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by Jewells Chambers
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- 4 days ago1h 30m
From Venezuela to Iceland: How Valenttina Griffin Built a Life Across Cultures
I sat down with an inspiring Venezuelan-born entrepreneur, Valenttina Griffin, who has made Iceland her home. Through a lively conversation, Valenttina shares her experiences of navigating different cultures, thriving in the tech industry, and her entrepreneurial journey that spans multiple continents. Join us as we explore her insights on leadership, the power of community, and the importance of personal growth. Valenttina’s Journey Across Borders Valenttina’s journey began in Venezuela, where she enjoyed a tropical, sun-filled upbringing surrounded by strong women and positive role models. She fondly recalls the freedom of her childhood and notes the cultural contrast when she moved to Norway as an exchange student in the early 2000s. Her adventurous spirit and curiosity led her to embrace this transition. Learning the Norwegian language and culture opened doors for her, eventually helping her adapt quickly when she moved to Iceland. https://youtu.be/O2q2l8V1bdU Save 25% on Your Stay at Center Hotels in Reykjavík The sponsor of this episode is Center Hotels, a collection of nine stylish hotels located throughout downtown Reykjavík. Whether you want to stay close to the harbor, shopping streets, restaurants, nightlife, or some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, there’s a location that fits your travel style. I’ve partnered with Center Hotels to offer my audience an exclusive 25% discount when booking directly through their website using the code ATI25 at checkout. The code is valid through May 2026, making it a great opportunity to save on your stay while experiencing some of the most conveniently located hotels in Reykjavík. Adapting to Icelandic Culture Life in Iceland was quite different. Valenttina immersed herself in the local culture, learned the Icelandic language, and embraced the insular lifestyle. She reflects on the warmth of Venezuelan interactions, marked by hugs and close personal contact, contrasting sharply with the reserved nature of Icelanders who value personal space. Yet, the support she received from the Icelandic community has been invaluable, helping her form a deep connection with her new home. Women in Tech: Establishing a Supportive Network* As a woman in the tech industry, Valenttina shares her personal experiences and challenges in navigating a male-dominated field. She is part of Women Tech Iceland, an organization that provides a platform for women to feel safe and share their stories. Valenttina emphasizes the importance of recognition for women in tech and the need for creating role models for future generations. The group facilitates events that foster community support and networking opportunities, bridging the gap between Icelandic and foreign professionals. Cultural Insights and Leadership Challenges Valenttina Griffin discusses the nuances of working in Icelandic companies and how she manages cultural differences. She has witnessed firsthand the challenges of integration for foreign women in the workforce, highlighting language as a significant barrier. Despite these challenges, she credits her success to the Icelandic language skills and cultural understanding, which have helped her build trust and rapport in leadership roles. Valenttina’s Approach to Embracing Personal Growth and Neuroplasticity Beyond her professional achievements, Valenttina is passionate about neuroscience and neuroplasticity. She believes in the power of personal growth and continuously adapting to change. Her advice to women, and to anyone seeking growth, is to love themselves, set healthy boundaries, and not ignore red flags in personal or professional relationships. These principles guide her as she navigates her entrepreneurial journey and raises her family in Iceland. Launching UGrow: Revolutionizing the Service Industry in Iceland Valenttina’s latest venture, UGrow, focuses on optimizing recruitment processes within the Icelandic service industry. This initiative aims to streamline seasonal hiring, ensuring that both employees and employers are well-matched and meet legal standards. By doing so, Valenttina hopes to improve the experience for foreign workers and support the thriving tourism sector in Iceland. A Vision for a Diverse and Welcoming Iceland Through her work with Women Tech Iceland and You Grow, Valenttina is helping shape a more inclusive and diverse Iceland. She envisions a future where international talent is i
- 5 days ago39 min
The Cost of a 5-Day Trip to Iceland. Local Expert Advice on how to budget for it.
