Pack Your Bags: Iceland's Blue Lagoon

I think that long before I knew anything 

about Iceland's glaciers or waterfalls,

I wanted to go there

just so that I could go to 

the Blue Lagoon.

I think I had seen a travel documentary that went there

and then it was in American Way magazine during a long flight...

I can't really remember what made it such a prominently placed item

on my "In My Wildest Dreams" travel list,

but it was sitting pretty high up there.

(Probably somewhere in between 

above-water hut in Bora Boar & elephant riding in Thailand.)

Last year, when my boss 

came up with the brilliant addition

of an Icelandic safari to our UK semester,

I was instantly sold.

After exploring this quirky little island, Iceland

-which is spelled "Island" by it's natives-

I've come to appreciate so much more 

than just the initial allure of the milky mineral bath....

But let's be real:

I'm still completely obsessed with it.

Viola looks ridiculous in this pic... but it was either this one, closed eyes or a spit bubble. 

IcelandAir operates transatlantic flights through Keflavic,

which happens to be about 20 minutes from the lagoon...

and apparently, these flights can sometimes be less expensive

than direct fares from other airlines.

So what am I saying?

Make it happen, people.

Visiting the lagoon is an amazing experience

that you should add to your travel bucket list.

I'd even say it was once in a lifetime...

but I'm going back later this week,

so that kind of ruins it, right?

A few things to know:

Taxis from Keflavic to the Lagoon are about 7,000 ISK 

(which, these days is about $55-60 USD)...

I would try and cram as many bodies as you can in a cab. 

Or you can book one of these daytrips

(either from Reykjavic or Keflavik)

for a really affordable price

from a company like Reykjavic Excursions.

(Note: fare included return bus ticket & admission!)

There are a few admission options upon check in.

There's the STANDARD EXPERIENCE,

which allows for a locker, no towel, no robe... not much of anything else.

There's the COMFORT EXPERIENCE, 

which allows for a locker, towel, robe, drink at the swim up bar, etc.

There's the PREMIUM EXPERIENCE

giving you all the previously stated good plus slippers, a meal at the restaurant, &

line skipping (there's never been one when I've been, but I've only been in Sep & Oct).

And then, of course, there is the LUXURY EXPERIENCE

which gives you all the trimmings 

plus access to their Exclusive Lounge with private showers & sunchairs.

Okay, so those are the options...

but here's what we did:

Got the Standard Experience and then added on the robe & towels a la carte.

That way, we weren't paying for the drinks, the 5 EURO gift card to the gift shop

and other small stuff that I didn't really want.

Granted, we still got drinks in the lagoon...

how could we resist?

But, still... got save those bucks (err... Krona) where you can.

You'll have lockers to store all your goodies and

a wristband that you can charge whatever you purchase on.

Next time we go, I'm bringing 

a plastic shopping bag with handles 

to hang up my camera & phone in

when we are outside.

It's so misty

and the only place to cover your phone/camera 

is by covering it with your towel

on the wet ground...

thus, soaking your towel. 

Small things make a big difference, people.

Don't miss the giant crates of mineral mud mask (free!)

that you can cake on your face 

as you swan around the lagoon

allowing you to resemble a swamp-like alien.

It's all part of the experience.

There's also a sauna & steam room

(and a locker room full of naked Icelandic women)

to complete the spa experience.

Grab a coffee and head up to the relaxation room after you are done.

It's a good place to cool down and unwind before heading out.

I'm pretty sure instinct will guide you 

through the rest of it.

It's pretty amazing.

Have a smoothie from the bar

for me when you go!

Have you been? What am I forgetting to tell you?

What was your favorite part of visiting the Blue Lagoon?

*all images original to Aspiring Kennedy