Iceland: Nordic Elements

Trip Name
Iceland: Nordic Elements

Who It’s For
Students (completing grades 8–11)

2026 Sessions
Session 2: July 2 – July 15, 2026
Session 3: July 19 – August 1, 2026

Note: These dates reflect your teen’s departure from the U.S. and return to the U.S. Exact flight times and meeting details will be shared after enrollment.

Location
Southern Iceland

Trip Length
14 Days

Tuition
$6,595

This is the plan, but plans can shift. Weather, group energy, and new opportunities sometimes lead us to make changes. No two trips are exactly the same, and that’s part of what makes the experience so memorable.

Days 1–2: Arrival in Iceland
We fly from the U.S. on day 1 (optional escorted flight available) and land in Keflavik, Iceland on day 2. After the group has arrived, we travel to our campsite in Reykjavik, where we settle in, go over gear, and get to know each other.

Day 3: Explore Reykjavik & Folklore Tour
Discover Reykjavik’s colorful streets, rich history, and hear local legends and folklore that bring the city to life through our local guide. Explore highlights like Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral, the Sun Voyager sculpture, the Reykjavik harbor, and the lively city center.

Day 4: Golden Circle & Transfer to Vik
Explore Iceland’s famous Golden Circle including highlights like visiting Þingvellir National Park, the geysers of Geysir, and the thundering Gullfoss waterfall. We end the day heading south to the charming village of Vik.

Day 5: Service Day & Reynisfjara Beach
Spend the day giving back through environmental service work with our local partner. Later, we visit Reynisfjara’s black sand beach and take a short hike for breathtaking coastal views.

Day 6: Service Day & Hjörleifshöfði Hike
We continue our service work during the day, leaning about Iceland’s fragile ecosystems and climate. We finish up with a rewarding hike up the historic Hjörleifshöfði promontory with sweeping vistas.

Day 7: Skaftafell National Park & Glacier Lagoon
We explore the dramatic landscapes of Skaftafell National Park, hiking beside glaciers, volcanic cliffs, and basalt waterfalls. We then travel east for a boat tour through the surreal Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs drift alongside curious seals.

Day 8: Road Trippin’ and Waterfalls
We continue our journey around Iceland heading to Husavik, with stops at stunning waterfalls and hidden gems along the way.

Day 9: Husavik Whale Watching & Puffins
Head out on a whale-watching boat trip and explore Husavik’s Whale Museum to learn about these incredible creatures. We also visit some historic churches, and try spotting puffins along the coast.

Day 10: Herring Era Museum & Glaumbær Turf Farm
Step back in time with a visit to the Herring Era Museum and wander through the traditional turf houses at Glaumbær. This is a great way to learn about Icelandic culture and history.

Day 11: Snæfellsjökull National Park
Take in the dramatic Lóndrangar cliffs and explore Snæfellsjökull National Park, famed for its volcanic landscapes and coastal views.

Day 12: Grabrok Crater & Return to Reykjavik
We hike the Grabrok Crater before heading back to Reykjavik for our final nights in the capital.

Day 13: Fridheimar Farm & Blue Lagoon
We visit Friðheimar Farm for warm tomato soup and homemade bread, and learn how Icelanders harness geothermal energy to grow fresh produce. Then we stop by Selfoss and meet Icelandic horses, known for their unique gait and gentle nature. We then unwind with a soak in the iconic Blue Lagoon.

Day 14: Homeward Bound
After one final banquet and celebration, we head to the airport and begin our journey home.

We’ll be tent camping throughout the trip in a mix of established campgrounds.

Group Tents
Teens sleep in shared tents (2–3 per tent), divided by gender.

Mix of Rustic & Remote
Campsites are simple but family friendly. There are rustic bathrooms at each campsite we stay at, and we typically have short showers every 2-3 days to rinse off and freshen up.

Group Responsibility
Everyone helps set up camp, prep meals, and keep shared spaces clean. Camping together builds trust and teamwork.

What to Expect
Changing weather, long daylight hours, and unforgettable views just outside your tent door.

Most meals are cooked as a group at the campsite, with a few local meals along the way.

Cook Crew
Teens rotate through daily roles, planning, prepping, cooking, and cleaning alongside leaders.

Simple + Filling
Meals are hearty and easy to make in the outdoors, think pasta, soups, rice bowls, pancakes, sandwiches.

All Diets Welcome
We accommodate all allergies and dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.).

Snacks + Hydration
We build in snack breaks and water refills throughout each day, especially on more challenging hikes.

Flights
Families book flights to and from Reykjavík, Iceland (KEF).
Do not book your flight until you receive the required travel windows from our team.

Escorted Flight Option
An optional group flight with an RLT leader is available from the New York area.

Unaccompanied Minor Info
We’ll walk you through the process if your teen is flying as an airline-designated Unaccompanied Minor (for major airlines this is often kids who are 14 years old or younger, and are flying without a parent.) Every airline has different policies so it is important to coordinate with RLT and look into each airline’s specific policies. Generally speaking, we will have an RLT leader available to meet Unaccompanied Minors at the arrival airport for each trip.

Packing
Participants are responsible for bringing their own personal clothing, toiletries, and individual camping gear such as a sleeping bag and sleeping pad. The Road Less Traveled provides all group gear, including tents, cooking equipment, and any specialized activity equipment needed for the trip. A detailed packing list will be sent to families well in advance (and is available upon request at any time) to ensure your child is prepared. We encourage packing clothing that’s comfortable, durable, and made for adventure. Our list will also provide guidance based on weather, location, and planned activities to help participants bring the right items for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Luggage Note
We recommend one checked soft duffel bag (NOT a rolling suitcase) and a small carry-on backpack.

Forms & Waivers
After enrolling, you'll access your RLT portal with required forms:
Health history, medical info, emergency contacts, and participant waivers. These must be completed before your trip.

Medical Clearance
No doctor’s appointment is needed unless a new or complex medical condition has developed. We review all forms to ensure we’re prepared to support your teen.

Medications
All medications including both prescription or over-the-counter, must be listed on your teen’s medical form. Leaders manage and dispense medications during the trip.

Behavioral Expectations
We’ll send you a Code of Conduct to review with your teen. It helps set clear expectations and ensures a safe, respectful group environment.

Trip Insurance
Required for international travel. You’re welcome to use any provider. For recommendations, visit our FAQ page or contact our team directly.

Vaccinations
We follow CDC guidelines for international travel, and always recommend that families check in with their pediatrician prior to traveling abroad. Based on current CDC guidelines, no specific shots are required beyond routine immunizations. Please check that your teen is up to date on routine vaccinations, including a tetanus booster (Td or Tdap) within the past 10 years.

Passport
A valid passport is required. It must be valid for at least six months beyond the end of the trip.

Device-Free Philosophy
Phones and personal electronics are collected on Day 1 and returned at the end of the trip. This helps teens fully engage with their surroundings and each other.

Disconnect Helps Teens:
Build deeper relationships
Be present in their surroundings
Gain confidence without constant tech

Cameras Welcome
Digital cameras and GoPros are allowed, anything that doesn’t connect to the internet. Trip leaders also take photos and share an online gallery with families after the trip.

Communication
We send regular updates to families while the trip is underway. In case of emergency, you can reach our on-call team 24/7.