by Dawn McCaslin

Created on: September 08, 2008   Last Updated: January 08, 2010

If the adventurer in you is looking for something truly spectacular, then let Iceland make all of your wildest dreams come true. A land of teaming volcanoes, geothermal pools, massive glaciers and unmatchable beauty, they call this place the land of fire and ice. From the charming city of Reykjavik to landscapes as desolate as the surface of the moon, here you will find culture, adventure, natural wonders, fine cuisine and absolutely breathtaking scenery unlike any in the world.

To get the very most out of your trip to Iceland, invest in a rental car. There are endless roads just waiting to be discovered that none of the tourist buses will traverse. A simple guidebook should include a map with most of the major roads and nearly everyone in Iceland can speak English, so asking for directions and suggestions is never a problem.

After flying into Keflavik International Airport, it is only a short forty-minute drive to Reykjavik, Iceland's capital. Known for its fantastic club scene, Reykjavik is the northern most capital in the world. As such, it's important to plan your trip carefully and pack the appropriate clothing. Summers are the height of tourist season when temperatures are at their most mild, generally in the upper 50's with the midnight sun giving you ample daylight to explore the countryside. Equally stunning and certainly more affordable are the spring and fall months. Though temperatures do dip into the 30's and 40's, witnessing the beauty of this icy landscape is not to be missed. A heavy coat, a good pair of gloves and some ear warmers will make your trip perfectly tolerable, even near the glaciers and the cool northern oceans.

Staying in Reykjavik offers you countless hotels and bed-and-breakfasts to choose from, but the best space for your money is a fully stocked two-bedroom apartment known as Felicia's Flat. It is in the heart of Reykjavik's shopping district and everything is an easy 5 or 10 minute walk. The owners are gracious and having a kitchen is invaluable for quick breakfasts and late-night snacks.

A word to the wise - nearly all of the food in Iceland must be imported; therefore it can be extremely expensive to dine out unless you opt for local cafes and small eateries. Seafood is their specialty and is it some of the freshest in the world. Be sure to splurge at least once on a nice dinner because the dining is decadent at places like Oliver and Caf Caruso. For more affordable fare, a fantastic choice is Priki where locals and musicians

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