Iceland Vacations

Do you want an Iceland Vacation?

Let us curate your Iceland vacation with attention to every detail. From the *initial consultation * to your bon voyage send-off, nothing is off-limits and nothing is left to chance unless of course, that is what you want.

The blue lagoon vs your private cave lagoon

Oven in the ground, bread in a bucket, vodka on the back of a super Jeep

Two-lane roads and no lane roads…rain on the left, no rain and rainbows on the right

Drive through a river on your way to a glacier

Little planes that take you to big places.

Lava fields, trolls, volcanos, and dancing lights in a surreal night sky.

Your view on the ring road….camera ready

Your view of the golden circle….eye-popping

Your view on our roads…what memories should be made of
*consultation fee is applied to package

Chloe Johnston Experiences will turn your travel dreams into memorable realities. Sometimes, however, despite those special experiences we create, we understand that you don’t always need a travel concierge. We can still totally spin some magic on those DIYs, but with just a list to start, you can begin the journey on your own and leave the tough part to us!

Here are some suggested DIYs!!

1. Blue Lagoon
2. Golden Circle
3. Hallgrímskirkja
4. Gullfoss Waterfall
5. Volcano Hekla
6. Reynisfjara Beach
7. Seljavallalaug Pool
8. Thingvellir National Park
9. Ring Road

What to wear in Iceland?

• You want to be comfortable! Iceland temperatures can change at the drop of a hat so be prepared. We suggest packing waterproof pants, a waterproof jacket, a hat, gloves, and a scarf.
• Bring layers!
• Waterproof shoes are recommended. Be sure your shoes are also great for walking and/or hiking.
• A bathing suit for any hot springs.

Phone plan?

• For Verizon users, call Verizon to activate your travel pass. It’s $10/day and your phone functions the same way abroad as it does at home. Most phone services now have similar options but be sure to call your service to be sure.

Exchanging money?

• We suggest going to your bank before you leave to exchange your money. Exchanging money at the airport can be more expensive than doing so with your bank. The other option would be to use your ATM card and taking out money directly once at your destination. You will need to call your bank ahead of time to let them know you will be traveling and find out any withdraw maximums to avoid freezing your bank cards.

Do my credit cards work there?

• Credit cards are in fact the preferred method of payment! Make sure you call your credit cards before you leave to let them know you will be traveling.
• Find out from your credit card if there are any international fees

Should I tip?

• In Iceland tipping is not mandatory, leaving some change in a cafe is perfectly acceptable if the service is good. If you are enjoying fine dining again tipping is not mandatory, however, if you choose to tip 10% is more than appropriate.
• For any experiences, tips are more than welcome.

How do I not look like a tourist?

• If you need a map use the one on your phone.
• Pay attention to your volume level when in public places. Americans tend to be louder than most.
• It’s better to be safe in the weather, than worried about fashion. Trust us!
• Be conscious of nature and respect your surroundings. Iceland is beautiful and in order to keep it preserved, please be respectful of where you are.
• Our best advice, don’t worry. Focus on having a good time!

Do I need to buy an adaptor?

• Yes, you will need to buy an adaptor. If you forget an adaptor, airports will definitely have one. Here is a link to an option that can be used in multiple countries.

Will my hairdryer or straightener work?

• Most of the hotels or Airbnb’s will have hair dryers. If you bring your own straightener they will not work. You can either buy a cheap one while you are there or go with natural hair during your stay.
• PS. If you are worried about your hair, wear a great hat; your hair is going to be blown, sprayed with water from some source, and generally fabulously messy!

Do I need trip insurance?

• Chloe Johnston Experiences STRONGLY recommends all participants purchase trip cancellation insurance for protection against trip cancellation, modification, unforeseen circumstances, delayed flights, additional costs incurred due to events that may happen as part of travel, medical or family emergencies, lost baggage situations, full medical coverage abroad, and more. Chloe Johnston Experiences is NOT an insurance provider.                        
• Chloe Johnston Experiences is not responsible for costs incurred by participants preparing for a trip that is altered or canceled. We are not responsible for airfare purchased for a trip that is altered or canceled. These are items that should be covered by the insurance policy. It is the sole responsibility of the purchaser to determine the extent to which the chosen policy covers any event.

• Most of the exploring you will be doing in Iceland will be outdoors, please dress accordingly and be prepared to walk.
• If you have specific concerns regarding physical demands, please let us know as these will be critical to planning your trip!
• We can make accommodations but need to know your concerns and limitations
• Dress comfortably!
• Bring rain gear.

• Call credit cards
• Stop mail
• Create a new music playlist
• Talk to your neighbors/local friends and family to inform them that you’ll be away
• Call your phone company and set up an international plan
• Check that your passport is up to date (must not expire within 6 months of travel) and take a copy with you
• Check to see if you need a visa
• Wash your clothes/laundry  and bring a bag for dirty clothes
• Check outlet compatibility
• Charge your electronics
• Pick out a favorite book, movie
• Download a favorite show, movie, book, or game
• Organize pet sitters if needed
• Prepare a carry on according to airline demands considering size, weight, and liquids
• Arrange transportation to the airport
• Check the map of transportation in Iceland
• Confirm hotel or lodging arrangements, if not booked with CJE
• Check-in on your flight 24 hours in advance
• Confirm transportation after arriving at the destination; print details, if not booked with CJE
• Buy tickets ahead of time to travel to neighboring cities, if not booked with CJE
• Pack medicine and vitamins you made need
• Pack chargers

Iceland Vacation Packages: Aurora Borealis
Sept. to mid-April

Though Iceland promises no guarantees to tourists regarding the chances of catching a glimpse, however, the best season to see the northern lights in Iceland is from September to mid-April, the months when there are full dark nights. In Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital and only city, the northern lights can be seen by taking a walk down to the Grotta lighthouse, where light pollution is at a minimum. The Snaefellsnes peninsula and fishing villages like Akranes and Borgarnes are excellent viewing locations in West Iceland, and of course, lighthouses, favored by photographers, are equally magnificent spots. In Reykjavik, Akranes lighthouse is considered to be the best.

Friðheimar

Anyone with even an inkling of lust for tomatoes will fall deeply in love with Friðheimar. Meals are served in a greenhouse amid tomato plants of all shapes and sizes, basking in the artificial light and waiting to be brought to life by its family-run kitchen. The menu is small, but mighty, and don’t even dare to think about skipping the tomato soup. Or, the Bloody Marys.

Fiskmarkaðurinn

Forget everything you know about fresh seafood because here, in Iceland, you are getting the crème de la crème. And, one of the best places to sample a range of seafood prepared in the most pristine manner is at Fiskmarkadurrin (Fish Market). The meat selection and preparation is equally tantalizing, purchased from local farmers and as pure as it gets. Whale, puffin, blue ling… all wonderful specimens just waiting to tease your taste buds. A tasting menu is a fantastic option for dining with family and friends, and for everyone else, there are succulent beef and lamb dishes.

Tour: Iceland Tour, 2017

“Iceland is truly a treasure!! Chloe set up Whale Watching, nights out in Reykjavík, and horse back riding! It was unreal! I HIGHLY recommend Chloe and her company! First rate! ”
– Kate, Boston, MA