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Iceland is filled with breathtaking landscapes and thrilling adventure tours. But what are the absolute best things to do in south Iceland? To find out, the Hotel Rangá team decided to dive headfirst into the ultimate multi-day journey—a trip so awesome, we had no choice but to call it Iceland’s Most Epic Adventure. We brought an amazing group of people along for the ride, including a very special guest: Jacqueline Giancola, aka Jackie—a total stranger whose dream was to visit Iceland.
Here’s the fun part: we found Jackie in an unexpected way. The Hotel Rangá team took to the streets of New York City, stopping random strangers with one simple question: “Why do you dream of going to Iceland?” We met so many fascinating people, but the stars aligned when we met Jackie. Her enthusiasm and excitement for Iceland made her the perfect choice for this adventure of a lifetime.
Fast forward to now, and we’ve had the chance to chat with Jackie about what it was like to win her dream trip to Iceland. Spoiler: it’s a story you don’t want to miss. Keep reading to learn more about Jackie’s adventures, all of which are bookable on the Hotel Rangá Adventure Tour page.
Before your trip, you were asked, “Why do you dream of going to Iceland?” What was your answer?
I said that I had heard Iceland is so safe that people actually leave their babies outside in strollers when they go to restaurants. They trust others to take care of them. Coming from New York where the crime rate is so high and you have to be on alert all the time, this was a drastic change for me. I actually called my Mom crying on my last day in Iceland. I told her that the difference in quality of life is so great when you don’t feel like you’re constantly in danger. It made me want to move to a safer place because I just felt so happy and free to be myself. Life feels so much better when you feel like you can trust the people around you and not have to constantly survey your surroundings.
What was it like to be approached in the street and asked about Iceland?
I wasn’t shocked to be approached because people are always approaching you on the streets of New York. What I was shocked about was the fact that it was actually real! I was sure it was a scam. My whole family and friend group were as well. Something inside me just told me that it could be real. I kept saying to myself, “Icelandic people wouldn’t lie to me!”
How did it feel to be in Iceland for the first time, especially during the month of November?
Being in Iceland for the first time felt absolutely surreal. I had no idea a place could be so breathtakingly beautiful. I found myself not wanting to blink because I didn’t want to miss a thing. I’ve never seen so many waterfalls, mountains, chunky horses and volcanoes! I sometimes felt like I was on a different planet.
You flew with Icelandair—how was the journey?
My journey on Icelandair was so comfortable and easy. I had plenty of room and slept for most of the flight. Plus, the views on my flight home were incredible. I got to see so many snowy mountains and beautiful landscapes. What’s more, the flight had almost no turbulence and was shorter than a flight from New York to LA. It was quick and painless, and I would absolutely fly back through Icelandair again.
You went on a super jeep tour—what was the most thrilling part of exploring Iceland in this way?
The super jeep tour was out of this world. I never thought it was possible to cross rivers and drive on such bumpy terrain, but the jeep made it effortless. It also had an incredible sound system and was a very comfortable ride. I loved driving on the black sand beaches near the coast! It felt like we were doing the impossible which was really cool.
November in Iceland can be pretty wild weather-wise. How did the unpredictable weather add to the adventure?
The unpredictable weather actually made my time in Iceland more fun! I got to experience the wildest wind ever, it almost blew me away! Plus the ice and snow just added to the adventure. I got to experience some sunshine as well which was nice when we were in the hot springs. I never knew that weather could change so quickly. One minute it would be snowing and the next the sky would open up and we were in our swimsuits!
Tell us about the buggy adventure! What was it like racing through the Icelandic landscape?
I felt safe in the buggies while also feeling like I was a race car driver. I loved it! We had full waterproof suits and gear to make the ride more comfortable. One of the people on our tour got stuck in the lake, but they got back out! It made for a good story and added to the adventure.
What was your favorite part of Iceland’s Most Epic Adventure with Hotel Rangá? Have you noticed anything special about Icelandic hospitality?
