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I paid $1,700 to visit Iceland. Horrible weather meant I couldn't see the Northern Lights, but I found 5 other ways to have a good time.

Ariyana GriffinMay 29, 2024, 12:46 IST

I didn't see the Northern Lights, but I still had lots of fun in Iceland.Ariyana Griffin

I traveled from Baltimore to Iceland to see the Northern Lights.
I spent about $1,700 on flights, hotels, and activities like whale-watching and snorkeling.

Seeing the Northern Lights in person has always been on my bucket list. So, when I learned that 2024 is one of the best years to see them, I knew I had to take a trip to Iceland as soon as possible.

I booked a Northern Lights tour through Gray Line Iceland and paid $66 for a ticket that was valid for several days. But unfortunately, due to inclement weather, the scheduled tours were canceled each day I was in Iceland.

Although I was disappointed after spending $1,700 on hotels, flights, a rental car, and activities, I was still able to have a great time.

Here are five activities that made my trip to Iceland worth it.

My first stop was the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa.

The Blue Lagoon looked beautiful when I arrived.Ariyana Griffin

I took a virtual tour of the country through FlyOver Iceland.

The theater played videos of Iceland that resembled the views I saw from the plane. Ariyana Griffin

The next day, I made a spur-of-the-moment decision to go whale-watching.

I had a great view of the ocean from The Elding.Ariyana Griffin

After I got off the boat, I headed to the Geysir hot-spring area.

I saw Strokkur, a very active geyser, erupt twice.Ariyana Griffin

Next, I headed to Thingvellir National Park for a snorkeling adventure.

Snow covered the area, but I felt warm and dry in my wetsuit.Ariyana Griffin

Even though I didn't see the Northern Lights, the trip was worth the money.

I had a great time exploring Iceland.Ariyana Griffin

I go to Disney World at least once a month. Tourists keep missing out on these 5 underrated things.