Up in the air . . .

IN just over three months, WOW air will launch its much anticipated flight service from the U.S. to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi, India via Iceland beginning December 5, 2018. 

To celebrate, WOW air is offering one-way tickets to the Indian capital for $199. The new route will provide millions of Americans in seven major metro areas across the country an extremely affordable way to visit the lively city.

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Up in the air . . .

TRANSATLANTIC airline, Icelandair, adds some pride to the skies with the launch of its latest special livery, marking 100 years of Icelandic independence and sovereignty. Proud of its rich Icelandic heritage, the airline has transformed one of its Boeing 757-300's into a flying piece of artwork, bearing the Iceland national flag, bringing passengers closer to the nation's history before they even step off the plane.

All of Icelandair's planes are named after Icelandic volcanoes and locations of natural beauty. "Thingvellir," is named after Iceland's breath-taking national park and home of Iceland's first Parliament. It becomes the third in Icelandair's family of special liveries, joining "Hekla Aurora" and "Vatnaokull" which were introduced in 2015 and 2017 respectively and inspired by the northern lights and Europe's second largest glacier.

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Most popular European destinations for American travellers

LONDON and Paris continue to be the most popular European destinations for American travelers this summer, but the remaining spots on the Top 20 list saw significant movement from 2017, according to an analysis by Allianz Global Assistance. This year, Reykjavik, Iceland jumped from 17th to third, Barcelona, Spain slipped from fifth to seventh and Nice, France cracked the Top 20 for the first time to come in at 11th.

American travellers visiting Reykjavik has grown significantly in the last few years. Ranked 28th in 2015, the destination cracked the top 20 in 2016 and 2017.Thanks in part to increased direct airlift from the U.S. to the island nation, Iceland's otherworldly landscapes and colorful city homes have been trending on social media in recent years. Despite talk of over-tourism and discussion to potentially limit the number of annual visitors to the country, Reykjavik's popularity continues to rise this summer.

Barcelona's fall in rankings from fifth in 2016 and 2017 to seventh in 2018, may have been caused by several recent incidents. In the last year, Barcelona experienced a terrorist attack in the popular Las Ramblas area; political turmoil as Catalonia attempted to cede from Spain; and organized street protests in Barcelona.

Nice lands on the list for the first time, this suggests that American perception of the city's safety has recovered from the 2016 terrorist truck attack during the city's Bastille Day celebration.

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All the way from the USA

WOW air has announced it will launch a new route from the U.S. to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi, India via Iceland. 

The route will provide millions of Americans in nine major cities across the country affordable access to the bustling Indian metropolis. 

The route will launch December 5, 2018, giving business and leisure travelers affordable and easy access to the heart of India.

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Stay and Play in Iceland

FOUR STAR Hotel Husafell in West Iceland is offering new 'Stay and Play' summer packages at 20% off regular rates. #Husafell is a beloved summer destination of Icelanders and the perfect spot to escape the tourist crowds and mingle with the locals in pure nature.

Play late into the bright nights of summer with free access to our geothermal baths, hiking trails, mountain bikes, and GEO certified golf course with Midnight Sun tee times.

Experience three days of spa bliss and unspoilt nature with access to Husafell Nature Baths and a visit to new Krauma hot-spring-spa open late into the evening during the perpetual daylight of summer.

Family fun under the Midnight Sun at your own pace in a traditional Icelandic Summer Cottage with a private hot tub. Don't miss the family bonfires on Saturday nights. Includes access Husafell thermal baths, family playground, mountain bike rental, Hiking Trails Map, Wi-Fi, parking, and taxes.

A golfing getaway to West Iceland where the long and bright summer nights allow for Midnight tee times. Our 9-hole Husafell course enjoys unbeatable views of Eiriksjokull glacier and is the only GEO certified hotel golf course in Iceland.

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Hiking and horses in Iceland

FOUR-STAR Hotel Husafell in West #Iceland welcomes solo travellers with 'Hiking and Horses,' a new four-day adventure package available until October 31.

Amidst volcanic and glacial landscapes in West Iceland, guests travel on horseback, hike nature trails, experience backcountry hospitality at a family-run horse farm, and mingle with fellow travellers on a nature and heritage walk around Husafell.

