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Iceland Summer Packing List 

A few important notes before getting into the packing list:

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Luggage Warning: Keep in mind that we will be checking into 2 different accommodations and traveling via bus. However, many people do bring suitcases on this trip, and that is fine. We talk about backpacks below as that is our personal preference.

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$$$: We wrote a whole paragraph about using credit card versus cash, getting Icelandic króna, how much to bring, where to exchange, etc. Scroll down to the bottom of this page!​

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Weather: The average daytime temperature in July is 55 °F (13 °C), but it can reach up to 68 °F (20°C). While not exactly tropical, the mild weather and abundant daylight allow you to make the most out of the Icelandic summer. Even still, the weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, and a medium jacket, beanie, gloves, windbreaker, and rain jacket can be very necessary on certain days. 

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Rain: It may rain for a few days of the trip. You still may want something to cover yourself and your day bag for the chance it does. Ponchos can work great and are much smaller to pack than a rain jacket. 

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Main Luggage: Backpack or Suitcase​

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We always recommend bringing just a carry-on size luggage and then a personal-size backpack or purse as a day bag. Even if you have a free checked bag, it’s much easier to travel with just a carry-on size bag. However, some past travelers have brought a checked bag-size suitcase to Iceland and been perfectly fine. There is an elevator in the Reykjavik accommodation. 

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We personally love backpacks as opposed to suitcases because they are easy to lug around. I love the brands Gregory and Osprey, but they are more expensive.

Day Packs

 

Day Packs are a must! Usually on trips like these, you leave all of your stuff in your main backpack or suitcase at the hotel but use a smaller bag to carry around your phone, money, jacket, camera, water, and everything else for the day. You can use anything for this including your school backpack, purse, string gym bag, or, if you want something to not hurt your shoulders while exploring all day, here's what I use:

 

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  • This bag is a little pricey but is incredible. I can't stress how nice it is to have a good day bag over everything else. You are doing everything with it and I believe it is 100% worth the cost. It can fit so much and feels really nice on your shoulders. It also has a netted back that helps you keep the sweat away! 

Other Bags

 

Here are a few other bags that I think bringing are very necessary and shouldn't cost any money.

  • Dirty clothes bag (can be any bag from a trash bag to a grocery bag​) - needed to separate the clean from dirty clothes while traveling between places.

  • Ziplock bags help immensely when organizing everything. You could also make the switch from plastic and use small reusable bags to hold your things. Jess uses reusable cloth bags to hold jewelry, hair ties, etc. 

 Clothes

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  • One swimsuit (for the Blue Lagoon)

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  • One medium to heavy jacket, depending on how easily you get cold

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  • Raincoat or Waterproof Shell or Rain Poncho​​

    • For those budget hunters, ponchos can work great and are smaller to pack than a rain jacket. 

    • You could also just bring a compact umbrella! 

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  • One to two pairs of jeans or other pants

    •  Good for if you want something nicer at night that can also be worn casually during the day.

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  • One to two pairs of comfortable pants, such as leggings or joggers

    • These are great for travel days, walking around, and hiking!

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  • One pair of pants for sleeping in

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  • One hat or beanie

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  • Gloves 

    • A lighter pair of gloves may help keep you warm on any particularily colder days!​

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  • Scarf (Optional)

  • Five to seven shirts

    • Any mix of colors and styles work for dressier outfits, casual outfits, and sleeping. 

 

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  • Underwear and Bras

    • ​The number of pairs depends on if you want to do laundry​​​ or not.

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  • Socks 

    • Depends on which shoes you plan to bring (see below).​

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  • Optional: one-two "nicer" outfits (but keep in mind the colder temperatures!)

    • Good for the photo days or going out at night if you want!

Shoes

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  • Walking/hiking shoes 

    • I live in my Trail Runners. I've owned and used many hiking boots and different kinds of shoes for traveling, but these are by far the comfiest and useful.

    • You don't necessarily need hiking boots, but you will need something comfy to walk in and just keep in mind that the shoes you wear for walking might get muddy or wet on the trails and near the waterfalls. 

    • Note: I wouldn't recommend average running shoes as your main shoe for this trip because the trails can occasionally be messy or slippery. 

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  • One pair of night time dressier shoes (optional)

    • ​Not a necessity, but some people like to bring them.

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Toiletries 

 

Here is a short list of toiletries! I recommend bringing the travel size of everything to save yourself some room!

