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How to Book a Trip to Iceland

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Iceland

See Iceland's glaciers and hot springs without blowing your savings by timing your trip right and spreading out the cost.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $155.56/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,800 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Iceland is all about massive glaciers, black sand beaches, and steaming hot springs like the Blue Lagoon. The trick to doing it right is going during the shoulder season in late spring, when you miss the crazy summer crowds and prices are a bit more reasonable. For a typical week, you are looking at spending about $2800 total for flights, lodging, and getting around.

Most people do not drop that kind of cash on a vacation all at once. Instead, we break it down into manageable chunks so the trip actually happens.

Remember that the 18-month window is a hard deadline, not free money, and any leftover balance when it ends will start racking up standard interest.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your shoulder season dates

    Aim for late spring to get milder weather and longer daylight without peak summer pricing. Lock in your time off and watch flight trackers for a few weeks before you pull the trigger.

  2. 02

    Map out your total budget

    Keep your target around $2800 for the whole trip. Factor in rental cars, gas, food, and tours so you do not get hit with surprise costs once you land in Reykjavik.

  3. 03

    Spread out the payments

    You can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, which gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. If you divide that $2800 across the intro window on purchases, you get 18 months, which works out to about $155.56 per month.

  4. 04

    Book your campervan or lodging

    Accommodations book up fast in Iceland, even in the shoulder season. Lock in your hotels or campervan early so you have your base camp secured.

  5. 05

    Pack for unpredictable weather

    Icelandic weather changes by the minute, so grab waterproof layers and sturdy boots before you leave. You will enjoy the hot springs and glacier hikes a lot more when you are warm and dry.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

How much does a trip to Iceland actually cost?

A typical US traveler spends about $2800 for a week-long trip including flights, a rental car, food, and lodging. Your actual spend depends on where you stay and how often you eat out.

When is the best time to visit Iceland?

Late spring is ideal because you get shoulder season pricing and fewer crowds. You also get decent daylight for driving the Ring Road and exploring.

How does the 0% intro window work?

It gives you breathing room to pay off your trip over time without adding interest charges. You just need to make sure the balance is gone before the window closes.

Do I need a rental car in Iceland?

Yes, public transit outside of Reykjavik is very limited. Renting a car or a campervan is the only real way to see the glaciers and hot springs on your own schedule.