Iceland - The highs, the lows.The fun, the boredom... (Iceland)

Member Name: biggag

Product:	Iceland
Date:	27/05/02 (150 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Unusual Destination, Nightlife, Friendly People

Disadvantages: Cold, Long trips, Expensive

When looking for a destination for a company 'bonus trip' Iceland was one of the first places on everybody's lips. It's one of those places that most people say they would love to visit but never actually get round to it. From what we had heard prior to departure it would be a great place for a group trip or stag do, perhaps with plenty of daytime excursions and a nightlife of some repute.

A two hour flight from Glasgow was short enough to keep enthusiasm high and we immediately got straight into the thick of things, taking the 15 minute journey to the Blue Lagoon.

By far the best part of the whole trip, the experience of sitting drinking beer in a pool that is as hot as your bath is fabulous and leaves you incredibly relaxed and de-stressed. This really is a must for all visitors.

We took a couple of excursions, which were great but I would give a few words of warning. The initial interest of the landscape diminishes greatly over 7 hours in a 4x4. It all looks the same after a while.

Trips to the 'geyser' area are very disappointing. You might expect huge fields exploding with water but there are just one or two geysers and they are pretty dull.

The weather when we visited in May was more windy than icy and this meant, surprisingly, that it was too hot for the trip we had looked forward to most - skidoos on the Glacier. Go earlier in the year if you're into snow.....

And finally....whale watching. Just don't bother! 5 hours trapped on a boat and we didn't see anything at all. The locals all reckon it's a con and recommend you avoid it.

Just a quick word on the nightlife in Reykjavik. Drinks are expensive so indulge in the old duty free before going out. Most of the clubs don't start till after 12 so there?s plenty of time...

NASA is a really friendly club, playing cheesy music, great for a drunken night out.

Astro is reputed to be the best c
lub in Reykjavik, and it is certainly the only club you will find dance music played with any consistency. However, the atmosphere is sterile and the locals much less engaging than at NASA.

Leave the clubs in the wee small hours and the streets are full of Icelanders having a great time and many are more than happy to accompany you to the best of local parties.

And, if you are planning a stag do. The rumours are true...Iceland has the most beautiful women in the world in numbers that you wouldn't think possible.....

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