA).

[legionnaireslover]

Iceland Travel Journal

Day 9: Thursday, September 20/18

Breakfast was great and we were at the lobby door at the appointed time. It was an extremely cold and blustery day and raining when we were waiting for our guide to pick us up. He was an actual real life Viking descendant called Gisle whose family had been in the Akureyri area since 870 AD. After we boarded the vehicle we swung around to a guest house to pick up another person going on our tour but he wasn't there, so Gisle went looking for him! And he found him! A great guy named Paul from Australia. 

The last person we picked up was a lady from Hong Kong and she had just arrived at the airport. Her name was unpronounceable and she was very nice but very quiet, so we didn't get to know her too well.

Our first stop was just a lookout on the fjord much of which was opened by Gisle's family. 

We then went on to one of the most well known waterfalls in Iceland - Goðafoss. It was spectacular. Not as big as Niagara but very impressive and even better - out in the middle of nowhere with not even a guard rail to impede the view! It was as if you just stumbled across it by accident in the wilderness - your own private discovery!

We had plenty of time to explore it before going on to the pseudo Lake Craters of Skútustaðagígar, which were created in the eruption of Lúdentaborgir and Þrengslaborgir some 2,300 years ago. It was becoming bitterly cold by then and the wind was almost strong enough to knock you over when you were walking! 

Next it was on to Dimmuborgir or The Dark City. The area consists of a massive, collapsed lava tube formed by a lava lake flowing in from a large eruption in the Þrengslaborgir and Lúdentsborgir crater row to the East, about 2300 years ago. It's one of Iceland's most popular attractions. The name means Dark Castle ( because of the shape of the lava structures.). Gisle just let us explore it ourselves for about 40 minutes and the four of us had great fun. While we were there it started to snow AND IT NEVER STOPPED!!

Then it was on to Grjótagjá which consisted of a small cave containing a VERY STINKY hot spring ( the sulfur smell was almost overpowering) and a chance to put one foot on the Eurasian tectonic plates and the other on the North American one! We got a great pix of Dan on one side of the divide and me on the other holding our hands across the gap.

The next stop was lake-filled explosion crater called Stóra-Vítior Big Hell. The lake was created in an eruption back in 1724 in the Mývatnseldar Fires. It was high up in the mountains and of course the snow fall increased expeditiously as a result. On the way up the mountain side. We came across three cars stuck in the snow on a narrow mountain passage. Our vehicle was 4 wheel drive and Gisle had just put studded tires on it the night before so we had mo problem navigating the road but the other cars were not so well equipped so they were blocking anyone wanting to use the road. It was all very dramatic with our Viking guide getting out in the wind swept snow storm in his light jacket and running shoes to help the stranded tourists and get their asses out of a jam. 

Finally we made our way up the mountain side and got to take pictures of "Big Hell" and then it was back down the mountain where Gisle warned the long line of tourists ( in their 2 wheel drive cars) NOT to attempt the climb in this weather.

We made a short stop at some "steamers" that were made up of super heated water at 100 degrees!! And agin the sulphur smell was gaggingly strong. 

The last stop was lunch and a stop at 

Lake Mývatn to swim in the spa waters in the nature baths there.

Lake Myvatn is a mini Blue Lagoon. The mineral waters were milky white blue and made my legs feel like they had cream on them.

We spent most of our time with Paul chatting away and floating around in the water. All together we were there about 2 hours including eating lunch. 

After the spa it was straight back to Akureyri. We were the second people dropped off and we said our goodbyes to our wonderful Viking guide and to Paul our new Aussie friend.

I got a shower while Dan slept. We decided to just eat dinner in the hotel.

The hotel restaurant was lovely and the food was really well cooked. Dan had the cod and I had a very tender chicken breast.

After that was finished we went back upstairs to our room and packed our bags for leaving tomorrow and got organized for going on the whale watching tour. Oh, I forgot - they cancelled the northern lights tour because of weather again but it's ok... we will have a few more times to see them when we get back to Reykjavik. 

Day 10: Friday, September 21/18

Got up early and had a delicious breakfast and bundled up to walk down through town to the wharf to the whale watching tour place only to find out it was canceled (due to bad weather). The good news was that the same company was located in Reykjavik so they offered us a tour in place of our missed one. It is for the free day we have in Reykjavik after we return from the Buubble hotel. 

The weather was so stormy we just high tailed it to the Akureyri Art Museum and had a pot of tea to warm up and then spent the next couple of hours looking through the exhibits. By the time we were finished the weather had improver enough to go shopping for souvenirs and a woolen sweater for me. We met up with Paul again and had a small chat. Found out that he was leaving on the same plane as us, at 4 PM. 

Afterward we walked to a great little house on a hill in town that was a lunch place. The lunch was expensive but a huge amount of food and delicious. 

We trudged up the hill to the hotel and collected our things and took a taxi to the airport. After checking in we went to the departure area and while we were waiting there Paul came in to keep us company until we boarded.

The flight was only 35 minutes and soon we back in sunny Reykjavik and a short cab ride later and we were checking into the beautiful Canopy Hotel.

Very posh and full of luxury! The whole look of it is rustic industrial. The bathroom is to die for!! The shower has to be experienced to be believed. 

We got settled in and then went out to dinner - though nt too far because the wind was so strong and bitter.

Luckily we found a great place to eat called Salon. The food was delicious, the service was perfect and the decor was relaxing.

Both of us were exhausted so we just went back to the hotel and then to bed.

Day 11: Saturday, September 22/18

We slept in until about 8:30 and then went down to breakfast at the hotel restaurant Geri Smart. It was... exquisite with so much selection that no one could eat even half of the items.

After breakfast we went out to get some snacks for later today.

Now we are just about to check out and get picked up for the Buubble Hotel.

Talk to you later...

[ranbowen-blog]

Post visit evaluation and analysis

1.0 Introduction

Tourism has been one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the world from the twentieth century, especially after the second world war. And it becomes an important industry for governments to promote national economic development, help countries to create more jobs, raise foreign currency earnings. Before 2009, tourism has become one of the key sectors of the national economy. For example, tourism arrivals had increased by 66 per cent between 2000 (303,000) and 2008 (502,000) (Jóhannesson and Huijbens, 2010). Affected by the global financial crisis that began in the autumn of 2008, Iceland's economy had been hit hard. but soon the tourism industry in Iceland helped Iceland’s economic recovery under several related policies conducted by the government (Müller, Lundmark and Lemelin, 2013). In the next nine years, there are thousands or even millions of tourists coming to Iceland each year. Iceland completely out of the shadow of the 2008 financial crisis after several years to achieve economic recovery (Reinhart and Rogoff, 2014).

