Essential Travel Itinerary: Iceland

Iceland may be little and geographically isolated, but this country of 300,000 has seen a recent boom in tourism as more and more appreciate its unique, superlative characteristics. Reykjavik counts over 100,000 Icelandic citizens and tells the story of the country's rugged vikings in its exhibits and museums. It's also popular for its striking central cathedral, which took 40 years to perfect, and the Pearl Observatory, which gives an amazing panoramic view. Blue Lagoon is Iceland's most iconic geothermal spa, with its crystal blue waters naturally heated to approximately 100F. Strokkur Geysir gives the geological feature its name. It forms part of a complex chain of geysers which shoot boiling water 100ft into the air. Vatnajökull National Park showcases Europe's largest glacier, impressive volcanic craters and a stunning ice cave which gives off a dense blue reflective allure. Slightly further north is Dettifoss Waterfall, this being Europe's most active waterfall. And almost anywhere you go, you'll have no trouble seeing the Northern Lights for 6 months of the year.