Issue 1 Freedom Trip
Travel far enough, you meet yourself. David Mitchell Why go? Get ready to experience freedom like never before. Portugal, Spain and Iceland will provide just the feeling you ve been searching for. Each destination has been carefully selected to provide you with the best travel experience. To ensure you have the most enjoyable and fulfilling trip, take full advantage of all of our tips and recommendations as you embark on your amazing adventure. Make sure you really engage with the culture and people around you. Forget about the dos and don ts you ve been telling yourself all these years just have fun. We often go through our days doing everything we re supposed to do and we forget to do what is good for us. So, get ready to gallop through acres of green pastures and forge your own path through the vast wilderness! Camp on a cliff so high it s as if you re on the edge of the universe. Cherish the freedom of life and forget about material things.
About Us We re not just a travel company, we re your best friend! We ll be with you from the beginning until the end, guiding you step by step to your next European getaway. Unlike typical travel agencies, we strive to provide a truly life-changing travel experience, that fits both your style and budget. By offering exclusive prices combined with a unique destinations, an interactive countdown and expert travel recommendations, we are guaranteed to create the perfect trip for you. Whether you are looking to try something new, feel a certain way, be in that dream place or simply get out of your daily routine, we will make your dream vacation a reality. And guess what? Like a true best friend, we re keeping your destination a surprise, because where s the fun in knowing? Mystery is life s greatest beauty.
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BEFORE THE TRIP Your adventure starts with flights, but don t worry we ve got you covered! The ideal option is to catch an overnight flight to Europe. If you re unable to do so, we suggest that you adjust your days accordingly as this itinerary is structured for 10 full days of complete freedom and we wouldn t want you to miss one second! As you ll be taking several flights during your trip, we suggest you start your trip on a Sunday or Tuesday to get the best airfares. Keep in mind that sometimes the greatest locations can be hidden. But don t worry! These treasured spots are well worth the journey and with our tips, you ll arrive in no time.
The first location on your itinerary is Reykjavik, Iceland. Flying directly there can be expensive. If you have trouble finding cheap flights, we suggest you fly to London and catch another flight from there. If that s still too rich for your blood, keep reading for some tips on how to make your money go farther: 1. Fly to the cheapest place in Europe and catch a flight from there to Reykjavik. 2. Some of the best tools to use for flights are: Google Flights which allows you to look over a map and pick the cheapest destinations according to the days you re traveling. Skiplagged also provides hidden flights that are at times 50% cheaper than advertised. The site allows you to make use of connecting flights that may not be advertised on their own. You can skip one leg of a flight and only take the flight you need to get to your destination. 3. Flights around Europe are quite cheap. However, budget airlines usually have strict baggage allowance rules, so be sure to check the airline s baggage policy beforehand. To stay on the safe side we suggest you pack light. After all, this trip is about freedom! Who wants to lug around an overweight suitcase? Bring the essentials and you ll be fine. 4. Flights to and from big cities are usually less expensive. 5. BUY THE TICKETS IN ADVANCE! 6. Don t forget to check citizenship permissions for each country you re flying to. You may have to apply for a visa before you visit. Below are links to the visa requirements for the countries featured in your itinerary. Iceland Portugal Spain If you d rather not worry about booking tickets at all, we also offer the option of a completely stress-free vacation. Contact us through our website www.travelniq.com if you would like us to book you the cheapest flights, along with activities and accommodations from this itinerary, for an additional fee of $100 per person. For any questions regarding booking flights, please email us at support@travelniq.com.
REYKJAVIK RECOMMENDATIONS The first stop on your trip to freedom is Iceland! This island in the North Atlantic is quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations in Europe. It s known for its rugged and unpredictable landscape, going from geysers, to natural hot springs, to active volcanoes in the blink of an eye. Just beneath the surface runs a network of natural geothermal water, which provides the majority of the country s heat. Iceland truly is a beautiful place, from its rolling green mountains and waterfalls to its ashy black lava fields and pebbled beaches. There s no better place to venture into the unknown. Watch Video
Transportation GET A CAR! Whether you re on your own or traveling with loved ones or friends, part of feeling free is dependent on reliable and flexible transportation. Many travelers rent campers, but we suggest you rent a 4x4 with a tent on the roof! Traveling like this means you can carry your accommodations with you and fully enjoy this beautiful island without worrying on where to stay. You can also rent a regular 4x4 and bring tents to go camping! To provide you peace of mind, we re happy to let you know that Iceland is one of the safest places on earth. Tips for Cars We recommend you get a 4x4 car that can drive on gravel roads and handle Iceland s tough terrain. Many roads are unpaved, so a sturdy car that can handle off-roading is necessary (be sure to ask before you rent it). For added peace of mind, you may consider purchasing insurance for your rental car. With that said, many people choose to opt out of insurance without any issues. This choice will depend on the time of year you travel, the road conditions, and your personal preference. Get a GPS it will keep you from getting too lost! Remember that there may be different traffic laws than you re familiar with. For example, turning right on red lights is not allowed in Iceland. There are hidden cameras in the highways that take pictures if you pass the speed limit, so go slow. Besides, you re here to stop and smell the roses! There s no need to rush. Speed is measured in kilometers not miles.
