We’re Headed to Iceland…

Every once in awhile that husband of mine gets a wild hair in him and does something very unexecuted and out of the blue. Insert Christmas of 2017. As I opened my last gift, I unfolded a piece of paper that showed pictures of Iceland. I was so confused. Iceland? What’s happening in Iceland? Isn’t it cold in Iceland? Do people go to Iceland? It turns out that yes and yes – it is cold and tons of people go there. The best part? We’re going now too. Shawn decided to surprise me with an adventurous trip for us to take this fall [we’re normally those people who find the warmest beach to set off to] and do something out of the ordinary. Excited for this next adventure is an understatement. We recently spent some time doing a little bit [okay, a lot] of research on what we want to do while we are in Iceland, where we’re staying and most importantly – what I plan on packing [hint: it will ALL come from one place and it’s here]! Here’s a quick rundown of our trip before we go [and why I think you should start planning a trip there as well]!

My outfit: Free People Golden Gate T-Shirt [TTS, wearing XS] // Dl1961 Margaux Quincy Instasculpt Ankle Skinny Denim [TTS, wearing 26] // Filson Open Tote Bag // Penfield Vassan Jacket – Women’s  [TTS, wearing XS] // Seychelles Footwear Deep Sea Boot // Pistil Soho Fedora

Shawn’s outfit: The North Face Glacier Alpine Fleece Jacket – Men’s [TTS, wearing Medium] // The North Face Terry Long-Sleeve Henley Shirt – Men’s [TTS, wearing Medium] // New Balance 247 Deconstructed Knit Shoe – Men’s

What to Do

Apparently there is way more to do in Iceland than I ever thought, starting with natural scenery. Do a quick google image search of Iceland and you’ll probably have the same blown away reaction that I did. Here are a few of the items on our itinerary:

• Soak in the Blue Lagoon Hot Springs
• See the Gullfoss Waterfall [along with MANY of the other breathtaking waterfalls in this country]
• See the Northern Lights [preferably while sitting in a hot tub]
• Snowmobile through ice caves
• Potentially take a flight over to Ireland for a couple of days to explore the country, but most importantly enjoy an adult beverage in an Irish Pub
• Drink lots and lots of hot cocoa in cozy pajamas while looking outside at the beautiful natural landscape

Pistil Soho Fedora // Free People Golden Gate T-Shirt

And much, much, more. I’ve learned since booking our trip that Iceland has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, that it is unlike ANY other place in the world due to all of its untouched natural beauty and that it’s very fairly inexpensive to travel to/from there.

Where to Stay

While they are some incredible hotels in Iceland, we opted to rent a home for our weeklong stay in the Golden Circle area. The biggest perk? Outdoor hot tub. You know I’ll be using that sucker every single morning and night. After our stay I will share the exact link of the home we rented along with my honest thoughts on staying there and if I’d recommend going this route or not. More details to come post vacation.

What to Pack

Is it ridiculous that this is the part I may be MOST excited about? There’s just something about traveling to a land where I get to layer up in cozy clothes that has me all sorts of giddy. Like I mentioned before, it’s cold in Iceland [shocking based off the name of the country alone, I know] so warm and waterproof clothing is a must. My favorite spot to shop for activewear that looks great? Backcountry. From Sorel boots, Patagonia pullovers, Free People oversized sweaters, The North Face jackets, you name it – I’ll be packing it! Backcountry’s fall style selections have me head over heels ready to start buying everything immediately and begin packing. From flannels, to waffle knits, hats and more – I want it ALL. If you have similar feelings, use code YELLOW15 for 15% off your first purchase at Backcountry [some exclusions apply, one use per customer]. At the top of my list for packing – comfortable shoes and bags that are durable and can hold all of my things as we’ll be on the go often.

Filson Open Tote Bag Seychelles Footwear Deep Sea Boot New Balance 247 Deconstructed Knit Shoe – Men’s

All in all, I can’t wait for this next adventure with Shawn and I only hope it’s the start of a few more journeys off the beaten path.

Have you been to Iceland before? I’d love any and all recommendations on what to do / where to eat / etc while we’re there! I can’t wait to share our travels once we’re home!

Shop today’s post along with the ability to set-up sale alerts on the items you have your eyes on. Don’t forget to check out Backcountry for all of your fall and travel needs!