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12 top places to visit in Iceland in 2024

Mar 12, 2024 • 8 min read

Iceland has lots to offer – here's our 12 favorite places to visit © evenfh / Shutterstock

Iceland appears on the must-do lists of many travelers – its charming cities and towns, other-worldly landscapes and astronomical phenomena keep the crowds coming back for more every year.

But how do you choose the highlights of your trip in a country packed with so many of them ? Don't worry, we've picked twelve incredible places, some of which are on the beaten path and some of which are not, but all of which might surprise you. Here are our favorite places to visit in Iceland  in 2024.

1. Mosfellsbær

Best for a quiet escape near Reykjavík

Reykjavík’s friendly rural neighbor is Mosfellsbær . Its biggest attractions are the small mountains that surround the town, including Úlfarsfell, Mosfell, Helgafell and Reykjafell – all great for short hikes. Lake Hafravatn is a gem that locals flock to for swimming and kayaking fun. Time your visit to coincide with the popular vegetable market that carries the produce of local farmers, open every Saturday in late summer in the valley.

The valley is also host to Gljúfrasteinn , a museum dedicated to Nobel Prize laureate Halldór Laxness, and Laxnes farm, which offers horseback riding tours. Álafosskvos is a tiny art and design village with a long-standing yarn store and local craft stores full of beautifully made items you'll want to bring home.

Planning tip: You can visit Mosfellsbær year-round. Þingvellir National Park is a short drive away – avoid the crowds by visiting between September and May .

Best base on the Golden Circle

In rural South Iceland lies Flúðir, best known for its mushroom greenhouse. If mushrooms are your thing, the greenhouse’s bistro offers all things funghi-related. Continue your gastronomic adventure and try authentic Ethiopian food at Minilik . Nearby is the Secret Lagoon , known locally as Gamla Laugin, and Hrunalaug , a small natural pool with stacked stone walls in the peaceful countryside. Flúðir is on the Golden Circle with some of the country’s best-known attractions within reach – it’s the perfect base for exploring the region.

Planning tip: It’s best not to visit Flúðir in the summer. It's the height of the tourist season, and spring and autumn are more enjoyable.

3. Stokkseyri

Best kayaking tours near Reykjavík

This charming South Coast village attracts foodies from far and wide to its seafood restaurant Fjöruborðið  – the lobster is especially popular. Kayaking in its narrow channels is a calm and fun activity, and the neighboring village of Eyrarbakki has beautifully restored timber houses and a heritage museum in a home that seems frozen in time. Nearby is Raufarhólshellir , one of the longest lava tubes in Iceland.

Planning tip: You can visit Stokkseyri and engage in most of the activities year-round, but service hours may change in winter, and kayaking depends on the weather.

Best base for glacial tours

In the kingdom of Vatnajökull , harbor town Höfn welcomes you with its lobster restaurants and stunning glacial views. This is a great base for exploring Europe’s largest glacier, from Jökulsárlón and other glacial lagoons with their floating icebergs to glacial hikes, snowmobile tours and ever-changing ice caves. Among local tour operators is the family-run company Glacier Journey .

Planning tip: You can visit year-round, but the ice-caving season is roughly from November through March. Glacial hikes are usually not possible at the height of summer. Always go with a guide and in good weather.

5. Borgarfjörður eystri

Best place for puffin-watching

The tiny village of Bakkagerði is surrounded by colorful mountains in Borgarfjörður eystri, one of the more remote Eastfjords. Getting there is an adventure in its own right as the road winds its way up and down a mountain pass. As you enter the village, time seems to slow down. Here you can relax and enjoy nature, go on hikes, explore on two wheels or treat yourself to a boat tour  and watch puffins up close from the bird-watching house on Hafnarhólmi.

Planning tips: To see puffins, visit from mid-May to early August. Christmas-related events take place during Advent, and snow sports are possible during winter.

6. Hallormsstaðaskógur

Best for camping in the woods

Visit Iceland’s largest forest and be amazed by its size. The campsite in Atlavík , on the banks of Lake Lagarfljót, is one of the country’s best and most popular among local tourists. There are 40 km (25 miles) of walking paths around the forest, so you can lose yourself among the trees and then climb up and enjoy the view of the lake – perhaps even catch a glimpse of the vicious wyrm that is said to inhabit it. Egilsstaðir, East Iceland’s largest town, is only 30 minutes away, and some of the region’s biggest attractions, like Hengifoss waterfall , are also close by.

Planning tips: Visit between June and August for camping. A forest festival is held around Midsummer’s Day, and mid-August to mid-September is the berry-picking season. Enjoy autumn colors from late August through October.

Best place for whale watching

Visit Iceland’s whale-watching capital and enjoy the friendly atmosphere as you stroll around the harbor. Joining a whale-watching tour of Skjálfandi Bay with one of the local tour operators is a must, perhaps combined with a bird-watching tour or a visit to Flatey Island , which was inhabited until the 1960s.

Learn more about whales at the fascinating Whale Museum , enjoy a beer at Gamli Baukur and try the salted cod at Salka Restaurant . Afterward, soak in the geothermal waters at Geosea and take in the gorgeous view of Skjálfandi. Húsavík is on the Diamond Circle and Arctic Coast Way.

Planning tips: Whale watching is available from March to November but is most enjoyable during the summer months.

8. Hauganes

Best place for a special bathing experience

There’s more than meets the eye at this hamlet on the shore of Eyjafjörður in North Iceland. The hot tubs on the beach have become quite the attraction, and it’s also tempting to brave the frigid waves. Try the salted cod at Baccalá restaurant and bar – it's prepared by local company Ektafiskur. You can also catch your own fish on sea angling tours and go whale watching from Hauganes. In the nearby village of Árskógssandur, Kaldi beer is brewed, and the brewery also offers beer baths . The ferry to the idyllic island Hrísey goes from Árskógssandur.

Planning tips: Visit for the midnight sun in the summer and northern lights in winter. Sea tours are best enjoyed in the summer.

9. Siglufjörður

Best for snow sports

Although it's best known as the location for the crime series Trapped , Siglufjörður is not scary at all. It’s a peaceful fishing community that used to be isolated – trapped, if you will – between tall mountains but has now been connected to the neighboring town of Ólafsfjörður by a tunnel. It was one of Iceland’s bustling herring processing centers during the boom that reached its height in the mid-20 th century.

This remarkable history is documented in the Herring Era Museum . Today, Siglufjörður is one of North Iceland’s centers for snow sports  – don't miss the popular Moroccan restaurant in town after a day on the slopes. Siglufjörður also has a beloved ski resort , and off-piste skiing is possible in the mountains of the Tröllaskagi peninsula.

Planning tips: Visit between January and March for cross-country and Alpine skiing at resorts. Off-piste skiing is usually possible through May. 

10. Hólmavík

Best base for exploring Strandir

On the northern coast of the Westfjords lies the fishing village Hólmavík, which has made a name for itself with its Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft . Diving into Iceland’s darker past, it tells tales of sorcerers and magic spells, witch burnings and other heinous acts. In a charming old house, Café Riis serves delicious pizzas and other treats.

The nearby town of Drangsnes has several  beachside hot tubs that could easily tempt you to spend the rest of the day gazing at the incredible scenery. A bumpy – and slightly scary – gravel road continues onwards along the Strandir region to some of Iceland’s remotest communities in Árneshreppur. At the edge of the world, you can book a night at Hótel Djúpavík .

Planning tips: It’s best to visit in summer as the road to the remoter communities is often hazardous or closed in winter.

Best place for quiet contemplation

In the middle of Breiðafjörður Bay, between the Westfjords and Snæfellsnes Peninsula , is an island which seems to have been lost in time. Only a handful of people live there year-round, but in summer the village comes to life when part-time residents come and stay in the beautifully restored houses. Walk around Flatey among grazing sheep and busy seabirds (watch out for the Arctic terns), look out at the ocean and find inner calm. The ferry goes between Stykkishólmur and Brjánslækur .

Planning tips: It’s best to visit in summer when the weather is more stable for sailing and more services are open.

12. Húsafell

Best resort for diverse experiences

In the innermost part of Borgarfjörður in the West, almost at the foot of Langjökull glacier, is the forested paradise of Húsafell – its hotel, campground and cottages have made it very popular among local tourists. There are both easy and challenging walking paths, including to the spectacular waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Glacial tours are available from Húsafell, and Víðgelmir , a massive lava cave, is just a few minutes away. You can soak in the on-site swimming pools or go on a hike to the more exclusive Canyon Baths .

Planning tips: Visit year-round. Summer is best for camping and hiking, and winter is best for viewing the northern lights.

This article was first published Apr 15, 2021 and updated Mar 12, 2024.

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The USA's 21 Most Popular Landmarks and Monuments

From trees and natural landmarks thousands of years old to legendary monuments built within the last century, the USA has amazing spots for tourists both native and international to explore. Of these, here are the 21 most visited, as shown in this list from the National Park Service. Discover a lifetime of vacation destinations.

21 – Independence National Historical Park

How apt that our guide to the greatest landmarks in the USA begins with the park commemorating the country’s founding. The home of the Liberty Bell, Pennsylvania’s Independence Park takes you right back to the time of the Founding Fathers.

20 – Korean War Veterans’ Memorial

Located in West Potomac park in D.C. , this memorial is a haunting reminder of a bloody conflict with its 19 large stainless steel soldiers surrounded by a wall full of images and memories and a single statement in silver chosen to sum up the conflict: ‘Freedom is Not Free’.

19 – Yosemite National Park

A visit to California’s Yosemite National Park is an encounter with nature at its most mighty and awe-inspiring. Huge cascading waterfalls meet giant sequoia trees thousands of years old and vast expanses of wilderness across the park’s 1,200 stunning square miles.

18 – Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Truly a wonder of the natural world, the Delaware Water Gap was created over millennia as the Delaware River carved its way through the Kittatinny Mountains, creating a stunning 70,000-acre landscape perfect for a rural retreat with its vast array of lakes, waterfalls and forests.

17 – Statue of Liberty

For many the single defining monument of the USA as a whole, Lady Liberty sits off New York welcoming visitors and residents alike with her flaming torch, broken chains and steely gaze. As well as being a potent symbol of American freedoms, she also offers some of the best views of NYC from her crown.

16 – National World War II Memorial

Little over a decade old, Washington D.C.’s World War II Memorial has quickly become a must-visit spot for anyone visiting the nation’s capital. Made up of 56 pillars, a fountain and two arches, it is a simple but striking tribute to the sacrifices made during WW2.

15 – San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

With its vast collection of historical boats, the San Fran Maritime Park is a wonderful celebration of the USA’s often-forgotten early maritime history, featuring six major 19th- and early 20th-century boats alongside 100 other smaller vessels and some great locations for some open-air swimming.

14 – Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial

Initially a hugely controversial monument due to an extreme minimalism that some saw not being adequately commemorating the casualties of the Vietnam War, Maya Lin’s v-shaped wall, with one side pointing to Lincoln and the other to the Washington Monument, has now been embraced as the perfect monument to that most controversial of conflicts.

13 – Cape Cod

With 40 miles of uninterrupted beaches on the Atlantic, it is no wonder that Massachusetts ’ Cape Cod is so popular. Ample space to swim, surf or just sit on the beach for those looking to relax, all surrounded by ample wildlife for those wishing to explore make Cape Cod an ideal vacation destination.

12 – Gulf Islands

Found in the Gulf of Mexico underneath Mississippi and Florida , the Gulf Island draw millions each year looking for an idyllic spot to for fishing, boating or just a little relaxed fun in the sun. Aside from that, however, it also features fascinating historical forts to explore.

11 – Castle Clinton National Park

Originally built in 1812 to stop a British Invasion, Castle Clinton marks the beginning of the development of New York City. It has been a fort, a theatre, an immigration station, and now it is an essential tourist attraction for all Manhattan visitors.

