Europe on a Budget: The Best of Iceland

Iceland's Blue Lagoon

If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly way to get to Europe, you could do worse than taking advantage of Iceland’s ultra-low cost airline, WOW, which includes a visit to Iceland for an unlimited amount of time.

Iceland. Yes, Iceland. It ranks number 14 in Zoomer‘s top 17 places to go in 2017.

Known for its natural wonders, dramatic landscapes and Reykjavik’s up and coming cosmopolitan lifestyle, the sudden, intense surge in demand for this destination that started last year is continuing for 2017, says Cris David, President of Insight Vacations Canada on where his guests are going next. If anything, Iceland is growing in popularity and they are continuing to receive an overwhelming amount of tourist arrivals. But it’s not just Insight or Zoomer that says so. Hotel search engine Booking.com says Reykjavik consistently ranks as the number 1 destination trending globally on the company’s search list.

Everybody loves a reason to celebrate, and when there’s potential travel involved, we love it even more. To celebrate the one year Canadian anniversary of WOW air, Iceland’s only ultra-low cost airline is launching summer flights, with the European traveller in mind. According to the airline, almost 200,000 Canadians have already made the journey. Now, with the WOW Stopover, which includes a visit to Iceland for an unlimited amount of time, before heading on to destinations in Europe and beyond, even more of us can.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to get to Europe, here’s what’s on offer: For 2017 travel from June to August from Montreal and Toronto to Iceland starting from C$159.99, and to Amsterdam, Paris, London, Berlin and Frankfurt starting from C$249.99. September to November from Montreal and Toronto to Iceland starting from C$119.99, and to Amsterdam, Paris, London, Berlin and Frankfurt starting from C$219.99

wowair.ca

www.visiticeland.com

Next: a checklist of Must-Dos while on a stopover – or a just a full-on stay – in Iceland, courtesy of our friends at WOW Air.

Here, a checklist of Must-Sees while on a stopover – or a just a full-on stay – in Iceland, courtesy of WOW Air:

  1. The Blue Lagoon: This naturally-heated thermal pool is the ideal way to get refreshed post-flight. Pro tip: hourly bus service to/from the airport; lockers on site to store luggage; opens at 8 am but pre-booking is necessary.
  2. Reykjavik: Iceland’s capital city encourages eating like a local. Head to Baejarins beztu pylsur for a world-famoust hot dog or if you’re feeling daring, try an Icelandic delicacy: hákarl, fermented shark. Pro tip: 24-hour storage for luggage at the BSI bus terminal.
  3. Take a stroll up Skólavöröustigur Street and climb the tower at Hallgrimskirkja Church for a great view of the city and Instagram-worthy shots.
  4. Go whale- and puffin-watching in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour.
  5. Dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Dill is Iceland’s only restaurant to hold the honour. Or try the seafood at Kopar and dine with a view as the restaurant overlooks the marina. For meat lovers, head to The Grillmarket.      wowair.cawww.visiticeland.com