 This paper will briefly evaluate and analyse current tourism development in Iceland combined with actual tourism experience from personal experience and feelings, government strategies in tourism, tourism infrastructure, environment, sustainable tourism, and future challenges in Reykjavik.  

 2.0 Personal experience and feelings in Iceland

The tourism of Iceland is based on natural scenery, and the main reason for most tourists who are the first time to come to Iceland is the unique natural landscape which is different from their own countries (Sæþórsdóttir, 2010). Before I went to Iceland, I had browsed many tourist websites about Iceland’s attractions. Through these pictures and comments from websites about Iceland, the first impression of Iceland attractions in my mind is not attractive. I did not think these attractions that were made by nature are marvellous, these just different from other countries’ natural sceneries. By contrast, I looked forward to Icelandic cuisine even more. The seafood, lamb in Iceland is very famous.

 This study visit exceeded my expectations in some ways. For instance, I was shocked by the nature sceneries of Iceland. It is amazing and it is hard to find out the same sceneries in anywhere else. The nature of Iceland is more like from outer space or other planets. However, I did not have enough time and chances to enjoy Icelandic cuisine, because of the schedule of the visit and the barriers of language. The most regrettable thing is not seeing Aurora.

 2.1 Daily experience in Iceland

During the trip, I spent much more time in the coach than I did in the attraction, especially on Golden Circle trip and South Shore trip these two days. Meanwhile, the average time on each attraction is no more than an hour. I felt very exhausted each day. But it is worth it to enjoy such spectacular views.

 2.2 The relationships between tourists and host

The staff of local restaurants, shops and hotels are very welcoming and most of them can speak English and Icelandic. Moreover, some restaurants also offer Chinese menses for us. As far as the locals I met, most of them are enthusiastic. They will help you actively if you need any help. I had interviewed two taxi drivers, they said they were glad that tourists are travelling to Iceland, but not too many. They thought the huge number of visitors would affect their normal lives.

 We did not stay too long each day in the downtown of Reykjavik and most of our trip is in the suburbs. So, there are few chances for me to communicate with local people. All in all, Reykjavik is a city that you will not feel uncomfortable because of some behaviours of local people. They all are nice.

 2.3 Types and motivations of the tourists in my hotel

My hotel is a budget hotel with a sharing kitchen. There are two types of tourists living in there. One is group tourists and the hotel is booked by travel agencies. Another is visitors with limited travel expenses. During my stay at this hotel, only our university tour group living in this hotel. As for individual tourists in my hotel, most of them travelled to Iceland is for vacation not for business. This group of tourists often book a one-day tour group or rent a car drive to some attractions they are interested in. Besides, some of them do not stay in one hotel for their entire trip. I met a man from Wales in the hotel, he said he had been Iceland for 10 days and this was the third hotel he stayed in Iceland.

 3.0 Government strategy in tourism

3.1 Tourism development is a key strategy of the Iceland government

Tourism has become one of the key sectors of the national economy in Iceland. Especially after the 2008 global financial crisis. And the tourism industry has helped the Icelandic government escape the financial crisis to some extent. Iceland government attaches great importance to the development of tourism in the past ten years. Before 2016, various tourism related activities were exempt from VAT. And started at January 1st, these activities became subject to VAT, mostly at the reduced rate (VAT on tourism in Iceland, 2020). Meanwhile, the government also has issued a tax refund policy for international tourists. A single purchase must exceed 6,000 Iceland Krona (around 43 Euros) and customers who are not permanent residents of Iceland can receive VAT refunds in urban areas or international airports.

 3.2 MICE tourism is important for Iceland tourism

In the “Tourism Strategy for the City of Reykjavík 2011–2020”, MICE tourism was regarded as one of the most important opportunities for Reykjavik (Tourism Strategy for The City of Reykjavík 2011–2020, 2010). Due to numerous advantages, Reykjavik is a perfect destination for leisure and business tourism. The city was awarded the Best Destination in Europe 2017 by Business Destination Magazine and Harpa Concert and Conference Centre won the Best Meeting and Conference Centre in Europe 2016 and 2015. Iceland is known as one of the films sets of the immensely popular television series Game of Throne and an important European tourists destination where has unthinkable natural attractions (Liftenegger, et al, 2014). All these signatures have a strong impact on the choice of conferences organizes when they make selections.

 3.2.1 The provision of MICE tourism

Reykjavik, like many other cities in the world, is supported by the local conference office, and its key purpose is to develop the city and surroundings as an international MICE destination. The destination marketing unit in the city provides professional information to clients. And all the information can be checked on the website (https://meetinreykjavik.is). There is also information about DMO (Destination Management Organization) and PCO (Professional Conference Organizer). Furthermore, the website provides a recommendation of certificated hotels and conferences centres, restaurants and transport.

 3.2.2 the sustainability in MICE tourism in Iceland

From “Tourism Strategy for the City of Reykjavík 2011–2020”, the Reykjavik government pointed out that the MICE sector must be built on a sustainable footing to succeed. In order to promote the creation, preservation and safety of tourist attractions which are under pubic control in Iceland, the government had established the Tourist Site Protection Fund. Meanwhile, an official quality assurance organization called Vakinn was funded to strengthen the sustainability and high quality of tourism services (Ostrowska-Tryzno & Muszyńska, 2018). For example, Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre which is the main venue in Reykjavik was regarded as one of the most eco-friendly conference centres in the world. All waste in Harpa is sorted and recycled.

 Iceland is famous as an environmental friendly place in Europe. And Reykjavik won the third place on the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS) in 2018 and 2017. The GDS includes the sustainability of infrastructure of conferencing and meetings, the city’s environmental strategy and service policies, scope of recycling, knowledge sharing and social impact (Global Destination Sustainability Index, 2019).

