How to Plan Your Iceland Trip Based on Your Travel Style

You know how some people love to plan trips – like, genuinely enjoy the whole process?

They research every detail, map out the perfect route, and then make spreadsheets that are color-coded and alphabetized.

(Think Monica from the show “Friends”!)

And then others would rather do ANYTHING else.

They just want to show up, be handed an itinerary, and be told where to go and when. Not have to think twice about it.

Iceland is one of those destinations where your travel planning style REALLY matters.

The weather, the distances, the driving conditions – it’s not a place where you can totally wing it.

But how you prepare depends entirely on how your brain works.

So let’s break it down.

I’ll show you two different travel planning styles, and you can decide which one feels most like you (or maybe you’re a mix of both!).

Either way, I’ve got a couple of resources that’ll make the whole planning process so much easier, no matter your planning style.

Let’s get into it!

Table of Contents:

3 Questions to Help You Identify Your Travel Planning Style

3 Questions to Help You Identify Your Travel Planning Style

Landscape View of the Vík Town in Iceland | Iceland with a View

Before you get lost in Google Maps and packing lists, it’s worth asking:

What kind of traveler are you?

Figuring this out BEFORE nailing down the nitty gritty of your Iceland trip can make the whole process so much easier (and way more fun!).

Ask yourself these questions to start planning with clarity and confidence.

1. How Much Do You Like Planning?

In the years I’ve spent helping people plan their perfect trip to Iceland, I’ve discovered that there are two main travel planning styles.

(Quick Note: Remember that there’s no one right way to plan. The goal is to find what works for you and plan around that!)

The Planner

Picture of Jeannie Reading a Paper Map Near her Defender Truck in the F-roads in Iceland | Iceland with a View

You’re that friend.

The designated planner of every group.

When someone suggests a tour, your answer is usually: ‘Thanks, but no thanks. I like to map it out myself.’

You get a thrill from researching everything and putting together the puzzle pieces.

Restaurants get bookmarked.

Routes get mapped out.

Your Google Docs is a Russian nesting doll of folders within folders.

Planning is basically your love language!

But even though you love the process, sometimes the information overload is real.

You’ve already devoured the blogs and read a thousand TripAdvisor reviews, but what you really need is a reliable starting point that cuts through the noise.

A smart planning tool that gives you control, insider tips, and time-saving shortcuts.

Following a tour is too rigid, and you thrive on flexible schedules, not cookie-cutter itineraries.

You need something that’ll help you piece together your perfect adventure, with all the best stuff in one place.

Is that too much to ask??!

Not at all, my friend!

What You Need: Iceland Map + Guidebook

For the Planner, I highly recommend my 👉 Iceland Map + Guidebook.

This is for people who like to plan, but don’t want to waste hours getting lost (or led astray!) in internet rabbit holes.

While you enjoy the planning process, you know how important it is to get accurate, expert information (and even better if it’s all in one spot!).

Because there’s nothing worse than getting super excited about doing a hike that user “IcelandFan01” gushed about, only to find out that it’s closed for the season!

I give you expert, reliable, up-to-date details, because not only do I live in Iceland, I visit these places all.the.time!

You also get a downloadable PDF guidebook that you can refer to throughout your entire trip.

It takes you through how to prepare for Iceland, and details region-specific highlights and insider information.

The digital map includes hundreds of pinned locations, and not only the main sights, but hidden gems and practical details you need to know, like where the gas stations and grocery stores are.

You’ll still have full control, but without playing the “Is this actually worth visiting?” guessing game.

Banner Shop for Iceland Guidebook and Map | Iceland with a View

The ‘Done-For-Me’ Traveler

If The Planner is Monica with her laminated itinerary and color-coded folders…

The Done-For-Me Traveler is Joey.

Just tell me what to eat, where to go, and how not to get lost!

You’re ready for the trip of a lifetime, but the thought of planning it all…

Immediately no!

“Plan Iceland trip” has probably been at the top of your to-do list for months… but every time you go to tackle it, you end up doing literally anything else.

Maybe you’ve got a demanding job, little kids, or simply no time to spend your weekends and time off researching.

Or maybe…. You just don’t want to do it.

And that’s okay, too!

Working with a travel agent sounds convenient, but it’s expensive, and they usually have you stopping at all the big-name sites. And honestly? It can feel a little generic.

Sometimes the agents aren’t even based in Iceland, they’re just reselling pre-made tour packages with zero insider knowledge.

What you really want is simple:

Wake up, open your phone, and see a day-by-day plan that tells you exactly where to go, what to see, and how long to spend there.

Plus, the best hidden gems along the way. 💎

Basically, you want a curated trip that feels like you hired a travel expert… without the 4-figure price tag!

What You Need: Iceland Itineraries

Analysis paralysis is a real thing, and nobody knows that better than the “Done-for-me traveler”!

Hours of research? No, thank you!

