Travel Reykjavik: In Conversation with Sarah Schlichter

This month we’re interviewing women from all over the world and asking them about their experiences traveling to Iceland. We had the privilege of speaking with Sarah Schlichter about her experience traveling throughout the country. Here’s a glimpse into our conversation.

Travel Reykjavik: In Conversation with Sarah Schlichter

Tell us about yourself! What do you do when you’re not traveling the world? Where do you live? What made you decide to go to your most recent destination?

When I’m not traveling the world, I’m writing about it as the senior editor of IndependentTraveler.com, based in central New Jersey. I visited Iceland for a conference in Reykjavik, then invited my mother to join me for a few days of vacation together afterward.

How long did you go for? How did you spend your time?

I was there for a total of two weeks, most of it in Reykjavik. I visited just about every museum there! After my mom arrived, we traveled as far southeast as Vik before looping our way back to the capital via the Golden Circle sites.

What were your most memorable experiences? What were the biggest disappointments?

We almost skipped a trip to the Blue Lagoon because it seemed too touristy, but we both ended up loving it—and wanting to find a thermal pool everywhere else we went. We also really enjoyed walking on a glacier near Vik; it was incredible to see the landscape of the ice close up.

We were disappointed not to see any northern lights as we tooled around the country (too cloudy, alas).

What do you wish you knew before you went?

I had no idea how often it rains in Iceland—it’s just as overcast and drizzly as the British Isles, but it somehow seems to have escaped a similar reputation for lousy weather. Throughout the entire first week I was in Reykjavik, I only saw the sun once or twice. Be sure to pack waterproof clothing (including a coat with a hood) and be mentally prepared to get rained on.

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Any favorite restaurants/hotels/hostels/sites you’d like to recommend? Tell us what made them great!

Our best stay by far was at Efstidalur, a farm hotel near the Golden Circle sites. We stayed in a cozy little wooden cabin and ate dinner in the on-site restaurant, which offered a huge window overlooking the cow pen below! It was fun to watch the cattle enjoying their dinner while we enjoyed ours. We treated ourselves to homemade ice cream made with the milk of those very cows.

Is there anything that women specifically should know before they travel to your destination?

Iceland is an ideal destination for women travelers. I felt safe pretty much everywhere, even during the part of the trip when I was alone. One thing to be aware of: If you’re taking a dip in any of the thermal pools, you’ll have to shower in the locker room before and after you get in (and Icelandic women are not shy about nudity). It takes some getting used to for those of us who are more reserved.

 

Travel Reykjavik: A Conversation with Sarah Schlichter

Related Reading

• How to Make the Most of a 24-Hour Stopover in Iceland
• Travel Iceland: The Real Deal with Leah Missik
• Choosing to Stay Young in Iceland with Kathryn Cardin

Have you traveled to Iceland? How as you trip? Email us at [email protected] for information about sharing your experience and advice with the Pink Pangea community. We can’t wait to hear from you.

Photo credits by Sarah Schlichter.