Iceland, Travel

18 Hours in Iceland // Keflavik Airbnb + Travel Tips

In today’s post I wanted to share a piece of advice for anyone looking to travel to Europe or more specifically Copenhagen as I have gone back and forth between the U.S. and Denmark countless times now. Nicolas and I love to travel through Iceland with Wow Air. Having a layover in Keflavik makes the flight significantly cheaper, and taking roughly a one hour stop breaks up the trip a bit, giving us a chance to grab a quick drink and stretch our legs. The airport in Keflavik is small and super easy to navigate through. (I think I could do it in my sleep by now.) By the time we’re back on a plane, there are only three hours left until we arrive in Copenhagen.

However this past time traveling back to the states with Wow Air, there was an even cheaper flight available with an eighteen hour layover. Nicolas jumped on the opportunity, and we decided to spend the night in Iceland. The layover and the Airbnb combined were still cheaper than our regular flight (not sure why) so it was well worth it! The layover also helped with our jet lag. I think we will consider doing this more in the future, as it made the trip much more enjoyable!

I should note that this was our first time staying in an Airbnb. I must admit that I was a tad nervous, but it was a great experience! We made sure to pick a host with great reviews and a good location (close to the airport.) It was very cool to get the chance to stay in someone’s home and experience what it is really like to live in Iceland. The house was only a ten minute cab ride from the airport. Our room was very clean and cozy, and our host made sure we were provided will all the necessities like bath towels, shampoo, and even tea. It was very much like staying in a hotel – just more authentic and personal.

 

Being that our flight got in quite late, our dining options were limited. Nicolas still managed to find the cutest American diner within walking distance from our AirBnb though! It was called Olsen Olsen, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a quick bite to eat in Keflavik.

We had every intention of going to the Blue Lagoon, but the weather was simply miserable with high winds and lots of rain. It was hard to believe that it was actually summertime! We decided on going for a walk to the water instead. These photos were actually taken around ten o’clock at night, as it never gets dark in Iceland during certain times of the year!

Nicolas actually lived in Iceland for half a year after high school working as a bartender, so I was really interested in seeing what it was like. I am looking forward to staying for a longer period of time and seeing Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon someday!

OKAY. Sorry this was a little longer than normal, but I just had to share this bit of advice! If you’re looking to travel to Iceland or just Europe in general, Wow Air is a great option – especially if you are flying out of Pittsburgh. Also, I know I cannot speak for every Airbnb, but I really enjoyed the experience and recommend it to anyone who wants a more authentic travel experience and is looking to save some money. Have you ever stayed in an Airbnb? Let me know in the comments below! xx

Madison

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8 Comments

  • Reply Madeline August 21, 2018 at 5:00 am

    This is such good advice! I have always wanted to go to Iceland myself. I am glad you were able to find a way to have a new experience AND ward off the jet lag. I’ve never minded layovers either, a little break from a plane is always nice. 🙂

  • Reply mamasmercantile August 21, 2018 at 7:59 am

    Its always good to try new experiences and save oney.

  • Reply Rosie August 21, 2018 at 8:51 am

    I’m a total Airbnb convert and wouldn’t even consider staying in a hotel now! We’ve never had a bad experience and I love that you can almost feel like you live in a city even when you’re merely holidaying there.

  • Reply Nicole August 21, 2018 at 2:05 pm

    I’ve wanted to visit Iceland for SO long! I really like the idea of having a layover there. I knew Iceland Air did long layovers so you can visit, but I didn’t realize Wow did as well. My family used Airbnb when we traveled Europe a couple of years ago and we had varying experiences. In London (and our first time with it) we had a bad experience (with the host and the apartment, not Airbnb themselves.) and Airbnb ended up refunding us our money and then splitting the cost of a hotel with us to finish out our stay. In France we stayed in three different ones (Normandy was great, Paris and Lyon were both just okay.) I think I prefer Airbnbs that are more of a hotel feel than one that is actually someone’s home.

  • Reply Juliana August 21, 2018 at 8:34 pm

    That is such a cute little AirBNB. I’m obsessed with your raincoat! I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect pink one.

    XO
    http://www.ohhjuliana.com

  • Reply Martha Ellen August 21, 2018 at 11:32 pm

    Iceland is on our bucket list, Madison. I’ve personally never stayed in an Airbnb but I know many who have. The general consensus is great. Our grandsons loved Iceland and they actually stayed in several Airbnbs on trips there and Germany. I’ll have to check out Wow Air. I’ve never heard of it! Love your photos. ♥

  • Reply Danielle Alexa August 22, 2018 at 7:32 pm

    I love Iceland, I would go back there in a heartbeat!

    Danielle xx
    https://www.fashionbeautyblog.co.uk/

  • Reply Alexandra August 24, 2018 at 2:33 am

    Great post and such beautiful photos

    Love,
    Alexandra | Summer Outfit Ideas For Fashion Girls That Wear Only Flats

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