Along with hearing about volcanoes, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and gorgeous landscapes, one of the biggest things people associate with Iceland is how expensive it is. And honestly, that conversation comes up constantly. It’s one of the most common questions when I am helping travelers planning their first trip here. Iceland has built a reputation online for being adventurous and fascinating, but also very expensive. And to be fair, it absolutely can be. Publications like Travel + Leisure have even ranked Iceland among the most expensive travel destinations in the world. From my perspective as someone who has lived in Iceland since 2016 and helped thousands of travelers through my podcast, social media channels, private consultations, and my in-depth video course, The Savvy Traveler’s Guide to Iceland, what stands out to me is this: most people don’t create a realistic budget for Iceland. Inside This 5-Day Iceland Budget Guide Knowing where to start with Budgeting for 5-days in Iceland Why the Season You Visit Changes Your Entire Budget What Kind of Iceland Experience Do You Want? Flights to Iceland Accommodations: The Biggest Budget Variable Rental Cars & Iceland’s New Road Tax How to Save on Renting a Car and Camper Van in Iceland The Hidden Iceland Expense Most Travelers Forget: Parking Fees Food Costs in Iceland Activities & Tours: What to Expect Use Discount Codes Strategically to Save Money Unexpected Costs Realistic 5-Day Iceland Budgets by Season Winter Budget Breakdown Shoulder Season Budget Breakdown Summer Budget Breakdown Knowing Where to Start with Budgeting a 5-day Trip for Iceland I think that people don’t always create a realistic budget for Iceland because they don’t know where to start. Travelers are often unsure about how much to set aside for accommodations, activities, rental cars, food, parking, or even how much the season changes everything. So instead of just throwing random numbers at you, I want to walk you through how I would personally budget for a 5-day trip to Iceland depending on your travel style, the season, and the choices you make while you’re here. Because the reality is that a 5-day trip to Iceland could cost one person around $1,300 and another person over $4,000 — and both of them could still have incredible experiences. <img decoding="async" width="1024" height="595" src="https://allthingsiceland.com/wp-content/uploa
- 2 weeks ago23 min
5 Places in Iceland Worth the Detour (That Most Travelers Miss)
There are places in Iceland that are easy to visit. And then there are places that require a bit more effort, but reward you in ways you honestly don’t expect. I’m sharing 5 places across the country that are absolutely worth the detour. These aren’t your typical Golden Circle stops. These are the kinds of places that make people say: “Wait… THIS was in Iceland?!” If you’re planning a trip and want to go beyond the basics, this list is for you. Table of Contents How to Reach These Places (Car & Camper Van Tips) Látrabjarg (Westfjords) Seyðisfjörður (East Iceland) Hveradalir (Highlands) Plan Your Trip with My Iceland Map Westman Islands / Vestmannaeyjar (South Iceland) Siglufjörður (North Iceland) Sample Route Using These 5 Detours Random Fact of the Episode Icelandic Word of the Episode How to Reach These Places (And Save on Your Rental) Let’s be real for a second. To visit places like these, especially the Westfjords, Highlands, and North Iceland, you’ll need your own vehicle. Public transport won’t get you to most of these locations, and guided tours often don’t go this far off the beaten path. That’s where having the right rental car or camper van makes all the difference. I personally use and recommend: Go Car Rental Iceland Go Campers I’ve partnered with them for years because: They have a wide variety of vehicles (from small cars to fully equipped campers) Their customer service is amazing And they make it easy to travel around Iceland confidently How to Save + Get Free Extras When you use my link:gorentals.is/allthingsiceland You’ll automatically get: 7% off your rental Plus some really helpful extras Here’s exactly what to do: For Go Car Rental: <ol data-start="1782" data-end="2009"
- Apr 11, 202610 min
Why Thousands Are Visiting Iceland for the Rare 2026 Solar Eclipse
The 2026 total solar eclipse is already drawing attention from travelers around the world, and for good reason. The last time a total solar eclipse was visible in Iceland was in 1954, and the next one won’t happen again until 2196. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PN4ZKGJ7QYI What Makes a Total Solar Eclipse So Special A total solar eclipse is when the Moon completely covers the Sun. Not partially, not mostly, completely! And when that happens, everything changes. The sky gets dark, like twilight in the middle of the day Temperatures drop And you can see the Sun’s corona, which looks like a glowing white halo But honestly? The technical explanation doesn’t fully capture it. People who have seen total solar eclipses travel across the world to experience them again. Free Iceland 2026 Total Solar Eclipse Guide In this free guide you’ll know where to go for the best chance of seeing totality, how to plan around Iceland’s unpredictable weather, and how to turn this into an unforgettable Iceland adventure. Click Here Why Iceland is So Unique for The 