I think I mentioned that part of the reason I went to Iceland this summer was to finish off the geothermal spas? Well, this is the first of those last three: the Forest Lagoon. This is one of the three that has an Icelandic name as well as an English one – Skógarböð really means … More What’s Akureyri’s Forest Lagoon like?
I’ve done Askja before. Twice, in fact. In 2013, I went in a huge black jeep and swam in Viti, the warm flooded crater. In 2016, I returned because I wanted to visit Holuhraun. It was a beautiful day but the guide didn’t mention swimming until we reached Viti and I left my swimming stuff … More A (possible last) visit to Askja
There’s one thing I’ve wanted to do in Iceland for years but somehow it’s never fitted into my itinerary. Well, thanks to my Summer in the North trip turning into Impromptu Whistlestop Tour of the Ring Road, suddenly it did fit: I went kayaking on the glacial lagoon, Jökulsárlón. We all know Jökulsárlón, Iceland’s famous … More Kayaking on the Glacial Lagoon
The first of the Iceland posts! This was originally a kind of summary of what I did, before the individual activity/location posts started. The trouble was, when I came to write the Real Itinerary post, I began to feel a lot of deju vu. It was exactly the same post as the one that was … More A summer solo female travel adventure in Iceland
We all know Iceland is an expensive place but there are ways you can save money. It’s never going to be a true “backpacking on a shoestring” destination but here are my five top tips for travelling Iceland on a (smaller) budget. Take the bus One habit of other travellers that just blows my mind … More 5 tips for saving money when travelling Iceland
This is a post that I’ve had in mind since February, when Iceland’s biggest tour operator massively dropped the ball on me. I say “biggest”. I don’t have figures to back that up but the buses are everywhere and so are the leaflets. I first went to Iceland in December 2011 when there were only … More The Rise and Fall of Tourism in Iceland
Yes, I’m stretching the definition of “a long weekend” a bit. A month ago, I had about four days in Helsinki and so I thought I’d tidy up what I did and turn it into an itinerary to give you an idea of how to spend a few days in Helsinki in the summer. Mine … More A long summer weekend in Helsinki itinerary
I have a film camera. You may already know this – I did Russia on Film a couple of years ago and I’m genuinely surprised I didn’t do Rome on Film, since I took photos there. Long story short, I found three ancient rolls of film, bought a camera on eBay and snapped away. Actually, … More Helsinki on film
What’s more Finnish than a sauna? I’ve given this question a little consideration and I can’t think of anything more Finnish. I’m a bit of a fan of some spa and wellness and so went I went to test out my newfound language skills, of course I also wanted to try out a proper Finnish … More Löyly: a traditional Finnish sauna experience (for tourists)
I was last in Helsinki eight and a half years ago – and then only for a single evening – and things have changed a little since then. First, there’s now a nice easy train between the airport and the city centre. Second, there’s a floating geothermal pool in the harbour. Did I hear the … More Geothermal bathing in Helsinki at Allas Sea Pool
I Am A Polar Bear 