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Budget Babes Do Iceland’s Golden Loop: The most popular traveling route in Iceland that conveniently hits the highlights in a day trip from Reykjavik. Yet, my friend and I discovered that budget babes need at least two days to leisurely experience this iconic trail while avoiding packed tour groups. Beginning our camper van journey at noon, to ensure that the tours are stops ahead of you allowed us to savor Iceland’s legendary Golden Circle at our own pace and with less crowds.
From erupting geysers to towering waterfalls, this drive unveils cinematic views around every bend. Though many tours tackle this compact loop in a hurried day, we stretched our dollars and time to immerse in the magic of Iceland’s treasured sites. (Be sure to grab out downloadable guide in my “Iceland Bonus Content” section.
Budget Babes Do Iceland’s Golden Loop – Table Of Contents
Read the full Iceland destination guide from a Latina Expat.
Plan Your Budget Babes Iceland Trip
 Flight |  Stay |  Do |  Drive |
| Skyscanner | Agoda | GetYourGuide | Rentalcars.com |
Ways To Get Around Iceland
| Camper van | Cruising Iceland in a camper van is the ULTIMATE road trip experience. Ours gave us the flexibility to chase sunsets and easily change our itinerary to visit the Golden Circle. Whether basic or splurging for amenities, rent This 4-Day gOLDEN cIRCLE cAMPER vAN with Viator. |
| Tour | If you prefer having someone else drive, yet crave the stunning vistas of Iceland’s Golden Circle then these tours based on your time are ideal choices: 2-Day South Coast Tour | Golden Circle, South Coast & Black Beach 1-Day Small Group Golden Circle, Fridheimar & Sky Lagoon Tour |
| Fly | Check out cheap flights to Iceland using Skyscanner – your most trustworthy travel companion. |
| Car Rental | Depending on your group size, additional sights planned, and whether you choose not to travel with a camper van, renting a car will likely prove to be the more economical choice. Book your car rental. |
Budget Babes Do Iceland Travel Tips
| Money Accepted: | While credit cards are widely accepted, it’s wise to carry cash too, especially since certain stretches of the Ring Road can feel quite isolated. | ||
| Safety In Iceland: | This adventurous Latina and her thrill-seeking friend felt entirely safe while exploring Iceland’s Golden Loop in a camper van. | ||
| Friendly To Tourists/Latinas: | We encountered mostly individuals involved in tourism or fellow travelers like ourselves while exploring the Golden Loop but those who we met were friendly enough. | ||
| Length Of Stay: | To fully explore Iceland’s Golden Circle, I’d suggest dedicating 2 days, although it can be feasibly completed in just 1. Simply ensure an early start, and note that numerous tours offer day-trip options which will also start early. | ||
| Additional Tips: | In Iceland, Icelandic is the primary language. English is spoken by many which eliminates the need to refresh your language skills before your visit. Although I enjoy solo travel, I highly suggest exploring this country with a companion, particularly when venturing into the more secluded ambience of the Golden Loop. Hoping to catch the iconic Northern Lights? Leverage the Aurora Forecast map and download the ‘My Aurora Forecast & Alerts’ app which provides up to date readings on the best time, location and cloud coverage. To capture the best pictures of the Northern lights using your mobile device download the ‘Northern Lights Photo Taker’ and/or ‘NightCap Pro’ app. |
8 Sights In Iceland’s Golden Circle
Thingvellir National Park
This is where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Silfra Fissure
An open rift between the plates that one can snorkel and dive between the plates. Highly recommended by Ronnie who did this activity while we visited the Golden Circle.
Geysir Geothermal Field
Smell the sulfur, see the geyser erupt and bask in nature steaming and bubbling all around you.
The Great Geysir
Oldest geyser in Europe but unfortunately no longer active unlike Strokkur Geyser.
Strokkur Geyser
The most active sprouting hot spring in Iceland that erupts every 5-10 minutes.
Gullfoss Waterfall
One of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland.
Kerið Crater
A volcanic crater lake in Grimsnes and from our personal opinion more picturesque online at least during the time of year that we went. If you find the time, consider a stop and certainly let us know if it’s better during other months of the year.
Secret Lagoon
This geothermal pool has a sprouting geyser and a fabulous way to unwind after a day of touring the sites of the Golden Circle.
Skip the Line: Secret Lagoon Entrance Ticket
TIP: Fludir camping is a short drive away from this lagoon and a perfect place to lay your head without having to go far after your warm splash.
Must Do Experience In Iceland’s Golden Loop
Silfra Fissure Snorkel & Dive
My road trip partner in crime, Ronnie strongly suggests this Silfra: Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates – meet on location excursion amid the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. An activity she experienced on our Golden Circle tour. I opted out due to not feeling like a strong swimmer. Silfra is renowned for its glacier meltwater-filled rifts, and offers a thrilling adventure. The tour includes all essentials like a guide, dry suit, and entrance fees, ensuring a hassle-free and unforgettable experience. Afterwards, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies to unwind.
See a full list of experiences from Viator.
Iceland Bonus Content
Plan even more for your adventure through Iceland with these itineraries and resources.
Golden Circle & 1/2 Ring Road 9 Day itinerary
Ring Road Iceland 9-Day itinerary
Latina Travel Blogger Iceland Food Guide
Reykjavik Snapshot For A Girls’ Road Trip
Amigas Explore The Ring Road Of Iceland
Budget Stays In Iceland For Roadtrippers
Iceland Roadways: How To Navigate The Roads
Want to discover where else you can visit?
See my Travel Guides Section for tips and recommendations for other cities I have visited.
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