Tips for planning an Iceland vacation with kids

If you’d rather a cold weather vacation than sipping cocktails in the sun you’re in luck. Winter is a great time to vacation and for many cold weather destinations winter is the low season. This means that you’ll be able to save some serious money while still having an amazing vacation. If you and your family are planning a cold weather getaway to an Iceland travel destination, here are some tips to help you have a great relaxing holiday.

How cold is cold?

If you don’t live somewhere that typically faces cold winter temperatures than you’ll need to seriously consider how cold is cold. For example if winter to you means temperatures of 50F than somewhere that averages 10F is going to be a huge change. Iceland’s winters are mild and windy while the summers are cool, so don’t let the name scare you, there is plenty to do that does not involve ice and snow.

Having the Right Clothing

When you visit somewhere warm, it doesn’t matter too much what you wear – chances are you’re in your bathing suit most of the time anyway! But, when you’re taking a cold weather vacation you do need to pay very close attention to the weather and dress accordingly. Plan to wear layers. Have a good pair of boots if you’ll be somewhere with snow. Bring a warm winter jacket, many winter wear jackets come with tags that state the temperatures they are best used with – pay attention to this. You might think your “winter” jacket is good enough, but that doesn’t mean it will be for your destination. You also should bring hats, gloves, and scarves to protect your face and outer extremities. Also don’t forget a pair of sunglasses and sunscreen as the glare off of white snow can be just as damaging to your skin, and specifically your face, as the sun on a hot day at the beach.

Planning Your Activities

When traveling with children you’ll want to have a few plans in place that allow you to make the most of your vacation even if bad weather rolls in. Outdoor activities can be lots of fun but if the temperatures drop or there’s a blizzard you may need alternate plans. Find out what some of the indoor options are for your destination and keep them on hand as a backup.

Be Safe Outside

Just like you would when vacationing in a hot weather destination, limit the amount of time children are outside. They can quickly become very cold and face frostbite or hypothermia before they know it. This is especially true for children who aren’t used to being outside in the cold and don’t know what to expect. Go inside for frequent warm ups. If clothing becomes wet, go inside immediately and put dry clothing on to limit the risk of hypothermia and exposure.

There are plenty of activities that are wonderful to visit during the winter months in Iceland. You’ll need to do a little extra planning (and packing!) but are sure to have a memorable experience.

winter-family-travel

Comments

  1. nenasinclair says

    Iceland is such a beautiful place! I’m dying to go there, I’ve got a lot of relatives in Iceland. Iceland’s winters are much more mild than our Canadian prairie winters! They did get a lot of snow there this year though, much more than normal.

  2. Great post! Beautiful place…..not many people would think to bring kids to Iceland, but you’ve covered it all!

  3. Robin Masshole is says

    I tend to go to places that are warmer LOL, but these are some great tips. My best friend was there actually about a month ago and she absolutely loved it.

  4. I’ve never really thought to visit Iceland. I’m sure it’s an adventure!

  5. Iceland looks like it would be a great place to see. I’m not a fan of the cold but I am Canadian so I might be able to survive it for the chance to visit. 🙂

  6. I’d love to take the family on a trip to Iceland. It looks so beautiful. Thanks for sharing these tips!

  7. Thanks for the great tips. I’ve actually been thinking about taking a trip to Iceland. I’ve seen tons of photography from the region, and it’s gorgeous.

  8. Wow, how amazing. My old boss went to Iceland and came back with the most beautiful photos and stories. I have always wanted to go.

  9. How awesome this would be. I’ve always imagined a trip to Iceland but I doubt it will ever happen. I know my kids wold love it though!

  10. This would be an amazing vacation. My kids would love all the snow. These are great tips.

  11. Iceland would be an amazing place to go on vacation. These are great tips for planning the vacation with kids.

  12. This is really helpful. I’d definitely have to do some extra prep for the cold. It would be amazing to go on a trip to Iceland.

  13. ciaoflorentina says

    This I want to do for sure ! On my bucket list it goes !

  14. I think Iceland would be such an interesting place to visit. This is on my list of places to visit for sure.

  15. What a beautiful place to visit!!I know my kids would love it if we were able to visit there.

  16. I’m sure my kids would love this cool idea, we really wanted ice hockey.

  17. Iceland would be very interesting place to visit. My kids would definitely enjoy visiting there. Thanks for sharing.

  18. I’ve never been but I would definitely need a built-in heater on my person. Florida does not get nearly cold enough to jump into Iceland weather and be okay!

  19. Iceland would be an amazing experience! I’d need tips for a flight like that with kids lol!

  20. Oh, I’m too cold for a trip there but it sure would be lovely. My husband would love to visit there though!

  21. This looks like tons of fun. Hope you guys enjoy your trip.

  22. I’ve always wanted to go to Iceland. Looks like an amazing place!

  23. I am not a person who enjoys the cold but I have heard that Iceland is a great place to visit. so maybe I could handle it for a visit but not a very long one. Thanks for the tips.

  24. Something to look into

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