Iceland Off The Beaten Path Travel Articles

Iceland

What First-Time Visitors Get Wrong About Visiting Iceland

Advice for first-time travelers visiting Iceland. Tips on driving, the unusual weather, and the waterfalls that no one will ever forget.

Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland's best known waterfalls and popular with filming locations for Hollywood blockbusters.

Southern Iceland Road Trip: Mesmerizing Landscapes

A tour of Southern Iceland to take in the amazing outdoor scenery, including Gulfoss waterfall, hiking the Laugavegur Trail and more.

Iceland: A Little Clean-Up in the Wintertime

Iceland in March: Environment, Photography, and Aurora Hunting By Ava Kabouchy It all started with Sister Adelaide. When Sr. Adelaide told us eight-year-old third graders about the aurora borealis in geography class at St. Brigid’s School in North Bergen, New Jersey so many years ago, I was enthralled by the…

Six Places in Reykjavik for Licorice: Love it or Hate It

Six shops in Reykajavik Iceland that bring out exotic flavors of licorice, combining the flavors in many different ways. Licorice in Iceland.

PLAY Airlines CEO Birgir Jónsson on Iceland, and Travel and Play

PLAY is a new airline serving Iceland and Europe, and we interviewed CEO Birgir Jonsson about the new venture and what sets it apart.

Weather permitting, road trips are always a good idea in Iceland. Here, the road to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Tracing the Influential Poems of Europe’s History

Journeying from Turkey to Iceland, Nicholas Jubber reflects on the history and the epic poems of various regions, this excerpt is about a tough trip in Iceland.

Iceland: Save by Taking a Photo Tour

Iceland is famous for its $12 beers and $22 hamburger dinners. But you can save money by taking a photo tour of Iceland that includes hotel and meals.

A child races the waves at Dyrholaey, Iceland. Monica Schimanke photos.

Iceland: Save Money By Camping

A guide to how to visit Iceland cheaply by staying in one of more than 200 camping sites around the country, scenic tours of the Ring Road and other sites.

Family Travel with Golfing in Iceland

Kelly Westhoff has a golf-crazy husband, so she took a golfing vacation to Iceland with the family and they played many courses across Iceland.

Iceland: December’s Forlorn Landscape

A December trip to Iceland reveals the raw and unpredictable weather that’s a hallmark of this volcanic island, yet Andy Castillo finds great beauty there.

3 Easy Day Trips from Reykjavik, Iceland

Exploring some of the highlights of Iceland outside of Reykjavik: Westman Islands, the Golden Circle, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Vik to Jökulsárlón and more.

Iceland: Seeing the Winter Sights

Iceland: Three winter days packed with tours to beautiful natural sites including Gullfoss waterfall and Strokkur geyser.

GoNOMAD Travel Podcast

Take a few minutes to travel the world with The GoNOMAD Travel Podcast. Brought to you by the long-running GoNOMAD travel website, The GoNOMAD Travel Podcast brings you audio stories from destinations around the globe. It’s short-form… 3-7 minute long episodes. No jarring AM radio-style theme songs, no ads, just an interesting short travel story and some food for thought, from editor Max Hartshorne. Fun!
While you’re planning your next trip or travel adventure, download and listen to The GoNOMAD Travel Podcast.

GoNomad is part of the Voyascape Travel Network & you can find more of our travel podcasts from around the world at https://voyascape.com/
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The New Year celebration in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is a rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and traditions that provides a unique experience for all who partake. The city is alive with energy as it transforms into a vibrant hub for festivities.

January 1 is not just a day but the beginning of a week-long holiday where locals and visitors alike engage in a variety of celebratory activities. The streets are bustling with life, illuminated by lanterns that glow softly against the backdrop of the night sky, while the scent of street food tantalizes the senses. This journey through Chiang Mai reveals the many layers of its New Year festivities, from its breathtaking natural beauty to the deep-rooted cultural practices that make this time of year so special. Among the most striking sights during this season is the blooming of the Himalayan cherry blossoms.

A short trip to Kun Chang Hian allows visitors to witness these stunning flowers in full bloom, creating a magical setting for exploration. Here, one can engage with local traditions, such as listening to the kyan, the traditional bamboo mouth organ played by village children, or trying one’s hand at archery using bamboo bows.

The culinary scene is equally delightful, featuring local delicacies, including the famous grilled pork sausage, which embodies the rich flavors of Thai cuisine. As the celebrations culminate on New Year’s Eve, a profound sense of spirituality envelops the city. Temples become sanctuaries for nighttime prayer, and the flickering lights of candles enhance the tranquil atmosphere. Participants gather to release floating lanterns, a symbolic gesture of releasing past burdens and inviting new fortunes into their lives.

This ritual not only enhances the visual splendor of the night sky but also fosters a deep connection among participants, creating a moment of shared hope and renewal. The New Year in Chiang Mai is more than just a celebration; it is a heartfelt embrace of tradition, community, and the promise of new beginnings.