 4.0 Future challenges for Reykjavik

In recent years, Iceland has gradually become a world tourist destination from a popular tourist in Europe. More and more tourists from Asia come to Iceland. Because of the climate change in the Arctic, interest in the Arctic is rising in Asia. More and more countries are interested in the potential of the Northern Sea Route. This is a potential driver and opportunity to increase Asian tourists and promote brand awareness in Iceland (Hastings, 2014). Meanwhile, a huge number of tourists will bring some challenges and new opportunities for Iceland.

 4.1 SWOT analysis for Iceland tourism

Strengths

·          Unique  and unthinkable natural sceneries

·          Long  history of the country

·          Mature  tourist routes

·          Developed  transport network

·          The  lowest crime rate in the world and safety

Weaknesses

·          Low  diversity of tourism products

·          Lack  of commercial facilities in the scenic area and enough instruction of the  attraction

·          High  prices

·          Seasonal  travel patterns

Opportunities

·          Growth  in Asian tourists from Asian countries' interest in Arctic routes

·          Development  of health tourism

·          Development  of MICE tourism

Threats

·          Development  of Greenland tourism

·          The  destroy to nature of Iceland due to climate change

·          Outbreak  of coronavirus COVID-19

 Iceland has attracted plenty of visitors because of its unique nature. Nature has been used for a long time in Icelandic tourism marketing operations. And marketing slogans like ‘Iceland naturally’, ‘Pure, Natural, Unspoiled’ show how important nature is in Iceland tourism marketing (Sæþórsdóttir, 2010). In addition, the mature tourist routes and the safety of the countries also play a significant role when they choose tourism destinations. However, the high price of the country and lack of commercial facilities in the attractions will have a negative impact on the quality of tourists’ experience. “Tourism Strategy for the City of Reykjavík 2011–2020” pointed out that Reykjavik is more focus on how to develop the city become all year round destination. So, MICE tourism is essential for Iceland tourism. Furthermore, rely on the use of pure energy, geothermal water and first-class facilities in Reykjavik, the city has a good opportunity to develop health tourism. Unfortunately, under the outbreak of coronavirus all over the world, the tourism industry and related industries are hit hard.

 4.2 Future challenges for Reykjavik

Increasing the number of tourists will cause many problems in addition to economic benefits. One of these problems is safety. The government have to ensure the safety of their citizens and tourists at the same time, especially in the peak seasons. Besides, the government also have to pay attention to visitor management. plenty of visitors come to Iceland may impact on the local community and cause traffic congestion which will influence the locals’ daily life.

 Meanwhile, solve the environmental problem caused by tourists is more important. As my experience, there were not enough trash bins in each scenic. And many policies and measures were conducted to enhance the sustainability of tourism, but some private stockholders have not fully implemented the policy. Furthermore, the government need to consider the environmental carrying capacity. If the number of visitors over the capacity, it will damage the local environment (Jóhannesson, Huijbens and Sharpley, 2010).

 5.0 Conclusion

The aim of most tourists who come to Iceland is to look for the Aurora and the unique natural sceneries. Icelandic tourism has made a huge economic effort to the country and becomes the key sector of the national economy. Since the 2008 financial crisis, Iceland has already been recovered from the crisis through the development of tourism. Meanwhile, the government has noticed that the disadvantages of the current tourism situation and took action to find new opportunities like the development of MICE tourism and health tourism. For example, Reykjavik is going to build a year round destination through increasing the diversity of tourism products.

 Reference

Gds-index.com. 2019. Global Destination Sustainability Index | Explore & Compare. [online] Available at: <https://www.gds-index.com/destinations/explore/index/2018> [Accessed 11 March 2020].

 Hastings, J., 2014. The rise of Asia in a changing Arctic: a view from Iceland. Polar Geography, 37(3), pp.215-233.

 Jóhannesson, G. and Huijbens, E., 2010. Tourism in times of crisis: exploring the discourse of tourism development in Iceland. Current Issues in Tourism, 13(5), pp.419-434.

 Jóhannesson, G., Huijbens, E. and Sharpley, R., 2010. Icelandic Tourism: Past Directions—Future Challenges. Tourism Geographies, 12(2), pp.278-301.

 Liftenegger, M., Marek, V., Peters, H., Pirnea, R., & Rampitsch, M. 2014. The influences of tourism on natural, economic, social and cultural values in Iceland with special emphasis on sustainable tourism. Exploring Regional Sustainable Development Issues. Using the Case Study Approach in Higher Education; Grosvenor House Publishing Ltd.: Guildford, UK, 299-352.

 Müller, D., Lundmark, L. and Lemelin, H., 2013. New Issues In Polar Tourism. Dordrecht: Springer.

 Reinhart, C. and Rogoff, K., 2014. Recovery from Financial Crises: Evidence from 100 Episodes. American Economic Review, 104(5), pp.50-55.

 Reykjavik.is. 2010. Tourism Strategy For The City Of Reykjavík 2011–2020. [online] Available at: <https://reykjavik.is/sites/default/files/skrifstofur_radhuss/skrifstofaborgarstjora/Stefnur/rvk_tourismstrategy_screen.pdf> [Accessed 10 March 2020].

 Sæþórsdóttir, A., 2010. Planning Nature Tourism in Iceland based on Tourist Attitudes. Tourism Geographies, 12(1), pp.25-52.

 Skatturinn - skattar og gjöld. 2020. VAT On Tourism In Iceland. [online] Available at: <https://www.rsk.is/english/companies/vat-on-tourism-in-iceland/> [Accessed 10 March 2020].

 Ostrowska-Tryzno, A., & Muszyńska, A., 2018. Sustainable Tourism Services As An Exceptional Product For The Mice Destination. Case Study Reykjavik. Kwartalnik Naukowy Uczelni Vistula, (1 (55)), pp164-174.

[scandinaviacroatiaengbergs]

Wednesday: Hello to Croatia!

On Wednesday, we had to get ready to leave Copenhagen for our Croatia Airlines flight at 11:20 a.m. Because there are no Ubers in Copenhagen, we had to book a taxi, and that was as easy as you might imagine given the advent of apps for everything.

The kids got a little, tiny bit of time to play with the toys in the apartment before we left in the morning. Cece had some yogurt at the little banquette area in the kitchen and she looked just like Rowan did when he was sitting  in the apartment in Reykjavik two years ago, when he was about her age. I should post both of those pictures for comparison's sake, because the background wallpaper in both kitchens is very much alike . . . must be a Nordic thing to like harlequin diamond pattern wallpaper for kitchen usage. 

