Hello and welcome to Travel + Explore & Play with Sallee Jay!
I’m thrilled to introduce today’s guest blogger, Elissa Joseph, who’s here to share her unforgettable adventures in Iceland!
The support and love you’ve shown our guest contributors this year has been amazing, and I just know Elissa’s story will spark something in you. Whether it inspires you to finally book that dream trip to Iceland or gives you the gentle push to take your first solo journey — that’s exactly what this space is all about.
At the heart of it, my mission is simple: to encourage you to explore boldly, travel deeply, and play freely.
So, without further ado, dive into Elissa’s experience below!
Hi, I’m Elissa Joseph — a California native who swapped the Bay Area fog for Denver sunshine about four years ago. My love affair with solo travel truly began in 2021, when I booked a spontaneous trip to Seattle, Washington. Wandering through Pike Place Market, sipping coffee in cozy cafés, and exploring the city completely on my own terms was nothing short of liberating. I was hooked.
Since that first solo adventure, I’ve journeyed through several U.S. states, each trip deepening my curiosity and confidence. But in the back of my mind, I knew what I really craved: international exploration. I found myself endlessly inspired by friends sharing stories of their solo escapades across the globe. Their experiences lit a spark in me — one that refused to fade, even as nerves crept in at the thought of planning a big trip alone.
Determined to turn daydreams into plans, I started diving into travel content on social media and jotting down ideas in the Notes app on my phone. That list quickly grew into a mini bucket list — and one destination kept calling to me: Reykjavik, Iceland.
So when Souled Out Destinations — the incredible travel group I’d previously joined for an unforgettable ski trip — announced a group getaway to Reykjavik in February 2025, it felt like the stars had aligned. This wasn’t just any trip; it was the perfect bridge between comfort and adventure.
I saw an opportunity to have the best of both worlds: the fun and connection of group travel and the freedom and self-discovery that comes with solo exploring. The idea of immersing myself in Iceland’s stunning landscapes, bonding with like-minded travelers, and then carving out time to wander at my own pace? Absolutely irresistible.
With that, Reykjavik officially moved from my Notes app wish list to the top of my travel itinerary.
One of the first things I noticed when I arrived in Reykjavik was just how walkable and easy to navigate the city is. I felt completely safe the entire time — which makes sense, considering Iceland consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. That peace of mind made solo exploring even more enjoyable.
A major help in finding my way around? The towering, iconic Hallgrimskirkja church. It’s visible from almost anywhere in the city and quickly became my go-to landmark for orienting myself. If I ever felt unsure of where I was, I’d just look for the spire and get my bearings. It’s not only beautiful, but also practical!
Before my trip, I read that taxis from the airport can be pricey — and that turned out to be true. Luckily, I’d done a bit of research and discovered the FlyBus, a much more affordable and convenient option. I highly recommend skipping the taxi and booking a FlyBus ride from Keflavík Airport straight to the Reykjavik bus terminal. From there, you can hop on a smaller shuttle to various downtown stops, or simply walk if your hotel is nearby — like mine was.
During my time in Iceland, I based myself in Reykjavik — the vibrant capital and largest city — but also had the chance to explore the smaller town of Hveragerði. Both offered unique vibes, but the true magic happened once I ventured beyond the city limits.
The absolute highlights of my trip were the jaw-dropping sights along the South Coast and Golden Circle. The natural beauty I encountered felt almost otherworldly — like stepping straight into a travel documentary. I’ll never forget standing in awe beneath Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, two of the most stunning waterfalls I’ve ever seen. Then there was Strokkur, the powerful geyser in the Geysir Geothermal Area, erupting sky-high every few minutes. Watching it shoot 50+ feet into the air was an unforgettable moment.
One of the most adrenaline-pumping adventures was riding ATVs across the dramatic Sólheimasandur Black Sand Beach. It was cold — really cold — and the wind was intense, especially in that wide-open landscape. But the thrill of exploring that stark, moody terrain made it all worth it.
And just when I thought the day couldn’t get more magical, it did. While riding back to our hotel after a long day of exploring, the northern lights decided to make an appearance. Our driver pulled over on the side of the highway, and we all spilled out of the bus, staring up at the glowing green waves dancing across the sky. It was a surreal, bucket-list moment I’ll never forget.
One of the unexpected highlights of my time in Reykjavik was a city food walking tour, where our guide led us through several local restaurants and introduced us to the flavors of Iceland. I loved getting a taste (literally!) of the culture this way. Before arriving, a fellow passenger on my flight told me I had to try Hákarl — Iceland’s infamous fermented shark. And sure enough, it made an appearance on the tour! Let’s just say… it’s definitely an acquired taste. 😅
In contrast, I absolutely loved the other dishes I sampled: Plokkfiskur (a hearty fish and potato stew), the iconic Icelandic hot dog, and a surprisingly delicious rye bread ice cream that I’d gladly go back for.
To unwind, I took a day trip to Hvammsvík Hot Springs, a tranquil set of pools nestled right along the Atlantic Ocean. The temperature of the pools shifts with the tide, creating a peaceful, ever-changing soak surrounded by stunning nature. Another memorable spa experience was at the more modern Sky Lagoon, where I indulged in their 7-step ritual — from a cold plunge to a steam room finale. Yes, it’s a bit touristy, but it was still an easy 10/10 experience for me.
Now that I’ve had a taste of Iceland, I know this won’t be my last visit. While I primarily joined organized day tours this time (which were amazing and stress-free), next time I’d love to take a different route — quite literally. I’ve heard that road-tripping the Ring Road in the summer months is a fantastic way to experience the country’s full beauty, from waterfalls and volcanoes to glacier lagoons and hidden villages. You can drive the entire route in 7–10 days, and you bet it’s already on my updated travel wish list.
Until next time, Iceland — thank you for the adventure of a lifetime.