10 – Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

For over a century the Ohio Canal was a vital trade route through the country. Now it is a park rich with history and nature, with its 185 miles spanning some of the most beautiful areas of D.C., Maryland and West Virginia.

9 – Grand Canyon

Famed for bringing grown men to tears, Arizona’s Grand Canyon is a truly unforgettable sight everyone must see at least once in their lifetime. A mile deep and 277 miles long, to encounter it is to feel at once insignificant and inspired.

8 – Natchez Trace Parkway

Nothing says exploring America quite like a road trip, and the Natchez Trace Parkway might be the best one there is, with its 444 miles highlighting the stunning scenery of Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee as well as the entire history of America as a landmass from Native Americans to automobiles.

7 – Gateway National Recreation Area

The first National Recreation Area designated in an urban area, the Gateway offers the city dwellers of New York and New Jersey more rural experiences like swimming in the ocean, hiking through forests and camping across three sites, a welcome rural retreat visited by 10 million urbanites a year.

6 – Lake Mead

Amongst the inhospitable deserts of Arizona and Nevada , Lake Mead is an almost literal oasis, full of plants and animals evolved to cope with the often sweltering heats and regular droughts of desert life. As such, it is a recreation spot as unique as the wildlife that makes its home there.

5 – Lincoln Memorial

The ubiquitous Lincoln Memorial still manages to be awe-inspiring even after you have seen it on countless postcards and everywhere from textbooks to an episode of ‘The Simpsons’. The giant statue surrounded by the words of the Gettysburg Address is a must-visit for any American wanting to pay tribute to a great president.

4 – George Washington Memorial Parkway

One of the USA’s so-called ‘All American Roads’, the George Washington Memorial Parkway is a 25-mile road through Virginia (with a small segment in D.C.) full of memorials and reminders of America’s history as a nation, from the Marine Corps War Memorial to the Arlington Bridge into Washington.

3 – Great Smoky Mountains National Park

America’s most visited National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains between North Carolina and Tennessee have every sight a nature fan could possibly want to see. World famous for its vast array of wildlife, it has gigantic expanses of forest and, of course, those breathtaking mountains for its many millions of visitors to get lost in.

2 – Blue Ridge Parkway

Known as ‘America’s Favorite Drive’, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a 470 mile wander through the mountains of the Appalachians that spans from North Carolina to Virginia, allowing you to get incredibly close to the majestic scenery right from the comfort of your car, but with plenty of opportunities for those who want to get out of their four doors and into nature.

1 – Golden Gate National Recreation Area

As well as that world famous red suspension bridge, the Golden Gate area offers a world of natural delights, with over a thousand animal species and centuries of history spanning from the Native American settlement of California to the bustling metropolis of modern day San Francisco. No wonder 13 million visit its 80,000 acres every year. Samuel Spencer

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips , led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>

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Tourist Land Resort

Your gateway to tranquility & adventure .

Welcome to Tourist Land Resort, your gateway to tranquility and adventure. Our resort is conveniently located in Dharan, just 4 kilometers from Bhedetar, providing an ideal destination to experience the natural beauty and peacefulness of Nepal. Situated 1200 meters above sea level, our resort offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

With excellent transportation connections and well-maintained roads, Tourist Land Resort is easily accessible. It is approximately 60 kilometers from the Jogmani border in Bihar, India, via the express highway. The Biratnagar airport is about 54 kilometers away, and the West Bengal border in Kakarvitta is approximately 88 kilometers from the resort.

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Paragliding

Adventure sports have become a major draw for an increasing number of visitors, with the skies around Dharan and its neighboring areas, including Chinde, Danda, Gorkha Park, and Bhedetar, dotted with the exhilarating sight of paragliders.

Embark on an exhilarating Zip Lining adventure in Dharan with our services! Our zip line stretches up to 300 meters, providing a thrilling ride with a 43-meter altitude difference between takeoff and landing.

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Discover an array of water sports services in Dharan for an aquatic adventure like no other. Our offerings include a variety of thrilling activities that cater to all levels of enthusiasts. From kayaking and paddleboarding to jet skiing and banana boat rides.

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Embark on an exhilarating mountain biking adventure in Dharan, where the rugged terrains and scenic landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for cycling enthusiasts. Our mountain biking services in Dharan offer a thrilling experience for riders of all levels.

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23 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Iceland

Written by Anietra Hamper Updated Mar 14, 2023

Author Anietra Hamper has traveled throughout Iceland tackling outdoor adventures, from four-wheel driving over lava fields and fishing to taking in the waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic drives.

Iceland, the island of fire and ice, has become one of the world's top travel destinations , not only for thrill-seeking adventurers but also for nature lovers looking for something different.

Here, you'll discover active volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, glaciers, ice fields, and fjords, for this sparsely populated country, resting at the edge of the Arctic Circle, sits atop one of the world's most volcanically active areas.

One way to explore Iceland is on your own with a rental car, from several days to a week, including a trip along the Ring Road that runs in a complete circle around the country.

Another way to plot your adventure in Iceland is with tours that can take you to the best options to see the northern lights; ATV trekking; and on day trips from Reykjavik to see some of Iceland's most stunning natural beauty, like the Blue Lagoon and waterfalls.

Find out more about the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Iceland.

1. Explore Reykjavik by Foot

2. ride to the top of hallgrímskirkja, 3. soak in the blue lagoon, grindavík, 4. gullfoss waterfall, 5. spot whales out of reykjavik, 6. watch spectacular geysers, 7. take in the northern lights, aurora borealis, 8. hike in landmannalaugar nature reserve, 9. maelifell volcano & myrdalsjökull glacier park, 10. attend a concert at harpa, 11. explore the skaftafell ice cave, vatnajökull national park, 12. visit an active volcano at askja caldera, 13. feel the spray of dettifoss waterfall, 14. kirkjufell mountain, grundarfjördur, 15. hiking at mount esja, 16. walk the town of akureyri, 17. bird-watching at lake myvatn & nature reserve, 18. the pearl observatory (perlan), 19. rev up adventure with an atv trek, 20. float along a glacial lagoon, 21. reynisfjara black sand beach, 22. tour the raufarhólshellir lava tunnel, 23. visit iceland's quirky museums, best time to visit iceland.

The best way to start your trip to Iceland is by sightseeing in the capital city of Reykjavik . This is a walkable city with many museums, restaurants, attractions, public art, and entertainment.

Take a stroll to see some of the iconic locations in the city, like Hallgrimskirkja church and the Sun Voyager sculpture, or relax in one of Reykjavik's 17 thermal pools. You will enjoy walking up and down the city streets and perhaps stop into one of the many artsy and boutique shops to buy a wool sweater or lava pottery.

You can also book a Reykjavik Food Walk Tour and nibble your way through Reykjavik's food scene enjoying local cheeses, or try an authentic Icelandic hot dog.

Some of the best resorts in Iceland are in Reykjavik, so you can base yourself in the city and take day trips. An extremely popular way to visit nearby areas is on a South Coast Full Day Tour by Minibus from Reykjavik.

A Reykjavik modernist icon, this visually striking church is one of the city's top attractions, and when you see it, you'll understand why. Hallgrimskirkja is the tallest and most recognizable building in the country .

The Black Falls (a basalt rock formation), which is one of Iceland's natural wonders, inspired the architectural design. A climb to the top of the 73-meter-high tower is particularly rewarding. Here, you'll be treated to spectacular views across the city and surrounding landscape. At the front of the church is a statue of Icelander Leifur Eiriksson ("Leif the Lucky"), the first European to discover America around 1,000 CE. It seems he beat Christopher Columbus by around 500 years or so. For a small fee, you can take the elevator to the top and get the best panoramic view of Reykjavik.

Address: Hallgrímstorg 1 101, Reykjavik

Just 40 minutes' drive from Reykjavík, the Blue Lagoon , the most iconic of geothermal spas, is a must-see tourist attraction. Here, you'll find natural bathing in pale blue water in the shadow of a power station.

An entire Blue Lagoon industry has grown around this attraction since it first became a hit with locals in 1976. The water from the underground hot springs reaches 37-39 degrees Celsius and is said to be highly beneficial for both health and skin. If the die-hard Icelanders are anything to go by, don't knock the theory. Aside from bathing in a unique setting, there's a shop selling skincare products, a range of spa treatments, and places to eat and drink. Don't visit Iceland without coming here.

Rub on a mask of natural mud in minerals from one of the tubs located on the edges of the lagoon. For the ultimate relaxing visit, you can stay at one of the two hotels at the Blue Lagoon and add on a day at the Retreat Spa.

It is easy to book a bus trip to the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik, but if you want to add an extra element of Iceland adventure, you can book a day trip on an ATV that will have you drive there over lava rock paths and take you back by coach to your hotel.

Address: Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík

Magnificent Gullfoss Waterfall lies around 90 minutes west of Reykjavik and is one of the best waterfalls in Iceland . The river Hvítá plummets into a canyon, which forms three-step terraces, creating a powerful torrent. Gullfoss encompasses two cascades; the upper one drops 11 meters, while the lower one cascades about 21 meters.

Torrents of water flow over Gullfoss at an average rate of 109 cubic meters per second, although heavy floods have recorded an astonishing rate of nearly twenty times that. A word of warning: there are no rails or barriers, just a spine-tingling spectacle to enjoy amid surroundings as nature intended.

No matter what time of year you plan to travel to Iceland, whale watching happens year-round, although summer is the most popular time to see these gentle giants. During the warmer months, trips run day and night, including whale watching in the midnight sun.

Tour operators say there's an 80-95 percent chance of seeing these magnificent creatures, depending on the time of year. Best of all, surfacing often happens right near the boats, so you may well enjoy a ringside seat for one of nature's most awe-inspiring spectacles.

Other ocean-going tours are also available, such as bird-watching and island visits. Tours are convenient since there are several types available, and they depart from Reykjavik's Old Harbor. Stop for a dinner of fresh cod after you return in one of the many small, rustic restaurants located in the harbor area.

Address: Ægisgardur 5, Reykjavik's Old Harbor

An easy 50-minute drive from Reykjavik , Strokkur Geysir (after which all geysers are named) is the most popular fountain geyser in the country and is famed throughout the world. This highly active hot spring area lies in the southwest of Iceland beside the Hvítá River and is a favorite stop along what's known as the Golden Circle.

Boiling mud pits and around 100 other smaller exploding geysers are waiting to be explored here. Every few minutes, Strokkur shoots water 30 meters into the air. Visit the Geysir Center for exhibits and informative presentations year-round.

A memorable experience is digging up Geysir or "hot spring" bread, rye bread that has been baking underground for 24 hours. Visitors can also help a chef boil eggs in a hot spring to accompany the bread. One popular day tour to the area is the Golden Circle Classic Day Trip from Reykjavik, which has several stops and can ensure you get the iconic geyser photo from your trip.

The northern lights, or Aurora Borealis, are among the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. This is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights .

Auroras are linked to solar wind, a flow of ions radiating from the sun. These particles become ensnared in the earth's magnetic field and collide with atmospheric molecules, causing bursts of energy, which appear as large circles around the poles. This spectacular natural light show is best admired in remote places and is particularly impressive at times of increased solar activity. Since the appearance of the northern lights is unpredictable, most hotels and lodging operators can provide you with nightly predictions before you go to bed and add you to an overnight call list.

They will call your room if the lights appear, as they may only be visible for a short window of time. For one of the most optimal opportunities to experience the northern lights, you can take a tour like the Northern Lights Night Tour from Reykjavik, which takes you to the remote countryside for the best chance to see this natural wonder.

In the south of Iceland, 180 kilometers from Reykjavik, is Landmannalaugar National Park, one of Iceland's most popular tourist destinations. The main features of this mystical landscape are the multi-hued rhyolite mountains, Hekla volcano , and extensive lava fields.

