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How to Book a Trip to Iceland

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Iceland

Plan a shoulder-season trip to Iceland's waterfalls and glaciers for $177.78 a month using a smart interest-free window.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $3,200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $177.78/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $3,200 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 shoulder seasons of spring and fall is quiet, cold, and incredibly beautiful. You get the roaring waterfalls and massive glaciers without the summer crowds, and the flights are usually much cheaper. A solid trip runs about $3200, which is a lot of money to spend all at once.

We can break that cost down into smaller steps to make it manageable. By using the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi), you get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. That lets you pay $177.78 a month to cover the trip without paying extra in interest.

Remember that the 18-month window is a hard deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance when the 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening ends, the remaining amount will start racking up interest at the regular high rate immediately.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your shoulder season

    Target May or September. You get decent daylight hours to see the waterfalls and glaciers, but you avoid the peak summer prices. It is the sweet spot for budget and weather.

  2. 02

    Lock in your flights early

    Keep an eye on overnight flights from the East Coast. Reykjavik is closer than you think, and booking early keeps your flight costs down.

  3. 03

    Set up your interest-free window

    To spread out the $3200 cost, we use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi). It gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. That means you pay $177.78 a month to clear the balance before the regular rate kicks in.

  4. 04

    Rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle

    You need a car to reach the best glaciers and trailheads. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is essential for Iceland's gravel roads, even during the shoulder season.

  5. 05

    Book local guesthouses

    Skip the luxury hotels and look for local guesthouses with shared kitchens. Cooking your own meals is the easiest way to save a fortune on Icelandic food prices.

  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

When is the best month for this trip?

September is ideal. The summer crowds are gone, the roads to the glaciers are usually still open, and you might even catch the Northern Lights if the sky is dark and clear.

Do I need cash in Iceland?

Not really. Card payments are accepted almost everywhere, even for public restrooms and small parking lots. Just keep a credit card handy.

Is food really that expensive there?

Yes, eating out in Iceland is notoriously pricey. To keep costs down, buy groceries at local supermarkets and prep your own meals at your guesthouse.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment?

Even with a 0% promotional rate, you still have to make your minimum monthly payments on time. Missing one can hurt your credit score and might end your promotional rate early.