Usually when I think of a “vacation”, I usually think sunsets, sandy beaches, and a lot of wine (or sangria in tropical climates). So, when Noken approached me about a trip to Iceland, I didn’t know what to expect - but having grown up in Alberta, I was craving to see the Northern Lights again. Well ladies & gents… turns out, parkas are the new bikinis! Iceland was the experience of a lifetime, and I’d trade a beach bag for an ice pick again in a heartbeat - I’m still on a high from that trip. As Cli and I would say … it was TOOOO good!
Preparing for a trip to Iceland isn’t exactly a walk in the park - Where do you stay? Where do you eat? How many pairs of long underwear do you pack?! I told you guys on my Insta that I would give you a bit of a better run down about what Noken is all about, so here it is! Noken gets you as ready as you possibly could. I was blown away! They book your hotels and activities & then you receive your personalized app guide where you can access all your info & reso’s even if you’re offline… AND it opens directions straight from the app. The app created the perfect blueprint for our trip, balancing must-see landmarks with local gems and pointing us towards all the best Icelandic watering holes. I tend to love sleeping in, but this app kept me on track because I had quite the busy schedule - but I can’t tell you how happy I was that I did it all!
I’ve partnered with Noken to give you $200 off your first trip using code KAITLYN between now and January 31st, 2018.
Exploring Reykjavik
Day one was all about exploring Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, which definitely lived up to its funky name. It’s the CUTEST little city, and it reminded me of a mix between living in Germany and in Newfoundland. Obsessed! I was feeling pretty fired up the first night, so checked out what nightclub was recommended in our app, and we hit up Pablo Discobar. For all of you heading to Reykjavik - do yourself a favour and go here… but don’t forget your dancing shoes ;)
Roadtrip Galore
The terrain in Iceland is insane, and you get to see it all. It’s absolutely spectacular, and I can’t think of any other place like it! It’s not every day you get to see a double cascading waterfall, a black sand beach, and a volcano view in the same day. We may not have gotten a tan at this beach, but boy was it a day to remember. PS - it’s fricken freezing in Iceland. I may have gone a little overboard on the number of jacket’s, but seriously, bring all your warm clothes!
Glacier Hike
When I checked the app on the third morning, and saw I had to do a Glacier hike, I’m not gonna lie, I was going to question whether I would survive a hike in such cold weather? But we killed it, and it was worth getting my butt outta bed! Glacier hikes aren’t exactly your typical vacation activity, but Iceland isn’t exactly your typical vacation destination.
Ripping Around the Golden Circle
You haven’t been on a road trip until you’ve been on a road trip in Iceland. You can’t go to Iceland and not go to the Golden Circle. After a pit stop at Gullfoss (a double cascading waterfall), Geysir hot springs, seeing all of the most beautiful Icelandic horses and lunch in a tomato greenhouse, we were ready to sit back and enjoy a cocktail or three back in Reykjavik - and head back to Pablo Discobar of course, but this time for latin night!
The Blue Lagoon
And I’d say we saved the best for last, but that would be a lie. It was all so amazing. But ending the trip at the Blue Lagoon with warm blue waters, facemask stations, swim up bars with views of the mountains, was not so shabby! The Blue Lagoon is an absolute must when you’re in Iceland, and to be honest, I’m mad I’m not still there right now.
Big thanks to Noken for making this trip one to remember! I can’t wait for my next adventure with them.
xo,
Photography: Flytographer