Hiking and horse riding are popular things to do here, and hikes range from a couple of hours to several days. You can visit from June to late September, after which the road is closed. A mountain lodge ( Landmannalaugar Hut ) with basic facilities accommodates 75 people. Expect raw nature, rugged scenery, and utterly spectacular views.

South of Landmannalaugar lies Myrdalsjökull Glacier Park, which for safety reasons can only be visited during summer. Large amounts of rain soak the area, particularly in winter, when roads can be severely damaged. Maelifell volcano is the undisputed jewel-in-the-crown of this wild, rugged glacial landscape.

The perfect cone shape gives Maelifell the look of a classic volcano, however during the warm season, a lavish green covering of moss gives it a surreal, otherworldly appearance. The park is full of volcanoes, hot springs , and other remarkable sites. To the west of Myrdalsjökull is a smaller glacier, Eyjafjallajökull (Island Mountain Glacier). A popular and thrilling way to explore is by snowmobile.

As you plan your time in Iceland, set aside an evening for a concert at the magnificent Harpa , Reykjavik's premier concert hall. If time or performance schedules do not fit your schedule, plan to at least stop by to admire the award-winning architecture of the building. Nighttime is one of the best times to see the array of colorful lights emanating from this honeycomb-shaped structure.

Harpa is a treasured landmark in Iceland, attracting international performances ranging from violinists and classical music to performing arts.

This venue makes for a great night out in the heart of the city. Enjoy dinner at one of Harpa's two restaurants and go for a stroll outside along the waterfront after the performance. The gift shop is a great place to pick up unique souvenirs, many made by local artists.

Address: Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavik

In the south of the country, Vatnajökull National Park is a land of glaciers and magnificent ice caves that attracts adventurers from across the globe. This vast national park (one of three in Iceland) is divided into four sections and consists of Vatnajökull glacier and its surroundings.

You'll find a number of visitor centers; those in Skaftafell Ice Cave and Höfn are open year-round, while Skriðuklaustur and Jökulsárgljúfur are closed in winter. The best time to visit Skaftafell Ice Cave is during winter after heavy rain has washed the top layer of the glacier away.

If seen at the right time, the cave is bathed in spectacular blue light. Group visits to all areas can be arranged off-season. If you are in good shape, you might consider doing a glacial trek with an experienced guide. The treks get you on the ice for an unforgettable experience to see glacial cracks and caves and even drink fresh water from small pools on the surface.

In the northern region of Vatnajökull National Park, the Askja caldera and the geothermal pool in the Dyngjufjöll Mountains are not for the faint-hearted. However, if you'd like to say you've taken a dip in a live volcano, then this is for you.

Askja is an impressive 50 square kilometers in size. The surrounding mountain range was formed during volcanic activity, and Askja was partly created by an eruption of burning ash that collapsed the roof of the central volcano's magma chamber.

The water in Viti , the geothermal pool and volcanic crater, is generally around 30 degrees Celsius. A word of warning, the banks can be very slippery, particularly in wet weather.

Dettifoss, in the north of Vatnajökull National Park, truly is a breathtaking example of the raw power of nature. Plunging 45 meters and with a width of 100 meters, it's said to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe.

Generally, it's best to approach on the east side of the River Jökulsa, where the road is better. Along easy paths from Dettifoss, Selfoss is a smaller waterfall around one kilometer upstream with a drop of around 10 meters. Below Dettifoss, the Hafragilsfoss waterfall tumbles 27 meters into a steep canyon. It's more advisable to drive than walk to Hafragilsfoss.

Around 2.5 hours' drive northwest of Reykjavik is the small town of Grundarfjördur, a charming fishing village centrally located on the north coast of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. The town lies in a picturesque fjord, surrounded by mountains, with Mt. Kirkjufell looming as a striking landmark.

Dotted about the surroundings, you'll discover small streams and waterfalls. During winter, Kirkjufell is a great place to watch the awe-inspiring northern lights . Eyrbyggja Heritage Centre holds exhibitions on Grundarfjördur's seafaring history and is the information center for the whole peninsula.

A 30-minute easterly drive from Reykjavik brings you to Mount Esja in Kjalarnes. The mountain is 914 meters high and very popular with hikers. Even for the inexperienced climber, it's a relatively easy hike. There are terrific views of Reykjavik and the surrounding landscape and ocean.

You can take several routes to the summit depending on your energy levels and how much time you have. You can get to the main starting point at Mount Esja by a 10-minute bus ride on public transportation that leaves out of the Hlemmur main station towards Artun. Check bus schedules and times before your visit.

In the north of the country, Akureyri lies amid mountains on the longest fjord in Iceland about 40 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle. With a population of around 18,000, Akureyri's landscape and culture make it one of the best cities in Iceland . Summer days occasionally reach 25 degrees Celsius, and although winters bring heavy snowfall and cold weather, calm and still weather generally prevails.

Despite the town's isolation, cultural life and entertainment flourish here, and a wide range of shops offer brand-name products. The skiing area is the best in the country. Points of interest include the Akureyri Museum and the impressive Aviation Museum at Akureyri Airport .

A little over an hour's easterly drive from Akureyri is Myvatn in northern Iceland. It is a lake district famous for its wealth of birdlife, rich fauna, and large shallow body of water. It's estimated that the area was formed around 2,500 years ago by a gigantic lava eruption.

Today, the surroundings are volcanically active, with an eruption occurring as recently as the mid-1980s. Bubbling clay pits, sulphuric fumes, and lava formations all form part of this unique landscape, which is still in flux.

One of the most interesting scenic features of Myvatn is the rootless vents formed by the volcanic eruption. While the landforms resemble craters, they did not have a lava flow, but the volcanic activity still resulted in their creation, adding to a stunning and unique appearance around the lake.

The name Myvatn literally means "midge-water," a reference to the prolific midges here, especially during summer, so be sure to pack some insect repellent. The area is also a bird-watcher's paradise.

Originally the site of the city's gigantic thermal water tanks, " Perlan ," as it's known locally, is one of Reykjavik's landmark buildings. It occupies an enviable location on Öskjuhlíð hill, where there are in excess of 176,000 trees.

The hill is particularly pleasant, with bicycle trails and footpaths zigzagging up and down. The observatory affords stunning views over the city. Also on-site is a revolving restaurant , as well as gourmet and souvenir shops.

In addition, Perlan regularly hosts concerts and exhibitions in the Winter Garden. The observation deck is a real treat. The new planetarium is spectacular with a virtual trip of Iceland featuring the country's natural elements.

Address: Varmahlíð 1, 105 Reykjavík

A popular thing to do and one of the most adventurous ways to experience Iceland is on the back of an ATV, trekking across rugged lava fields, riding up dormant volcanos, and passing pastures with roaming wild Icelandic ponies.

These are views of Iceland that you will never forget and one of the best ways to get up close to the country's most scenic natural environment. Tours like the two-Hour ATV Quad Tour from Reykjavik lets you experience ATV off-road adventure without a huge time commitment. Many tours depart from Reykjavik but they are available in most regions of the country.

While Iceland is full of natural wonders, one of the most spectacular is the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. You will ride in a boat through large chunks of ice that have separated from the glacier.

The floating ice in the lagoon ranges from the size of small pebbles to the size of cars, but since you are floating in the lagoon with them, they are close enough to touch. Witness the blue hue of glacial cave formations and birds flying above in this natural environment.

The South Coast and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Day Tour from Reykjavik is a popular tour for visitors who want to set up a home base for their visit to Reykjavik and do a day trip to this top attraction. The tour also includes visits to two beautiful waterfalls and spectacular views of mountains and glacial rivers along the south coast.

While Iceland has some stunning beaches, the Reynisfjara black-sand beach on the country's southern coast has an other-worldly appearance. This unique beach is known for its black sand and rocky sea stacks that protrude from the oftentimes ferocious waves coming in from the Atlantic Ocean.

The eerie yet stunning landscape of natural beauty at Reynisfjara beach is one of the reasons it was selected as a filming location for films like Star Wars. The lighting at this beach adds to its contrasting allure, which is why it is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys photography.

As with many natural locations in Iceland, Reynisfjara black-sand beach has dark folklore associated with it. Iceland legend says that the rocky basalt sea stacks were once trolls pulling seafaring ships to shore in the night, and they turned to stone during sunrise.

You are not likely to see any trolls during your visit, but you might see some of the thousands of seabirds, like puffins, guillemots, and fulmars, that nest in the columns.

The 2.5-hour drive to the beach is easy from Reykjavik, or you can take a guided trip along the southern coast that includes this as a stop if you want to spend more time at some of the other features on that side of the island.

Read More: Best Black Sand Beaches in the World

The land of fire and ice has so many intriguing natural elements that visiting is an exciting science lesson into how volcanos work. One way to find out is by visiting the Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel in southwest Iceland.

At 4,461 feet, it is one of the longest lava tubes in the country. You can take a guided tour through the cave to get up close to the stunning lava rock formations and colorful walls that have formed below the earth.

A tour through the tunnel will walk you through the path where lava flowed during a volcanic eruption of the Bláfjöll Mountain Range more than 5,000 years ago. These tunnels were formed as flowing magma hardened and thickened, creating a crust roof resulting in a lava tube.

Outside the lava tube, you will see stunning green moss covering lava rock and craters formed from the eruption. It is only about a half hour from Reykjavik, and you can visit year-round. If you visit in the winter, plan on wearing extra layers and sturdy boots for icy and wet conditions.

Iceland has an intriguing history of Vikings that settled on the island and folklore involving trolls and other creatures that still influence the culture today. One of the most interesting ways to learn about the varied tentacles of Icelandic culture is by visiting some of its museums. Some of them are seemingly mainstream, while others, sometimes found off the beaten path, explore some rather unusual finds.

In Reykjavik, the National Museum of Iceland is a good place to visit to explore Icelandic history and settlement. The Saga Museum also gives insight into the Viking heritage, with life-sized replicas of early settlers, offering a nice history lesson before you venture into some of the other types of museums.

Start your quirky museum visit with The Punk Museum on the back street of Reykjavik, which delves into Iceland's punk music scene that emerged in the 1970s. The Árbær Open Air Museum (within the Reykjavik City Museum) is another experience worth trying as you see more than 20 buildings that form a small early settlement village.

Not far from Reykjavik in Njarðvík is the Viking World Museum , which has an exact replica of a Viking ship that was discovered in Norway in the late 1800s and exhibitions detailing the Norse settlement.

One of the more unique museums in Iceland is the Sigurgeir's Bird Museum at Mývatn . The tiny museum features a collection of more than 300 preserved bird specimens representing over 180 species and an extensive collection of eggs.

The Library of Water in Stykkishólmur will give you insight into Iceland's natural environment, with dozens of columns holding water from ice caps. The Nonsense Museum in the Westfjords is a quirky stop to enjoy a large collection of random items, from sugar cubes to police hats that came from forces around the world.

For those who are interested in a deep dive into the history of Iceland's folklore, you should visit The Museum of Icelandic Witchcraft and Sorcery in the Westfjords in Hólmavík village. This museum gives insight into some of the tales and history on which Icelandic beliefs are based. This can be a tough visit for some, and parents should give it a preview before taking their children inside.

When it comes to Iceland, the scenery is naturally stunning year-round, but certain times of the year are better than others to catch some of its most sought-after attributes.

For most visitors, the best time to visit Iceland is in the summer . But, the best time can also depend on what you want to experience. Do you want to catch a glimpse of the northern lights, visit when there is the most hours of daylight, or navigate the Ring Road with no snow? Or, do you want to travel during the low season to get the best rates on hotels and airfare? All of these factors matter when determining the best time to go to Iceland for your specific travel priorities.

Each season in Iceland comes with unique opportunities for exploration and the natural experiences that the island is famous for, like the midnight sun, aurora borealis, and hot springs.

Summer : Summer is hands down one of the best times to go to Iceland. It is the season with the best weather conditions, comfortable temperatures, the best opportunities for sightseeing, and when the roads and hiking trails are open and dry.