 

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  • Sunblock (You may want some while hiking, depending on weather!) ​

 

  • Chapstick​

 

  • Deodorant 

 

  • Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Floss

    • ​They make covers that help keep them clean while traveling. We get ours from Walmart in the travel section.

 

  • Razor

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  • Lotion, shampoo, and conditioner

    • ​Travel size only! The villa provides toiletries, but you may want your own type or more than what will be available.

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  • Contacts/Contact Solution

 

  • Small bottle of Advil or Ibuprofen 

 

  • Q-tips and tissues

 

  • Brush or comb 

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  • Headbands and hair ties 

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  • It's also recommended to pack feminine products rather than relying on finding a specific type you prefer in stores abroad because they may not have the kinds of products you're used to. 

Other

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  • Eye-Mask and Ear Plugs

    • To get the best sleep on the go!​

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  • Reusable Water Bottle​

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  • A Pen

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  • Sunglasses

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Electronics

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  • You need an outlet converter​. This universal converter is a good affordable option from Amazon.

    • The power outlets used in Iceland are Type F. The Type F outlet and plug type are commonly used in Northern European countries. Type C plugs are also used in Iceland and are similar in appearance to Type F, although they are being switched out more and more for Type F. Electricity in Iceland is 230 Volts with alternating electric currents of 50 cycles per second (50 Hertz). If you are traveling from the United States or Canada it is important to note that the electrical outputs are half that of Iceland. For example, electrical devices from the United States are usually 120V and 60 Hz so be sure to check the voltage range on your devices. This information can usually be found labeled on the back or bottom of electronic devices.

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  • ​Phone + Charger

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  • Headphones

 

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  • Camera + Charger

    • ​If you're looking at buying one, let me know and I'll connect you with Jess. She knows a lot about them!

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  • Optional: Go-Pro

    • ​Not gonna lie, this is a great place for any action cam.

    • I personally use an older version of the Sony Action Cam.

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  • Power Bank (Portable Charger)

    • So, so, so useful!

    • ​This is great, so you don't have to worry about being somewhere with a dead camera or phone.

Documents

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  • Passport! 

    • ​Check right now and make sure your passport isn't expired! 

    • I also like passport covers because you can keep other important information in them. sport covers because you can keep other important information in them.​

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  • Cash

    • What currency?

      • Iceland uses the Icelandic króna.

    • Cash or card?

      • The majority of places will accept cards. Paying for things during the trip with a travel credit card is the easiest way to get the best conversion rates. 

      • We recommend planning to use mostly credit card, but we always like to to have a bit of cash in the correct currency on us as well as card.

    • How much should I bring in cash?

      • We personally prefer at least have a small amount of Icelandic krona on us just in case, so you may prefer that as well. You can start by bringing around $100 worth. Then you can use credit card and apps whenever those options are available, and, if you end up needing more cash, then you can pull more cash out of an ATM. 

      • It's possible to spend less if you prefer, but, of course, depending on your preferences.

    • What is the best way to get cash? Your bank at home, exchange at the airport, or ATMs in Europe?

      • The most cost-efficient way to get cash in another currency is to order each through your bank. You most likely will have to order the currency ahead of time. Make this request through your home bank. Although you don't want to carry a lot of cash around, it can be a hassle and costly to pull money out of an ATM.

    • Tip: During the days, leave any extra cash locked in your room and only walk around with what you will need for that day.

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  • Drivers Licence 

    • ​If you go out, you might need an ID, and I don't recommend bringing your passport out drinking.

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  • Travel Insurance

    • ​As stated in the contract, travel insurance is required for this trip.

      • Each traveler will need to obtain an insurance policy that fits the following requirements. The insurance policy may be obtained from any international company that meets the following requirements:
        Valid for the entire stay in Iceland (coverage dates).
        Covers 50,000 USD for medical expenses, including those from COVID-19
        Covers 1,000 USD for lodging expenses in the event of COVID-19 quarantine
        Covers medical emergency evacuation and repatriation of $200,000 USD (or equivalent in other currency)

    • Any questions? Always call the specific insurance providers to make sure you’re covered for what you need!

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  • Money Belt

    • ​These are great to assure that no one is going to take your valuables.

    • Jess uses them, and you can wear them under your shirt. She says it helps her keep track of her IDs, phone, and money. 

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