Iceland is the best trip I've ever taken

My list of the most memorable parts of Iceland - the good & (some) bad.

1. First glimpse of the Northern Lights

Living in a very light polluted area, there are close to zero opportunities to practice night photography - so of course, I wasn't too confident what I could capture the Northern Lights. Lots of research and reading definitely paid off.

2. Snorkeling in some of the clearest water in the world

Floating in the clearest (and coldest water I'll never let myself experience again) was amazing.

3. Staying up to just admire the stars

Don't take clear skies for granted (at least in Iceland).

4. Having your tour become a private tour

"Early bird gets the worm." YEP.

5. Getting stuck in a beach sand storm

Rain? sure. Snow? okay. Sandstorm at the ominous Black Sand Beach? not okay. There's still black sand in my coat pockets.

6. Icebergs

"A ghostly procession of luminous blue icebergs."

7. Glaciers

Vatnajökull is the largest ice cap in Iceland - and pictures don't do it justice.

8. Off Roading + Iceland Sunset

Apparently you don't get the full off-road experience in Iceland, for all F-roads are closed. I did get a taste of off-roading when we went to find this cave.

9. Iceland Sunrise

No excuses - sunrise is 10am (End of January, at least).

10. Droning in Iceland

Iceland is a drone pilot's dream.

11. Iceland Waterfalls

Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Svartifoss - just all the fosses.

12. Icelandic Horses

If Icelandic horses had social media, they would have Myspaces.

13. Getting someone who 'gets it'

I've definitely have had bottom of the barrel travel partners, so let me just say that that having someone who 'gets it' is invaluable.

14. Ice Caves

Seeing the glacier is one thing, going inside is a whole another story.

15. Photography - capturing those shots

Iceland is the most photogenic country I've ever been to.

16. Icelandic Food

Not pictured: puffin & whale. P.S. - Whale was my favorite.

17. Reykjavik art

Wonder around Reykjavik, and you'll no doubt run into some great artwork.

18. Renting a Car

After some research and with holiday timing planning, I was able to get a great deal on a car. Definitely makes one's schedule more flexible and I'd say I highly recommend a rental overall. Also, don't forget it name it.

19. Hidden pools in the middle of nowhere