You get a front-row seat to the midnight sun. From May through August there is complete sunlight at midnight . While 24 hours of daylight makes it tough to sleep during your trip, it gives you more time to experience all that there is to see and do in Iceland. Summer is a great time to see minke whales out of Reykjavik.

Fall: The fall season is a lovely time to visit Iceland, when temperatures are slightly cooler, the summer tourists are gone, and the weather conditions are still favorable to do things like trekking on a glacier and riding an ATV over lava fields.

Fall colors on the trees are pretty, especially if you are horseback riding or hiking on one of the mountain trails. As fall dips into November, your chances of seeing the northern lights increase, and roads may start to close due to weather conditions. It is also a nice time to visit the Blue Lagoon when there are not so many tourists.

Winter: Winter days in Iceland can have almost 19 hours of darkness. It has the most inclement weather, but the top reason for visiting in the winter months is the chance to see the elusive northern lights. Prices will be cheaper for accommodations, and you will have plenty of availability on tours since it is the off-season.

Winter is a great time to take advantage of the snowfall in Iceland, with excursions like exploring ice caves and snowmobiling. It can be a fun time to visit the Blue Lagoon and the local hot springs where you can warm up – that is, until you get out.

Spring: Early spring in Iceland may still have snow-covered roads, but the days are starting to get longer. You also still have a chance to catch the northern lights during your visit. This shoulder season may limit some winter activities as they come to an end, and some summer excursions may not be available yet.

Spring is a great time to go whale watching, with many kinds of tours available out of Reykjavik. Spring is when you can catch a glimpse of another of Iceland's famous animal residents, the puffin, the unusual-looking bird that is more active in the spring.

More on Iceland

• Due to recent volcanic activity near Grindavik, it's currently recommended for travelers to stay informed about local impacts when making travel decisions. Click here for the latest updates.

Plan Your Trip to Iceland: Best of Iceland Tourism

PLAN YOUR TRIP Iceland

Travel advice, essential iceland.

Traveler Guides

Trending in the forums

Iceland Is Great For

All of the waterfalls.

History going back to the Vikings

Dramatic volcanoes and craters

Iceland Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips or experiencing iceland.

For tours, if you want to wear jeans you should carry some waterproof over-trousers (pants), just in case. Nothing worse than cold wet jeans! During activities, appropriate clothing is provided.

TigerLilly813

Take a tour for the Northern Lights. You have to drive way out of the city where there are no lights. People get hit and cars get stuck. For safety and for expertise, take a tour.

Rain pants are essential. They weigh nothing and make a rainy day no problem. Hiking, walking, etc in jeans in wet weather is miserable. No need to spend a lot. But I'd keep the rain pants balled up in a day pack ready to use. Also a jacket with hood to keep rain out. Jackets without hood are not practical-- hats don't keep water off the neck and from dripping inside very well.

icelandicguide

You typically will not be automatically brought the bill at your restaurant table. You ask for the check, or pay at the counter on your way out.

Before one decides to rent a car in wintertime, one has to sit down and ask oneself a few basic questions and give oneself honest answers: Do I have the necessary driving experience to drive in Iceland in wintertime? Will I be hazardous to myself, my passengers, or other people on the road?

Inertia-Rvk

When you see a weather warning that says STORM, then it means that it's almost a hurricane. YOU DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOOOOOT !!!! DRIVE IN SUCH CONDITIONS.

Unique, magical, elemental.

There is always something new and exciting to see here, whether you have been here once or several times.

Northern_Traveler00

Stark, desolate, powerful.

What is the best way to get there?

Keflavik International Airport is located 31 miles (50 kilometers) southwest of Reykjavik, in the town of Keflavik. Shuttle buses run from the airport to downtown Reykjavik and you can also pick up a rental car there.

Do I need a visa?

Check the  Icelandic Directorate of Immigration  to find out whether or not you need a visa.

When is the best time to visit?

Weather in Iceland is always changeable so make sure you bring warm clothing any time of year. Average summer temperatures in the capital are around 68-77°F (or 20–25°C). Summer is peak tourist season but by early September the biggest crowds are gone. Winter and spring, which bring the Northern Lights, is also appealing and, despite Iceland’s name and latitude, temperatures are mild, with averages being around 14°F (−10°C).

Renting a car is necessary if you want to do any independent travel. Rentals are available at several handy locations including Keflavik Airport and the BSI Bus Terminal. Drivers should be aware of the unique driving conditions imposed by Icelandic’s rugged landscape and obey all signage, such as notices indicating road closures.

For getting around the capital and its suburbs, Strætó , Reykjavik’s public bus system is clean and reliable. If you are planning to use it a lot, get a multi-day pass. If you need to change buses to reach your destination, ask for a transfer ticket (skiptimiði).

Long-distance buses do serve much of the country but this is an expensive and time-consuming way to travel. Services are few and far between and you often have to make inconvenient transfers, which mean you can’t reach your destination in one day.

ridesharing

There is no Uber or Lyft service in Iceland but home-grown carpooling site Samferda lets you request for rides or passengers for your journey around Iceland.

On the ground

What is the timezone.

Iceland observes Greenwich Mean Time all year. There is no Daylight Saving Time.

What are the voltage/plug types?

Standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. There are two plug types, C and F. Type C has two round pins; type F has two round pins, with two earth clips on the side.

What is the currency?

Icelandic Króna.

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Are credit cards widely accepted.

Yes and are typically preferred.

How much do I tip?

Tipping is not obligatory in Iceland, however, a tip for exceptional service is always appreciated.

Are there local customs I should know?

The legal drinking age in Iceland is 20.

Public transport

Allow others to disembark before boarding. Stand to offer seating to the elderly, pregnant women, or someone with a disability.

Road safety

If you want to stop along a road to take photos, find a safe place to pull over. Tourists have caused serious accidents by suddenly stopping to snap a photo.

Obey signage

Respect the elements in Iceland. If a sign tells you to stay back from the water, trust that it is for your safety.

Icelanders do not expect visitors to know much of their difficult and little-spoken language, but a few Icelandic words such as halló (hello) and takk (thanks) go a long way.

Use first names

Unlike much of the world, Iceland doesn’t have a family naming system. Even the Prime Minister is referred to by their first name.

Follow the rules and regulations at hot springs and pools

Geothermal pools are popular around the country, but note that you must shower before getting in.

Take your trash with you

Show respect for Iceland’s pristine landscape by not littering.

Respect animals

Do not scare or try to feed the Icelandic horses and sheep you may spot along the side of the road. Take photos from a respectful distance.

Protect Your Trip »

Best places to visit in thailand.

With a history that spans centuries and an exotic and friendly culture, Thailand welcomes travelers with white sand beaches, bustling cities and world-renowned culinary traditions. But with all that Thailand has to offer, you might be overwhelmed by where to head first. U.S. News considered attractions, seasonality, food options and more to determine the best places to visit in Thailand. Have a favorite? Vote below to help decide next year's list.

Railay Beach

Kanchanaburi province, khao sok national park, hua hin district, khao yai national park.

Chiang Mai in northern Thailand is a welcome reprieve from the commotion of Bangkok. Here, you'll be treated to beautiful, mountainous landscapes and an Old City full of historical temples, such as Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang. Venture outside of the city to Doi Suthep temple for sweeping views of the city below. Night markets are also a must-do in Chiang Mai, so pencil in time for the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar (one of Thailand's oldest and most well-known night bazaars). And no matter what, leave time for a visit to Elephant Nature Park for some rest and relaxation with Thailand's gentle giants.

Thailand's capital city is nothing short of exhilarating. The city offers a hearty mix of big-city bustle and modern sights, such as the Jim Thompson House, alongside ancient attractions, including Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. Just don't forget to pack modest clothing for visits to sacred sites, or you won't be admitted. While here, be sure to visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market – one of the largest street markets in the world – and eat at some of Bangkok's more than 300,000 street food stalls (some Michelin starred). At night, take in the skyline by exploring the rooftop bar scene.

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and also the most popular with travelers. The island draws visitors in with its many palm-fringed beaches and relatively low travel costs, including everything from food to hotels. Hit up highly regarded Patong Beach, party the night away in the Patong district or head inland to Phuket Old Town to experience more local culture and find cheaper lodging options. Complete your once-in-a-lifetime trip by taking a long-tail boat tour to other islands in the area to swim, snorkel or scuba dive.

Home to five-star resorts, amazing nightlife and some of Thailand's most beautiful beaches , the island of Ko Samui has something for everyone. When you're not lounging on the white sand, pamper yourself with a luxurious spa treatment, visit an elephant sanctuary or explore ancient temples like Wat Plai Laem and Wat Phra Yai, also known as the Big Buddha Temple. Save time in your schedule for a daytrip to nearby Ang Thong Marine Park, a 42-island archipelago that is accessible via speedboat. Here, travelers can kayak, snorkel and scuba dive.

Although the region was devastated by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Phang Nga has recovered and rebuilt. During the cool (though still relatively hot), dry season (from November to February), tourists descend upon the province to check out protected areas like Mu Ko Surin National Park, one of the best diving sites in Thailand. Hiking and snorkeling are also excellent ways to explore while admiring southern Thailand's natural beauty. Before leaving, don't forget to save time for a visit to Ao Phang-Nga National Park, famous for its caves, emerald green waters and the picturesque James Bond Island.

Railay Beach features four stunning stretches of sand to sink your toes into. Railay West and Phra Nang Beach are two of the peninsula's most popular beach spots, offering luxury resorts, soft sand and jaw-dropping views of limestone cliffs. Tonsai Beach is more laid-back and budget-friendly thanks to its quieter, more removed location. Meanwhile, Railay East, while not great for swimming, is where you'll find some of the area's best nightlife venues. Regardless of which beaches you choose to visit, you'll have access to some of Thailand's best rock climbing locations, plus various walking paths and coral reefs.

Trang's secluded beaches and stunning islands have made it an up-and-coming travel destination. The dramatic surrounding landscapes (think: lush jungles and limestone mountains) contrast beautifully against the beaches' white sands and crystal-clear waters. You can spend days island-hopping to see and do all that Trang has to offer. Top activities you may enjoy include snorkeling around Ko Kradan, swimming to a hidden beach cave on Ko Muk and wandering through Thung Khai Botanical Garden. And after you've gotten your fill of sun and sand, head to one of Trang's 10 districts to immerse yourself in Thai culture.

Ko Phi Phi features some of Thailand's most popular beaches. Phi Phi Don, the larger of the two main islands, is known for its lively party scene, hidden coves and deep coral reefs and gardens that are ideal for snorkeling and diving. Meanwhile, the smaller, uninhabited Phi Phi Leh is where you'll find verdant cliffs surrounding Maya Bay's beautiful beaches, which you may recognize from the Leonardo DiCaprio movie "The Beach." The best time to visit is between November and April, though be prepared for hordes of other visitors during this time.

Situated in northern Thailand, there are countless reasons to visit Chiang Rai. Wat Rong Suea Ten (The Blue Temple) and Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) are two of the city's most popular cultural landmarks, but travelers should also save time for the incredible Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai's iconic all-white temple. After exploring Chiang Rai's architectural wonders, enjoy a boat tour of the Mae Kok River, go shopping at the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar or explore the Baan Dam Museum, a collection of buildings created by artist Thawan Duchanee.

Thailand's third-largest province captivates travelers with its natural beauty. Its diverse landscape – which features everything from seven-tiered waterfalls, rivers and mountains to Neolithic caves and national parks – is ideal for outdoor pursuits, including hiking and rafting. But a trip here wouldn't be complete without visiting some of the area's World War II sites, including the notorious Bridge over the River Kwai. Start your history lesson at the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, an interactive museum that tells the tragic story of how the Thailand-Burma Railway was built. Then, stop by the JEATH War Museum to see a replica of a prisoners-of-war camp.

