Traveling Iceland by camper can be a great way to save money while traveling comfortably. But, before you rent a camper, you should know a few things.
For many travelers, a road trip is the best way to experience Iceland. However, only some people want to take the stress and hassle of planning their itinerary.
Don’t Forget to Pack
One of the most significant benefits of renting a camper van in Iceland is unparalleled flexibility as you drive around this spectacular island. You don’t have to operate on someone else’s schedule and can enjoy the sights and vistas at your own pace, not to mention you’re not tied down to hotels that are far away from some of the most popular stops around Iceland.
It’s also a great way to save money because you can stay at the campground and cook your meals. When visiting a nation like Iceland, eating out may add up quickly.
Make sure you bring a cooler and food so that you can avoid paying expensive restaurant prices. It’s also a good idea to pick up a few camping necessities, such as cooking gear, sleeping bags, and first aid kits. You’ll also want to ensure you have enough gas – especially if you plan on visiting some of the more remote campsites along the Ring Road. And don’t forget a few dry soap leaves for showering (they’re used instead of liquid soap in Iceland). They are small and compact, so they take up very little space and are much easier to handle than wet hands!
Don’t Forget to Bring Slippers
Although Iceland is a beautiful country with plenty of things to do and see, it can be an extremely tiring place for travelers. If you want to enjoy your trip without feeling exhausted, planning a flexible itinerary and taking it easy on the road is best.
While many camper rental in Iceland come equipped with various essential camping gear, bringing extras is always a good idea. This includes sleeping bags and blankets, a camp stove and cooking utensils, a water pump, and a first aid kit.
Bringing slippers or flip-flops for walking around the campsite is also a good idea. Some of the campgrounds in Iceland are located on rocky, uneven terrain and can be pretty slippery when wet. Bring a blanket to stay warm when the sun sets and the temperature drops. Iceland’s weather is highly temperamental and can change at a moment’s notice. These tips allow you to enjoy your adventure in a comfortable and convenient campervan rental!
Don’t Forget to Bring Binoculars
Iceland has many natural wonders, from soaring mountains, black sand beaches, and plummeting waterfalls. Whether you want to explore on foot or with your camper, binoculars are a must-have for your trip. You can rent them at most campervan rental companies.
It is important to remember that it is illegal to wild camp in Iceland outside of designated campsites. If you are caught, you will be fined. Bringing a first aid kit and any required prescription medications is also advised. In addition to a first aid kit, getting a map is essential for navigating Iceland’s rural landscapes. You can rent a map at the Reykjavik Airport or download a free Google Maps app on your smartphone.
It is also a good idea to rent a camper van with unlimited mileage, as Iceland’s country roads have a lot of miles. This way, you can see as much of the island as possible. If you need to rent a vehicle with limited mileage, check with your campervan rental company beforehand.
Don’t Forget to Bring a Camera
Iceland is a beautiful country with plenty of natural wonders to see. You’ll want to take plenty of pictures; a camera is essential for capturing your trip memories.
Ensure your camera battery is charged before you go on a road trip, and bring extra batteries. A waterproof bag for your camera and other electronics is also a good idea. Though a little pricy, it’s worth it to ensure your equipment is safe if you get wet while trekking.
A GPS is another valuable item to have with you on a camping trip. To ensure you can navigate without data service, download an offline map of your journey route in advance. And remember, it is illegal to camp in the open without a designated campground in Iceland, so you’ll want to reserve a spot at one of the hundreds of campsites.
Another important tip for driving in Iceland is knowing the speed limit. The roads are winding and dotted with sheep and tourists stopping in the middle of the road to take photos, so it’s easy to go over the limit. Iceland has many speed cameras and does not tolerate speeding, so be mindful of the signs!
Don’t Forget to Bring a Towel
The country of Iceland is a nature lover’s paradise, bursting with verdant hills, waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and wildlife. Seeing this stunning nation on a road trip is an unmissable experience. However, it would help if you prepared for your trip in a few ways to ensure a smooth adventure.
The first thing to do is to make a detailed itinerary of the sites you want to visit and the roads you’ll have to take between them. This will help you determine which type of camper rental to book. Also, download the map of your route on Google or Apple to use offline if you’ll be traveling in rural areas with poor signal.
Lastly, remember that camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds and not on the side of the road. Doing so damages the landscape and wildlife and is against the law. If you need a place to shower, visit one of the many town pools offering warm geothermal water. They’re cheap and usually have a sauna or hot tub as well.