Europe Travel Guide - Travel Insights and Tips!

One of the country’s greatest natural wonders, the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, or Jökulsárlón is said to be Iceland’s crown jewel. It was formed in the 1930s as the Breiðamerkurjökull glacial tongue began to melt. In fact, the lagoon is constantly growing in size as the glacier melts due to global warming.Though not very wide, the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is 250 meters deep, making it Iceland’s deepest lake. The lagoon’s crystal-clear surface is scattered with icebergs that are formed as more and more of the glacier breaks away, an unmissable sight! With so much to take in, we want to make sure you don’t miss a thing. That’s why we’ve put together this guide, so you can learn everything you need to know before visiting Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

The elusive ice caves in Iceland are natural wonders that strike awe in anyone who gets the chance to explore them. Hidden in the underbelly of the glaciers in Iceland, these caverns are created as the ice rivers shift and slink down from their mountainous heights each winter, only to be destroyed as they once again retreat each spring. Unlike the ancient volcanoes in Iceland upon which many glaciers sit, ice caves in Iceland have a short life-span. They can generally only be visited between November and March. Once they collapse in the relative heat of the spring, they are unlikely to ever reform in the same way. As a result, expert guides head out to explore the glaciers each winter to discover freshly formed caves of striking blue ice. Despite this, there are some places where you are more likely to find these wondrous ice creations returning every year. The most famous is the Vatnajokull ice caves. As the largest glacier in Iceland, the Vatnajokull glacier covers approximately 11% of Iceland’s total land area, creating a lot of room for ice caves to form. Home to the Vatnajokull glacier and its numerous outlet glaciers and glacier tongues, Vatnajokull National Park is the perfect place to visit if you hope to experience what it feels like to sit under a huge bulk of a glacier. Vatnajokull National Park is located in southeast Iceland and encompasses Skaftafell National Park in the southwest and Jökulsárgljúfur to the north. Getting there includes traveling along the famed south coast road of Iceland, making it a great opportunity to visit many must-see sights along the way.

The larger-than-life landscape of Iceland fits well with the idea of giant, mythical beasts such as dragons or griffins. The country is known as “the Land of Fire and Ice” after all. Unsurprisingly, there are mystical creatures that still dwell along the frigid coast of Iceland – whales. The presence of whales in Iceland goes back centuries; these great creatures are featured in the sagas of the old Norse kings. Nowadays, their fame stems from the growing popularity of whale watching in Iceland. Known as the place to have a personal encounter with whales in Europe, Iceland is slowly becoming famous for sea excursions. Numerous Icelandic tales and legends talk about the intelligent beasts that inhabit the waters surrounding Iceland, but it wasn’t until the 1990’s that whale watching became an attraction in Iceland. In 1991, the first Iceland whale watching ship left port. In 1993, arguably one of the most famous Icelandic whales of all time – Free Willy – made his debut film appearance. This cemented the new trend for whale watching in Iceland, and it has grown ever since.

Sicily. The name conjures up images of long lazy days, sunshine, and summer holidays coupled with the style and glamour of an Italian holiday. With over 1000 kilometers of shoreline, one of the island’s main draws is its fabulous coastline. Surrounded by the blue, inviting waters of the Mediterranean, the island is famed for its golden sandy beaches, picturesque coves, and lively coastal resorts. From the tourist beaches of the north to the more rugged parts of the south, Sicily Island is a paradise in Italy waiting to be explored. We’ve picked 6 of the best beaches in Sicily, listed in no particular order, to showcase some of what this Mediterranean jewel has to offer.

Straddling the rugged Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre is a string of picture-perfect seaside villages famed for its vibrant, technicolored abodes. Each of the five Cinque Terre towns—Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso—wows visitors with pastel-hued houses and sparkling Mediterranean views.Fishing boat-filled harbors, luscious vineyards, precipitous cliffs, and traditional trattorias enhance the la dolce vita vibe of this spectacular coastal stretch. While many visitors hop between villages by train, the best way to explore Cinque Terre is on foot. This post outlines the top Cinque Terre hikes so you can savor this sought-after destination on your tour to Italy at a leisurely pace. From quick walking stints to arduous all-day forays, here are the best Cinque Terre hikes.

While traveling in a foreign land, relying on the local public transport systems is usually the easiest and cheapest way to get around. While it’s true that Iceland does have a public transport system called Strætó, it won’t get you much further than Reykjavik and the Golden Circle in a reliable fashion. Therefore, most visitors opt for car hire in Iceland instead.Renting a car in Iceland will give you the freedom you need to explore all that Iceland has to offer at your own pace. You could even travel the entire 1,332 km of the Route 1 ring road, the major artery of Iceland that connects most of the inhabited parts of the island. The twists and turns of Icelandic roads can often drive people mad, literally! But having the time to sightsee from the comfort of your own car is one of the best ways to take in the awe-inspiring Icelandic scenery. However, before you set out on your adventure, it’s important to know what to expect when it comes to driving in Iceland.

The Laugavegur trail is Iceland’s most famous and most visited hiking trail that often receives international acclaim for being one of the world’s best trails. Spanning 55 kilometers from Landmannalaugar to Thórsmörk (Þórsmörk meaning ‘Thor’s Wood’), this legendary odyssey features multicolored rhyolite mountains, volcanic deserts of black sand, vibrant green meadows, and crystal ice caves. Prepare to be enchanted by the rugged beauty of prominent peaks like Mount Háskerðingur and be captivated by the stark contrast of the black sand desert, Mælifellssandur, stretching endlessly against the horizon, while distant mountains, such as Eyjafjallajökull, whisper tales of their volcanic might.Don’t miss out on completing this trail, as it is an adventure that unveils the raw beauty of an Iceland trip, leaving an indelible mark on your soul.