2026 Total Solar Eclipse? The 2026 eclipse path crosses a limited number of places, and Iceland is one of the most accessible and visually stunning locations in that path. Imagine this for a second: You’re standing near a black sand beach or next to a massive waterfall or in the middle of a volcanic landscape…then the sky goes dark. That’s what makes Iceland different. You’re not just watching the eclipse, you’re experiencing it in one of the most dramatic natural environments in the world. On top of that: Iceland has wide open landscapes with unobstructed views You’re never too far from a coastline And depending on where you go, you can avoid huge crowds But to be completely transparent, Iceland also comes with its challenges. Why Planning Early Matters (A LOT) for the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse in Iceland Planning early for this eclipse is not optional—it’s essential. Here’s why: 1. Limited Accommodations Iceland already has limited places to stay. Small towns, fewer hotels, and high demand even in a normal year make in challenging during summer. Now add a once-in-a-lifetime event? Things will book out fast! 2. Unpredictable Weather Icelandic weather changes quickly. Like, very quickly. You could have: Clear skies in one area And full cloud cover just an hour away Which means if you stay in one place and hope for the best, you might miss it. 3. Distances Are Deceptive Iceland looks small on the map, but driving between places often takes longer than people expect. So knowing: Where to base yourself W
- Feb 12, 2026
Iceland’s Most Delicious Holiday – Cream Bun Day (Bolludagur)
If there were ever a holiday that felt personally designed for me, it’s Bolludagur, Iceland’s cream bun day and, in my opinion, Iceland’s most delicious holiday. Bolludagur takes place every year on the Monday before Lent. And on this day, Iceland collectively agrees to eat an unreasonable amount of cream bun without guilt, without shame, and usually without stopping at just one. What Is a Bolla, Exactly? A bolla is an Icelandic cream bun. Traditionally, it’s made from a light choux-style pastry that’s sliced open, filled generously with whipped cream and sometimes jam, and then topped with chocolate glaze or icing. That’s the classic version, but modern Bolludagur has evolved far beyond that. These days, bakeries get wildly creative with flavors, fillings, and toppings, which is exactly why this day has become such a big deal. Why Bolludagur Is a Thing in Iceland? Bolludagur is part of Iceland’s version of Carnival, leading into Lent. Historically, it was about indulging before a period of restraint, but in true Icelandic fashion, it turned into a full-blown pastry event. How Much Do Cream Buns Cost in Iceland? Before we get into the bakeries, let’s talk price. As of 2026, most Icelandic cream buns fall somewhere between: 575 ISK ($4.70) – 925 ISK ($7.56) per bun Prices vary depending on the bakery, the size, and how elaborate the bun is. This is just an estimate based on current offerings — prices may be higher or lower in the future, so always check directly with the bakery. 5 Places Worth Visiting for Cream Buns in Reykjavík 1. Plantan Kaffihús and Bistro Plantan is a plant-based favorite in Reykjavík, and for Bolludagur they’re going all in with six different cream buns this year: Snickers Swedish Semla Biscoff Cheesecake Classic Matcha Raspberry If you’re vegan, plant-based, lactose intolerant, or just curious, Plantan is absolutely worth a stop. 2. Brauð & Co. One of Reykjavík’s most recognizable bakeries, Brauð & Co. is offering five varieties: Classic Vanilla Nougat Yuzu Lemon Vegan Caramel If you want something that feels both traditional and playful, this is a great place to check out 3. Passion Reykjavík Passion Reykjavík wins for sheer variety. They’re offering 15 different cream buns, which is honestly impressive. Some of their flavors include: After Eight Hressobolla (rumored “cream bun of the year” for 2026) Classic Croissant-style Irish Strawberry Caramel Coconut Nóa Kropp (Icelandic candy) Oreo Púnd (rum cream with sifted icing sugar) Snickers & Banana Twix Valentine’s Edition Vegan version If you want options — a lot of options — this is the place. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="595" src="https://allthingsiceland.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3-1024x595.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://allthingsiceland.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3-1024x595.jpg 1024w, https:
- Feb 7, 20261h 10m
Bríet Ísis Elfar – Interview with Iceland’s Fearless Pop Visionary