Independent spirits can customize their journey with trips to nearby Langjokull glacier and the world's largest lava cave, as well as on-property activities like outdoor thermal swimming, Northern Lights hunting and mountain biking.

Iceland’s small size, low crime-rate, friendly citizenry of English-speaking residents and transformative travel experiences make it an attractive destination for the rapidly growing #solotravel trend.

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National Geographic welcomes Hotel Husafell

AMID the gentle hills of West Iceland's Highlands, Hotel Husafell is within easy reach of glaciers, lava caves and Snæfellsnes National Park. Built conscientiously from sustainable design the hotel celebrates the wild and creative essence of Iceland.  

Now Hotel Husafell in West #Iceland is a proud new member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, a collection of 57 handpicked #lodges that invite guests to experience the world’s most spectacular places while helping to protect them for generations to come.

The only 4-star resort dramatically located just steps away from Langjokull Glacier in West Iceland and surrounded by the region’s renowned attractions, Saga sites, highlands and nature inspired adventure activities, the hotel appeals to outdoor loving travelers seeking elegant surroundings. The resort-style property features 48 design-centric guestrooms, gourmet restaurant with glacier views, thermal spa, GEO certified golf course and hiking trails. Fully self-sustainable, the resort is powered by 100% clean, renewable energy produced on site.

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Icelandic culture and stunning Arctic scenery

AKUREYRI is Iceland’s second largest city it is still something of a hidden gem, not yet on the main tourist trail. You can enjoy Icelandic culture, heritage and cuisine in the city’s museums, restaurants, shops and bars, all the while surrounded by stunning Arctic scenery. Explore the culture and scenery of the Arctic north with an Incredible Iceland break.

Flying from Exeter Airport on Friday 19 January 2018, this three night break to Akureyri is exclusive to Super Break.

Search for the Northern Lights – a four hour tour on your night of arrival. Being just 60 miles from the Arctic Circle, #Akureyri is one of the best places in #Iceland to view the famous Aurora Borealis. Watch the incredible displays of light dance across the night sky, one of earths true natural wonders.

The Lake Myvatn Adventure – Land of Ice and Fire. A full day adventure led by an experienced local guide visiting some of the best natural wonders in Northern Iceland. Highlights include the mythical Godafoss Waterfall, the boiling mudpools of Namafjall and a stop at Vogafjos working farm. There is also the opportunity to visit Myvatn Nature Baths – the Blue Lagoon of the North or take part in a Snowmobiling Experience (extra charge applies).Add extra excursions to your Incredible Iceland break. Spot whales and seals in the Eyjafjörður fjord, visit the Bjorbodin beer spa or explore the local cuisine with an Akureyri Food Walk.

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On the runway . . .

BRITISH Airways is to launch new routes from London City Airport to three European capitals, Paris, Prague and Reykjavik, in October.

The new services to the three popular cities will mean British Airways will fly to 30 destinations from London City this winter.

The Orly flights are being transferred to London City Airport from Heathrow, offering customers a choice of two London airports from Paris. Flights to Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris will continue to operate from Heathrow.

It will be the fifth French route served by British Airways from the Docklands airport. The launch of Prague and Reykjavik routes will be the first time British Airways has flown to the Czech Republic or Iceland from London City.


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Luxury Hiking Adventure

EXPLORING Iceland's glaciers, lava caves and remote natural wilderness just got easier with the launch of new hiking trails and an adventure package from Hotel Husafell luxury resort in West Iceland.

The highlands in West #Iceland, Husafell Nature Reserve's lava-lands, glaciers, hot springs and waterfalls will soon be easily accessible to visitors. Starting August 1, Iceland's eco-chic Hotel Husafell introduces a Luxury Hiking Adventure package including glacier ice caves, lava tubes and hiking amid unparalleled natural scenery on ten new area trails.

The new routes lead hikers along marked trails through magnificent landscapes inside Husafell Nature Reserve and feature different levels of difficulty suitable for all experience levels. Travelers can choose from escorted hikes or self-guided exploration using a new Husafell Hiking Map.

Planning a trip to West Iceland's remote natural wonders will be easier, while also providing an option for daytrips to those in nearby Reykjavik. Located twenty minutes from Langjokull Glacier, Husafell is only 90 minutes from the capital by car.