Our time in the Copenhagen airport was pretty uneventful. With our credit-card-based lounge access, we went to one called the Aspire lounge and it was fine. They were just changing over from breakfast to lunch foods and Eric got to sample both, and my kids made sort of a medium-sized mess of the breakfast cinnamon pastries they were enjoying and Cece managed to not make a complete mess of herself with yogurt, which still seems to be her thing at 4 years old.

To get on our flight, we had to go through passport control, after going through security, and then go to a pretty remote gate. Then, we got on a bus to be driven out on the tarmac to actually board the Embraer CRJ1000. My friend Ryley mentioned this, but I am starting to think it is very much a thing for European airlines to turn the seatbelt sign off like a few minutes after takeoff, much sooner than they do in the U.S. I'm also starting to conclude that European airspace must just be much smoother than U.S. airspace (wink), because this Croatia Airlines flight navigated around many huge clouds and thunderstorms in the distance, and there were very minimal bumps.  For a nervous flyer like myself, that was much appreciated. This flight had a snack service and they served some notable Croatian snacks; there was a choice between some sort of salami box and an olives and cheese box, and we chose the latter. The olives and cheese were sitting in a lake of olive oil and were in a plastic dish, with these very yummy little chunks of crackers, and those tasted like what we’ve had from Italy called tarrali. Rowan was sitting at the window, three seats to my right across the aisle, and eating with the little wooden fork everything in that box. I was nervous to see the state of his shirt after that, and indeed it was splattered with olive oil and I wasn't sure how to get that out. The postscript is that I did successfully get all of that oil out by rubbing dish soap into the stains and letting the shirt sit for a day. I was glad, though, that Rowan had such a zealous appetite for Croatian olives and cheese!

On the plane, I let the kids watch some Zaboomafoo on the iPad.  Once again, our children were the loudest in the vicinity, and this time it was probably their  laughing.  They find that show so hilarious!  Also, Cece had some periodic tantrums because she was so exhausted and wasn't getting her way. 

Once we got off the plane, we made our way through border control, got our bags, went through customs, and then got in the Sixt car rental line, which was insanely long. So we took an alternative tactic and went to the counter of a local Croatian car rental company and ended up getting a car there, a much bigger one for about the same price, but when the lady walked us out to the car lot, and we noticed that it wasn't very clean, we did have our doubts about whether we made the right decision. We were making some jokes about how maybe the cars in this car rental company’s fleet are just the personal cars of all the people who work for the company.  So, we are just keeping our fingers crossed that we won't have any trouble with ours, a Peugeot with 70,000 miles on it. Anyway, the car rental company provided a GPS, but it absolutely did not agree with the navigation on our Google Maps, so we went with that instead, and then 3 hours later, we arrived in Zadar, Croatia! 

The scenery was really pretty out the window for the 3-hour drive west to the seaside, from Zagreb. Cece slept through some of it, finally, because she was totally exhausted. About two-thirds of the way on the drive, we started seeing mountains with white at the top, which were outcroppings of white rocks. There were similar protrusions of white rock in the green landscape all the way leading up to a huge mountain range, which we had to pass over and through, via tunnels, some of which were quite long. Once we were on the other side of that mountain range, the landscape was radically different, if even a bit New-Mexican looking.

We got to our Airbnb and we were met by Luka, the husband of our Airbnb contact. Soon after arriving, the kids get suited up to swim and we walked to the beach, about 5 minutes away, and we had dinner at a restaurant right there, because I was starting to get cranky and grumpy from being too hungry. After we got our food situation sorted out, we all enjoyed an hour or so at the beach, before coming back to the apartment for another late night of getting the kids to bed. I will write a good description of our Airbnb in the next post and offer more of our initial impressions of Zadar, Croatia!  I can tell you this much: the sunset over the Puntamica beach was gorgeous and while the beach is a bit rocky, the water is a lovely temperature, even for me, who is a bit squeamish about oceans, algae, and cold water.  The beach is right adjacent to a resort, and you can easily hear all of the employees who are responsible for keeping folks by the pool in the vacation mood, with a DJ, dancing, etc.  Cece said, “do they party all the time?”  Haha.  More soon!

[yiru-chen-blog]

The Iceland Trip

My trip to Iceland is over, and I am deeply aware of the importance of destination management combined with what I have learned before. The Icelandic government has realised that it is necessary to manage and plan tourist destinations because it can achieve the sustainable development of tourism in the future. So in 2015, the Icelandic Tourism Authority (ITB), together with the Tourism Task Force, launched the Destination Management Plan (DMPS) (ITB, 2019). The formulation of this plan not only takes into account the planning and coordination of the development and management of regional tourism flows but also strengthens the construction of local tourism support framework. DMP is a joint policy statement. The Icelandic government hopes that it can help Iceland guide regional growth and development over some time. It also defines the role of stakeholders and assigns specific actions to each stakeholder and the resources they need to perform their duties. The Regional Marketing Office is responsible for the development of DMP, and the tenderer is accountable for the supervision of the project. Ultimately, the final product will be a destination management plan and a shared vision of all stakeholders (ITB, 2019).

In 2014, when studying the importance of destination management to Croatia, Bosnia mentioned many benefits it could bring to Croatia (Bosnic, 2014). And that's basically the same for Iceland. Strengthening destination management can build competitive advantages to ensure tourism sustainability, disseminate the benefits of tourism to improve tourism output, and finally create an active and well-known brand image. So in this blog, I will analyse and reflect on my trip to Iceland. Next, it will be divided into the current situation of Iceland, including the current customer experience and the impact of Icelandic tourism on the current economy, society and environment, as well as what challenges and development directions Reykjavik will face in the future.

