Iceland: Planning an Epic Adventure with Brandon Presser

Travel Seasons

Brandon Presser shares insights on the best times to visit Iceland, highlighting the importance of daylight and weather conditions. He suggests visiting during the summer months of May, July, and August for maximum daylight and open roads, ideal for hiking and exploring 1. However, for those seeking fewer tourists and unique experiences, March and October offer a balance of daylight and tranquility 1. Brandon notes, "I love going in March and October...you get no tourists, really, relative to the summer."

I love going in March and October...you get no tourists, really, relative to the summer.

--- Brandon Presser

Winter, with its cozy atmosphere, is perfect for cultural experiences and enjoying Reykjavik's cafe culture, despite the challenging wind conditions 1.

   

Itineraries

For those planning a trip to Iceland, Brandon Presser offers detailed itinerary suggestions ranging from a few days to two weeks. He emphasizes the importance of spending time outside Reykjavik to truly experience Iceland's natural beauty, recommending that only 20-25% of the trip be spent in the city 2. Brandon advises against rushing through the Ring Road, suggesting a minimum of ten days to explore its wonders and encouraging detours to discover hidden gems 3.

You really need to get off the ring road; all of the best stuff are all along the detours.

--- Brandon Presser

He also highlights alternative routes, like the West Fjords, for a unique experience away from the usual tourist paths 4.

   

Miles & Points

Chris Hutchins provides strategies for using travel points and miles to make an Iceland trip more affordable. He discusses the challenges of using Delta miles due to limited availability and high point requirements, suggesting alternatives like Air Canada or Iceland Air for better value 5. Chris also mentions the benefits of transfer bonuses, which can enhance the value of points when booking flights 6.

Using Delta miles for good value is so, so hard, which is why I generally try to not accrue any.

--- Chris Hutchins

Despite the challenges, he recommends considering economy tickets for short flights, as they offer a cost-effective way to reach Iceland without the need for luxury cabins 7.