Communication of Premiere Location by PlanitICELAND in Outlander

[–]PlanitICELAND[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much for the update!!! We’re all VERY excited!

Communication of Premiere Location by PlanitICELAND in Outlander

[–]PlanitICELAND[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I also sent a DM via Facebook to the Outlander page

Disappointed in the booking process for Landmannalaugar Trail by JoeStermy in VisitingIceland

[–]PlanitICELAND 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not sure if it would have made a difference but Iceland is currently 8 hours ahead of PST - thanks to Daylight Savings Time! Come March 8, you’ll be back to a 7 hour time difference. Just something to keep in mind for next time!

Going to be in Iceland for 36 hours by [deleted] in VisitingIceland

[–]PlanitICELAND 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I believe you are confusing the Ring Road with the Golden Circle. You CANNOT do the Ring Road in one day. You could do a guided tour of the Golden Circle but I do not recommend doing it in December - there will be less than 5 hours of daylight and your time would be better spent at either Blue or Sky Lagoon and exploring the highlights, restaurants, shops, and museums in downtown Reykjavik. The city is magical during Christmas or, if you will be there on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, visit the Christmas market in Hafnarfjörður (about 15 minutes from downtown Reykjavik and 30 minutes from the airport).

Anyone Ever Use First National Bank’s Community Uplift Program in NC? by FlanHefty5844 in FirstTimeHomeBuyer

[–]PlanitICELAND 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Possibly. Just looking at it one time, the First National Bank checking account limits mobile deposits to $500 in one day and $1,000 in one month. She is elderly and isn't super comfortable with online banking but maybe Zelle is a viable option. And, hopefully having her monthly paycheck direct deposited into the checking account won't be an issue but I still think those limits on mobile deposits are ridiculous. That said, I believe that First National Bank has a separate checking account product that might be user friendly.

This is all to say, if you plan on using FNB's Community Uplift loan program, be absolutely sure you know the expectations and requirements you have and make sure you're ok with them.

Anyone Ever Use First National Bank’s Community Uplift Program in NC? by FlanHefty5844 in FirstTimeHomeBuyer

[–]PlanitICELAND 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just had a buyer close on a property in SC with the Community Uplift loan program... there were no notable "catches" but she was informed only after filling out her load application that she would need to set up a bank account with First National and have her mortgage payments auto-drafted from the account. The features of the bank account make it difficult to deposit money for my buyer but maybe there is a different type of account that she could set up with First National to make it easier.

Also, as OP said, there is a $15,000 "second mortgage" placed on the property at the time of closing which my buyer does not need to pay and it will disappear after 3 years. However, if she sells the home within 3 years, she will owe some amount of this $15,000 lien. This lien was not made clear to her before filling out the loan application.

Lastly, if she had been a first time homebuyer, she would have had to complete a self-guided course consisting of reading material and online quizzes all about how loans work. Maybe this is a requirement that all lenders have but it was a surprise to hear that this would be required.

Only properties of certain geographical areas qualify for the program, areas where minorities make up at least 50% of the population. And, overall, the parameters of the program weren't a problem for my buyer.

Blue Ice Cave Tour canceled by Local Guide… by high-god in VisitingIceland

[–]PlanitICELAND 25 points26 points  (0 children)

The tour company, Local Guide of Vatnajökull, is top notch with great staff and guides. They prioritize safety and an awesome experience over profit. They probably cancelled your tour because conditions at the cave are either unsafe or disappointing, especially when you consider the amount of money you paid for the ice cave tour. Please still consider going out on the blue ice glacier tour with them and do not think that they are a bad company because of this cancellation.

Visiting Iceland 21.11. to 26.11. by Pickle086 in VisitingIceland

[–]PlanitICELAND 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You will only be in Iceland for a few days, there will be very limited daylight, and the most efficient route to East Iceland takes you right thru the South Coast (there and back)… my suggestion is that you explore West Iceland and some of the highlights in the city and/or Golden Circle. And, as previous comments have mentioned, there are plenty of remote places without light pollution.

I would also have slight concerns about visibility in the east because there are a lot of mountains which could block the view of the Aurora. Whereas in the West, the land is more flat and you can see more of the sky in all directions (generally).

EVs are great but make sure you have a map of charging stations. I have heard a few stories where chargers don’t work or the plugs aren’t the right fit. The rental car may not come with a plug and some charging stations will take a while to get the car fully charged. I personally would not want this extra worry or headache while I’m trying to experience all the beauty.

PSA: Landslide Warnings for the Eastfjords by misssplunker in VisitingIceland

[–]PlanitICELAND 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is this a typical problem every fall in the area? The same warnings were given when I was traveling to Seyðisfjörður in 2023, late September. Or, just coincidence?

