Ludo's Research Trip to Iceland: Part 2

One of the adventures we had originally planned was an open-top buggy experience in Þórsmörk, but Icelandic weather had other ideas!

A huge storm swept across the country during our visit, with atmospheric pressure dropping to an extraordinary 936 hPa. It was quite a reminder of just how powerful and unpredictable nature can be in Iceland.

Unfortunately, the conditions meant our buggy experience had to be cancelled. However, our brilliant local team at PTI quickly rearranged things and organised a Super Jeep adventure instead.

It turned out to be a fantastic alternative, allowing us to explore Iceland's rugged landscapes in specially adapted vehicles. There is something rather exhilarating about travelling through this sort of terrain, and it added another dimension to the trip.

It also demonstrated the value of having experienced people on the ground who can adapt an itinerary when the weather doesn't cooperate. Iceland is a destination where flexibility is particularly important and knowing that you have an excellent local team looking after everything makes a huge difference.

The open-top buggy experience is now firmly on my list for next time!

The Golden Circle is understandably one of Iceland's most popular touring routes, and the combination of dramatic scenery, geothermal activity and waterfalls makes it an essential part of a first visit.

We visited some magnificent waterfalls during the trip, and they were every bit as impressive as I had hoped. The sheer power of the water, combined with the surrounding landscape, makes these stops far more memorable than photographs can convey.

Another favourite was Friðheimar, the famous greenhouse restaurant where tomatoes are grown using geothermal energy. It is a fascinating example of how Iceland makes use of its natural resources, and a wonderfully unusual place to stop for lunch. It's the first time I have seen tomato ice cream on the menu anywhere in the world.

And then, of course, there was the Blue Lagoon. Although it is one of Iceland's most famous attractions, experiencing those geothermal waters surrounded by volcanic rock is still something very special.

What I loved most was the variety. One moment you are exploring a volcano or crossing an extraordinary landscape in a Super Jeep; the next you are enjoying a fantastic meal or relaxing in a geothermal pool.

There aren't many destinations that can offer that combination so easily.

It would be impossible to write about Iceland without mentioning the Northern Lights.

We were fortunate enough to see them during the trip, including from my room at The Retreat, and it really is one of those experiences that stays with you. There is something quite extraordinary about looking up at the sky and seeing the colours moving overhead. No photograph can quite capture the atmosphere of experiencing it in person.

Of course, the Northern Lights are never guaranteed, and that is something we always make clear to clients. You need the right combination of solar activity, darkness, and clear skies, with a little luck thrown in.

However, I was impressed by how many of the hotels had thought about making the experience easier for guests.

The Northern Lights wake-up calls were a particularly nice touch. Knowing that the hotel team is keeping an eye on the sky and will wake you if the aurora appears means you can enjoy your evening without worrying about missing the show.

It is a small detail, but exactly the sort of thing that can elevate a trip.

I came away from Iceland feeling that it has enormous potential for Love To Explore.

It is a destination that can appeal to so many different travellers. Couples looking for a romantic escape, families wanting an active holiday, groups of friends after an adventure or anyone simply looking to experience somewhere completely different.

It is particularly well suited to those who enjoy getting outdoors, but you certainly don't need to be an extreme adventurer to appreciate it. There are plenty of ways to tailor the pace and activities to individual interests.

And the food deserves another mention. It was outrageously good throughout the trip and one of my biggest surprises. The quality of the restaurants, even in relatively remote locations, was consistently impressive.

There are still plenty of experiences on my list. Having missed out on the open-top buggy adventure because of the storm, I would love to return and finally give that a go.

Further ahead, I am particularly keen to explore northern Iceland, including Deplar Farm. The idea of skiing from the mountains down towards the ocean is something that really appeals to me, and it would be fantastic to experience another completely different side of the country.

Iceland has certainly earned its place in our portfolio, and I cannot wait to start putting together some incredible adventures here.

I'll definitely be back.