With grandparents and a six-year-old in tow, kimkim traveler Lesley Santiago needed to plan a trip that was fun, educational, and great for all ages. Iceland proved to be the perfect place, with plenty of family-friendly wintertime activities to choose from. From the Blue Lagoon to snowmobiling on a glacier, Lesley gives us the highlights and some tips for planning a multigenerational vacation.
Hi Lesley! Could you share how your family initially became captivated by the idea of a winter escape to Iceland?
Our family’s travel history mainly consists of adventures within the continental United States, punctuated by cherished visits to our family in the Philippines. This specific Iceland trip was rather spontaneous, born from an impromptu decision made last summer. We simply declared that Iceland would be our next destination, and we were determined to make it a reality. The allure of the Nordic landscapes and the promise of unique experiences proved too strong to resist.
I had encountered Iceland in countless articles and travel blogs, fostering a deep understanding that it was a country teeming with intrigue and unique experiences. My primary concern revolved around crafting the ideal itinerary and ensuring that the trip would be enjoyable and suitable for my 6-year-old son. My vision for the trip was twofold: it had to be entertaining and engaging, but also enriching and educational. With this in mind, we chose to embark on our adventure in January, driven by the hope of witnessing the ethereal Northern Lights and exploring the majestic glaciers, powerful geysers, and breathtaking waterfalls that Iceland is so famous for.
Your travel group consisted of family members spanning a wide age range, from 6 to 60. How well did Iceland accommodate travelers of all ages? What activities were particularly successful and enjoyable for the entire group?
Our group thoroughly enjoyed the tour itinerary meticulously crafted by kimkim specialist Christina. I provided her with the age range of our group members and requested that each day’s activities be balanced and achievable for everyone involved. The immediate immersion into relaxation at the Blue Lagoon directly after our flight was a resounding success, providing a perfect welcome to the country. Equally memorable was the exhilarating snowmobiling tour on Langjökull Glacier, which offered stunning panoramic views and an adrenaline rush. My son was particularly fascinated by the Lava Museum, especially after we drove past a volcano on our way to Vik. He refused to leave the car until he was assured that it was not going to erupt! This experience underscored the educational aspect of our trip, transforming potential anxieties into valuable learning opportunities.
In reflection, the entire trip was an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience for each of us. I wholeheartedly recommend Iceland as a destination for families seeking adventure and cultural immersion. The memories created will undoubtedly last a lifetime.
Do you have any overarching advice or suggestions for travelers who are planning a multigenerational family vacation?
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
The cornerstone of a successful multigenerational family vacation is clear and consistent communication with your chosen travel specialist. It is crucial to establish and articulate clear expectations from the outset. Specifically, request age-appropriate activity recommendations, as local experts possess invaluable insight into the destination’s diverse offerings, enabling them to identify activities suitable for every member of the group. It’s equally important to discuss the desired pace of the trip, determining whether the group prefers a leisurely and relaxed itinerary, a jam-packed schedule filled with constant activity, or a balanced approach that strikes a harmonious medium between the two extremes. Communicating these preferences will enable your specialist to tailor the trip to your group’s unique needs and desires.
You mentioned having a fantastic time on the Game of Thrones tour. Could you highlight some of your most memorable moments from that experience?
The Game of Thrones tour guide was exceptional, possessing an extensive understanding of the show’s intricacies and a remarkable sense of humor that kept us entertained throughout the journey. There was never a dull moment. The opportunity to visit the actual filming locations was breathtaking, and the guide’s provision of behind-the-scenes photos from the show served as helpful references, further enriching our experience. My son particularly enjoyed the opportunity to meet and interact with the gentle Icelandic horses, forging a special connection with these magnificent creatures.
I must confess that I have always harbored a fear of horses. However, upon encountering an Icelandic pony up close, I experienced a complete transformation in my perception. The encounter sparked a profound change of heart, instilling within me a newfound appreciation for horses in general. I extend my sincere gratitude to that remarkable Icelandic horse for altering my perspective and broadening my horizons!
In your opinion, what are the essential qualities of exceptional family tour guides, and what aspects of the guides you encountered did you find particularly appealing and effective?
I was thoroughly impressed with all of our tour guides. One characteristic that I particularly valued was their exceptional patience and their ability to connect with and engage my son. They willingly provided him with additional attention, engaging in conversations and even encouraging him to create a snow angel. Exceptional tour guides should be receptive to all inquiries, even those that may seem trivial or simplistic. As a tourist, I tend to ask these types of questions. In one memorable instance, unaware that Icelandic water is renowned for its purity, I embarrassingly requested bottled water at a restaurant. That moment of ignorance will forever haunt me!
Did anything about Iceland unexpectedly surprise you during your visit?
When venturing into a foreign country, it is natural to experience some apprehension about potential challenges that may arise, particularly when traveling with children. Inevitably, I found myself contemplating potential issues such as getting lost or concerns about safety while walking around at night. Fortunately, Iceland proved to be exceptionally safe, and we discovered that Icelanders are genuinely warm-hearted and welcoming people. Additionally, the ubiquitous availability of complimentary Wi-Fi, exceeding the speed and reliability of our home connection, in locations such as gasoline stations, cafés, shops, and hotels, was an unexpected convenience. I am absolutely enamored with Iceland!
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