Iceland

Hotel Budir is by far one of my favorite places to stay. Anywhere. It’s cozy and feels like someone has welcomed you into their home. It’s nice without any pretention, personal without being invasive and sets you in one of the most spectacular parts of Iceland. It’s not the easiest to get to in December, but is quite an adventure and well worth the trek. The resturant on-site is spendy but SO tasty, worth splurging on. Budir also happens to be where “forever” started for James and myself. Next to a waterfall not far from Hotel Budir he asked me to be his permanent travel partner. Needless to say, Hotel Budir will always have a very fond place in my heart.

Just ouside Hotel Budir — Travel Partners forever

Iceland 138-Edit — The adorable church just behind the Hotel

When James first suggested we detour our trip around the UK and Ireland to Iceland I didn’t really know what to expect. Turns out that odd, rocky, snowy, place would be the one that keeps calling me to come back.

For those that don’t obsessively follow travel Instagram accounts (shameless plug, follow me! @Laurenpardee) you might not be aware of the immense natural beauty of this island. It’s difficult to put in to words the various states of awe I experienced driving around, but I hope the photos help.

If you get the chance to take advantage of Icelandair’s generous layover program, or make Iceland your only destination, do it. Go. You won’t regret it.

We’ve taken two different trips one in December of 2014 and one in November of 2015. Our second trip was a suprise and is where we got engaged! (What can I say, we’re cold weather people). Links to some of our favorite and not so favorite things are below.

Hotel Budir

Hotel Borg

The Hotel I wouldn’t re-visit

The Golden Circle

The Blue Lagoon

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

The Southern Coast

That Icelandic Pool

That Icelandic Plane