It can be said that this trip to Iceland is somewhat unexpected, and I am generally quite satisfied with it. I was lucky to see the aurora that I had been looking forward to for a long time. Although it was not particularly noticeable, I was satisfied. The weather over there is not as cold as I imagined. Maybe that was because I wore so many clothes. However, what I didn't expect was that there were so few people in Iceland that even more tourists than the local people. Last year, the ratio of foreign tourists to the local population reached 7:1. By the end of last year, Iceland had 2.3 million visitors, compared with 1.8 million (7.8 million overnight) in the same period the previous year (Statistics Iceland, 2019). Today, Iceland's tourism industry is a global industry, and the Central Bank of Iceland is beginning to worry about the sustainability of this explosive growth rate. The central bank believes that once the tourism industry is hit, it will be an impact on Iceland's overall economy. The central bank also warned that tourism had put pressure on the local real estate market, as short-rent prices for private housing had risen sharply (Lane, 2017). Therefore, the Icelandic authorities are also considering measures to limit the number of passengers and enhance the experience of tourists. The Icelandic government decided to raise the VAT tax rate, but it was shelved because of strong opposition from the industry. According to the industry, Iceland is already a costly destination. Tourists are also facing higher salary levels and pressure from the appreciation of the Icelandic krona. Therefore, they are not in favour of raising VAT. Another possible way is to issue a special fee (called a natural pass by the previous government), which will be used to protect Iceland's unique natural resources. But Gylfadottir says the issue is still under discussion. "We don't try to compete with other destinations in terms of price, but we want people to feel value for money," she stressed. With the withdrawal of capital controls, the Icelandic government is also seeking more foreign investors. KEAHotels, a well-known chain hotel in Iceland, has been pocketed by foreign investors. Overseas people's love of Icelandic land has also boosted the local real estate market. From the real estate downturn in 2009 to July 2017, house prices in Iceland have increased by 54.6% (Partington, 2018).

What I have to say is that the tourists'experience is wonderful, because the local people are very enthusiastic! They are not only willing to help us a guide, but also very friendly. Another important thing is that the local community there is very well managed. The streets are spotless and safe. Everything is in good order, giving a very relaxed feeling. Iceland is rated as the safest country in the world according to the Global Finance magazine's security index for each country, considering the risks of war and peace, crime and natural disasters. Iceland has a low crime rate and a population of less than 400,000. Despite its active volcanoes, its life risk is very low (Getzoff, 2019).

Besides, because of this school trip, we have little opportunity to participate in the booking and selection of air tickets and accommodation, because it is a collective activity. But Hotel tourists are mostly tourists like us, and there are also some backpackers. Because the hotel is in the centre of the city and its location is excellent. Breakfast was nice and had a small kitchen. There was quite a lot of people. It's a very cost-effective hotel in Iceland. But hotels still have room for improvement. People who stay in hotels actually have different motivations. For example, different types of tourists have different needs. For instance, Backpackers must have large single beds, business rooms with tables, and rooms suitable for our students that can accommodate four people (two single beds and one bed up and down). But hospitality service feels like we just want to pack breakfast as much as possible, while business people wish to faster Internet speed and some office appliances, Backpackers like the front desk will need to provide a series of services such as a chartered car with some groups to see the aurora. These are the areas that I think can be improved in the hotel.

The report shows that in the current global economic downturn, the tourism market leads beyond the overall economic growth. It is estimated that the total number of global tourism in 2019 will reach 12.76 billion person-times, with a growth rate of 5.5%, and the growth rate will increase by 0.5 percentage points compared with 2018. For a long time, global tourism has shown a three-pronged pattern. The three major sectors are Europe, America and the Asia Pacific, which occupy an absolutely dominant position in global tourism. Europe is still the largest inbound tourism destination, but the growth in incoming tourism consumption is weak. In recent years, the proportion of the European and American segments has continued to decline, and the portion of the Asia-Pacific sector has increased significantly. In 2018, Europe received 51.3% of the world's incoming tourists. Compared with 2006 (55.8%), the proportion decreased by 4.5%, and its incoming tourism revenue decreased more significantly in the global share. The tourism industry’s direct contribution to Iceland’s GDP in 2018 was ISK218.2bn, accounting for 8.5% of GDP in 2017. It is expected to increase by 5.0% in 2018, and rise by 4.4% per year from 2018 to 2028, to ISK351.3bn, accounting for 10.3% of GDP in 2028 (Turner, 2018).

In 2018, the number of global visitors was 2,315,925, an increase of 5.5% over 2017. However, after a 40% increase in the number of arrivals in 2016, the growth rate has fallen to around 10% over the years (Morris, 2018).

Tourism industry grew fast after the 2008 financial crisis, when the Icelandic krona depreciated sharply. As one of the initiatives to revive the economy, Iceland began to attract foreign tourists to visit. At present, tourism is Iceland's largest export industry and the second largest sector after wholesale and retail.

That brought some changes to the daily life of Iceland. It is not an easy task for a country like Iceland that needs a lot of imported food. The sharp depreciation of the Icelandic krona in 2008 added to the difficulty of introducing fresh food. After the decline in the amount of imported food, people switched to eating vegetables and fruits grown in greenhouses in local geothermal greenhouses. Another problem is off-road driving. As long as a driver leaves a trail in the wilderness, the people behind will feel that the road can go. The damage of these cars to wild plant seedlings and rock formations is immeasurable (Baraniuk, 2017). What is more, the swarming tourists let the infrastructure such as roads be overwhelmed, the hotel is often full, and the development of the hostel, such as Airbnb, has raised the price of the Icelandic capital Reykjavik. The young people in the capital are anxious about finding places to live. Young people who could not find a place to live in the capital have left, and the generation gap has grown. Toilets, parking lots, and road signs are not enough to meet the needs of tourists. The remote places that have been forgotten now have a massive influx of tourists.

Walking or riding a bike are popular options for travelling. However, Iceland's main attractions are concentrated outside the capital, some distances are quite far, so to explore the natural scenery outside the money, it is best to drive. Icelandic taxis are expensive, and even more annoying is that it is not cheap to take a bus. The buses in Reykjavik are fixed-time lines at fixed times. Some tracks are separated by 30 minutes, and some are 1 hour or longer, depending on the time.

In terms of art, Reykjavik has always been a creative capital. If you walk around the city, you won't miss out on the various forms of street art, from the few novices to the public works commissioned by the government. At first, not everyone is fan of these arts, and the authorities are always trying to discipline graffiti, set fines and encourage the community to report graffiti to the police. Recently, the city government has begun to work with organisations such as the Airwaves Music Festival to provide some planned, licensed graffiti creation opportunities. And there are 3 distinct, historic buildings belonging to the Reykjavík Art Museum collection, called Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, and Ásmundarsafn really worth visiting (Rogers, 2016).

