Iceland is dreamy. This ethereal landscape and lighting can make you feel like you’re on Mars one moment and on the set Game of Thrones (which was filmed in Iceland) the next. For me, Iceland feels like Alaska crashed into the moon and then was taken over by IKEA.

You’ll find great weekend and 5-day getaways to Iceland on sites like www.travelzoo.com and www.shermanstravel.com.

Iceland requires a little planning and research, because without a plan you’ll feel like you’re floating in this country—unsure of where to go or what to do. Signage isn’t a huge priority in Iceland so finding even the most popular tourist spots becomes an adventure unless you have 15/20 vision (to see the signs) and read the local language. A little prep work and insider information will make your adventure amazing.

Here are 4 things we wish would have known before we went to Iceland: [Tweet this]

1. This beautiful country is easiest to get around for those who love tour buses. You can land in Reykjavik and grab a tour bus to the famous Blue Lagoon (largest geothermal pool in the world and one of the 25 wonders of the world) from the airport. Then take a bus into town where you can grab a bus tour of the famed Golden Circle which includes stops at a breathtaking waterfall, geyser, and volcanic pool. Once in town, you can rent a car and go off on your own.

2. For those who prefer a rental car (for a day or the entire trip), consider one of the local brands (rather than Avis, Budget or Hertz) for significant savings. You’ll need a good map or GPS to navigate the country. When in Reykjavik, you can find free parking (and more importantly, not have to feed a street meter throughout the day) at the large church that anchors the city. Driving is on the right side of the road, you’re legally required to keep your headlights on all day (and night). If you choose to rent a car, explore any little towns or turnoffs that you find. Something beautiful and memorable is likely waiting.

3. Whatever star rating your hotel is in Reykjavik, mentally subtract one-and-a-half to two stars before you arrive. We booked a four-star hotel and ended up in something that was closer to two star. A far better way to go (and when we go back), we’ll book through airbnb.com. We met a ton of people who used the site to rent flats, bedrooms, apartments and homes in Iceland and had great experiences, saved a fortune, and connected with the locals.

4. Smile big. People flood into Iceland on 24-hour to 72-hour layovers. You may be able to schedule one (at low to no cost) the next time you’re crossing the Atlantic so check with your airline. As a result, Iceland becomes a big travel depot with people coming and going. But moving beyond being another tourist and connecting with the Icelandics is easy—smile big, be warm and friendly, and ask questions. We found the people to be kind, gracious, and helpful whenever we engaged with them.

Are you planning a trip soon? Where are you going?

*Photo courtesy of here