Even if you don't consider yourself an outdoorsy person, a trip to Khao Sok National Park is sure to take your breath away. Home to limestone cliffs, awe-inspiring waterfalls and the world's oldest evergreen rainforest, Khao Sok is an incredibly bio-diverse area. Here, you'll find roughly 200 kinds of flora and many different animal species, including tigers, elephants and Southern pig-tailed macaques (monkeys). The park sees a lot of rainfall year-round, so for the best chance of staying dry, time your visit during the dry season, which runs from December to April.

For a vacation full of rich cultural attractions, head to Lampang. Sitting about 70 miles southeast of Chiang Mai, Lampang is known for its horse-drawn carriages, authentic Thai cuisine and ornate temples, including the ancient Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang. Spend some time browsing for souvenirs along Kad Kong Ta, a thoroughfare that turns into a street market on weekends, or learn about the production of the chicken bowl at the Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum. For a one-of-a-kind experience, head to nearby Chae Son National Park, where tourists boil eggs in the park's natural hot springs.

A popular resort destination along the Gulf of Thailand, the Hua Hin District offers a full roster of activities to pick from (think: water parks, golf courses and night markets). Visitors can ride banana boats at Hua Hin Beach or enjoy the views from the top of Khao Takiap hill (just beware the resident wild monkeys). Hua Hin also serves as an excellent jumping off point for daytrips – spectacular sights like the Phraya Nakhon Cave and Kaeng Krachan National Park, the largest national park in Thailand, are located less than 40 miles outside of the city center.

Khao Yai National Park boasts a number of impressive superlatives: It's the oldest and most-visited national park in Thailand, the country's third-largest national park and one of mainland Asia's largest intact monsoon forests. Plus, this stunning national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features more than 30 miles of hiking trails, some of which lead to breathtaking waterfalls. Keep in mind, though that guides are required for most of the trails. While exploring, you may spot some of Khao Yai's wild residents, including elephants, sun bears and several species of hornbills.

Named Ko Chang (or "Elephant Island" in Thai) because of its elephant-shaped headland, this large island is more secluded than Phuket but no less beautiful. Its west coast is dotted with stunning coastlines (some sandy, some rocky), small towns and a variety of accommodation options, while its interior offers tropical jungles and gushing waterfalls to trek through and to. But remember, Ko Chang's tourism infrastructure isn't as well developed as other Thai islands, so getting here is a bit more of a trek.

Located in southern Thailand near the Malaysian border, Hat Yai is a popular stopover for tourists traveling between the two countries. This cosmopolitan city is a premier shopping hub, boasting several malls, night bazaars and a unique floating market, where travelers can purchase local delicacies and goods from vendors stationed in small boats along a canal. When you're not bargaining for the best price, check out the impressive Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol, a temple constructed entirely out of stainless steel. Another can't-miss tourist attraction in Hat Yai is the towering statue Phra Buddha Mongkol Maharaj, which sits within Hat Yai Municipal Park.

This northeast Thai city is ideal for travelers who prefer a jam-packed vacation itinerary. Start off with a visit to the temple Wat Phothisomphon, then learn about Udon Thani's Chinese heritage at the Thai-Chinese Cultural Center. Other travelers will want to prioritize Udon Thani's natural wonders, which include Nong Prachak Public Park and serene Red Lotus Lake. While you're here, considering making a daytrip to nearby Ban Chiang, a Bronze Age UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important prehistoric settlements in Southeast Asia.

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Are you ready to explore Finnish Lapland?

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Virtual Lapland is your gateway to an Arctic experience unlike any other. Explore Finnish Lapland anywhere, anytime, watch a dazzling Northern Lights show, explore how the seasons and wilderness intertwine and meet the wildlife of the North!

If you’re looking for the frosty bite of a reindeer sleigh ride or the soft heat of a traditional sauna, you might be ready. If you want to explore the wilderness during a white summer night and meet Santa any time of year, you might be ready.

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I’m a Real Estate Investor: 6 Countries Where I’d Buy a Plot of Land

W hen investing in real estate, smart investors know to look beyond their own backyards for the best opportunities. From sunny resort towns to up-and-coming markets, there are plenty of appealing international destinations where investing in a plot of land could pay off big. 

GOBankingRates talked to real estate investors to find the countries they’d buy land in now.

Also here are the top seven U.S. spots to buy land, according to Grant Cardone.

Be Aware: Don’t Buy a House in These 5 US Cities That Have Shrinking Populations and Fewer Buyers

Explore More: Become a Real Estate Investor for Just $1K Using This Bezos-Backed Startup

High-Volume Tourist Hubs in Mexico Are a No-Brainer  

If you want to invest in a tried-and-true locale where steady tourism virtually guarantees a reliable pool of renters, few places beat Mexico’s hottest destinations.

“I usually recommend looking into Mexico, in places where tourism is high, like Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya and Puerto Vallarta,” said Seamus Nally, CEO of TurboTenant .

Why these spots? “These areas are great to invest in with real estate because of the high levels of tourism, as you can better guarantee consistent tenants for short-term rentals,” Nally said.

With Americans in particular flocking to these Mexican cities regardless of economic conditions, the reliable cash flow makes them a smart investment play.

Find Out: ‘Rich Dad’ Robert Kiyosaki: Use This Two-Step Formula for Real Estate Investing

Costa Rica Beckons With Tropical Delights and Tax Breaks

Head a bit further south and you’ll find another tropical oasis with major investor perks.

“Costa Rica is a great option to consider for investors as it’s a tropical country that attracts tourists year-round,” said Sandy Yong , an award-winning personal finance author.

As if year-round vacationers aren’t enough of a draw, Yong said “as a foreigner, you have the same rights as the locals” when purchasing property.

Even better, “Costa Rica has low property taxes which makes it even more appealing for potential investors,” she said. With natural beauty, limited red tape and tax advantages, it’s no wonder investors are flocking to this Central American paradise.

The Next Big Thing: Buying Land in Japan

While Costa Rica and Mexico are already booming — Japan is just heating up. “Japan is hot right now — property prices are up,” said Graham Hill , a real estate consultant who works extensively with foreign buyers in Japan. “The Japanese yen is ‘weak,’ which means foreigners can buy more now than in previous years.” And with exchange rates favoring the American dollar, properties are essentially at a discount. 

Not only that, Hill said that Japan is a great place to live. “Japan is known as a good place to invest because the country is stable, clean and safe,” he said.

Hill has a particular soft spot for the northern island of Hokkaido. “While much of Japan is constrained by ocean [or] mountains, Hokkaido has land. And prices in Hokkaido are rising, as foreigners are buying land here,” he said.  

With major cities like Sapporo offering investment potential and resort areas like Niseko drawing vacation homebuyers, Hokkaido could be the next big frontier for investors looking to buy Japanese land. “I work with exclusively foreign buyers, many of which are investors,” Hill said. “The story is most Asian buyers from outside of Japan bringing money to Japan, buying rentals for investment.” 

Get Creative With Niche Investments: Vineyards, Ranches and More

Of course, savvy investors know there’s more than one way to make money from land. Some are finding success with more specialized investment plays, like vineyards and ranches.

“Internationally, Mexico and Brazil provide excellent prospects for equestrian pursuits, thanks to their expansive terrains and favorable climates,” said Cody Ullman of Ullman Group Consulting . “Meanwhile, Argentina and Italy are renowned for their wine regions, where owning a vineyard can be both a profitable and culturally enriching experience.”

So for investors looking to parlay their land into businesses beyond just renting it out, parts of Latin America and Europe could be prime territories. “Investing in these areas not only promises potential financial returns but also the chance to engage in unique and rewarding land uses,” Ullman said.

More From GOBankingRates

• Don't Buy a House in These 3 Cities Facing a 'Climate Change Real Estate Bubble'
• The Best $5,000 You Can Spend Every Year in Retirement
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : I’m a Real Estate Investor: 6 Countries Where I’d Buy a Plot of Land

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Journal of Transport and Land Use

Vol. 14 No. 1 (2021)

Copyright (c) 2021 Yueer Gao, Yanqing Liao, Donggen Wang, Yongguang Zou

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License .

Authors who publish with JTLU agree to the following terms: 1) Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial License 4.0 that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal. 2) Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal. 3) Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.

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Relationship between urban tourism traffic and tourism land use: A case study of Xiamen Island

Yanqing Liao

Donggen Wang

Yongguang Zou

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5198/jtlu.2021.1799

The development of tourism leads to changes in land-use demands and patterns, which are complex and dynamic, in tourist cities. Functional differences in land use produce different travel needs and have different impacts on traffic, especially on tourism. This paper explores the relationship between tourism land use and tourism traffic. Taking Xiamen Island as an example, using multivariable linear regression models, tourism land use is divided into accommodation land use, shopping land use and restaurant land use as the independent variables of the model; and the origin-destination (OD) density of traffic analysis zones (TAZs) during National Day in 2018 (October 1 to 5) is chosen as the dependent variable. To compare the different impacts between tourism land use and tourism traffic during the tourism and non-tourism periods, the non-tourism period (March 11 to 15) is further studied. The results show the following: (1) Xiamen, as a tourism city, has not only regular traffic but also tourism traffic, and traffic during the tourism period is totally different than that in the non-tourism period. (2) Tourism land use has a considerable impact on both tourism traffic and non-tourism traffic, but the impact is greater during the tourism period than the non-tourism period. (3) In the morning peak hour of both the tourism period and the non-tourism period, accommodation land use shows prominent effects on traffic. In the evening peak hour, shopping land use significantly impacts traffic. The study provides a basis for urban tourism land use adjustment to achieve the sustainable development of tourism traffic.

Alaigba, D., Soumah, M., & Banjo, M. (2017). Heterogeneity index for the assessment of relationship between land-use pattern and road traffic congestion in Apapa-Oworoshoki Express Way, Lagos Metropolis. ISPRS - International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, XLII-1/W1, 189–196. https://doi.10.5194/isprs-archives-XLII-1-W1-189-2017

Bi, L. (2015). Evaluation of ecological tourism land-use benefit based on the coupling relationship. Paper presented at the International Conference on Economics, Social Science, Arts, Education and Management Engineering, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China.

Boavida-Portugal, I., Rocha, J., & Ferreira, C. C. (2016). Exploring the impacts of future tourism development on land use/cover changes. Applied Geography, 77, 82–91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeog.2016.10.009

Bordoloi, R., Mote, A., Sarkar, P. P., & Mallikarjuna, C. (2013). Quantification of land-use diversity in the context of mixed land use. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 104, 563–572. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.11.150

Gan, Z., Feng, T., Wu, Y., Yang, M., & Timmermans, H. (2019). Station-based average travel distance and its relationship with urban form and land use: An analysis of smart card data in Nanjing City, China. Transport Policy, 79, 137–154. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2019.05.003

Gao, Y., Chen, S., Zheng, C., & Bian, J. (2016). Road network capacity of tourist site’s periphery based on FCD: Taking Xiamen Island as an example. Progress in Geography, 35, 1529–1539. (Chinese).

Gao, Y., Cui, G., Xu, C., & Bian, J. (2019). Road traffic status in the surrounding of urban tourist attractions based on FCD. Economic Geography, 39(3), 225–231. (Chinese).