As Iceland's largest export industry, tourism is a significant factor determining the stability of the country. The spill over effects of the tourism crisis may affect the economy as a whole, including "labour demand, Hotel investment, current account balance, kroner exchange rate and so on," said by the Professor of the University of Iceland, Gylfi Magnusson. However, as a country that could experience a severe economic crisis ten years ago, after painful thinking, it turned to science and technology industry, renewable energy, Iceland, an industrial and tourism country, has quadrupled its passenger population ten years later. It is per capita GDP is among the highest in Europe, and its employment rate is among the highest in the world. I believe it must have a plan for the future. Diversification of the economic structure may be the primary plan. With the number of passengers approaching the limit Iceland can afford, the government is seeking to diversify its economic structure to ensure that the country's economy can continue its current upward trend and not collapse as suddenly as it did in 2008. Regardless of the future economic prospects of Iceland, further strengthening destination management is the top priority, enhancing the experience of tourists, and preventing an excessive number of people from bringing adverse effects.

References:

Baraniuk, C. (2017). The country that tourism has taken by surprise. [online] BBC. Available at: http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20170222-the-country-that-tourism-has-taken-by-surprise [Accessed 24 Mar. 2019].

Getzoff, M. (2019). Global Finance Magazine - World's Safest Countries 2019. [online] Global Finance Magazine. Available at: https://www.gfmag.com/global-data/non-economic-data/worlds-safest-countries-2019 [Accessed 24 Mar. 2019].

Icelandic Tourist Board. (2019). Destination Management Plans (DMPs) | Icelandic Tourist Board. [online] Available at: https://www.ferdamalastofa.is/en/development/destination-management-plans-dmps [Accessed 24 Mar. 2019].

Lane, E. (2017). Are too many tourists visiting Iceland?. [online] BBC News. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41725713 [Accessed 24 Mar. 2019].

Morris, H. (2018). Has Iceland been over-estimating its growth in tourism?. [online] The Telegraph. Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/iceland/articles/iceland-tourism-statistics-accuracy/ [Accessed 24 Mar. 2019].

Partington, R. (2018). Tourists and tech bring resilient Iceland back from the brink. [online] the Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jun/16/iceland-tourists-tech-resilient-bank-from-brink-financial-crisis [Accessed 24 Mar. 2019].

Rogers, J. (2016). We Painted The Walls: Airwaves Leaves A Mark - The Reykjavik Grapevine. [online] The Reykjavik Grapevine. Available at: https://grapevine.is/icelandic-culture/music/airwaves/airwaves-feature/2016/10/30/we-painted-the-walls-airwaves-leaves-a-mark/ [Accessed 24 Mar. 2019].

Statistics Iceland. (2019). Hagstofan: tourism. [online] Available at: https://www.statice.is/statistics/business-sectors/tourism/ [Accessed 24 Mar. 2019].

TRAVEL & TOURISM ECONOMIC IMPACT 2018 ICELAND. (2018). [ebook] WORLD TRAVEL&TOURISM COUNCIL, p.5. Available at: https://www.wttc.org/-/media/files/reports/economic-impact-research/countries-2018/iceland2018.pdf [Accessed 24 Mar. 2019].

[taxi-in-iceland]

Day Trips from Reykjavik: Exploring Iceland Beyond the Capital

Introduction

Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, is the primary center of attraction for tourists visiting Iceland. But, the real magic of Iceland lies not just in Reykjavik but also in places beyond its capital. It's also about its natural beauty with majestic waterfalls and sensational volcanoes that will take your breath away. So, today we will take a look into places where you can visit while in Iceland beyond its capital city. You can book a taxi service in Reykjavik to visit these places. So, let's dive in.

Golden Circle Tour

The Golden Circle is the most famous of all scenic routes in Iceland and combines stunning landmarks and historically significant places in a circular sightseeing tour. Its proximity to Reykjavík and the airport area, as well as the short drive between the sights, make it convenient for everyone to include the Golden Circle tour into their itinerary. Whether you take only one or more days to explore the Golden Circle, you’ll experience some of the most stunning geological wonders Iceland has to offer!

South Coast Adventure

The south coast of Iceland is an astonishing medley of waterfalls, glaciers, and famous black sand beaches. They are the home to the biggest glacier in Europe and the gateway to some of the most beautiful hiking areas in Iceland. In case you don’t have your own vehicle, a lot of tour providers offer south coast tours starting from Reykjavík, ranging from 12-hour trips to 3-day excursions. We recommend you take your time - there are so many places to enjoy, trails to hike, and sights to photograph!

Snæfellsnes Peninsula Excursion

Snæfellsnes is the long and narrow peninsula sticking out of Iceland into the North-Atlantic Ocean to the west. Snæfellsnesoffers dramatic landscapes and examples of most of the natural wonders found in Iceland and is therefore often called “miniature Iceland” or “Iceland in a nutshell.”

Whale Watching in Faxaflói Bay

Faxaflói is a large bay in west Iceland, between the Reykjanes and Snӕfellsnes Peninsula. It faces Reykjavík and is a hot spot for puffins and whale watching. Throughout the summer, the most commonly seen species are Minke and Humpback whales. Whereas, Harbour Porpoises and White-Beaked Dolphins are seen year-round. Other species are seen on occasion, including Orcas and Blue Whales.

Blue Lagoon Relaxation

The Blue Lagoon is a health and geothermal spa on the Reykjanes Peninsula. A visit to the Blue Lagoon Iceland geothermal spa is an important part of your stay in Iceland. Guests renew their relationship with nature, soak up the scenic beauty, and enjoy breathing the clean, fresh air while relaxing in the warm geothermal seawater.

Conclusion There are many beautiful places to visit in Iceland beyond Reykjavik. Private Tours From Reykjavik are available from many tour websites. Puffin Taxi is one such tour provider where we are dedicated to providing you with the best experience in Iceland that you want. From picking you up at the airport to planning your entire trip to Iceland, we are here to provide you with the best services possible.

