With Iceland having announced plans to re-open to tourism on June 15, a Reykjavík-based tour operator is offering a glimpse of what early post-pandemic tourism will look like in the North Atlantic nation (and perhaps other European countries), including key differences for people looking to travel this year or next.
Hidden Iceland says it welcomes the news that the country is re-opening its borders (having, as of May 13, reported new no cases of COVID-19 for several days), but as for whether it will be back to normal, company co-founder Ryan Connolly concedes, “no.”
For example, Connolly notes that arriving passengers (who, of course, are subject to the ability to travel there from their home nations) will be required to test at the airport (unless able to provide proof of passing a recent test) with results expected within 24 hours. A failure to pass the test or refusal to take it will require a two-week quarantine, otherwise visitors can “start exploring Iceland in one form or another.”
And at that point, he enthuses, “The crowds are gone! And the discounts are plentiful!”
The following are Connelly’s answers to commonly asked customer questions regarding his company and travel in the country after June 15.
What can I do in Iceland?
All the most popular attractions in Iceland are open. That’s because, thankfully, the best attractions are… nature! For example, the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is a massive iceberg filled lagoon in the open air, in the southeast of Iceland. Happy seals, nesting birds, and black sands surround this glacier lagoon. Not crowds. Cinema’s and gyms are still closed at present, but swimming pools and hot springs are expected to re-open shortly too. Match this with an adventurous glacier hike and breathtaking drive along the base of a dormant volcano and you have quite the trip ahead of you.
Can I join a small group tour with Hidden Iceland?
In a word, yes! The rules are that you must be two rows away from your driver and have empty seats between non-family members. Luckily, Hidden Iceland’s spacious small-group vehicles (Mercedes Sprinter) will allow you to spread out safely on any scheduled tours. The maximum group size for Hidden Iceland is 12, so no big crowds to worry about. With seating restrictions, this will likely be closer to eight on average. If you want a truly private experience though, you can opt for a private trip instead. With the exchange rate as it currently stands, prices have never been lower.
What does social distancing mean for tours?
Tourists, as always, are categorised as low risk in Iceland. Mainly because they are unlikely to interact with vulnerable people while travelling. So, although you must adhere to a two-metre social distancing guideline, the only change from a normal tour is that you’ll get even more room in the vehicle.
Should I plan to come to Iceland in summer or wait a little?
Once you arrive in Iceland, it is as safe a place as anywhere in the world. A tiny population density with modern infrastructure and locally grown food. It’s not far off to refer to Iceland as a safe haven during all this. The main issue for travellers is when they return to their home countries. If you are expected to follow local protocol and quarantined for two weeks then please keep that in mind when planning out your travels to Iceland. But, summer in Iceland is truly magical. Migrating puffins, whale spotting and basking in the midnight sun make Iceland in summer superb.
Secret Lagoon
Will prices be higher because of COVID-19?
The opposite, surprisingly. Hidden Iceland is offering discounted travel for a limited time with 30 percent off any scheduled tour by using the discount code: TRAVELLATER. The big saving, however, is how the exchange rate has moved since COVID-19 begun: USD, EUR and GBP are worth far more in Iceland than before. That means your expensive dinner won’t be so expensive now.
Is winter a good time to travel to Iceland if I want to wait before travelling?
Absolutely. Ice caves, northern lights, snowy landscapes and starry skies make Iceland a winter wonderland. There are even fewer people in Iceland in winter too. Make sure to book a tour, instead of self-driving though as the road conditions can be a little tricky in winter. Our two- day, ice cave and northern lights tour is only available from November until March when Iceland is at its chilliest.
Can I rearrange my trip if travel is impacted when I’m supposed to come?
Yes, Hidden Iceland are offering a very flexible re-book option. So, if you book now and decide you want to change the dates for whatever reason, it’ll be free of charge. So, with caution, you can start planning your perfect trip to Iceland.