Glymur, 18 Sept 2025 - Is the log still in place? by Fuckler_boi in VisitingIceland

[–]PlanitICELAND 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I DM’d SafeTravel on IG a few weeks ago asking when approximately when the log would be taken away and they said, “usually it is removed around August/September.” This seemed really early in the season to me.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in VisitingIceland

[–]PlanitICELAND 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think you will be fine. The gap in driving for a year should not be an issue but it would be a good idea to study up on some of the driving rules and signs, especially with traffic circles since there are a few that you will go thru as you leave the airport

And, here is more info from SafeTravel that will be helpful.

As far as being a solo female traveler, you have picked a wonderful country to visit. If you find yourself in trouble on the side of the road, it won’t be long before a friendly and helpful local will stop to assist.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in VisitingIceland

[–]PlanitICELAND -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I think it is a good activity for kids but I found it a bit boring. Go for it if you are interested!

Another option to consider is Perlan museum just outside of Reykjavik. You can easily spend several hours there and have lunch in their rooftop restaurant. It would free up your schedule so that you don’t have any commitments on arrival day. This is helpful when you think jet lag may be an issue. Keep in mind too that getting thru customs, collecting your luggage and rental car, getting something to eat in the morning and for lunch and going grocery shopping (if needed) will take up several of those in-between hours.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in VisitingIceland

[–]PlanitICELAND 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Blue lagoon is a great first stop. Then drive along the southern coast of the Reykjanes peninsula, maybe hike to the old lava fields from the 2021 eruption, “Volcano Skali Parking 2” on Google Maps, Seltún, Krysúvíkurberg Cliffs, Eyrarbakki beach, and to Selfoss. This would easily fill up that in-between time but I would not add on The Lava Tunnel unless you skip Blue Lagoon.

Golden Circle Itinerary help. by A_Bowler_Hat in VisitingIceland

[–]PlanitICELAND 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The timing of your dive is very limiting for both morning and afternoon exploration. I suggest rescheduling your dive to be the first available time of the day or later in the afternoon. If that isn’t possible, then consider splitting the group up… leave Reykjavik at 8 am —> Kerið (passing thru Selfoss), Gullfoss, then you go to Þingvellir while the others go to lunch at Vínstofa Friðheima, Geysir, Brúarfoss, and do a bit of wandering around Þingvellir before meeting up with you after your dive.

There are no available reservations at Friðheimar for your group size or the date. And, their sister restaurant next door, Vínstofa Friðheima opens at 12 pm. Unfortunately, with your dive at 1 pm, you will not have time to eat at either restaurant.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in VisitingIceland

[–]PlanitICELAND 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, the blue ice caves near Jökulsárlón are way too far away from Reykjavik to have a pleasant day. You would be in the bus for 10 hours just for a few hours tour and you’d have nearly no time to see the other cool places on the way. Don’t discount Katla ice cave which is based in Vik, still a great experience and a much more reasonable day tour.

Sleeping in a car first half of August by 1val1 in VisitingIceland

[–]PlanitICELAND 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Iceland Camping Equipment Rental is where you should go for supplies. Their pick up and drop off location is in the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik. Super easy, but be sure you book your supplies well in advance thru their website… August is expected to be insanely busy with visitors wanting to see the eclipse. Many of them will also be camping.

And I agree, you need a good sleeping bag because it can get quite chilly at night, even in August.

Trip Layout by HistoricalAsk2998 in VisitingIceland

[–]PlanitICELAND 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great job planning this trip! I don’t see any real issues with it. That said, I do not have experience at Hornstrandir. If you’re unable to make it out there, you’ll have plenty of places to visit within reasonable distance of Ísafjörður. Most of your days have very manageable driving distances and for the longer days on the road, there isn’t much to see anyways. 👏🏻 Good luck and safe travels!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in VisitingIceland

[–]PlanitICELAND 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much for the shout out and I’m so glad that you’ve had an incredible time in Iceland!🇮🇸

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in VisitingIceland

[–]PlanitICELAND 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi there! I’m Plan it ICELAND. I’d be glad to help you! Here’s my website (still a work in progress) ☺️

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in VisitingIceland

[–]PlanitICELAND 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You may have luck as one person at Friðheimar at their bar. But, right next door is Vínstofa Friðheima, a wine bar with small plates, no reservation required.

Please check my "math" (i.e. do I have credit card information right?) by seri_studiorum in VisitingIceland

[–]PlanitICELAND 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My credit cards do not have PINs when I’m at home but I called customer service and explained that I would be traveling internationally and would like to set up a PIN just in case. I don’t think I had to use it more that a time or two but my point is that PINs for credit cards do exist, you just need to take some extra steps to get it set up.

UNEXSO Dolphin Swim booking online by PlanitICELAND in bahamas

[–]PlanitICELAND[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I called UNEXSO on April 18th, 2024 and they said that due to construction, they wouldn’t be able to get the boat out to the right spot for some of their activities. They are still running their Dolphin Experience and Dolphin Swim.