Get creative
Organize your art supplies and get to crafting. Consider recreating nature’s beauty by painting the gorgeous Northern Lights or iconic Icelandic glaciers like Vatnajökull or Mýrdalsjökull.
Need more inspiration? Check out this virtual hike of one of Iceland’s glaciers.
Pick a film
Watch a movie that relates to your destination. Some ideas for Iceland include:
- The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
- Oblivion (2013)
- Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Study some history
Dive deep into the history of specific sites you’ll visit on tour. Study the Cod Wars, the only battles Iceland has waged. Discover the beauty of Gullfoss Falls and how it’s been protected and preserved, or learn the origins of the Blue Lagoon, where a combination of nature, design, and science create a world of wonder and wellness. Then, explore a volcano from above and below with this virtual tour!
Choose a book
Read and discuss a book that takes place in your destination or describes the local culture. Pick from titles like:
- The Sagas of the Icelanders by Jane Smilely
- The Fish Can Sing by Halldor Laxness
- Names for the Sea: Strangers in Iceland by Sarah Moss
Fill up your plate
Arrange a potluck and encourage your friends to bring a traditional dish from your destination. Know a chef? Hold a virtual cooking class and learn how to cook Icelandic lamb with your travel group, or support a local restaurant that offers delivery/take-out of your destination’s cuisine. Consider trying skyr (Icelandic yogurt) or harðfiskur (dried fish).
Learn the language
Call up a friend or set up a group video chat and practice your language skills. It helps to make flashcards with common sayings to use on the phone or throughout your travels (think about ordering at restaurants, buying souvenirs, and chatting with locals).
Did you know?
There are no surnames or family names in Iceland. Instead, Icelanders use the traditional Nordic naming system, which includes a last name that is comprised from their father’s (or mother’s) first name with the addition of -dóttir (-daughter) or -son.