Hotel Husafell is the only 4-star resort dramatically located just steps away from Langjokull Glacier in West Iceland. Surrounded by the region's renowned attractions, Saga sites, highlands and nature inspired adventure activities, the hotel appeals to outdoor loving travelers seeking elegant surroundings. The resort-style property features 48 design-centric guestroom, gourmet restaurant with glacier views, thermal spa, golf course and marked nature trails. Fully self-sustainable, Hotel Husafell is powered by 100% clean, renewable energy produced on site.

www.hotelhusafell.com


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The Great Nordic Feast

THIS autumn, the vivid and soothing flavours of Nordic cuisine will take over London’s Southbank Centre as eight Nordic destinations come together to serve up the tastiest treats from the lands of the midnight sun, for all food lovers to enjoy.

Taking place from 20 – 22 October, The Great Nordic Feast aims to introduce the best tastes and culinary talents from Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway and Iceland as well as the more unknown Nordic countries of the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Åland to London foodies, through inspiring artisan breakfasts and dinners, hosted by a collaboration of renowned chefs. The autumn feasts will be infused with Nordic flora, talks and music and cooked using traditional Nordic techniques, inside Scandinavian style tipi tents on Southbank Centre’s Festival Terrace.

Gastronomic experts from across the Nordic regions and the UK will combine their talents to serve up a creative Nordic eating experience for food lovers.

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Cycle under the midnight sun

ON June 20, cyclists from around the world will gather to compete in Iceland's

annual WOW Cyclothon to pedal around the Ring Road, an 844-mile route looping around the entire country. 

Taking place under the midnight sun, the non-stop relay race is the only one of its kind in Iceland, often completed by the winning team in under 48 hours.

Teams can consist of four or ten riders, who cycle in a relay format non-stop for the entire route, followed by its support vehicle. There is also a solo category for individual cyclists.

Starting in Reykjavik, the route takes riders past Iceland's most stunning landscapes – glaciers, waterfalls, fjords, national parks, and volcanoes. 

www.wowcyclothon.is/en/

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Hotel Ranga joins Small Luxury Hotels of the World

HOTEL Rangá, Iceland's top countryside resort, is the newest addition to Small Luxury Hotels of the World, a network of exceptional accommodations carefully selected for their individual character and consistently high standard of luxury guest experiences.

According to SLH,"The most spectacular feature of this luxury log-cabin is its location. The landscape, free of pollution and 60 miles from the capital, is one of the world's best spots to view the phenomenon of the aurora borealis. Every inch of the hotel celebrates its surroundings, from the panoramic glass windows in the gourmet restaurant to the outdoor geothermal hot tubs with views of the active Hekla volcano."

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Tee Off in Iceland

POPULAR as a short-break destination, #Iceland is now wowing overseas golfers. There are 65 golf courses spread around the volcanic island – 16 offering 18 holes and two with 27 holes – and #golf is second only to football as its most popular sport.

Foreign golfers are increasingly being attracted by its green fairways. Almost 4,000 visitors played golf in 2016, a big increase on 2015, and while half of them played only one round 27% played five or more rounds.

Despite its proximity to the Arctic Circle, Iceland’s golf season lasts six months on average, and seven months in the south. Some courses near the coast can be played most of the year and there was even a golf tournament in northern city Akureyri, the world’s most northerly 18-hole golf course, in the middle of December!

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Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival

#REYKJAVIK is set to be illuminated at the city’s 16th annual Winter Lights Festival which runs from February 2-5 this year. 

The festival celebrates both the winter and the growing sun light after a long period of darkness. The program is a mixture of art and industry, environment and history, sports and culture.

All events are free of charge except The Northernlights Run and there will be free of charge museum night buses. The buses will be transporting people between the museums free of charge making it easier to participate in the Museum Night Game. 

www.winterlightsfestival.is

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Picture Credit: precipices 19650786@N04/13155461724 Aurora Borealis, Iceland via photopin

Cruise resolutions for the New Year

A #CRUISE holiday gives holidaymakers the chance to visit far-flung places and ‘off-the-beaten-track’ destinations, and is the ideal choice for a stress-free getaway, where food, accommodation and entertainment are all included.

Fred. Olsen highlights five exciting and unusual destinations to spark guests’ imaginations in 2017/18:

1. Nordfjord, Norway

The tranquil and enchanting Nordfjord offers breath-taking scenery in every direction, including the chance to pass the magnificent Hornelen, Europe’s highest sea cliff.

