Iceland, once a destination for only the most intrepid travelers, has quickly become one of the world's best tourism values.
Americans are discovering that Iceland's natural beauty and teeming wildlife (not to mention its pulsating nightlife) are practically on our doorstep, with direct flights from a number of major U.S. cities.
It's not too late to escape the triple-digit heat waves blasting your town this summer. Package deals to Iceland are plentiful and have never been more affordable.
Accordingly, Iceland has been named one of Travelzoo's "Wow Deal Destinations" for 2011. As usual, the folks at Travelzoo are right on the money-- new service on Icelandair, Iceland Express and Delta often costs less than a cross-country U.S. flight.
Iceland is less than four hours away from New York and Boston, ideal for even a quick three- or four-day getaway.
It's worth the trip just to admire the glaciers, mountains and rumbling volcanoes, or to soak in the famous Blue Lagoon. But visitors to Iceland can also enjoy a wide array of activities, made to seem otherworldly by the summer's midnight sun.
Menningarnótt, Iceland's yearly Culture Night, is held every August in the nation's capital Reykjavík. A world-class marathon is followed by artistic events which are held in the streets and at cafés throughout the day.Also this month, Reykjavik Jazz Festival strives to present the best in local and international jazz, as well as other musical genres.
Iceland is known for its outsized contributions to the world music scene, with performers like Bjork and Sigur Ros deftly blending improvisational elements with fascinating compositions and musicianship.
If you must wait, Reykjavik rocks a little louder in October as the hottest bands from Iceland, Europe and the Americas play the Iceland Airways Festival. Bjork makes a special appearance this year.
Icelandair has a package combining air, hotel, and admission into the annual Iceland Airwaves music festival starting at $625 per person from New York or Boston.
When you are done dancing to the beat of the Reykjavík's famed nightlife, consider that Iceland is a paradise for the outdoorsman.
The country is famous for its salmon and trout fishing, and one of the best salmon rivers in the world runs right through Reykjavík. Hunting is also allowed for overseas visitors.
Iceland is also among the best places in the world for whale watching. Successrates of seeing the world's largest mammals in their natural habitat are greater than 95 percent, according to the Iceland Tourist Board.
Golfing in Iceland under the midnight sun is magical. Rental equipment is available at the Akureyri Golf Club, the most northerly 18-hole golf course in the world, beneath snow-capped mountains in the far north of Iceland.
There is a wide selection of international flights to Iceland, both from Europe and the USA. Free stopovers in Iceland are available for those using Icelandair to fly from the U.S. to any of the airline's European destinations.
What's stopping you? The sleek and sophisticated Radisson Blu Saga Hotel in Reykjavik has rates from $145 per night this summer.
by Vincent O'Hara
No comments:
Post a Comment