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26 Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Iceland

If there was ever a country guaranteed to capture the hearts and imaginations of travelers, it would be Iceland. A small Nordic nation in the North Atlantic Ocean, this is an isolated island practically packed with dramatic landscapes.

Traveling to Iceland will introduce you to more natural wonders than just about any other small island on the planet. Here you’ll find a hotbed of volcanoes, lava fields, glaciers, geysers, green fjords, and elves (yes, elves!).

It wasn’t that long ago that Iceland remained relatively unknown to mainstream travelers. But word of the island’s mythical beauty has spread like wildfire over the past decade, and the spectacular array of things to do in Iceland have firmly cemented it among the world’s hottest ecotourism destinations.

Fortunately, while Iceland travel has been growing rapidly, the country has managed to avoid becoming a mass tourism cliché. The country emphasizes preserving and protecting its fragile environment and has successfully achieved a delicate balance between maintaining the authenticity of its wild and untouched landscapes while still making them accessible to tourists.

If you’re planning to travel to Iceland, here are 30 things you should know before you go:

PLACES TO SEE IN ICELAND

1. Volcanoes

Iceland’s location between two tectonic plates means the country has one of the highest concentration of active volcanoes in the world. There are 30 active volcano systems in Iceland, and the country tends to see an average[……]

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Where to Go in Finland Beyond Helsinki for Medieval History and Creative Dining

When most of us think of Finland, chances are you’re imagining Helsinki, the picturesque capital. And truth be told, it’s likely that many of us can’t name any other cities in the Nordic nation aside from the capital. But Finland is filled with a myriad of hidden gem destinations, ranging from an outdoor lovers paradise to a city steeped in Finnish history.

Fresh air and natural beauty are just some of the many reasons to visit the happiest country in the world, but we’d be remiss not to mention that there’s plenty of culture to experience in broader Finland’s cities, including Rovaniemi, the capital of the Lapland region; the quaint wooden town of Porvoo; and the former Finnish capital of Turku. Make sure your Finland itinerary includes time for all three and they might just make Finland your new favorite European destination to visit again and again.

When to Visit Finland

To experience Finland’s wide range of snow activities, visit from late November to March, when the average temperatures range from low to mid-30s. For warm weather jet skiing, horseback riding, and comfortable strolls through town, opt for a late May through early August trip. Make reservations on the early side if you plan to visit during May to August, since tourism is at its height in the countryside during this time.

Rovaniemi

Fans of the great outdoors adore Rovaniemi. The city is filled with outdoor activities for both the cooler and warmer months, making it a great place to disconnect from the[……]

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3-MINUTE TRAVEL GUIDE:MAASTRICHT, NETHERLANDS

DON’T FORGET TO PACK Clothes that layer easily (weather can change drastically throughout the day), waterproof coat/shoes, a belt (you may lose a few inches by walking/biking/eating healthier food), a bag that fits budget airline dimensions for weekend trips, favorite snacks from home, and skincare/makeup (there are fewer options in the Netherlands). Most important, leave extra room in your bag to bring items home!

BEST LEFT AT HOME Athleisure clothes, too many pairs of shoes (takes up a lot of room), heels/uncomfortable shoes.

WHERE TO LIVE The UM Guesthouse, which is specifically for exchange students at Maastricht University. The rooms are spacious and a 10-minute bike ride from everything in Maastricht. You will meet students from all over the world while living here!

BEST EATS NEAR CAMPUS Bread & More for the best ready-made sandwiches in the city center,

Soup Bros for homemade soup made from organic, locally-grown ingredients,

With Love Burrito if you find yourself missing the Mexican food in California, and

Cafe Frape, which serves over 500 types of beer. Tell the staff what flavors you prefer, and they will give you recommendations.

FAVORITE NETHERLANDER ACTIVITY Picnics in the Stadspark when the weather is nice, walking along the medieval city walls, shopping at the weekly farmers market, people-watching at one of the many cafes in the city center, karaoke at Peter’s Irish Pub, not doing any work after 5 PM.

WHERE TO STUDY So many places! Here are my fav[……]

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