Ignoring advice, I signed up for an Iceland tour with my partner—here are my thoughts and tips

Finally had time for a trip! Our Iceland plans with my boyfriend had been postponed for over half a year. Since it was our first time in Iceland and we weren’t familiar with the place (plus neither of us drives), we decided to join a small group with a guide. **About our tour:** After consulting several options (which left me dizzy from all the choices), we picked a local small group with great ⭐value—just 8 people total. It cost 36k per person for 6 days (including meals, accommodation, and breakfast). The budget 💰 slightly exceeded our expectations, but the experience was worth it. Everything was comfortable, especially the Blue Lagoon ♨️—absolutely loved it! The itinerary was flexible, with no hidden fees or forced shopping 🛍️ (a major pet peeve of mine!). Our tour guide was fantastic 👍, and one of the girls in the group even helped us take tons of couple photos 📷—so grateful! **🚗 Itinerary:** 6 days of adventure, staying in 4⭐ hotels throughout (way better than I imagined!). We hit all the highlights: volcanic craters 🌋, the Golden Circle, Silfra Fissure, Black Sand Beach, geysers, plane wreck, glacier hiking, blue ice caves, Blue Lagoon ♨️, and even a whale-watching tour 🐳! The whale-watching was the absolute best! The guide kept the pace relaxed, leaving plenty of time for photos and exploration. Our group got along great—everyone helped take pictures, and the vibe was full of laughter. Such a fun trip! **💣 Tips & Warnings:** 1. **Confirm it’s a local tour**—don’t waste money on middlemen! 2. **Always sign a contract ✍️**—safety first. 3. We skipped group meals 🥩🥓🌮🌭 to try authentic Icelandic food. Breakfast was hotel-included, and we picked restaurants based on ratings or guide recommendations—no regrets! 4. **Do your research!** A great guide makes all the difference for your trip. **Final thoughts:** The experience was amazing—no ads here (lol, as if I’d get sponsored anyway 😂). No rushed schedules, great accommodations, and free time at every spot—perfection! 🆙 First group tour, and the vibes were *chef’s kiss*—so lucky! Would 100% do it again. Hope all you fellow travelers have an awesome time too!