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How to Book a Trip to Iceland

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Iceland

Catch the northern lights and roaring waterfalls in late September without wrecking your budget.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $3,200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $213.33/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $3,200 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Late September is the sweet spot for Iceland. The summer crowds have thinned out, the waterfalls are flowing hard, and the nights get dark enough to catch the northern lights without freezing your toes off.

A typical weeklong trip runs around $3,200 for flights, a rental car, and stays. Instead of dumping that cash all at once, you can spread the cost out. Using the Discover it® Cash Back card gives you a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, which breaks down to about $213.33 a month to clear your balance interest-free.

Keep in mind that a 0% intro APR window is a deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance on the card after 15 months, standard interest rates kick in on whatever amount is left.

The steps

  1. 01

    Lock in September flights

    Aim for late September when shoulder season pricing kicks in. Airlines lower their rates right after peak summer, but direct routes are still running daily from major US hubs.

  2. 02

    Rent a 4WD vehicle

    You need a sturdy car to reach waterfall trailheads and drive away from city lights at night. Stick to a standard 4WD so you can handle sudden shoulder-season weather shifts safely.

  3. 03

    Book stays along the Ring Road

    Skip the expensive hotels in Reykjavik and reserve guesthouses along the southern coast instead. You will stay closer to sights like Skogafoss and save money on daily driving.

  4. 04

    Set up your payment plan

    Put your big travel purchases on your Discover it® Cash Back card to take advantage of the 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. Pay $213.33 every month to clear a $3,200 trip balance before the promotional window closes.

  5. 05

    Grab waterproof outer layers

    Icelandic weather moves fast, especially near heavy waterfall mist. Pick up solid rain pants, a windproof shell, and waterproof boots before you pack your bags.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

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

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Is late September a good time to see the northern lights in Iceland?

Yes, late September brings dark enough skies to spot the lights while keeping temperatures mild. You also avoid the icy winter driving conditions.

Do I need a guide to see waterfalls and the northern lights?

No, you can easily drive to major waterfalls on your own. For the lights, just check the aurora forecast and drive to a dark spot away from streettowns.

How much does a trip to Iceland usually cost?

A standard weeklong trip for two lands right around $3,200. That covers flights, a rental car, fuel, meals, and simple guesthouse stays.

What happens if I do not pay off the card balance in 15 months?

Any remaining balance starts accumulating standard interest once the 15-month intro period ends. Set up automatic monthly payments so you clear the balance on schedule.