[kmatikc]

So Fuck Ísland/Iceland/Thor's cesspool

Iceland basically only exists as this point because modernity allows it to exist. Oh and white people. They love coming to "unexplored (white people been white peopling here since 900CE) regions of the world" etc etc. The only reason I am even here is because Iceland Air allows you to extend a layover to explore the country with changing your fare. That would've been all good if this were a tourist friendly place like the UAE, who understand they only survive because we allow them to survive. Just like no one has to live in the desert, no one has to live on a not so dormant volcanic (2010 last eruption) island on the cusp of the Arctic Circle. My beef with Ísland, other than their over aggressive style of hockey in the Junior Goodwill Games (yes that was a reference to D2: the Mighty Ducks), is the extortion that takes place here. I see horses and sheep everywhere. Nothing but farm after farm after farm once you leave Reykjavik. However somehow it's $9 for a basic smoked lamb sandwich at their equivalent to 7/11. In Reykjavik, it's $27 for a hamburger. It costs $50 just to get a bus, not taxi, but a MFing bus from the international airport that services the capital city to the capital city. $5 for the lowest price for a bottle of water, even though they brag about how all their water here is bottled locally. $16 for some pad Thai or Thai fried rice (Thai food is their equivalent to everyone else's carry out Chinese food). It even cost $9 for a half loaf of bread & some crunchy flavorless peanut butter from the grocery store. Hostel prices average about $100/night and that's if you book eons in advance. Renting a car is simple enough but make sure you can drive a manual transmission. Otherwise a premium exists for an automatic transmission. Also roads are really paved outside of Reykjavik (which is stupid because I feel like the profits from food extortion should go towards country infrastructure) so make sure you get gravel protection. I'm an urban explorer through and through. I got some some nice photos for the gram while here, but Iceland is not really my cup of tea. Museum prices are comparable to the Louvre, but the Icelandic Phallic Museum (Penis Museum) and Viking history cultural society are not really high on my list of culturally enriching experiences. The only reason why I came to Iceland was to experience the Northern Lights, and apparently those end mid-April. I arrived in May. If you're Black and think you'll be the only person of color here, you'd be mistaken. I've counted every Black person I encountered during my 60 hour layover from London. I ran into 22 Black people. One person was a rasta who is married to an Icelandic woman and taken residence here. There are also not white, I assume Thai, residents of Iceland. But the whole island to me feels like I need to "Get Out." ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[visitreykjavik-co]

viator reykjavik tours

How to get from Reykjavik's Airport to City Center

Keflavik Airport is located an hour away from Reykjavik. It's actually a small airport so don't worry about getting lost or not finding your way around. To get to the city center you have four options, five if you include a taxi. Rent a car. Renting a car is by far the cheapest if you are a party of two or more and the most convenient way to get around Iceland. Take the public bus, Bus #55 makes its way from the airport to Reykjavik main bus terminal. Take a Flybus or Gray line bus, most tourists end up taking this because they have very visible booths by terminal exit is slightly pricier than the public bus and they charge more if they drop you off at your hotel. Take a Mini Bus or Shuttle, holding around 12 these companies can take you straight to your hotel without stopping and switching vehicles, because these smaller shuttles, but they cost a little more. If speed is you need, then a taxi is the fastest way but it will cost you the most, around 125 US dollars. Is there bus service to the airport? Renting a car, the details. If you can drive and have a driver's license you might want to consider this, if you're a party of two or more, renting a car is by far the cheapest and most convenient way to get around Iceland. Upon arrival at Keflavik Airport, just follow the signs toward car rentals. The car rental offices are near the airport, about150 meters away, take the airport shuttle to the car rental. Just follow the signs. You will want to reserve well in advance, a car rental will be cheaper and there will be more availability of the most cost efficient cars. Remember that manual transmissions are the norm and you'll pay a lot more for automatic. Fuel costs are about four times higher than in the United States, so go for the smallest option that holds everyone and their luggage. Finally, strongly consider the gravel road insurance, unless you're just driving around Reykjavik, spectacular sights often lie at the end of the gravel road but they can play havoc with windshields and paint jobs and you don't want to be on the hook for that. The public bus number #55, if you're traveling solo, over seventy or traveling with kids, 18 or under, the public bus is the cheapest option, however it's not fast and it's usually not direct you'll probably have to change buses once or twice to get to your hotel. When you board the bus at the airport you can pay with a credit card, pre-purchase bus tickets, a bus pass or cash, but the drivers can't give change, so have exact fare. Within the Capital Region, bus routes 1 through 44, buses do not accept credit or debit cards. To find directions to the stop nearest your hotel use the route planner on straeto . is The Fly bus and Gray line bus departures from Keflavik Airport are in connection with all arriving passenger flights, the Flybust and Gray line bus departs from Keflavik Airport, 35 to 40 minutes after each flight arrival. All buses are located right outside the terminal building. If you're arriving late at night or your flight is delayed, don't worry there will still be a Flybus or Gray line bus waiting for you. For a little extra both companies can actually take you straight to your hotel. Take a mini bus or shuttle there are also other companies like Reykjavik sightseeing who can take you straight to your hotel without stopping or switching vehicles because they use a smaller shuttle all the way through.

https://youtu.be/IMoL-UDkDDc reykjavik viator iceland accommodation reykjavik 101 hotel reykjavik hotel borg reykjavik

[emma579-blog1]

Time to book ALAMO Reykjavik Keflavik Airport car hire

If you are making a trek to a substitute country or town, something that you have to consider is the way you will get around. There are specific decisions that are open to you and if you are looking for after down after down something that will offer you more self-association while you are in the midst of some enjoyment or business, renting a vehicle is the best approach. There are particular pieces to consider when you are settling on a choice. The right structure for transport will make it chief for you to go going to and shopping in the zone. It is all the more chief and adaptable showed up particularly in association with relying upon open transport or using a taxi.

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 While picking ALAMO Keflavik Airport service, it is in like course basic to pick whether the service has ask. Each and every one of the cars that are offered by the affiliation should be ensured. The service you use should in like course carry out proceeding with upkeep on each model that is open in their sea control. In case they are not particularly kept up it suggests that you don't consider their succeeding and you open yourself to a wide measure of undermining the remote possibility that you drive any of them. For more data, click this page.

