If you enjoy traveling, there is no shortage of incredible places throughout the world to visit. And while popular countries like France, Spain, and Italy may be in the top 5 most visited countries, many people world travelers have already crossed these Mediterranean countries off their list or want something less popular and are looking instead for something more off the beaten path. Maybe that's why tourism to Iceland has grown exponentially, especially in the past 10 years. Here's a look at four reasons why an Iceland tour should be your next destination.
1. Iceland Is Incredibly Safe
Some countries are riddled with violent crime, such as South Africa. Mexico is the 8th most visited country in the world, but more Americans are murdered there more than any other country in the world. Some countries are reasonably safe for residents, such as Pakistan, but the risk of terrorist attacks is high, and the U.S. government has issued a travel advisory warning Americans against traveling there and they would offer no protection for those who chose to ignore the warning.
Iceland is the safest country in the world, not just Europe. In fact, it was just deemed the safest country for the 11th consecutive year. While visiting Iceland, you won't need to be concerned about walking around at night, getting murdered, or acts of terrorism against Americans.
2. You'll See Diverse Landscapes
Iceland has active volcanoes, pristine volcanic lakes in craters, gorgeous mountains, such as those in the Landmannalaugar region's rainbow-colored rhyolite mountains, ice caves on the edge of glaciers, and hundreds of waterfalls. If you travel from September to April, you may also get lucky enough to see Mother Nature's light show in the sky, the aurora borealis, or "Northern Lights."
3. It's A Wildlife Lover's Dream
Travel in summer to Húsavík, Iceland, and you are guaranteed to see humpbacked whales on their feeding grounds. Tour boats leave every hour. You will also see dolphins and other marine life, and you may even be fortunate enough to see a blue whale, the largest animal known to man.
The summer months are also a good time to see puffins during their mating season. These adorable, vibrantly-colored birds are fascinating to watch, in the water, the air, or on land, where they lay precisely one egg with their life-long partner.
4. You'll Enjoy The Culinary Scene
With an abundance of fresh seafood as well as freshwater fish, Iceland sheep, and other local culinary delights and oddities both, foodies will have no problem finding good eats. Iceland's chefs have embraced the New Nordic cuisine and offer spectacular fine-dining options.
For more information, contact your local Iceland tours guide.