My favorite part about staying at Hotel Rangá absolutely was the people. Every single staff member was so welcoming, generous and accommodating. The servers remembered everyone’s drink order without us even having to tell them. What’s more, they went out of their way to add little personal touches to make everyone feel special. I have never felt so taken care of in my life. This was by far the greatest hotel experience I have ever had. I would recommend that everyone to stay at Hotel Rangá at least once to experience such kindness and hospitality.
Every single person working at the hotel was warm and genuine, and I ended up falling in love with each and every one of them. I will actually be coming back with my family for our family vacation just so they can experience these wonderful people. The trip would not have been nearly as wonderful without them and I am so grateful to have met them. From the servers to the front desk personnel, they were all so cheerful and accommodating. I actually love them and cannot thank them enough.
How did you balance your high-energy adventures with relaxation at the hotel? Any must-try experiences at Hotel Rangá?
The geothermal outdoor hot tubs were one of my favorite parts of the hotel. After a long and fun day of adventuring, we got to soak in the hot tub with a drink in hand and enjoy the landscape in front of us. I still marvel at the fact that everything was heated naturally from the earth. The game room at Hotel Rangá was also a treat because everyone on the trip got to hang out and get to know each other over a drink and a game of pool. I recommend all of the outdoor adventures, but the hotel is filled with more than enough to keep you occupied and happy!
How were your meals at the Rangá Restaurant?
The food at the Rangá Restaurant is unmatched. I tried foods that I would never even think of trying, and it was such a treat. My favorites were the reindeer steak and the Icelandic pancake. The pancake was filled with little sweet candies that popped in my mouth – it was scrumptious! I was nervous to try the reindeer at first, but it tasted like a more tender version of steak. I ate every bite. When you visit Hotel Rangá, try to embrace your adventurous side and try everything! I was grateful to have the opportunity to try things that I never would have thought to eat outside of Iceland.
For anyone considering a trip like this, what’s your top piece of advice for visiting Iceland?
My top piece of advice for visiting Iceland is to stay at Hotel Rangá. When you stay there, they treat you like family. All of the staff had the best recommendations. We visited places that I never would have known existed if I had made my own travel itinerary.
Outside of staying at Hotel Rangá, I would say to get to know the people of Iceland. They are truly one of a kind and some of the best people I have ever met. Icelandic people go out of their way to assist you, give you advice, directions, anything that you need. I really enjoyed talking to the staff members and other natives because it showed me that good people still exist. Iceland is cold, but the people are warm. I wish I could take them all home with me.
Before your trip, you were asked, “Why do you dream of going to Iceland?” Now that you’ve visited Iceland, do you feel like reality matches your answer?
The reality has actually surpassed my answer. Every expectation was exceeded. I knew that Iceland’s Most Epic Adventure was going to be fun, but I had no idea it would be the trip of a lifetime. Every single day was jam packed with adventures and lifelong memories. The weather did surprise me because I didn’t think it could be that intense. However, the views surprised me even more. I have never seen a place so beautiful, and I’ve traveled a lot. It was so insanely gorgeous that I know I have to come back. Iceland is already calling my name.
Out of all the incredible activities you’ve done, what would you say was the most unique experience you had in Iceland? Was there a moment that felt truly one-of-a-kind, something you couldn’t experience anywhere else in the world?
The most unique experience was eating dinner in one of the oldest caves in Iceland. We were just asked not to touch the walls because there were ancient writings there and we needed to preserve the history. Not only was the meal incredible, but the live music and dining table set up was gorgeous. I felt like I was in a 5 star restaurant but also a part of history. In fact, I had to pinch myself to see if I was dreaming. I cannot thank Hotel Rangá, South Coast Adventure and Icelandair for all that they did to make this experience so wonderful and profound. I will be grateful for this for the rest of my life. Iceland will always have a special place in my heart.
If you want to experience the same adventures as Jackie, reach out to the Hotel Rangá team today. We look forward to welcoming you to Hotel Rangá!
