Beginner’s Guide to Travelling Iceland in a Campervan
Iceland on a budget
Ok, so you are on a budget but you would still like to travel. It’s not an uncommon conundrum to encounter. Just because there are some financial restraints it shouldn’t be impossible to find a great destination, packed with incredible sites and experience, agreed? You’re absolutely right. If you are willing to be a bit flexible when it comes to accommodation and act as your own chauffeur, there is a world of possibilities waiting for you in Iceland. Sites such as https://www.campervanreykjavik.com will allow you to explore Iceland on a budget without compromising the experience. If this is the first time you are contemplating the idea of renting a vehicle on your own, especially one that is a bit more than a regular 2WD, then there are some things to take into consideration before you go. Before deciding on which of the magnificent sites to take in first that is. Not to mention having the incredible city of Reykjavik at your fingertips as well. For you to really enjoy your first experience of visiting Iceland it might be good to have some suggestions as to what to bear in mind before heading out on the open roads.
Renting your first campervan
Having decided to explore Iceland by renting a campervan is the first step towards embracing this magical island. There are several Iceland camper rental companies offering great deals on campervans, allowing you to have all the comfort you can possibly think of when driving around Iceland. It might also be a good idea to search for RV rentals in Iceland or Motorhome rentals in order to compare prices and find the best option based on your travel itinerary. Camper rental in Iceland has become quite the business and as such there are several solid options to choose from. If you are new to the campervan world, advice is the best way to go. Ask the rental companies about everything from road safety, local traffic regulations and insurance to make sure that you have as much of the practicalities covered as possible. Especially if you are a beginner, every piece of local knowledge is pure gold. Iceland is famous for its unpredictable weather and to be on the safe side, if this is your first time renting a campervan, perhaps travelling during the summer months is advisable when the roads are a bit easier to handle.
During the summer, the climate also allows for a much more pleasant sleeping experience when stopping at one of the many campsites around the island.
Choose wisely
As a foreign traveller you will arrive in Iceland via Keflavik International Airport. Then you have the option of picking up your rented vehicle directly at the airport or in Reykjavik. If you decide to venture out already from the airport it is possible to cover some of the most famous sites in Iceland such as the Blue Lagoon. Follow the Ring Road and take in the different sites close to the highway, simply by travelling this easy manoeuvred road there is a myriad of waterfalls, hot springs and all-around stunning scenery. This might be the best option as a beginner in the island. It might be tempting to try the F-roads (mountain roads) during this first visit and if it is summer then by all means, give it a try. Have you chosen to visit Iceland during the winter months as to be able to see the Northern Lights, perhaps a bit more caution should be exercised. Iceland has a bit of a reputation for being somewhat expensive. If you are then travelling on a budget you might have to plan your expenses a bit. It’s a good thing then that nature is free and by driving yourself around you are able to save a pretty penny. There is no cost at the Gullfoss and you don’t have to pay extra to visit the Geysirs.
It’s a brave new world
As a beginner, renting a campervan in Iceland might be a bit daunting. The island is famous for its unpredictable weather as well as difficult roads. Then there is the notion of sleeping at various campsites and living close to nature. Iceland is also a bit expensive. None of this should deter you from embracing the experiment though. Travelling around Iceland in a campervan is magical. There are hundreds of incredible sites to visit and explore, this not even counting the stunning natural surroundings themselves. If it is the first time you are visiting the island, take advice from the locals, read up on local rules and regulations, familiarise yourself with the road network and perhaps the most important thing of all, create the mother of all bucket list of all of the fantastic sites to take in. A visit to Iceland will be the best budget road trip you will ever take and there is no end to the possibilities, it will simply be the open road and you.