Han, P. (2012). A study of roundabout traffic flow distribution based on the attraction of land use. Paper presented at the World Automation Congress (WAC), Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Kii, M., Moeckel, R., & Thill, J.-C. (2019). Land use, transport, and environment interactions: WCTR 2016 contributions and future research directions. Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, 77, 101335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compenvurbsys.2019.04.002

Krause, C. M., & Zhang, L. (2019). Short-term travel behavior prediction with GPS, land use, and point-of-interest data. Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, 123, 349–361. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trb.2018.06.012

Łapko, A. (2014). Urban tourism in Szczecin and its impact on the functioning of the urban transport system. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 151, 207–214. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.10.020

Liu, Y., Wang, F., Xiao, Y., & Gao, S. (2012). Urban land uses and traffic ‘source-sink areas’: Evidence from GPS-enabled taxi data in Shanghai. Landscape and Urban Planning, 106(1), 73–87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2012.02.012

Manaugh, K., & Kreider, T. (2013). What is mixed use? Presenting an interaction method for measuring land use mix. Journal of Transport and Land Use, 6, 63–72. https://doi.10.5198/jtlu.v6i1.291

Mao, X., Meng, J., & Wang, Q. (2014). Modeling the effects of tourism and land regulation on land-use change in tourist regions: A case study of the Lijiang River Basin in Guilin, China. Land Use Policy, 41, 368–377. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2014.06.018

Marzuki, A., Masron, T., & Ismail, N. (2015). Land-use changes analysis for Pantai Chenang, Langkawi using spatial patch analysis technique in relation to coastal tourism. Tourism Planning & Development, 13, 1–14. https://doi.10.1080/21568316.2015.1076507

Pulugurtha, S. S., Duddu, V. R., & Kotagiri, Y. (2013). Traffic analysis zone level crash estimation models based on land-use characteristics. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 50, 678–687. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2012.06.016

Song, J., Zhao, C., Zhong, S., Nielsen, T. A. S., & Prishchepov, A. V. (2019). Mapping spatio-temporal patterns and detecting the factors of traffic congestion with multi-source data fusion and mining techniques. Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, 77, 101364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compenvurbsys.2019.101364

Spyratos, S., & Stathakis, D. (2017). Evaluating the services and facilities of European cities using crowdsourced place data. Environment and Planning B: Urban Analytics and City Science, 45(4), 733–750. https://doi.10.1177/0265813516686070

Wang, X., Zhou, Q., Yang, J., You, S., Song, Y., & Xue, M. (2019). Macro-level traffic safety analysis in Shanghai, China. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 125, 249–256. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2019.02.014

Williams, A. M., & Shaw, G. (2009). Future play: Tourism, recreation and land use. Land Use Policy, 26, S326-S335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2009.10.003

Xi, J., Zhao, M., Ge, Q., & Kong, Q. (2014). Changes in land use of a village driven by over 25 years of tourism: The case of Gougezhuang village, China. Land Use Policy, 40, 119–130. https://doi:10.1016/j.landusepol.2013.11.014

Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism. (2018). A survey of Spring Festival holiday tourism in Xiamen in 2018. http://wlj.xm.gov.cn/zwgk/tjxx/201907/t20190722_2318753.htm

Yu, C., & He, Z.-C. (2017). Analyzing the spatial-temporal characteristics of bus travel demand using the heat map. Journal of Transport Geography, 58, 247–255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2016.11.009

Yu, W., Ai, T., & Shao, S. (2015). The analysis and delimitation of central business district using network kernel density estimation. Journal of Transport Geography, 45, 32–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2015.04.008

Zhang, T., Sun, L., Yao, L., & Rong, J. (2017). Impact analysis of land use on traffic congestion using real-time traffic and POI. Journal of Advanced Transportation. https://doi.10.1155/2017/7164790

Zhu, Z., Xiong, C., Chen, X., He, X., & Zhang, L. (2018). Integrating mesoscopic dynamic traffic assignment with agent-based travel behavior models for cumulative land development impact analysis. Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies, 93, 446–462. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trc.2018.06.011

The Journal of Transport and Land Use is published and sponsored by the University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies and is the official journal of the World Society for Transport and Land Use (WSTLUR) .

Contact JTLU | ISSN: 1938-7849 All contents licensed under Creative Commons BY-NC 4.0 . 2019 Journal of Transport and Land Use

The Journal of Transport and Land Use is indexed in DOAJ , Google Scholar , JSTOR , Research Papers in Economics (RePEc) , Social Sciences Citation Index , and Scopus .

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Vík: The idyllic Icelandic village

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A 3 day mini-break in West Iceland

Iceland's Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites

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Arctic Coast Way

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Þingvellir National Park

Embark on the journey of a lifetime in Iceland!

With our new interactive map feature, you can easily plan every step of your adventure. From cozy accommodations to unforgettable activities, the possibilities are endless. Dream big, plan smart, and chart your path with our personalized itinerary feature. Make the most of every moment in Iceland!

VOLCANIC ACTIVITY ON THE REYKJANES PENINSULA

Since 2021, the Reykjanes Peninsula has witnessed a surge in seismic activity, including several volcanic eruptions. Despite this, Iceland has remained a safe and open destination for travelers. For a detailed look into the recent volcanic activities and their safety implications, the Icelandic Meteorological Office offers insights through this informative video.

Take the Icelandic Pledge

Are you visiting Iceland? Be a responsible tourist and take the Icelandic pledge. Encourage your friends to do the same!

Looking for things to do?

Regions of Iceland

Iceland is typically divided into 7 different geographical regions. Each region differs slightly in respect to culture and landscapes, but are uniquely Icelandic. Find your favorite part of Iceland.

Iceland is a popular travel destination. Sometimes, certain places can be busier than others. Skip the hectic tourist traffic at the most popular destinations and plan your trip to make the most of your time in Iceland. Use our tourist counter to see peak visitor times and plan accordingly. 

Appreciate our towns & villages

Did you know that there are over 100 towns and villages to explore throughout Iceland? We encourage you to stop and look into these charming, beautiful, and often quirky places. History, art, nature, local cuisine, and year-round swimming pools abound. You might be surprised at what you find!

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We learned about the rich culture of each eastern European destination. It was a wonderful adventure.

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Amazing experience. Unforgettable.

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Kakadu's Jeffrey Lee plans to invite tourists to Koongarra despite ongoing park closures

After years of frustration about the  lengthy closures  of key attractions across Northern Territory's Kakadu National Park, visitors may soon get the opportunity to see an area that has never been opened to the public.

A decade after persuading the federal government to add his uranium-rich land into Kakadu, Djok traditional owner Jeffrey Lee wants to start inviting tourists to Koongarra.

He refused to accept hundreds of millions of dollars in uranium mining royalties because he wanted to protect the rock art, springs, plants and animals he would like to show travellers.

"There's a lot of other ways we can make money, than destroying country, by getting visitors from overseas and Australia," he said.

"I'd like visitors to come and learn about our rock art and culture and have a swim."

The 55-year-old retired park ranger said initially he wanted to permit small numbers to visit Koongarra, on guided tours he would lead.

But first he needed advice about how to establish a small tourism business.

"This is my first time, and this is where I'm looking where I can get advice from other family who already got tourism on country," Mr Lee said.

"I don't know much about that tourism side."

The potential of opening another area of Kakadu to tourism is exciting to tour operator Greig Taylor.

Visiting Mr Lee's Burrungkuy Nourlangie Rock area, which is already open to the public, is one of his tour highlights.

"Any access that we can get to any part of Kakadu is a bonus, and the tourism industry is looking for partnerships," he said.

"If Jeffrey is keen to engage and work with the industry in developing a product, we're right there."

Mr Lee said he might consider a partnership, but would prefer his and most other Kakadu operations to be run by its Bininj and Mungguy people.

"In future I'd like to see more Bininj running their own tour," he said.

"We want more Bininj rangers to be stepping up the ladder; I want to see Binning running the park."

Mr Taylor is particularly keen to see more areas of Kakadu opened to tourism because two of its most popular attractions, Gunlom Falls and Twin Falls, have been closed for five years.

The federal government's Parks Australia, which jointly manages Kakadu with traditional owners, has also struggled in recent years to repair wet season road damage and remove crocodiles from other popular sites including the Jim Jim Falls in time to get them open for the peak tourist season starting in June.

"Last year we didn't even get those areas until the second week of the school holidays, that's just not acceptable or sustainable from a tourism perspective," Mr Taylor said.

"So there needs to be more human resources, and maybe they need to replan their work scope so we can get these sites open to visitors."

In a statement, Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said: "Part of the reason the park is opening later is due to the wet season running later."

The wet season did run later in Kakadu in 2023 and 2022, but not in 2021 or 2020.

Queensland tourist Kristy Hendrie said finding some areas closed had been disappointing.

"It's been beautiful, but a lot of the waterfalls and the waterholes that we wanted to go to were closed," she said.

On Wednesday, Parks Australia announced it would plead guilty in Darwin Local Court to prosecution by the NT's sacred sites watchdog.

Director of national parks Ricky Archer released a statement offering "deep and sincere apologies to traditional owners for the wrongs of the past" and an assurance "lessons learned from this situation will improve how Parks Australia executes projects".

Wurrkbarbar senior Gunlom custodian Joshua Hunter said traditional owners were now considering reopening Gunlom, possibly next year, but first wanted assurances they would get compensation and other financial assistance.

"We've sacrificed our area to provide a visitor friendly place for everyone to visit so we're really looking forward to what the government will put on the table before we re-open Gunlom," he said.

"We've lived our two decades in poverty, there were times when my own mother lived in a caravan just outside of the Gunlom road, and they preferred to spend money on fixing the road for our visitors, while traditional owners lived many years in poverty.

"We're in this deal together, and they should come to the table with better living standards, better funding and better opportunities for us to thrive as indigenous people."

Ms Plibersek said she "will take all steps necessary to repair the relationship with the traditional owners of Kakadu".

She added her government is "fixing 212 homes in Kakadu" and its May budget included "$11 million for remediation of Jabiru".

Asked whether it is assisting traditional owners start more tourism businesses, Parks Australia provided a statement that it has facilitated "workshops between the tourism industry and Bininj and Mungguy and business development workshops".

The Gunlom dispute has heightened tension over the park's joint management among traditional owners who have felt they have not been given enough say about how Federal Government funding is spent in Kakadu.

Traditional owners closed the popular Ubirr lookout for the 2021 season.

Parks Australia said "Bininj and Mungguy are consulted on park management in accordance with consultation guidelines developed by the Kakadu Board".

Jeffrey Lee said he was watching how the government was prepared to deal with traditional owners now.

"We can close things; we can close half the park," he said.

"If I say I want to close my area, it can be very difficult."

But the Djok traditional owner said he would prefer to work with the federal government to achieve his tourism plan.

"If people from Canberra can walk with us, and help us mob start our business, and look after country the way we want to look after country, that will change a lot of things.

"I know it takes time, but in the future, it's going to happen."

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Land transfers, May 16-22

The trend of the real estate market in Allen County is shown by the following report, for the week running May 16 through 22. Figures reflect the selling price of the property, along with the address or lot number of same and are courtesy of Allen County Recorder Mona Losh’s Office.

