Iceland: Nordic Elements

Trip Name
Iceland: Nordic Elements

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

2027 Sessions
Session 1: July 1 – July 14, 2027
Session 2: July 18 – July 31, 2027

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
$6,795

2027 Tuition
$6,795

Save Up to $500
Apply by October 31, 2026 to save $250 with our Early Enrollment Discount. Pay tuition in full at enrollment and save an additional $250.

Early Enrollment Discount
Save $250 when you apply by October 31, 2026.

Pay-In-Full Discount
Save an additional $250 when tuition is paid in full at enrollment.

Fully Refundable Deposit
Your deposit is fully refundable through December 31, 2026.

Standard Payment Plan
Prefer not to pay in full? Our standard payment schedule includes payments on November 15, January 15, March 15, and May 15.

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: Whale Watching and 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. End with a whale-watching boat trip to explore and learn about these incredible creatures.

Day 4: Golden Circle
Explore Iceland’s famous Golden Circle including highlights like visiting Þingvellir National Park, the geysers of Geysir, and the thundering Gullfoss waterfall.

Day 5: Service Day
Spend the day giving back through environmental service work with our local partner. Projects include supporting local ecosystems, tackling invasive species, basic construction tasks, and other projects to support our local partners.

Day 6: Service Day
We continue our service work during the day, learning about Iceland’s fragile ecosystems and climate.

Day 7: Transfer to Iceland's Most Southerly Town
We head south on an exciting road trip ending in the charming village of Vik. We end the day playing games on one of the famous black sand beaches.

Day 8: Big Hike Day
We get up into the mountains today for a full-day hike to stretch our legs. Surrounded by waterfalls, steep rocky cliffs, and panoramic views, the scenery around Vik does not disappoint.

Day 9: Glacier Lagoon Boat Trip
We then travel east for a boat tour through the surreal Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs drift alongside curious seals.

Day 10: Skaftafell National Park
We explore the dramatic landscapes of Skaftafell National Park, hiking beside glaciers, volcanic cliffs, and basalt waterfalls.

Day 11: Glacial Hike/Climb
We get up close to powerful glaciers to learn about their history, their recession, and the impact climate change is having. We hike and climb to experience these glaciers face to face.

Day 12: Road Trippin’ back to Reykjavik
We journey west, heading back to the capital, Reykjavik. We stop along the way to see highlights, more waterfalls, and small towns.

Day 13: Blue Lagoon & Trip Celebrations
After an action-packed adventure, we spend our last full day together as a group. We then unwind with a soak in the iconic Blue Lagoon. This is a great way to end our time in Iceland.

Day 14: Homeward Bound
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, prescription and over-the-counter, must be listed on your teen’s medical form. Trip leaders hold all medications throughout the trip and administer them as needed.

Behavioral Expectations
Before departure, every family reviews our Positive Participation Agreement with their teen. It covers expectations for safety, respect, participation, and group life. On trip, leaders address concerns early and directly, help students understand the impact of their choices, and work with them to reset. If a concern is serious or ongoing, we involve the family and determine next steps together.

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
For Iceland your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of travel. Also, it is recommended that you have at least two blank pages in your passport.

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.