Exploring Iceland on a Budget: How a Pune Couple Made It Work

Challenging the idea that Iceland is only for luxury travelers, a couple from Pune successfully crafted an affordable itinerary. Here's their smart approach to exploring Iceland without going over budget.

A Scenic 10-Day Journey on Iceland's Ring Road

The couple's 10-day trip around Iceland's Ring Road featured unforgettable stops at the Blue Lagoon, thrilling whale-watching spots, and the stunning Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.

Budget Breakdown

• Flights: ₹81.7 lakh
• Stay: ₹81.2 lakh for BnBs in Iceland, plus one night each in Amsterdam and Copenhagen using credit card points
• Car Rental: €80,000
• Sightseeing: ₹47,000 (mainly DIY with only a few paid tours)
• Meals: €25,000 for groceries, cooking most meals themselves
• Miscellaneous: ₹80,000 (fuel, tolls, parking, insurance)

Photo Credit: Instagram

How They Saved on Their Iceland Trip

• Early Bookings: Booking flights and accommodations four months ahead helped them lock in lower rates.
• Seasonal Savings: Choosing September helped them avoid the crowds and save on seasonal price hikes.
• Self-Cooking: Preparing meals in BnBs helped them cut dining costs by about 80%.
• Splitting Expenses: Traveling with friends allowed them to split expenses into car rentals, stays, and food.

Challenges and Tips:

Despite efforts to save, Iceland came with some necessary expenses. Renting a car was essential due to limited public transit, and dining out was costly. BnBs, however, provided a cost-friendly alternative with affordable rates and kitchen facilities.