CITY OF LIMA

A369 Group LLC to MK USA Good Shepherd LLC, 525-52 Linden St., Lima, $3,000

Berger, Kimberly K to Turks, Latara T, 443 E. McKibben St., Lima, $22,500

Betts, Patricia to Malick, Ava, 1702 W. High St., Lima, $68,500

Bowman Properties LLC/ Bowman, Robert John Administrator/Estate Of John Christopher Bowman to M.D. Investing Ltd, 834 W. Wayne St., Lima, $25,000

Boyle, Kimberly A/Boyle, Jason K to McComb, Tyler/McComb, Jennifer, 122 S. Kenilworth Ave., Lima, $50,000

J Squared Property Solutions/Johnson, Jennifer to Brewer, Jatavia, 605 E. 4th St., Lima, $26,800

JNK Properties LLC to Dotson, Allison D/Olson, Brandon M, 1206 Rice Ave., Lima, $135,000

JNM Investments, Ltd. to Schmidt, Brock, 950 Rice Ave., Lima, $63,000

Jumpx Real Estate Investment, LLC to Harper, Philander O/Harper, Anita Jae, 817 Weadock Ave., Lima, $160,000

Lima 315, LLC to Martin, Jock, 514 Fairview Ave., Lima, $15,000

Malick, Jason A/Malick, Ava R/Malick, Yolanda to Metro Vested Properties LLC, 415 W. Grand Ave., Lima, $20,000

Missler, Timothy O to Missler, Michael J, 1131 Richie Ave., Lima, $30,000

Rosewood Assets LLC to Parsley, Jessica, 1910 Rice Ave., Lima, $171,000

Seay, Lajeane R/Seay, Rufus E/Simpson, Carla E/Simpson, Joey W/Robinson, Joanna M/Robinson, Vatchel L/Berger, Jeffrey B to Robinson, Meshayla S, 626 Catalpa Ave., Lima, $18,900

Wings Like Eagles Realestate LLC to Jackson, Kiarra, 1149 Richie Ave., Lima, $205,000

AMANDA TOWNSHIP

Bellman, William C/Bellman, Laura to Nunnery, Bubba S/Medina, Rhonda J, Mills Road (3 acres), Lima, $52,500

Timmermeister, William C/Timmermeister, Kay Lois to Baltzell, Eric J, Defiance Trail (40 acres), Spencerville, $325,000

AMERICAN TOWNSHIP

Brown, Jeffery J F/Arango-Brown, Andrea to Cox, Micah P, 178 Hartford Court, Lima, $113,500

Evans, Mable Louise/Blosser, Valerie K Blosser Attorney In Fact to Binas, Roseann T/Massalang, Isaac Sydney, 2935 W. High St., Lima, $187,400

Lowe’s Home Centers, LLC to Kasada, LLC, North Eastown Road, Lima, $775,000

Nungester, Diana K to Rieman, Cody/Nicolaou, Giorgia, 6390 Spencerville Road, Lima, $140,000

Sprague, Joseph D Co-Executor/Sprague, C Joseph Co-Executor/Estate Of Judith Ann Steigleder to Kowalk, Bryan/Kowalk, Ruth, 1912 Arlington Drive, Lima, $171,500

AUGLAIZE TOWNSHIP

Faulder Properties, LLC to Carroll, Shelby Rae, 7890 Faulkner Road (1.6 acres), Harrod, $195,000

BATH TOWNSHIP

Emerson Wagner Realty Co. to Hollinger Farms, LLC, Stewart Road (2.5 acres), Lima, $37,000

Owsley, Sam to Owsley, Kenneson J, 1306 N. Adams St., Lima, $8,400

Patel, Kamleshkumar/Patel, Mayuribahen to Vasistha LLC, 1250 Neubrecht Road, Lima, $400,000

Wagner, Emerson/Wagner, Jeffrey M/Wagner, Constance/Wagner, Debra L to Hollinger Farms, LLC, Bible Road (69.9 acres), Lima, $1,033,333

VILLAGE OF BEAVERDAM

JCJJD Invesmtents, LLC to Dunlap, Douglas/Dunlap, Pamela, 202 E. Main St., Beaverdam, $40,000

VILLAGE OF BLUFFTON

Basinger, Jan/Basinger, Alice to Burrell, Jo Lynn Trustee/Jo Lynn Burrell Trust, 525 Harmon Road, Bluffton, $140,000

Kaufmann, Maurice J Co-Trustee/Maurice J Kaufmann Living Trust to Baskauf, Carol J/Baskauf, Steven J, 10465 Augsburger Road (1 acre), Bluffton, $261,000

CITY OF DELPHOS

Kitchen, Kenneth to Williams, Diann, 528 Lima Ave., Delphos, $154,500

MARION TOWNSHIP

Schaufelberger, Julie/Kleman, Patrick/Perry, Michelle E/Schaufelberger, Matthew to Sugar Shack, Ltd, 4151 N. Acadia Road, Delphos, $560,000

Stump Baby, LLC to Backus, Gary, 909 E. 3rd St., Delphos, $157,000

SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP

AD Lane, LLC to Warner, Jonathan S/Warner, Debra K, 1601 Leist Ave., Lima, $329,900

Honingford, Robert J/Honingford, Martha E to Navarre, Johanna Marie Trustee/Navarre, Robert Bruce Trustee/Navarre Family Trust, 3504 Camden Place, Lima, $290,000

LBC Investments, LLC to Harper, Jan C/Harper, Cynthia J, 4171 Emma Parkway, Lima, $317,000

Monroe, Kelly J/Weaver, Scott to Jones, James/Jones, Maria Christina Lucido, 1435 Park Circle, Lima, $300,000

Oglesbee, Jacob A to Levan, Jacob L/Downing, Linsey M, 3800 Shawnee Road, Lima, $180,000

Qin, Xiusheng/Chen, Lijuan to Sheipline, Tasha L/Sheipline, Anthony D, 4425 Karif Circle, Lima, $445,000

Sarven, Brian C/Sarven, Jill M to Hites, Terry V, 1620 W. Hume Road, Lima, $39,500

Taviano, Ladonna to Steyer, Gabriel J, 2050 Rosewood Lane, Lima, $167,500

Warner, Jonathan S/Warner, Debra K to Kantner, Terry, 1755 Shawnee Road, Unit 509, Lima, $96,000

Wireman, Sylvia Executor/Estate Of Erma Arlene Currier to Bitters, Abigail M/Swallow, Ethan A, 1602 Wonderlick Road, Lima, $154,500

SPENCER TOWNSHIP

Joseph, Tiffani N/Joseph, Tobin J to Franks, Steven/Franks, Leesa, 12201 Kolter Road (0.7 acres), Spencerville, $240,000

VILLAGE OF SPENCERVILLE

Koenig, Norman L/Koenig, Sydney A to Strayer, John, 224 N. Mulberry St., Spencerville, $90,000

Youngpeter, Laura A/Crites, Lisa K/Huber, Nicholas J/Huber, Leslie/Youngpeter, Michael to Crites, Evan S, 710 E. 4th St., Spencerville, $160,000

SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP

Larue, James L to Larue, Justin, 3000 W. State Road (1 acre), Lima, $212,000

Filing`Last year`Last week`This week

Deeds `72`83`89

Mortgage `69`61`55

Land contracts `0`1`0

Releases `31`50`65

Uniform commercial code `2`1`1

Terminations `1`1`0

Miscellaneous `37`83`48

Military discharges `2`1`0

Featured Local Savings

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Money blog: The 'least bad' popular sweets - and the ones that 'can wreak havoc on your health'

An expert says first-time buyers may want to look beyond banks when selecting a mortgage. Read this and the rest of today's consumer and personal finance news below, and leave your thoughts in the comments box.

Friday 31 May 2024 07:45, UK

• First-time buyers urged to consider building societies over banks
• Leon rivals Pret with new coffee subscription deal
• 'Stealth tax' on incomes to remain until 2028, Hunt says
• Energy prices 'will be high for a decade'

Essential reads

• The popular sweets that are the 'least bad' for you
• Women in Business : 'A truck unloaded a £600 car that her son bought on eBay thinking it was a toy' - the schoolgate stories that led to GoHenry
• Money Problem : 'My mortgage lender is ending my two-year fix and I haven't been in the house for two years - can they do this?'
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

The latest UK house price data from a leading index has been released this morning - which hints at a potential shift in the market.

Nationwide Building Society said the average UK house price rose slightly in May, bucking two months of falls amid signs of market "resilience".

UK property prices rose 0.4% month-on-month, following a similar sized fall of 0.4% in April, it said. 

The increase leaves the average house price at £264,249 - with the annual rate of growth more than doubled to 1.3% in May, from 0.6% in April.

Robert Gardner, Nationwide's chief economist, said: "The market appears to be showing signs of resilience in the face of ongoing affordability pressures following the rise in longer term interest rates in recent months.

"Consumer confidence has improved noticeably over the last few months, supported by solid wage gains and lower inflation."

Every Friday we get an overview of the mortgage market with the help of industry experts. This week the guys at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk are helping us focus on first-time buyers - and why building societies may provide the best option for them.

First, the broader mortgage market. Moneyfacts finance expert finance expert Rachel Springall said: "It has been a relatively quiet week for fixed-rate mortgage re-pricing, but there have been a couple of building societies tweaking rates as well as withdrawing selected deals. This includes a sub 5% five-year fixed rate mortgage from Saffron Building Society at 90% loan-to-value.

"Week on week, the overall average two-year fixed rate remained unchanged 5.92% but the five-year rate rose to 5.49%."

Honing in on first-time buyers, and Moneyfacts has issued advice that building societies can often be the best option for those starting out.

Rachel said: "First-time buyers comparing mortgages will find building societies on average price lower than the market averages (90% and 95% loan-to-value, for two- and five-year fixed mortgages)."

The big-seven bank (Barclays, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds Bank, NatWest, RBS and Santander) average is actually lower, Moneyfacts says - but "the lowest rate deals might not be the best on a true cost basis". 

"Mutuals have pioneered innovative products and initiatives for buyers, such as the Track Record mortgage from Skipton Building Society, the £5,000 deposit mortgage from Yorkshire Building Society and the partnership between Leeds Building Society and Experian to potentially help consumers to boost their credit score," Rachel says. 

"In addition, Nationwide’s Helping Hand mortgage gives first-time buyers the option of borrowing a higher loan amount.

"Saving money on the upfront cost of a mortgage is incredibly important for first-time buyers who may have exhausted their cash on a deposit, legal fees and moving costs. Any borrower looking to get their foot on the property ladder would be wise to seek independent advice to ensure they find the right deal for them."

This week's lowest rates for first-time buyers are...

This week's Moneyfacts has the Best Buys - which look at the overall cost of the mortgage, not just the rate - as... 

It can be hard to balance the demands of eating well without spending a lot.

In this series, we try to find the healthiest options in the supermarket for the best value - and have enlisted the help of  Sunna Van Kampen , founder of Tonic Health, who went viral on social media for reviewing food in the search of healthier choices.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tonic Health (@tonichealth)

In this series we don't try to find the outright healthiest option, but help you get better nutritional value for as little money as possible.

Today we're looking at sweets. 

"We all love a treat now and then, but making small changes in our choices can lead to big benefits without having to give up entirely," Sunna says.  

The sugar hit

"It is important to put it into context just how impactful a bag of sweets can be," Sunna says. 

The NHS daily recommendation for sugar intake is 30g a day for adults, 24g a day for seven to 10-year-olds and 19g a day for four to six-year-olds. 

A typical bag 100g bag of sweets can contain anywhere from 40-70g of sugar - more than double your daily intake.

It's safe to say Sunna is not a fan of one of the nation's favourite brands, pointing to their 74% sugar content. 

"To put that into perspective, that's almost three-quarters of each Skittle being pure sugar, or 25 teaspoons in one 136g bag," he says.

That's three times the daily recommended intake according to the NHS. 

"While they're undeniably tasty, this sugar content can wreak havoc on your health and they are also coloured with a multitude of artificial colours."

Sky News approached Skittles' parent company Mars Inc. for comment but did not receive a reply. 

"While none are healthy, there is an opportunity to cut your sugar intake in dramatically within the Haribo range," Sunna explains. 

Here's the sugar breakdown:

• Supermix - 55% sugar content
• Tangfastics - 50% sugar content
• Starmix - 47% sugar content
• Fruitilicious - 34% sugar content
• Zingfest - 32% sugar content (and Sunna's new favourite)

The difference becomes clear when you break that down into teaspoons of sugar. 

"Supermix has 24 teaspoons of sugar in a 175g share bag while Zingfest has only 12 in a 150g share bag," Sunna says. 

"That's a 50% reduction in your sugar content, albeit it on a slightly smaller bag size, but portion control is important because nobody is putting an open bag back in the cupboard."

A sweet alternative

Sunna recommends Rowntree's Berry Hearts if you're looking for something to try. 

"These little heart-shaped gummies do my favourite thing - remove all the yellows and oranges in favour of a bag full of reds and purples - but also only contain 35% sugar.

"That's less than half the sugar content of Skittles - and they use black carrot, carrot and hibiscus as colours in place of artificial sweeteners."