[alexandallieabroad]

Iceland, Days 1 & 2

This adventure begins with why taxis are not a good investment. Having to be at the airport at 6am, we scheduled an early morning taxi, which took the very creative route to the airport from the NW side of SA all the way around 1604 to 281 to the airport, missed an exit, generally meandered down the access road, adding 20 minutes and dollars to our plans. The day started looking up once we landed in JFK and lucked out on getting a day pass to the Delta Sky Lounge that they sell at the little lounge (near our landing gate) but are good at both the little and huge ones (near our take off gate). We made our way across terminals to the international side of the building where they have planes so large they take up 3 gates to park (AsianAir A380, I think). The lounge featured a really good buffet, bar, espresso machine, comfy seats, an outdoor patio and plenty of chargers that we availed ourselves to without much restraint. Definitely the most comfortable 8 hour layover we've ever experienced! Our overnight flight to Reykjavik was uneventful, though it was nice that they handed out eye pillows and earplugs to up the chance we could get a bit of rest. The seat pitch in economy is around 2" short than the length of Alex's thighs, so some creative seat and leg management was required. Alex had a grumpy gentleman who kept shaking his seat and saying "my knees!" sitting behind him, so no sleep was had despite many suggestions to said old guy about how to PUT HIS LEGS UNDER THE DAMN SEAT instead of to Alex's kidneys. Alas, none were heeded. We landed in Keflavik at about 7 am, went through the quickest customs and passport line we've ever been through, and out to the rental car building by way of a chilly bus ride. We picked up SIM cards at a convenience store by the terminal- 10G of data for $30. I swear the US is the grinch of mobile phone providers. Every other country we've been to is pay as you go and significantly cheaper per service than the US. Thanks, corporate oligarchy. After picking up our rental SUV and inspecting it very well (there were 2 separate people while we were waiting in line who came charging up to the counters demanding that the car was returned the same as it left in terms of scratch and dents, it seems that company might be a little on the scamy side when it comes to charging for damages), we set out toward the N1 road, or ring road. Our first stop was at a small shop with handmade wool and glass items. This wool is something else, it's super soft and weather resistant. I guess this is why a pair of mittens cost 50-60 bucks! While we didn't pick up that particular souvenir, Alex did get a small handmade bead from a glass blower in the gallery below the shop. Shortly after, we passed hilly farmland where we saw lots of the famous Icelandic horses, which honestly are quite a bit smaller than I expected. Maybe my comment about their size turned Alex's mind, but one of my favorite moments this far happened as we passed more hilly farmland and Alex turned around in his seat, exclaiming that he just saw tiny cows. I said, "there's tiny horses, but no tiny cows..." and upon closer inspection, these tiny furry cows turned out, in fact, to be sheep. Which, to be fair, are blocky and thick. But not quite bovine in nature. Every time we see sheep now, though, I moo at them.

Our first major stop was Seljalandsfoss, where there was a dual 200' waterfall that we were able to walk behind, throwing rainbows around us as we looked out. Of course, while getting super soaked all the while. Down a short trail, we came to Gljúfrabúi, which will probably be one of the coolest this we see. First, you walk down a path towards the river which appears to flow directly from rock wall until you get right up to it. However, the rock wall opens up and you climb up the river into a tunnel that opens up into a roofless cavern, through which a stunning and gigantic waterfall flows. The cavern is probably 60 feet wide at the bottom and 150 feet high. Words cannot do this justice, so in lieu of a thousand of them, we'll add pictures and videos of this! We saw some people in wedding clothes hiking down from near the top of the falls. Of course, we had to know what was up there. This took us on a very steep and slippery climb that was, thankfully, aided by some chains drilled into the rock. We made it about 3/4 of the way up the falls following this trail. But, we weren't yet at the top, and we had to keep looking for another way up. There was some displaced mud along a fairly sheer bit of rock wall that was several inches taller than my head. I managed to haul up with just a few leg scratches, and we were able to see the full, unobstructed falls from this vantage. Again, too beautiful to describe adequately! Coming down, though, another of my favorite moments thus far occurred. Alex manages, with more speed than I, to slip down the brief sheer bit back to the trail. However, I was trying to go down backwards as I thought it safer, but couldn't see where I was going. This became an issue when I thought I'd be low enough to hit the ground, but with my arms fully extended and one knee up in my ear, my down leg was still swinging freely. At this point I asked Alex for help, and he obliged. However, a detail that hasn't been noted yet is that due to the mist I had chosen to wear my big, purple rain coat that floated around me like a cape, somewhat obscuring Alex's view of my situation. He subsequently minorly misjudged my position and just about turned me into a sock puppet trying to help me down. This is further improved by the knowledge that I was about 1/2 inch away from the ground on my down leg, and panicking while also being unceremoniously grabbed. I landed safely, in the view of many, which was just great. At least the purple cape covered the errant assistance. Leaving Seljalandsfoss behind, we again ventured eastward on the ring road. We stopped by a roadside cafe for a couple cappuccinos and some delicious Idelandic tap water. A water bottle here is around $4, but the tap water is both better and free. We soon found Skogafoss, which is even bigger than Seljalandsfoss, at least in volume. It's exactly the same height, but at least 10x more water. This is a truly astounding volume of water; there's no getting behind this one. You can get pretty close, which will soak everything that is not 100% waterproof. To the right of the falls is a winding metal staircase with at least 500 steps. I (Alex) was entirely convinced I'd hike myself skinny on just that sadly failed. We found a small viewing platform at the top of the staircase offering a view of the edge of the falls and the river above. We continued up the muddy trail above the Skoga river, and found several more waterfalls that had smaller drops, but just as much water. At the return of a fine rain that started at Seljalandsfoss and would last at least another full day, we decided to put away the cameras and get down to the car as soon as we could. We arrived a while later, soaked to the bone. Going another hour and change further, we found our lodging for the first night, Guesthouse Vellir. It's a couple small houses and a hotel, which we stayed in. We got a private room and a shared shower/bath. Seeing as we were up for about 44 hours at this point, we both took a shower and went to sleep. Glorious, glorious sleep.

[discovericelandtours]

 If you are looking for a splendid time in such magnificent parts then the best place to be is in Reykjavik Iceland.It is a fun filled place and offers unending things to do for explorers coming from all across the world. There are various activities to partake, for instance, a tour to check out the Northern Lights and perhaps a swim at the incredible Blue Lagoon. To make things clearer here are ten great tips for you to enjoy a marvellous vacation over there.Travelling expenses are obnoxiously high in such parts but there are always alternatives. Whereas the local taxis may cost well up to twenty Euros for a mere ten-minute drive and available coaches might end up with disappointing facilities, family-run tour operators are conveniently available with good services and cheap rates.