Searching For Summer Flights to Reykjavik From New York?

Looking to ditch swelteringly sticky New York City this summer for refreshingly cool Iceland this summer?

People may think of Iceland as a cold, desolate place but, during the summer months, it is a vibrant island whose natural beauty is on display the almost unending days and nightlife to match. 

http://www.airlinesanddestinations.com/airlines/delta-to-add-new-service-elements-on-transcontinental-flights/

Whether you're looking to head over for the Summer Solstice in June or Gay Pride in August, your travel options have now increased. 

Starting June 4th, Delta's seasonal service from New York's JFK airport to Keflavík International Airport (KEF) resumes!

Delta will offer daily non-stop flights through September 12th.

The flight details are 
Delta 256 
Departs JFK - 11:32pm
Arrives KEF - 9:10am 

Departs KEF - 10:50am
Arrives JFK - 12:34pm

So bust out those unused Sky Miles and start booking now to explore the stark beauty of Iceland's volcanic landscapes or the lush, verdant coastal towns.

Want To Ride On A Volcano?

Iceland is known to most as the "Land of Fire and Ice." This of course comes from the juxtaposition of its unstable tectonic location and its  snow and glaciers covered landscape. 

Recently, the fire of Iceland has been making the news. You may recall the volcano Eyjafjallojökull caused travel disruptions all over the globe in the wake of its eruption. 

Because of the havoc and destruction these eruptions cause, it may seem ironic that things which caused to much choas to air travel are used by Icelandair as names for their planes. 

via. http://volcano.oregonstate.edu/oldroot/legends/iceland/icemap.jpg

Below is a list of volcanoes used as by Icelandair for naming their planes and where you're likely to grab a ride on them.

Hengill

Hengill is located in the southwest of Iceland. The geothermic energy from it is a source of power for the southern part of the country. 

Departure Cities
New York City - J.F.K.


Her∂ubrei∂

Her∂ubrei∂ is located in the North-east of the island. 

Departure Cities
Denver 
Boston


Eyjafjallojökull

Eyjafjallojökull, arguably the most famous Iceland volcano, is located in the south of the island. It most recently erupted in 2010 causing travel disruptions and severe economic consequences felt around the world. The ash cloud spread to Western Europe, Scandanavia and Russia

Eyjafjallojökull in 2013

Eyjafjallojökull in 2010, mid-eruption

Watch a webcam live-stream from Eyjafjallojökull here

Departure Cities

Seattle
Orlando
Boston


Eldborg

Elborg is located in the West of Iceland. Only a crater now remains of it that is accessible for hikers to walk around and even climb up it.

Departure Cities

Lava Pile at Krafla
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a9/Lava_at_Vulkan_Krafla_Iceland_4.JPG

Boston

Krafla

Krafla is located to the north. This volcano is a source of power for the northern region. 

Departure Cities
Denver
Seattle
Newark, NJ


Snæfell

Located in Western Iceland and visible from Reykjavik. This volcano was made famous in Jules Vernes' novel Journey to the Center of the Earth. 

Departure Cities
Seattle
Washington, DC
Boston


Askja

Askja is located in the central highlands of Iceland. In April 2012, it was closed to tourists in fear of possible eruption.

Departure Cities
Seattle
Orlando
Washington, DC


Hekla

Hekla, located in the South, is one of Iceland's most active volcanoes.  Scientists are predicting that it will erupting again soon. 

Eruption at Hekla
http://www.katlageopark.is/hekla-showing-signs-of-increased-seismic-activity/

Watch a webcam live-stream from Hekla here

Departure Cities
Orlando
Denver


Katla

Katla, larger than the well-known Eyjafjallojökull, is located on the southern part of the island. It is one of the more active Icelandic volcanoes. Combined, Katla and Hekla form "The Angry Sisters"

Departure Cities
Seattle


Skjalbrei∂ur

Located in the West, Skjalbrei∂ur means "broad shield"

Departure Cities
Denver



What do you think of Icelandair's naming their planes after volcanoes? Tongue-in-cheek and funny? Asking for trouble? 

I'd like to hear from you!



Further reading:
A Guide to Iceland's Volcanoes
Volcanoes of Iceland
Volcanology of Iceland

Looking For A Cheap Deal to Iceland?

Have you been to Iceland? Have a friend who's been to Iceland?

According to a recent article, "Iceland Tops European Tourism Report" in The Reykjavik Grapevine, you probably have OR do. Iceland topped other European countries with a 21% increase in foreign visitors last year. 

Groupon is taking advantage of this trend and offering a vacation deal to Reykjavik. 


Available departures dates range from October '14 to March '15 from NYC. Depending on your departure date, the price varies from $799 to $999 USD. 

This would be a perfect deal to take advantage of if you're looking to experience the infamous Icelandic New Year's Eve celebration. 

I can tell you first hand it's a MUST-DO in your life. 

The vacation package includes:

5-Day Iceland Vacation with Northern-Lights ViewingDespite its name and northerly location, much of Iceland's landscape is carpeted in greenery. This vacation puts you in Reykjavik, the heart of Iceland and the northernmost capital city on earth. There's no set itinerary, so travelers can spend most of the vacation exploring the Icelandic landscape at their own pace. This vacation includes a nighttime tour to see the breathtaking northern lights. This vacation includes:

• Round-trip airfare

• Airline taxes and fuel surcharges

• Alternate departure dates/gateways may be available for additional fees.

• 3 nights of standard accommodations at Best Western Hotel Reykjavik, Bjork Hotel, or similar, depending on option purchased

• Daily breakfast

• Northern-lights evening tour

So... What are you waiting for?!?!

Welcome To My Blog / Velkomin á bloggið mitt

Columbus, Ohio:
Population: 809,798
Area: 223.1 sq. miles

Wilmington, Delaware(New Castle County):
Population: 546, 076
Area: 494 sq. miles

New York City
Population: 8,337,000 
Area: 468.5 sq. miles

Iceland
Population: 321,857
Area: 39,770 sq. miles

One of these things is not like the other. I'll give you one guess...

I was born in Columbus, Ohio. I grew up in Wilmington, Delaware and I currently live in New York City. All of these are fairly dense urban or suburban centers. I'm the first to admit that I'm a city boy; I once neared panic-attack-levels of anxiety driving through the wilderness of coastal Oregon. 

So how would you explain falling in love with Iceland, a misunderstood country of 321,857 people with close to half located in the capital city of Reykjavik? 
Could it be their famous musicians, Björk and Sigur Rós? 
Their landscape being featured in movies and television shows like Game of Thrones? 
Our shared love of Huldufólk, or Hidden People?
Or possibly love of fermented shark chased with a shot of Black Death?

Answer: It's a little bit of everything. As judged by the clichéd nickname of the country, The Land of Fire and Ice, Iceland is a land of opposites. Most people end with that cursory depiction. Similarly, on the surface, New York City and Iceland appear to have nothing in common. While there are quire a few differences between the two, there is also quite a bit that connects the two cultures. 

This blog will explore the differences, similarities and everything in between. I hope you find it informative, enjoyable and helps you in your exploration of Iceland.