A bag of Skittles every week would lead to more than 5.2kg of sugar a year. 

"Swapping to Berry Hearts would be 2.1kg a year - a saving of over 3kg of sugar. That's a massive reduction," Sunna says. 

This shows that, even when indulging in sweets, picking ones with lower sugar content can make a big difference. 

"Reducing sugar not only helps with weight management but also lowers the risk of chronic diseases and improves overall well-being."

The nutritionist's view - from  Nichola Ludlam-Raine, d ietitian at  nicsnutrition.com ...

"Sweets and candy are undeniably a treat that many of us enjoy, but it's important to be mindful of their sugar content, especially with the significant variations between different types, in addition to the portion size and frequency in which we are consuming them. 

"Grab bags and share bags can lead us to eating more, and may distort what is a healthy portion size. 

"In addition, most of us would look on in horror if we actually saw the amount of sugar that was being added to these sweet treats.

"Choosing options with a lower sugar content, like Rowntree's Berry Hearts, can help satisfy a sweet tooth while helping us to keep below the daily free-sugar limits (free-sugar includes added sugar, and the sugar naturally occurring in honey and fruit juice too), but we mustn't be misled by these 'health halos' either - sugar is sugar, and it can easily add up if it's consumed too regularly throughout the day.

"Reducing our free-sugar intake should be a goal for many of us, and is crucial not just for weight management but for overall health, including reducing the risk of dental caries (although sugary drinks tend to take the biscuit here). 

"Remember, making small, smarter choices can lead to substantial health benefits over time. 

"Enjoy your treats, but have them in moderation (ie, not on a daily basis), choose wisely and try not to graze on sugary sweets throughout the day as your teeth won't thank you."

Read more from this series... 

UK house prices could rise slightly this year and outpace inflation over the next two years, according to a poll.

Housing market specialists surveyed by Reuters predict a 1.8% overall increase in prices for 2024, with wage growth expected to outstrip this.

A predicted drop in mortgage rates will also improve affordability for first-time buyers, they said.

Aneisha Beveridge, head of research at estate agency Hamptons , said: "Stable house prices combined with real income growth should aid affordability this year."

Following a more modest rise this year, prices will grow by 3.1% in 2025 and 4% in 2026, according to the poll carried over four weeks in May.

Specialist forecasts for 2024 ranged from a 4% drop to a 4% increase.

But despite the predicted rise, a lack of supply could prove a hurdle for househunters - especially those getting on the ladder for the first time.

Seventeen specialists polled said supply was likely to fall short of demand in the coming two to three years. 

"Construction is throttled by a lack of positive sentiment among developers. They will only build again when there are sure signs of market and political stability," said property consultant Russell Quirk .

A separate Reuters poll found that the Bank of England's base rate, which has been at 5.25% since August 2023, could drop to 4.5% by the end of the year and 3.5% by the end of 2025 - still far above the record low 0.1% during the pandemic.

Leon has launched its own coffee subscription scheme in a move to rival fellow high street brand Pret A Manger.

The fast food chain's £25-a-month "Roast Rewards" deal offers five barista-made drinks per day as well as 20% off the breakfast and all-day food menu.

It undercuts Pret's £30 a month offer, which also allows for up to five drinks a day and 20% off food. 

Customers will also be given bonus "loyalty points" when they subscribe and each time they renew. The scheme launches on 30 May through the Leon Club App.

Leon managing director Mac Plumpton said the company was "so excited to unveil the UK's most affordable coffee subscription".

Pret increased the price of its "Club Pret" subscription service by 20% to £30 a month in 2023, citing increased costs.

Energy prices are expected to rise again in the autumn and last week's announcement of a cut in the cap from July should not be taken as a "sign of stability", the head of the Energy Saving Trust has said.

"Confirmation that energy prices are coming down for the next quarter is very welcome," Mike Thornton said.

"However, no one should take this lower price cap as a sign of stability."

He added: "Forecasts show that energy prices are set to rise again this autumn and will be staying high overall for the next decade."

He urged the next UK government - to be decided in the general election on 4 July - to focus on policies that "support people to use less energy and install cost-effective energy efficiency improvements in their homes".

The cap will fall to £1,568 a year from 1 July - a drop of £122 from the previous quarter. 

McDonald's customers have taken to social media to complain about a "naughty" detail in one of its new deals. 

The fast food giant started a new mix and match deal this week - which allows shoppers to pick up three items for just £3 in store.

However, those ordering online have found the price increase to £4 for the same deal. 

Writing in the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group, one user shared a screenshot of her My McDoanld's app, writing: "It's gone from 3 for £3 to 3 for £4. Which is odd, or is that cause it's on the app."

Another branded the price difference "naughty". 

McDonald’s has since confirmed that this price is correct on app.

The increase is due to delivery fees charged by couriers like Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Just Eat - and is fairly standard across the industry. 

Sony Music is reportedly in talks to purchase the entirety of rock band Queen's music catalogue in a deal mooted to be worth some $1bn (around £800m). 

Bloomberg reports  the company has partnered with another anonymous investor to engage Brian May, Roger Taylor, John Deacon and the estate of Freddie Mercury over a sale that would be the largest of its kind.

Queen Productions Ltd, of which the bandmates and Mercury's estate are equal shareholders, recorded revenues of $52m in the year that ended in September 2022. 

This comes after the catalogue of Bruce Springsteen was acquired by Sony in 2021, while rival Warner Music bought David Bowie's songbook for around $250m in 2022, as industry giants battle to invest in songwriting catalogues. 

They are seen by many as attractive investments as the music can be used in future films, advertisements and on the radio - which all produce royalties for the rights owners. 

A squeeze on people's incomes due to frozen tax thresholds will continue until 2028 under Tory plans, Jeremy Hunt has confirmed.

Rishi Sunak introduced a freeze on tax-free personal allowance thresholds (the amount you can earn before you start paying tax) when he was chancellor back in 2021. In his autumn 2022 budget, Mr Hunt extended the time it would need to be in place from 2026 to 2028.

The frozen rates mean many have failed to feel the benefit of a the national insurance cut which kicked in this year.

The Office for Budget Responsibility also estimates the static rates will drag an additional four million people into paying tax by 2028 and push three million into a higher tax bracket. This is because wages will go up alongside inflation but the threshold won't. 

The policy is often referred to as a "stealth tax".

Mr Hunt told BBC Radio 4's Today programme today: "The tax rises that happened as a result of the pandemic and the energy shock, these two giant shocks, will stay for their allotted time period."

But he reiterated the Conservatives' pledge to end the freeze after 2028, saying: "I can absolutely undertake that the threshold freeze that we introduced until 2028 will not continue after that."

The Tories have said they will unfreeze the thresholds for pensioners if they win the election.

Labour has also refused to commit to unfreezing overall tax thresholds.

Sir Keir Starmer said earlier that he believed the tax burden on working people was "too high" but that his party was not going to "make commitments that we cannot afford".

"Therefore I'm very clear about the tax that will remain and will be locked and where we cannot make those commitments," he said.

What are the tax thresholds and what do they mean?

The personal tax allowance is frozen at £12,570. You don't pay income tax on anything you earn below that - anything above is taxed at the 20% base rate. At the same time, the higher rate has been frozen at £50,271 - anything above that is taxed at 40%.

Tom Selby, director of public policy at AJ Bell, said the personal allowance, if it had been inflation-linked since 2021-22, would be forecast to rise to £15,989 by 2028 - nearly £3,500 higher than the frozen threshold.

Tourists headed to Scotland for holidays will face a tourist tax for hotels, bed and breakfasts and holiday lets.

The Scottish Parliament passed the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill two days ago, meaning local authorities can set a charge for overnight accommodation.

According to the bill, the fee will be a percentage of the cost of a hotel or other room.

For instance, a 1% levy on a £200 booking means a visitor would pay £2 in tourist tax.

However, any charges or levies will not come into effect until spring 2026, as councils will first have to consult local businesses before carrying out an 18-month implementation period.

Those receiving disability benefits will not pay any charges, with children and young people also exempt.

Ministers will also have the power to set a cap on the number of nights where a levy would apply.

It will also be up to councils if they want to put a charge in place - but with Holyrood research suggesting 17 of Scotland's 32 councils backing the plans, it is likely some visitors will be hit by charges.

Scotland's employment and investment minister Tom Arthur said on Tuesday the charge would be a " force for good", suggesting it "has the potential to be an important tool enabling investment in the local economy, and supporting an important industry".

However, Scottish Conservatives argued there needed to be a more "robust" exemption scheme, with housing spokesman Miles Briggs saying: "Scots will be pretty unhappy when they realise that they will have to pay a 10% tax to stay in a hotel when their house is flooded."

The new law means Scotland joins Manchester, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in charging tourists to stay the night.

Manchester's £1-a-night City Visitor Charge was introduced last April, and is estimated to have raised around £2.8m in its first year.

European hotspots like Barcelona and Venice have also introduced tourist taxes, with the Spanish city charging visitors €3.25 if they're staying in official accommodation.

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A Russian missile attack on Kyiv destroyed a power facility and damaged the power grid in Holosiivskyi district of the Ukrainian capital on Friday, the DTEK energy company said.

The Czech Republic will at some point ask countries for further contributions to its initiative to source ammunition supplies for Ukraine from around the world, Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said on Friday.

The Texas General Land Office Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D.

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GLO Commissioner Dawn Buckingham Tours Fort Bend Flood Mitigation Project Sites, Celebrates More Than $68 Million to Protect Region from Future Storms

AUSTIN — Today Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., joined Fort Bend County Judge KP George, Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman and other local leaders for a briefing and tour of flood mitigation project sites. The Texas General Land Office (GLO) allocated $68,382,016 for three erosion repair projects in Fort Bend County and the city of Sugar Land. The helicopter tour enabled Commissioner Buckingham and other leaders to see first-hand the improvements these safety mitigation projects will make in the region.

"Today marks a significant milestone in our efforts to safeguard Fort Bend County and its residents from future storms," said Commissioner Dawn Buckingham. "With more than $68 million allocated for crucial erosion repair projects, we are taking proactive steps to ensure the safety and resilience of our communities. I am grateful to Judge KP George, Andy Meyers, and the other County Commissioners, Mayor Joe Zimmerman, the City Council, and all our local partners for their dedication and collaboration in this vital endeavor."

The projects will address erosion resistance and repair damage along the Brazos River at U.S. 59, which poses a threat to evacuation routes for residents of Galveston and Brazoria counties during extreme weather events. In total, nearly $130 million is allocated to projects in Fort Bend to mitigate and protect the region from future storms.

City of Sugar Land Evacuation Route and Erosion Repair - $4,063,600

In conjunction with Fort Bend County, the Evacuation Route project will repair riverbank erosion addressing areas upstream and downstream to ensure bridges are adequately protected. The Memorial Park Riverbank Erosion Repair project will stabilize the Brazos Riverbank. The project includes the following:

• Evacuation Route-US 59/IH 69 Bridge Riverbank Erosion Repair: Clearing, grubbing, excavation, stockpile, backfill, and offsite disposal, install stone, seeding, and conduct Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. 
• Memorial Park Riverbank Erosion Repair- Clearing, grubbing, excavation, stockpile, backfill, and offsite disposal, install stone, seeding, and conduct Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.

Fort Bend County Erosion Repair Project - $38,492,516

In conjunction with the City of Sugar Land, the Evacuation Route project will repair riverbank erosion addressing areas upstream and downstream to ensure bridges are adequately protected. The Memorial Park Riverbank Erosion Repair project will stabilize the Brazos Riverbank. The project includes the following:

Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Simonton Pinch Point Project - $25,825,900

In collaboration with Fort Bend County and the City of Simonton, H-GAC shall provide erosion protection on the banks of the Brazos River at two locations in Simon Texas. The project includes riverbank erosion repair by clearing, grubbing, excavation, stockpile, backfill and offsite disposal, install stone, and seeding. 

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