10 Things You'll Wish You Had Packed for Your Trip to Iceland

Iceland is a beautiful country with plenty of activities to keep you busy. I just returned from my first trip to this amazing place, and there are a few things I wish I had known to pack before I left. Whether you're hiking, sightseeing, or just relaxing in the hot springs, you'll want to make sure you have everything you need. Here are 11 things that you'll wish you had packed for your trip to Iceland.

- A good pair of hiking boots: Iceland is full of beautiful hikes, but they can be tough on your feet if you're not used to it. I would recommend packing a good pair of hiking boots that will support your ankles and keep your feet comfortable. Bonus points if you've taken the time to break them in before you leave!

- A rain jacket: Iceland is known for its unpredictable weather, so it's always a good idea to pack a rain jacket. You never know when you'll need it, but you'll be glad you have it when the rain starts pouring...and it will. I visited in May, and ended up using my rain jacket nearly every day.

- A bathing suit: Iceland is home to some amazing hot springs, and there's nothing better than soaking in one after a long day of exploring. Make sure to pack a bathing suit so you can enjoy all the natural heat Iceland has to offer.

- Upper Layers: I've already mentioned that Iceland's weather is unpredictable. Within the scope of one day during my trip, I experienced full sun, dense fog, rain, and snow. I was making good use of my long-sleeve shirts, sweaters & sweatshirts, puffer coat and rain jacket. It was also my experience that the indoor temperatures were pretty toasty, so there were times when I wanted to get myself back down to some short sleeves. Being able to quickly adjust what you're wearing and maintain a comfortable temperature is key!

- Lower layers: If you're headed to Iceland to explore the great outdoors, you should also consider the bottom half of your clothes. I had packed leggings for my outdoor adventures, and I ended up buying some lightly lined water-resistant pants to go over them (as some mist from some waterfalls had me completely drenched).

- A warm hat: Again, this is something I didn't think I would use much and ended up using on a daily basis. A nice beanie to keep your head and ears warm is an easy thing to bring along for those "just in case" moments.

- A first-aid kit: Iceland is a safe country, but it's always a good idea to be prepared. I would recommend packing a small first-aid kit in case you need it. I got a couple of scratches from brushing up against rocks during our adventures, and having a little first-aid kit was really helpful. Another good thing to add to that is a blister prevention/treatment kit in case your shoes didn't treat you right.

- An extra pair of socks: Iceland can be cold, even in the summer. I would recommend packing an extra pair of socks so you can always keep your feet warm.

- A reusable water bottle: Iceland has some of the cleanest and tastiest water in the world, so there's no need to buy expensive bottled water. I would recommend packing a reusable water bottle so you can fill it up and stay hydrated while you're on the go.

- Some nicer, going-out clothes. With all of the outdoor exploring you're likely to be doing, you might be tempted to pack only casual and technical gear. But you shouldn't forget that Iceland also has some lovely and delicious restaurants--and you wouldn't want to feel out of place by being underdressed. Do yourself a favor and pack at least one nice outfit for going out to dinner, because you don't want to miss out!

These are just a few of the things you'll want to pack for your trip to Iceland. With these items, you'll be prepared for anything the country has to offer!

Are you ready for your own Iceland adventure? Reach out to start planning!