Take a trip to the land made from fire and ice

Iceland is a magical place and the outdoor scenery alone makes it worth the trip. Seeing the breathtaking landscape of the Nordic island in person is a goal for many people and this mission can be accomplished more easily than one might think.

Save your coins and adjust your mind to prepare for the adventure of a lifetime in the Republic of Iceland. One of the few free things offered in Islandia is water. Filtered through layers of bedrock, the glacier water is unpolluted and less acidic than in other countries.

The island of fire and ice isn't cheap to explore and that is a result of import costs. Consider downloading a Krona conversion application on your phone to stay on track financially and within budget. Almost everyone speaks English and credit cards are accepted by vendors at most business locations. Many of the things that Americans take for granted and are given for free come with a charge in Iceland to sustain its tourism-based economy.

Start early when planning out an excursion to Iceland to find a decent fare on the flagship carrier, Iceland Air. One checked bag is included in the price and pack a sweater as temperatures hover around 50 degrees year-round due to the Gulf Stream. Changing flights can come with steep costs, so keep that in mind when booking your trip. The six-hour time change from the United States comes with challenges and departures are generally scheduled in the evening.

Hungry economy class passengers may pre-purchase food and free snack service is not included. Saga seats are in the front of the plane and offer spacious accommodations along with food service.

Flying there is a breeze from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Keflavik International Airport and takes around six hours.

Upon arrival at Keflavik, travelers still have almost an hour to make their way to Reykjavik where most of the population lives. Uber and Lyft share rides are not available in Iceland, so taxis, buses and rental cars are possible options. The Flybus transportation company is easy to navigate from the airport and will save money when transferring to the capital. There's a combo offer to visit the Blue Lagoon Reykjavik through several of the bus systems, including Flybus. The location of the lagoon is near the airport, so visitors may partake in the experience straight from arrivals or departures. This geothermal spa is located in a lava field in southwestern Iceland and the water is replenished every 48 hours. Several retreat packages are presented for purchase at bluelagoon.com.

Hotels are temporary homes for weary travelers and the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica comes with the right amount of comforts. The interior is modern

The snack store near the front desk is stocked full of sustenance daily and the convenient coffee machine will brew up the energy needed to start each day. VOX Brasserie and Bar is another option for rations inside the Hilton property.

The rooms are sleek and modern with a European flair, with several size options to choose from. White linen, bathroom amenities and a workspace area are included in standard accommodations and upgrades for mountain views are possible.

To escape city life, try the Golden Circle tour by Reykjavik Excursions and set aside at least six hours for the experience. Ticket holders will learn fun facts and trivia about the history of Iceland from a skilled tour agent while traversing the territory in real time. Enter the Friðheimar Greenhouse to discover a sustainable world created by the workers, including heat lamps, bee colonies and watering systems to maintain a massive tomato garden.

Head on to the Thingvellir National Park, then make stops to witness watery eruptions from the ground at Geysir and catch a rainbow at the stunning Gulfoss Waterfall. Add-ons at re.is range from horseback riding to unique Jeep excursions.

Tourists visiting Iceland can rest easy knowing that the general populace is friendly and helpful. Icelanders might seem intimidating with their distinct Scandinavian looks and rugged Viking style, but they can be as tame as a Celtic kitty cat when approached with respect. Gender equality has risen over the years and the LGBTQ+ community is welcomed with open arms culturally.

The adventure of a lifetime awaits those who are ready for it. Formulate a game plan, book a flight at icelandair.com and say halló to the magical realm in the North Atlantic known as Iceland.