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How to Book a Trip to Iceland

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Iceland

Plan a summer road trip through Iceland's waterfalls and Ring Road for $250 a month without paying interest upfront.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $4,500 before anything else
Across the 0% window $250.00/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $4,500 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 in the summer means 24 hours of light and a road that circles the whole island. You get massive waterfalls, black sand beaches, and mossy lava fields. It is a pricey destination, but renting a campervan lets you skip the expensive hotels and wake up to a different view every morning.

A full 10-day loop costs roughly $4500 for two people when you factor in the van, fuel, and flights. We can break that cost down into smaller monthly chunks using the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi) instead of paying it all at once.

The 0% rate is a tool, not a gift. If you still have a balance after those 18 months, the interest rate jumps significantly and applies to whatever amount is left. Pay it off on time to keep the trip from getting more expensive later.

The steps

  1. 01

    Reserve the van early

    Summer is peak season and campervans sell out fast. Book your wheels at least six months before you land to get a better rate. You need a vehicle that handles gravel roads if you want to see the best falls.

  2. 02

    Map the Ring Road

    Route 1 circles the island and hits the major spots. Plan for about 10 days to see it all without rushing. Stick to the main road to save on fuel and avoid the tougher mountain passes.

  3. 03

    Use the intro period

    The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi) offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. If you spend $4500 on the trip, you can pay $250.00 per month to clear the balance before the interest kicks in.

  4. 04

    Pack for every season

    Even in July, it rains and the wind is brutal. Bring a waterproof shell and thermal layers. Buying gear in Reykjavik is a quick way to blow your budget on the first day.

  5. 05

    Book your flights

    Watch for fares into Keflavik about four months out. Mid-week flights are usually cheaper than weekend departures. Use a tracking tool to grab a deal when prices dip to their lowest.

  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

Is Iceland expensive to visit?

Yes, food and fuel costs are high compared to the US. Eating from grocery stores and sleeping in a campervan keeps the daily cost manageable.

Do I need cash in Iceland?

Not really. Almost everywhere takes cards, even the small public bathrooms at trailheads. It is better to have a card with no foreign transaction fees for this trip.

When is the best time for the Ring Road?

June through August is best for the full loop. The weather is stable and the roads are clear of snow. You also get the midnight sun, which means more time for hiking.

How much is gas in Iceland?

It is much higher than in the States, often double the price. Factor a few hundred dollars into your budget just for the van's tank to avoid surprises.