6 Reasons why renting a car will get you the most out of your Iceland vacation

1. Road tripping in Iceland is like driving through a “Most beautiful places in the world” board on Pinterest.

By not renting a car and exploring as much of this volcanic island (130 inactive and active volcanoes on the 39,769 mi² island – Guide to Iceland) your time allows really is a disservice to yourself and sort of insulting to beauty of Iceland. Okay, okay, I realize how strong that sounds; I am just incredibly passionate about all the wondrous views and natural beauty of this magical place! Also, I really want you to get the most out of your Iceland vacation; you cannot fault me for that, right? Just looking out for you (insert smiley face and hand-shake emojis).

2. “But I plan on taking tours out of Reykjavik, so I will see Iceland by bus while traveling to each destination.”

Sure, but definitely not as much as you could see Iceland if you had a rental car. Plus, you do not have the control to stop the bus on the side of the road or at one of the many designated temporary car parking areas Iceland has, to revel in a beautiful scene, check out one of the many magnificent waterfalls, pet horses, and take photos on a bus!

I cannot tell you how many times my boyfriend, Jeff, and I pulled off randomly because we saw something we just had to get a better look at and a picture of; #selfie. If you can splurge for the rental car, you will definitely be happy with your choice just in this aspect alone!

3. Northern Lights Chasing

I know it sounds silly but it really did feel like we were driving all over the west side of the Island chasing the lights. This may come across as tedious but it really was not; some of our best memories from Iceland were from our nights spent driving to many different locations known for having great Northern Lights shows!

---

If only I had the camera I have now, when we last visited. However, no camera will do justice, the show you can see if you drive yourself out of the city of Reykjavik and into the countryside

---

Prior to heading to Iceland, Jeff and I researched all the known places for fantastic light shows in Iceland. Again, we had a blast spending our evenings driving to multiple different locations and laying in the snow (obviously, it was winter, and we were in full snow suit gear) or on the hood of our rental car just waiting for the sky to open up and gift us with a lovely, awe-inspiring light show. Boy did we get what we were hoping for! Many a times over, actually.

Imagine if 2 years ago I had the camera I have today!

Locals kept telling us that we were super lucky because we arrived after a big snow storm, therefore it was clear skies the whole week we were in Iceland. Boy were they right; we were lucky, and although we surprisingly were able to see some green Northern Lights right there in Reykjavik (at the Perlan). However, because we had a rental car, we were able to drive out of Reykjavik away from the light pollution, and into the countryside. This truly is where the real shows happens; bursts of pink, purple, white, and green lights never looked so amazing.

4. The inner city of Reykjavik is walk-able but if you plan to visit all of Reykjavik, a car is best.

Harpa Events Center

Reykjavik city center is walkable but walking from city center, to many of the outlying attractions can take up quite a lot of your time. If you really do not have a time limit on your stay in Iceland or the day you plant to explore is gorgeous; clear skies, no rain and you are there during the summer when the temperatures and wind are not as brutal, sure walking the perimeter could be a fun and relaxing bonus!

That said, Jeff and I visited Iceland during winter, so we opted out. However, we spent one of the six days during our Iceland vacation staying local to Reykjavik and just touring the city. Touring the city took us the entire day and into the night, actually. It is a lot larger of a city than you initially think; especially if you really want to see and experience all that it has to offer!

Below is a list of just 9 Reykjavik attractions outside the inner city that are worth exploring and walking distance from Reykjavik City-Center:

- Grotta Island Lighthouse: 1 Hour

- Whales of Iceland: 25 Minute Walk

- Perlan Planetarium (a nice Northern Lights location): 30 Minute Walk

- The Sun Voyager: 15 Minute Walk

- National Museum of Iceland: 7 Minute Walk

- Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach: 45 Minute Walk

- Kringlan Mall: 45 Minute Walk

- Laugardalslaug Public Swimming Pool

- Arbaer Open Air Museum: 1 Hour, 30 Minute Walk

Hallgrimskirkja Church

5. You have the freedom to tour on your own time.

Do not get me wrong; I have met some wonderful people and have had a great time on a group tour vacation. That said, I love the freedom of being able to tour on my own time. The unfortunate part about group tours is not feeling like you had enough time to see everything, or the exact opposite; feeling like you are waiting around for other people you do not even know and burning perfectly good touring time. I am unsure as to which one is worse, but what I do know is that there is a lot to be seen in Iceland and you do not want to miss out on any of it. If you are ready to move to the next attraction, you are free to jump in your car and go. However, if you feel you need more time, no biggie, the time you spend at each location is totally up to you. With a rental car, touring is on your time.

6. Testimony of an Iceland tourist who wishes she rented a car.

On our flight from New York City to Iceland, we met a nice lady who was staying in Iceland the same amount of time as we were, as well as flying back on the same flight. She had actually purchased the same Groupon that we had! The only real difference in our vacation was that she did not reserve a rental car and we did.

While waiting to depart Iceland, I ran into her again. She stated that her friends and she had a great time; however, she wished they would have rented a car like we did. She further stated that they did four group tours and excursions. She informed us that though they were fun, sometimes she felt rushed and other times she felt like she was waiting around for the rest of the large tour group. She even thought to herself that it would have just been better to have a rental car based on the cost they spent on taxis and the bus tour of the Golden Circle alone. She also stated that she did not get to see as much as we did, which was another bummer and reason she wished she could turn back time and rent a vehicle for her Iceland trip.

Conclusion:

I truly feel that renting a vehicle in Iceland is the way to go. You will get the most out of your vacation and that is exactly what we hope for when we plan and go on a trip. Renting a car will allow you the ultimate opportunity to see Northern Lights, tour Iceland on your own time, travel to excursions and tours by yourself, so not to have to rely on travel buses or taxis. The reasons to rent a car in Iceland really are countless and I almost guarantee that you will be disappointed if you do not. If you are not sure where to start, check out Hotwire.com. I have found many great deals on this website.

---

Viator.com - Where you can book all the best Iceland excursions for your upcoming trip! Don't wait until you go to plan your travel agenda!

#groupongetaways #Groupontravel #RentacarinIceland #Carrentaliniceland #IcelandTourism #ShouldIrentacarinIceland #Icelandtravel #TravelingtoIceland #Icelandcarrental #DublinAirportCarRental #rentingacaronvacation #thingstodoinIceland #Reasonswhyyoushouldrentacariniceland #reasonswhyyoushouldalwaysrentacar #Rentingacarisamustifyouwanttogetthemos