Nestled in the Icelandic highlands, right on the edge of the black Laugahraun lava field, you will find Landmannalaugar. Well known for its natural geothermal hot springs (the name ‘Landmannalaugar’ translates to 'the people’s pools') and a stunning rugged landscape, Landmannalaugar is part of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve and is most commonly visited by hikers as it is situated at the northern end of the famous Laugavegur hiking trail.Planning a visit to Landmannalaugar to take advantage of its spectacular hikes? Here’s all you need to know before you go!

Katla volcano, the most powerful volcano in Iceland, packs a punch that has garnered a fearsome reputation. Due to patterns that have developed over time, it is now believed that whenever Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupts, Katla follows suit with a more powerful and destructive explosion, which is why it is thought to be a twin of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. The name ‘Katla’ is steeped in Icelandic folklore, where it is told that the volcano was named after a maid on a nearby farm that dabbled in witchcraft. This mystical link only adds to the reverence given to volcanos in Iceland, a land that has been shaped and formed by these beautiful forces of nature. Found in the south of Iceland, hidden under the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, Katla’s eruptions cause massive floods and ash fall, resulting in major destruction. In 2010, Icelanders held their breath after the famous Eyjafjallajökull eruption, though luckily Katla stayed quiet. However, an eruption is now long overdue, so who knows how long the calm will last!

Aptly named ‘The Gateway to Hell,’ the Hekla volcano in the south of Iceland is a deadly force with a shocking history of destruction. This reputation caused people in the middle ages to believe that Hekla or Hecla was the entrance to Hell. That however, hasn’t stopped brave travellers from exploring one of Iceland’s active volcanoes!

One of the most famous hiking trails in Iceland, the Fimmvorduhals hike is a legendary trail that passes between two giant glaciers, the Eyjafjallajökull glacier and the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. The Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail takes you through almost every landscape Iceland has to offer in just a single day. From the lush terrain of gushing waterfalls in Iceland to out-of-this-world lava fields and finally, passing between the two famous glaciers. The Fimmvörðuháls hike is a challenging as well as rewarding experience. Whether you’re an avid hiker or you’re looking for a challenge whilst you’re visiting, the Fimmvörðuháls hike would be an ideal choice.Highlights Seeing as many as 26 waterfalls along the Skoga river in an 8 km stretch at the beginning of the trail, include the famous Skogafoss waterfall. Traversing one of the youngest landscapes in the world between the Eyjafjallajökull volcano and the Katla volcano. Descend through the Land of the Gods, an amazing and picturesque area in Iceland. Even if you do not have a lot of time to spend in Iceland you can still pursue the Fimmvörðuháls trail as a great day hike option. Lowlight The only proper accommodation is the Fimmvörðuháls Mountain Hut, which is basic and without running water. Hey, some might consider this as the ultimate trekking experience in the wilderness! An overview map of Fimmvorduhals trek

For many of us, Iceland is still a country surrounded in mystery and viking myths. The wild landscape is what lures most visitors on trips to Iceland but what about the Icelandic cuisine? Icelandic cuisine has changed little since the time of the vikings, and the basic ingredients have remained unchanged: lamb, skyr, potatoes, fish, and plenty of seafood. While the staples have remained the same, Icelandic chefs have added a generous dose of imagination to current Icelandic cuisine, resulting in creative twists but traditional dishes. Read on to learn how to expertly navigate your food palate while checking out Iceland’s food menus. To make sure you make the most of your trip to Iceland, we’ve rounded up a list of the top 12 things to do in Iceland to help you plan your all-important itinerary. If you are short on time to explore destinations outside of Reykjavik, read our top things to do in Reykjavik article as well.

Oktoberfest. The grandest and most exotic festival in Germany. Oktoberfest. One of the most spirited parties on the planet. A celebration that reminds you of all kinds of superlatives, provided you’re still in your senses after the first couple of hours.Oktoberfest is an annual event that stretches over 16 days and attracts millions of visitors from all over the world. It has often been showcased as a crazy, carefree, over-the-top party and it can definitely offer an experience unlike any other. However, if you’re a newcomer to this gala party, it’s essential to plan ahead and understand what to expect. So, if you are planning a tour to Germany around September or October 2020, this Oktoberfest 2020 guide will help you with all you need to know about the largest festival in the world.

In the dead of winter, when everything appears as a seamless blanket of white, cathedrals of blue crystal are formed deep within the heart of Iceland’s glaciers. Ice caves in Iceland are forever changing caverns of ice blue light. Created every winter, before they begin to drip in the spring sunlight, you can never step into the same ice cave twice. With such a short window of time in which to appreciate the breathtaking beauty of these crystal structures, ice cave tours in Iceland can fill up quickly. So make sure you book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Ice caves are sure to create lasting memories of a frozen world tinged in cool blue light. As the massive bulk of the glacier compresses the ice and it travels further away from the sunlight, air is pushed out and ice crystals become shockingly clear blue in colour. We recommend some of the best places to go see ice caves in Iceland.

Marsamxett Harbour with the Valletta skyline in the backdrop Malta is a charming small archipelago that offers a lot of activities. It has a rich history and boasts a relaxed vibe. You can see ancient structures, visit great museums and swim in a beautiful sea there. Also, you will find traces of ancient times mixing with modern structures on Malta's islands. As you get around, you can see old temples, churches and medieval forts. Coming to this UNESCO site is always the right thing. So, let's see when is the best time to visit Malta for the best experience.