Traveling to Iceland on a shoestring budget sounds contradicting, as the average budget for an Iceland trip goes about $5,000- $8,000. However, traveling with only a $2,500 budget is possible if travelers choose the most affordable yet comfortable accommodations, eat at places with tasty but affordable food, and taking the most affordable routes.
The most expensive item for an Iceland traveler is the airline ticket. Despite price comparisons, countries with no direct flights to Iceland could pay more. According to TripZilla, if one comes from Singapore, one still has to take a flight to Europe or to the United Kingdom with a choice of budget airlines. It suggested that Finnair has a two-part flight from Singapore to Helsinki, and from the latter it would fly to Iceland.
In Iceland, hotels could cost about $26 to even $33 a night. Airbnb could be helpful because low-priced accommodations and long-term leasing -- such as two-week stay deals -- makes the destination friendlier to your budget.
According to Nomadic Matt, spending about $54 is possible if one avoids eating "fancy meals at restaurants" or paying for tourist traps including "whale watching, guided glacier walks or helicopter rides." The blog stresses that "free activities" inside national parks and avoiding alcohol -- inebriation being as expensive as $10 per beer bottle -- are great ways to save money in the country.
Taxis are a big "no" in Iceland if you're on a budger. Buses and traveling as locals do with public buses -- which have a semi-personalized service that allow them to drop travelers off their accommodations -- could save you more than $20 a day.
Lastly, group tours will cost a bit of money, but the premium here is travelers do not only get to visit their favorite Icelandic spots from their research, but also places and other amenities the tour guide is knowledgeable about. Bonus tip: For anyone wishing to chase down the Aurora Borealis, a tour guide is the best way to go, as they they have a better idea when and where it appears.