2. Prins Christiansund, Greenland

Dramatic icebergs and glistening glaciers; crossing the glass-like waters of Prins Christiansund is not to be missed!

3. Akureyri, Iceland

Magnificent scenery, Iceland is a ‘must’. Fred. Olsen offers an impressive whale-watching adventure from Akureyri – named on Lonely Planet’s ‘Best Places in Europe’ 2015 list – which is ideal for nature-lovers wanting to marvel at these fantastic creatures in their natural environment.

4. St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg is a ‘must-see’ destination in Eastern Europe. It is easy to fall in love with the beauty and elegance of the city, and visiting Peterhof Palace, the world-famous Fabergé Museum, and the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood, will be top of your ‘to do’ list.



5. St. John’s, Antigua

Antigua is simply stunning, and for those looking for a relaxing holiday, with beautiful sandy beaches, a Caribbean cruise is definitely something to tick off the list. St. John’s has as many as 365 pretty beaches – one for each day of the year, so the locals say!

www.fredolsencruises.com

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Picture Credit: garciadiego769 flickr.com/photos/131739375@N04/22080858010 via photopin, Prayitno flickr.com/photos/34128007@N04/23792353632 St John's ~ Antigua via photopin.

Adventure Iceland

#EXPLORE Iceland's vast network of hidden trails and secluded tracks? Whether you choose to explore the landscape on foot, take an adventurous spin on a mountain bike, or enjoy the region on horseback, #Iceland offers a wide variety of exciting tours and activities.

Snow Mobiles
One activity on the Iceland 'must-do' list has to be to try a little snowmobiling, snowmobile tours can easily take you cruising across glaciers, lagoons, rivers and ice-caps.

Fat Bike Adventures
Iceland has long been a top destination for mountain bikers who love the unexpected thrills this unforgiving land can present, but now it seems that Fat Bikes are taking Iceland by storm. Built to cope with the most extreme conditions these chubby wheeled monsters are proving a massive hit with hardier travellers or for those seeking an adrenaline fueled biking adventure. Capable of coping with ice, snow, sand, dust, lava, mud and water, these robust all-weather bikes are proving a hit throughout the year.

Hike a glacier
The outlet glaciers from the icecaps on the South Shore are easily accessed and provide a whole host of glacier activities, ranging from easy hikes that can be adapted to suit almost everyone all the way up to more extreme glacier adventures.

If you are traveling in the area of the icecaps Myrdalsjökull and Vatnajökull (the biggest icecap in Iceland and the third largest in the world), you should not miss the opportunity to join a glacier hike. The tours are operated on the outlet glaciers of the icecaps i.e. Sólheimajökull, an outlet glacier from Myrdalsjökull and Falljökull and Svínafellsjökull, outlet glaciers in the Vatnajökull National Park in the Skaftafell area.

Sightseeing from the Saddle
Try riding Icelandic horses, sturdy and solid, these beautiful creatures make the perfect companions for exploring the rugged Icelandic terrain. The perfect excursion for friends and family, treks of various lengths can be arranged for both novice and experienced riders.

Where to Stay in Southern Iceland

A touch of luxury whilst enjoying the wilds of southern Iceland, then why not check in to Hotel Ranga. An exclusive privately owned hotel, set in the heart of South Iceland's most magnificent countryside. Hotel Ranga has been voted one of the best places in the world to experience the Northern Lights by The Telegraph and CN Traveller Magazine.

Hotel Rangá is the only 4 star resort in South Iceland and offers luxury accommodation, gourmet food and outstanding views. It boasts all the facilities and services of a modern resort yet is situated in an area of exceptional natural beauty. Located about an hour from Reykjavík between the towns of Hella and Hvolsvöllur, Hotel Rangá lies just off the main road right in middle of South Iceland's panoramic scenery.

More adventurous outlook? then why not book into The Highland Center which provides the perfect base camp for those intrepid guests wishing to explore Southern Iceland's exceptional interior. For lone travellers and larger groups The Highland Center, Hrauneyejar offers great value accommodation, excellent food and an unbeatable location.

www.thehighlandcenter.is 

www.hotelranga.is

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