avatarLinda Ng

Summary

The author shares their transformative experience in Iceland, initially reluctant but ultimately finding it to be the best trip of their life due to its natural beauty, unique experiences like seeing the Northern Lights, cleanliness, and pure drinking water.

Abstract

The article recounts the author's unexpected love for Iceland, a destination they were initially hesitant to visit. The trip was planned by friends, who chose Iceland over the author's suggestion of Japan. Despite the author's reservations about staying in hostels and concerns about cleanliness, Iceland exceeded all expectations. The country offered breathtaking landscapes, including volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and mountains, as well as the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights. The author was impressed by the country's cleanliness, particularly the pristine condition of an outhouse near a waterfall. They also praised the quality of Iceland's tap water, encouraging environmental responsibility by using refillable bottles. The article emphasizes Iceland as a hiker's paradise with stunning scenery and diverse wildlife, including puffins, seals, and wild horses. The memories of the trip, over a decade later, remain vivid and cherished, affirming Iceland as the author's top travel destination.

Opinions

  • The author was initially against visiting Iceland, preferring Japan and hotels over hostels.
  • Iceland's display of the Northern Lights is a must-see and should be on everyone's bucket list.
  • The landscape of Iceland is described as a dream, offering a choice between fire (volcanoes) and ice (glaciers).
  • The cleanliness of Iceland, even in remote areas like outhouses at waterfalls, was a positive surprise.
  • Iceland's tap water is not only safe to drink but also considered some of the cleanest and most delicious in the world.
  • The author highly recommends Iceland for photographers and hikers, noting the need for extra time to capture the stunning beauty and to hike safely.
  • The wildlife in Iceland, including puffins, seals, and wild horses, added to the magical experience of the trip.
  • The author's enduring memories of Iceland, over ten years later, confirm its status as their favorite travel destination.

Here’s Why Iceland is the Best Place I’ve Been

I was shocked.

Photo provided by Linda (writer)

Many years ago, my friends and I were thinking about where to go. I suggested going to Japan. They decided on Iceland.

I was totally against the idea, but the majority vote won.

My friends looked for hostels to stay in and what to see. I felt mortified throughout the entire planning process. I preferred hotels, not hostels.

There was nothing I could do because it was all planned. Here we come, Iceland.

Looking back at the trip, what is my verdict now? Iceland was the BEST trip of my life. Why?

You Can See the Northern Lights

Iceland is well known for its spectacular display of the Northern Lights. Pick a clear, cold and crisp night to see them.

We were lucky to have such an incredible experience! Is this on your bucket list yet?

Photo provided by Linda (writer)

Stunning Beauty Everywhere

The landscape and nature in Iceland are a dream.

I saw volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls and mountains. I saw stunning beauty. I saw paradise.

Fire or ice? The choice is yours.

If you are a photographer, you will take thousands of photos. Factor in more driving time for photos!

Unbelievable Cleanliness

I worried about cleanliness at first but quickly realized that everything was super clean.

I used an outhouse while we were visiting a waterfall. I braced myself for horror as I stepped inside. Wow!

The washroom was impeccable! It was so clean.

I stopped worrying.

Water

The tap water in Iceland is perfectly safe to drink.

I learned that it was one of the cleanest and most delicious drinking water in the world. It tasted so fresh.

All you need is a refillable water bottle. I stopped buying bottled water. Yay for the environment!

Hiker’s Dream

Hiking in Iceland is a must. The scenery is jaw-dropping around each turn. Make sure to be careful and plan out your trip. Be mindful of your safety while hiking in Iceland.

Photo provided by Linda (writer)

Wildlife

I love all kinds of animals. Iceland did not disappoint in this category either.

We saw puffins, seals and wild horses. Horses came right up to our car! Majestic and beautiful.

Hands down, Iceland is the winner for me. It is the best place that I’ve visited. How do I know that?

Well, I visited Iceland over ten years ago now.

The memories and experiences are still vivid in my mind. I smile at the memories and long to visit again.

And I’m still talking about it now. That’s how I know.

Feel free to check out this story that I came upon when I first joined Medium. I found it a great read and super helpful to new writers like me!

Travel
Iceland
Memories
Life
Inspiration
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