Rental Options If you decide to rent a car, here are some of the best, most convenient options: Reykjavik Rent a Car provides good options for many different styles of cars Car Rental in Iceland this company is very similar to the one above. However, Reykjavik Rent a Car often provides better prices; but if for some reason the car you want is unavailable, check this company to see if they have it. Car Renters this is a good option for those traveling on a tight budget. Cars are rented out by locals, often for a cheaper price! Accommodation Hotels and hostels are quite expensive. If you do not choose to rent a car, we suggest you find a place in the city center on Airbnb. Below are some of our top picks! Airbnb #1 ($$) This B&B boasts a cheap price and a modern, private room near the city center. It s also got Wi-Fi and a shared kitchen, for those who enjoy cooking. Airbnb #2 ($$) A cozy, private studio just outside the city. This place is best for groups or families, with its four beds, nice kitchen, and (of course) Wi-Fi. Oddson Hostel ($) This lowpriced hostel is just a short walk from city; and with amenities like a rooftop hot tub, you can t go wrong. Castle House Luxury Apartments ($$) We said hotels are expensive, but this is the exception! This luxurious, affordable hotel has apartmentstyle rooms and is right in the heart of the city.
Iceland was supposed to be called Greenland and Greenland, Iceland. However, at that time, Greenland wanted to establish a new settlement. Eric the Red, who was one of the first settlers in Greenland, reasoned that people wouldn t be very eager to settle in an unknown land, 80% of which is ice, so he named it Greenland to get volunteers. Basically, he tricked people to skip Iceland and make their way to Greenland instead. Although it may have been a bit warmer at the time and even had some forests, it was still nowhere near the paradise the name suggests. Before we cover the itinerary, keep in mind that the suggestions are made with the assumption that you will rent a car. If that is not the case, please check the companies listed below, they provide transportation for day trips from your accommodation in Reykjavik. These trips feature extraordinary locations that will leave you speechless and give you a sense of freedom. Iceland Travel - this multi-day tour is great and includes most of the activities we will cover in the itinerary. We suggest you book through this company, as it provides a full and easy experience. However, if you can t find something that fits your needs, try booking through Get Your Guide. This company also has several fun and reasonably priced day trips. Even if you re planning to use these agencies, I suggest you keep reading to get inspiration for which activities to do, along with tips on how to explore each place.
DAY 1 Morning Arrive in your primary destination and board your flight to Reykjavik (remember: the earlier, the better). Our itinerary assumes you will be arriving by 10:00am. Once you arrive, make sure you ve arranged for someone from the car rental company to pick you up. Once you ve got your car and are settled into your room, make your way to your first attraction. Afternoon The best way to start off your tour of Iceland s stunning landscape is with a long drive along the Golden Circle. With plenty of stops for photos along the way, the Circle is a great way to see Iceland s dramatic scenery. Check out the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in Thingvellir National Park, where you can stand on the exact meeting place of the North American and Eurasion tectonic plates. Don t miss Lake Thingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland, or Geysir, a sulfuric area filled with unique mineral formations and home to the Strokkur geyser. Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss and much more! Finally, save the best for last and hike to the Golden Falls for breathtaking views of a 100-foot waterfall. This trip will take at least few hours driving, and longer for exploring, so plan accordingly. Iceland is called the land of fire and ice, and today, you ll understand why. You ll see some amazing natural wonders that we guarantee will take your breath away. Take lots of pictures, if you like, but don t worry too much about capturing the moment on film. Instead, explore with an open mind and let yourself soak in Iceland s true beauty. At the end of this trip, you ll better understand the power nature has to enrich your life.
Follow this route: 1. Start with a Horseback Riding experience. Horses in Iceland are the smallest in the world and they have extremely stylish hair! What better way to start the day than by galloping freely through the countryside? 2. Leave from Horseback Riding or, if you skipped this, the Airport. Head to Reykjadalur Springs (Reykjadalur Hot Spring Trailhead) 1 hour drive. If you enjoy hiking and are looking for an alternative to visiting the popular Blue Lagoon, this is the place for you. Nothing can compare to bathing in a secluded natural hot spring in the Icelandic wilderness. It is a 3km walk from the parking area to the riverside (plan for 2-hours each way) and there s a path leading there, so you can t miss it. Along the way, you can see many of Iceland s hot springs - it is an amazing experience, and it s absolutely free. Remember: the higher up you go, the hotter the water will be, so test the water as you climb to see where you d like to jump in. If you re not much of a hiker, we still suggest you go and walk around a bit, as it s a wonderful experience. Don t forget to bring some beers and enjoy Iceland s hidden hot water wonderland! 3. Reykjadalur Springs to Thingvellit National Park (1hr) Where else in the world can you walk between the tectonic plates of two continents? Experience the craggy cliffsides and streaming waterfalls that surround you; where the Icelandic Parliament, one of the first parliaments ever created, was established. Book a snorkeling excursion between tectonic plates: here