TRAVEL TIPS, TRICKS & TRIPS
TRAVEL AGENTS
Help you advocate with the transportation providers in order to get the best price. Avoid online booking websites as they often have delays in updating their information, which can cause problems like overbooking. Having an in-person travel agent can be very helpful just in case something goes wrong while you are away and need to fix your travel arrangements.
TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS
Getting to Europe
Work with your travel agent to find the best deals with airlines for your group.
Getting around Europe
Planes are fast and relatively cheap. It’s also the least sustainable form of transportation. To minimize issues, stick to major airlines.
Airlines going to Iceland
https://www.isavia.is/en/keflavik-airport/flight-information/airlines
Getting around Iceland; the principal mode of transport is the car. There are no public railways, although there are bus services.
PLANNING
1. Where do you want to go?
2. How are you going to get there and get around at your destination(s)?
3. How long are you going to stay there?
4. Where are you going to sleep?
5. What do I need to take?
6. How can I save money while travelling?
7. What if I get lost or separated?
8. Paperwork checklist
PRO TRAVEL TIPS
Icelandic Websites of Interest
https://www.isavia.is/en/keflavik-airport
https://www.visiticeland.com/article/planning-a-trip-to-iceland
https://iceland.nordicvisitor.com/
https://www.viator.com/Iceland/d55-ttd
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/search?places%5Bquery%5D=Iceland
Help you advocate with the transportation providers in order to get the best price. Avoid online booking websites as they often have delays in updating their information, which can cause problems like overbooking. Having an in-person travel agent can be very helpful just in case something goes wrong while you are away and need to fix your travel arrangements.
TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS
Getting to Europe
Work with your travel agent to find the best deals with airlines for your group.
Getting around Europe
Planes are fast and relatively cheap. It’s also the least sustainable form of transportation. To minimize issues, stick to major airlines.
Airlines going to Iceland
https://www.isavia.is/en/keflavik-airport/flight-information/airlines
Getting around Iceland; the principal mode of transport is the car. There are no public railways, although there are bus services.
PLANNING
1. Where do you want to go?
- Which sights do I want to see?
- How many stops do I want to make?
- Make a PLAN and then you can build your travel around it.
2. How are you going to get there and get around at your destination(s)?
- Direct to destination; Flight
- Coach (highway bus), car rental, hike, etc.
- Your PLAN may be impacted by what kinds of transportation are available.
3. How long are you going to stay there?
- When are you leaving and returning?
- Budget enough time ahead of camp to help deal with jet lag (time difference of 4 hours)
4. Where are you going to sleep?
- Connect with local scouting groups regarding use of Gym or a Hall.
- Hostel or Hotel (do the math on shared rooms!)
5. What do I need to take?
- Plan for tents, sleeping gear and dishes.
6. How can I save money while travelling?
- Pack LIGHT bringing enough for 4-5 days – NO MORE. Pack multi-purpose clothes.
- WASH clothes every few days. Learn how to wash and dry by hand.
- Buy GROCERIES: the shopping experience can be quite the cultural adventure. Pack a lunch,
- Eat breakfast in hotel. You can survive on cereal, oatmeal & fruit for breakfast however hungry kids are crabby always have snacks available
- Do your research and do the math – what looks like a deal may not be. But also remember time is valuable: paying for a guaranteed admission time might be worth it if it means you can see other things as well and didn’t waste 2 hours in line.
- Plan alternate routes to explore cheaper and more fun places!
7. What if I get lost or separated?
- Know your hotel name
- Know your scouter’s cell phone number and Set up a group chat
8. Paperwork checklist
- Canadians: Passport with expiry date past February 2025
- Health insurance card and policy numbers
- Emergency contact info
- Proof of vaccination, government-issued, to keep with your passport
- Medication and Eyeglasses prescriptions
- Medical information
- Parental Consent and Authorization to travel signed by both parents
PRO TRAVEL TIPS
- Research your destination first and make up an itinerary and plan for changes. Places open and close for various reasons so have second options available.
- Always know where your passport is. Leave copies at home with your home contact in case of emergency.
- Bring plug adapters for charging any electronic devices, share with your group as not everyone needs one
- Buy a European SIM card
- Pack a complete change of clothes in your day bag/carry-on in case your luggage is delayed.
- Also all medications should be in your carry-on bag with original labels. Enough for the duration of the trip plus 5-7 days extra.
- Never leave your day bag or backpack unattended – security is very important!
Icelandic Websites of Interest
https://www.isavia.is/en/keflavik-airport
https://www.visiticeland.com/article/planning-a-trip-to-iceland
https://iceland.nordicvisitor.com/
https://www.viator.com/Iceland/d55-ttd
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/search?places%5Bquery%5D=Iceland