Not going to the swimming pool because it's cold outside

You definitely shouldn’t miss out on experiencing this authentic Icelandic tradition. Most of the pools are heated, even geothermally.

What better than soaking in the naturally heated water, enjoying hot springs all the while sitting back and relaxing. It’s pretty dreamy if you ask me. Basking in the hot waters, surrounded by pure white snow and crisp winds blowing. Something one should definitely explore.

Bringing a flashlight to a camping trip

You can’t camp after  September until May, in Iceland. It’s unbearably cold for camping.

Only summer months allow for it and since these months are graced by the midnight sun, you won’t be needing any flashlight. Don’t forget to carry your sleeping mask though.

The only time you’ll need a flashlight is while lava caving, since it’s easy to get lost in the dark caves. But the tour guides will provide it to you anyway, so you should be good. Also, won’t be a bright idea to venture alone into the caves. Enter them only on a certified, official expedition.

Trying to book a room in an ice hotel

Contrary to popular belief, courtesy of its name, Iceland can’t nurture an ice hotel. For that, you’ll have to make a trip to either Norway, Finland, Sweden, or Canada.

However, you can still experience it by visiting man-made tunnels that have been carved into the glacier Langjökull. It’s open to visiting, any time of the year. If you decide to come in winter, then you can get a more natural experience by visiting the blue ice caves beneath the Vatnajökul glacier.

Coming in winter to see the midnight sun, or summer to see the Northern Lights

Midnight sun and Northern Lights aren’t something that’ll occur simultaneously. You’ll have to decide which one has your heart and plan the trip accordingly.

Midnight sun~ When the sun never really sets and even after it does, the light is still there in the skies. The occurrence of it is weeks before and after the summer equinox from late May to early August

Northern Lights~ They’re still dancing in space above us but aren’t visible due to the midnight sun. To see them clearly, wait for the skies to darken. This starts to happen by late August until the start of May. In between that period, one can almost regularly spot the Northern lights in all their glory.

Buying bottled water

If you’re coming to a country that has 11% of its surface area topped with glaciers, and much of the melted water drops down into filters via the porous lava rock, then you won’t be needing bottled water.

It’s either way not encouraged in Iceland because of the negative impact it has on mother nature. I mean, if you’re getting water as clean as that from the spring, the Silfra ravine, coming from the taps then why would you want to waste your money on bottled water? The brilliant substructure of the nation has a system that pumps out the natural water full of minerals and circulates it across the country.

Packed water is a cozenage, the Icelanders know that and you should be aware of it too. Just bring in a reusable bottle and you’re good to go. You may find sulphur in the water and it’s pretty harmless but the smell can be a little too much.

Littering

It’s rightly said, “cleanliness is next to godliness”. Doesn’t matter whether you’re sitting in your room or traveling across the globe. One should always maintain the hygiene of themselves and their surroundings. Keep this point in mind while visiting Iceland, home to Reykjavík, one of the cleanest cities in the world. It’s because people actually work towards not littering it. If you end up disrupting this balance, be ready to hear an earful and pay some heavy fines. It’ll be wise to keep your trash to yourself and dispose of it properly.

Throwing coins into the pools and hot springs

It sounds pretty magical when you read about throwing coins into wells and making your wishes come to life. In reality? Not so much. We don’t want you Throwing coins into hot springs and blessing them with the release of heavy metals in the water. We’d rather recommend you put that money to some good use and actually spend it on things that’ll be worth it.

Trying to photograph the Northern Lights with a flash

If you’re into photography and are well versed with its ways then it’s a no-brainer for you. But if you’re someone who doesn’t know their way around handling a camera then here are a few tips for you~

– give your camera a long exposure time to capture the pictures perfectly

– don’t turn on the flash, as it’ll make the lights vanish away immediately.

– you can always ask your tour guide to help you out with capturing the Northern Lights in your lens.

Steer clear from the flash as it’ll affect your vision and ruin the experience for you and fellow viewers.