You know what you want; you just need a plan that actually works.

No stress or guesswork.

With my 👉 Iceland Itineraries, each day is mapped out with drive times, timing suggestions, scenic stops, restaurant tips, and even backup weather options.

It even suggests where you should spend the night, according to your budget. How cool is that?!

There’s also a digital map with all the pinned locations you need for your trip.

And the best part? They’re flexible, so you can adjust them as you like because you’re never bound to a rigid schedule like you would be if you were traveling with a tour group.

You’ll get the freedom without the overwhelm.

2. What’s Your Ideal Travel Pace?

Congrats! You’ve figured out what kind of planner you are.

Now, the next thing you need to consider is travel pace.

(And I see travelers make this mistake all the time.)

I know it can be tough, because you may only get a week off work, and want to see as much of the country as possible.

Or you might feel pressured to do all the things, even though you’re actually okay with taking things slow.

Let’s break it down.👇

A Fast-Paced Itinerary With Full Days

Landscape View of the Coast of East Iceland | Iceland with a View

If you’re hoping to check off as many bucket-list sights as possible in a week, you’ll want to make the most of every. single. day.

That means covering a lot of ground and packing in the highlights.

It is, however, important to set realistic expectations.

One of those is that you’ll probably spend a bit more time driving to fit it all in.

Something like a 7-Day Iceland Ring Road Itinerary would work well for you! You’ll see more of the country and tick off a lot of bucket-list sites along the way.

A Slower, More Relaxed Itinerary

Picture of Jeannie on a Rock in Bruarfoss in Iceland | Iceland with a View

Perhaps you don’t want to drive as much and would rather make fewer stops, but spend more time soaking in each place?

A great option in this case would be 7-Day Iceland Itinerary: Golden Circle, South Coast, and Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

It gives you a beautiful mix of Iceland’s highlights without feeling rushed or spending hours on the road every day.

It’s perfect for a more laid-back trip where you can take your time.

👀Pssst. Whether you choose fast-paced or slow-and-scenic, one thing travelers always ask me is: “What should I pack?”

I’ve put together a FREE Iceland Packing Guide with my best packing tips, seasonal weather information, and how to layer your clothes so that you can enjoy the sights without the weather affecting you!

Get your FREE PDF download below.👇

3. How Far Off the Beaten Path Do You Want to Go?

Are you more of a “give me the highlights” kind of traveler, or are you excited about exploring the more remote regions of Iceland?

If you’re leaning towards adventure, you might be dreaming of multi-day hikes in Iceland, quiet geothermal hot springs, and places where you might not see another soul all day.

That means including some harder-to-reach places off the usual tourist path in your itinerary.

Take the Highlands, for example.

Landscape View of the Highlands | Iceland with a View

It’s where you’ll find places like Þórsmörk, (one of the most beautiful areas of the country) and the famous Laugavegur trail. This is Iceland at its wildest and untouched.

But, because it’s off the beaten path, having a tried-and-tested plan of when to go, where to refuel and spend the night is super important.

My Highlands Map + Guide makes planning this kind of trip way easier.

Another fantastic option is the Westfjords.

It’s breathtaking but often skipped by tourists because of how secluded it is. And there’s not a lot of information about it online.

If you’d rather skip the long drives, I’d opt for the classics like the South Coast and Golden Circle.

These areas have plenty of famous sites, from waterfalls to black sand beaches and hot springs.

What’s great about this is that the routes are easy to follow, and you won’t spend hours behind the wheel.

Just keep in mind, they are very popular, so you’ll likely be sharing the views with lots of other tourists!

If you’re good with seeing the main highlights, my 5-Day Iceland Itinerary: South Coast + Golden Circle Itinerary is a great fit.

Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of hidden gems, but you’ll be sticking to more easy-to-access routes.

More Planning Resources for Your Trip

Looking for more insider tips on planning the best trip to Iceland?

Check out these blog posts.👇

➡️ READ: 5 Important Questions To Ask Yourself When Planning Your Iceland Itinerary

➡️ READ: Iceland Road Trip: Top 15 Tips On How to Plan an Epic Trip

➡️ READ: 5 Itinerary Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Trip to Iceland

Your Iceland Travel Plan

When it comes to planning your Iceland adventure, the most important thing is choosing the travel experience that actually works for your travel style.

✅ Do you love to plan, or do you want someone to just tell you where to go?
✅ Do you want to move fast and see everything, or slow down and savor the small details?
✅ Do you want to stick to the famous sights and drive less, or explore places most tourists miss that are more remote?

Whatever your travel style, pace, or adventure level is, I’ve got something to help.

Get full control with my Iceland Map + Guidebook or a done-for-you plan with my Iceland Itineraries. Either way, there’s an option designed with you in mind.

They’ll save you hours of research and help you feel way more confident about your trip.

I can’t tell you how excited I am for you to experience Iceland in all its glory! 👏

Happy Planning!