Why I chose Iceland for My First Cold Weather Adventure
“Why Iceland?” That’s what everyone kept asking me when I shared my plans.
My answer was simple: why not?
Over the years, I’ve learned that I don’t travel just to get away. I travel for experience—for culture, for connection, and to witness the unique beauty this world has to offer. And Iceland… Iceland has no shortage of that.
A Dream That Started Years Ago
Years ago, I would scroll through Instagram seeing people travel the world while I was a broke nursing student working just enough to get by. Travel felt far away from my reality—but not from my dreams.
I made myself a promise: one day, when I could afford it, I would explore the world.
I don’t know if I’ll ever see every corner of it, but I refuse to limit myself from trying.
Why not me? Why not us?
From “Someday” to 16 Countries Later
What started as a simple birthday trip to Mexico years ago turned into travels across 10+ countries.
Not counting my home country, other states, or repeat destinations, that number still surprises me when I say it out loud.
Is it “a lot”? Compared to some travelers, maybe not. But compared to where I started—it’s everything.
Why Iceland Became the One
Iceland wasn’t an easy “yes” for me.
I’ve never done a cold-weather trip like this before. I had warmer destinations in mind, but I kept coming back to Iceland. Something about it felt different—raw, unfamiliar, and completely outside of my comfort zone.
It also worked with my schedule: a short 5-day trip, perfect for a reset without needing a long vacation.
So I booked it.
And even after booking flights, hotels, and excursions… I still couldn’t believe I was actually going.
After 7 years of dreaming about Iceland, it was finally happening.
What I Experienced
In just a few days, I was able to experience:
- The Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon
- Northern Lights (even from the plane!)
- Glacier hikes and ice caves
- Snowstorms and unpredictable roads
- Waterfalls, black sand beaches, and endless landscapes
- Reykjavik and everything in between
It was everything I imagined—and nothing like I expected.
Final Thoughts
Iceland reminded me of something important: sometimes the things that feel uncertain are the ones that change you the most.
If you’re thinking about going… just go. Don’t wait for perfect timing.
Because sometimes the answer really is simple:
Why not Iceland?
Life, with its rules, its obligations, and its freedoms, is like a sonnet: You’re given the form, but you have to write the sonnet yourself.
— Madeleine L’Engle, A Wrinkle in Time
