Living From a Suitcase

Accommodations

• Alda Hotel Reykjavik: 4-star boutique hotel on one of the main drags in Reykjavik but still very quiet. This was a great hotel: walking distance to the harbor, big, updated rooms and the hotel gives you a mobile phone to use. Additionally, the staff was super pleasant and helpful. I would definitely stay here again.

Sites/Tours

• Inside the Volcano: Loved it! Check the season before you go, because I don't think this is open year-round. You hike a mile out to the volcano and take a very small, see-through elevator down into the volcano. It's a bit surreal ... not many can say they have been inside a volcano. The rock coloring is beautiful inside. After you are done you, get to have homemade lamb stew outside the volcano before making the trek back.
• Inside the Glacier: Loved this too! To set expectations, the tunnel inside is man-made, but it's nonetheless very cool (both temperature and atmosphere speaking). You hop in a giant truck, originally made for the military, as it has to be tough enough to navigate driving over the glacier, and it drops you off at the tunnel opening. The whole experience is amazing, but dress appropriately (I can't believe I have to say that). You will be throwing on metal grates over your boots/shoes inside because you will be walking on ice! If you go there wearing sandals or heels, I think you deserve what you get. You are in Iceland!!
• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall: Depending on the time of year (not in the winter), you can walk behind the cascading water so you can see it from the front and back, it's a unique experience and one I recommend.
• Hraunfossar Waterfall: Large, beautiful, and talk about a great panoramic shot.
• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: Keep your eyes on the incoming water because many underestimate how far the water will rush in across the beach and end up very wet! 
• Glacier Hiking: I did a small group tour with Extreme Iceland that included Seljalandsfoss Waterfall as well. Glacier hiking is an unusual experience as you literally stomp around the ice with crampons on your feet for traction, and an ice axe in your hand. Because there can be warm pockets, you are instructed to walk in a single-file line behind the guide so you don't accidentally step into an abyss never to be seen again. I felt lucky to explore the glacier first hand, but also sad to see the effects of global warming so directly.
• Northern Lights/Aurora Borealis: One of the main reasons I came to Iceland!! Extremely season and weather dependent. Do NOT assume that flying to Iceland guarantees that you will see the Northern Lights. The season for the lights doesn't even start until September 15, and even then, is all up to the weather. I booked the Northern Lights Magic 4x4 Super Jeep Tour through Discover Iceland. We drove up a mountain in our 4x4 at night and were extremely lucky to view gorgeous Northern Lights. They started off as spurts of green and then turned into green and purple dances in the sky - it was unreal. If you want to take pictures that are decent, you need to use a real camera with a tripod so you can set long exposure times.
• Highlands and Hekla Volcano: Do this if you have the time. If you are crunched for time, save it for the next trip. It's beautiful, but try not to tackle it if you only have one day. I saw this during a very, very small group tour of Landmannalaugar and Hekla through Discover Iceland. There were only four of us total as that's all the 4x4 vehicle will fit.
• Iceland East Side: I also had booked a tour to fly out and see Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and go snowmobiling atop Vatnajökull Glacier. Unfortunately, due to zero airline communication, I did not make the flight. Be aware, there are smaller regional jets flying out of a different Reykjavik airport, so make sure you clarify which airport you need to be at. Alas, a reason I have to get back to Iceland!
• Blue Lagoon: I am noting this attraction because it's so popular. I personally didn't make it to this destination but friends of mine have. I would not base your trip on getting here, but if you have the time on the way to the airport I think it would be a nice side trip. Just get expectations set, this is man-made and a tourist trap, but seem to be a very cool one!

Food

• Hofnin: Good restaurant by the harbor. It's two stories, so you get some nice views on the top floor. Lots of fresh seafood dishes here. Try to secure a reservation for a table.
• Bæjarins beztu pylsur: Near the harbor, some consider this one of the best hot dog stands in Europe. One of the cheaper foods you can get, it's worth giving one a go to formulate your own opinion. I thought it was a decent snack but wasn't mind-blowing.
• Skyr: An excellent snack! You'll see this on advertisements all over the city. This yogurt is hugely popular in Iceland and other companies are now ripping off the name. Be sure to get the legitimate Skry at a local grocery in Reykjavik. I enjoyed it so much that I tracked it down to certain stores in London.
• Tommi's Burger Joint: Craving a burger and a cheaper meal? Find this tiny burger place by the harbor. I found the burgers to be pretty tasty.