Bríet Ísis Elfar is not just one of Iceland’s biggest music stars. She’s an artist who embodies fearlessness, authenticity, and constant reinvention. Her breakout English-language single In Too Deep in 2018 introduced her sultry, soulful voice to the world, but it was her 2020 album Kveðja, Bríet that catapulted her to national stardom. She won “Album of the Year” and cemented herself as one of the country’s most influential female musicians. Big Conversations in the Coziest Setting with Center Hotels This interview is part of my In Bed With series, created in partnership with Center Hotels. Each conversation is recorded right in a bed at one of Center Hotels’ nine locations in downtown Reykjavík—keeping things cozy, relaxed, and a little unconventional. If you’re planning a stay in the city, you can use my code ATI25 to save 25% off at any Center Hotels location in Reykjavík. Bríet’s Artistic & Spiritual Upbringing Born in Reykjavík in 1999, Bríet grew up in a uniquely creative and spiritual household. Her father, Benedikt Elfar, taught her guitar and nurtured her love of jazz, while her mother, Ásrún Laila Awad, led sweat-lodge ceremonies infused with mantra chanting and deep emotional connection. Raised in this world of music, ritual, and radical openness, Bríet developed both resilience and a powerful sense of self. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFeYJr4JdIk From Jazz Bars to Center Stage From singing jazz in Reykjavík restaurants for a hamburger and 5,000 krónur, to debuting her original work on the stage of Sónar Reykjavík, Bríet’s journey has been anything but ordinary. She’s unapologetically experimental, whether making plastic “glass” dresses with her longtime fashion collaborator, diving into collaborative projects like 1000 orð with rapper Birnir, or writing songs that transform heartbreak into catharsis. Bríet’s Radical Honesty as a Creative Force Known for her raw honesty, she has openly shared struggles with belonging, heartbreak, and personal growth. Yet through it all, her guiding philosophy remains simple: don’t take life too seriously, embrace failure, and always follow the intuition of the heart. At a Turning Point, Always Becoming Today, Bríet stands at a new turning point—after years of acclaim, collaborations with major Icelandic artists like Ásgeir Trausti and Friðrik Dór, and millions of streams worldwide, she continues to chase the unknown. Whether sitting next to global icons in Tokyo or returning to her roots in a sweat lodge in Iceland, Bríet carries a rare ability to turn both joy and pain into beauty. Share this with a Friend Facebook Threads Email Let’s Be Social Youtube Instagram Tiktok Facebook Thanks for listening. Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótega.
- Jan 28, 202617 min
5 Iceland Travel Myths – Winter Edition
There’s a lot of advice about traveling to Iceland, and not all of it is helpful. In this podcast episode, I’m breaking down five common Iceland travel myths that end up quietly costing travelers time, money, and energy. From unrealistic expectations about weather to misunderstandings around driving and seasons, this episode will help you spot the assumptions that derail trips before they even begin. The 5 Iceland Travel Myths That Mislead Visitors Myth 1: “Iceland is always freezing cold” Iceland has a reputation for being brutally cold, but that’s not actually true year-round — or even most of the time. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, temperatures are often milder than people expect, especially along the coast. The bigger challenge for travelers is usually wind and changing weather, not extreme cold. When people assume “freezing,” they often overpack or misunderstand what conditions they’re really preparing for. Myth 2: “You need extreme winter clothing” Many travelers assume they need expedition-level gear just to survive Iceland, which leads to overpacking and overspending. In reality, what matters most is layering properly, not wearing the heaviest gear possible. Waterproof and windproof layers are far more important than bulky items. Dressing smartly, not excessively, makes travel easier, more comfortable, and more flexible. Myth 3: “Winter driving is too dangerous for tourists” Winter driving in Iceland isn’t automatically dangerous, but it does require preparation and realistic expectations. Many visitors drive safely every winter by choosing appropriate vehicles, monitoring weather forecasts, and adjusting their plans when needed. Conditions vary significantly by region and day, which is why flexibility and local awareness matter more than fear. The real risk comes from underestimating the conditions, not from driving itself. Myth 4: “It’s completely dark in Iceland during winter” <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="595" src="https://allthingsiceland.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/5-1024x595.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://allthingsiceland.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/5-1024x595.jpg 1024w, https://allthingsiceland.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/5-300x174.jpg 300w, https://allthingsiceland.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/5-768x446.jpg 768w, https://allthingsiceland.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/5-1536x892.jpg 1536w, https://allthingsiceland.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/5-2048x1189.jpg 2048w, https://allthing
- Jan 19, 202617 min
Iceland Is Small But Here’s Why That’s Misleading
If you’ve ever looked at a map of Iceland and thought, “Oh wow, it’s tiny — we can totally see everything,” you are not alone. I hear this all the time. And honestly? It makes sense. Iceland looks small on a map, but traveling through it is a very different experience. I’m going to explain why Iceland being ‘small’ is actually misleading, and how that misunderstanding causes a lot of travelers to overpack their itineraries, underestimate drive times, and end up more stressed than they expected. https://youtu.be/H9-PBrpRFjA How Map Illusion Makes Iceland’s Size Confusing Yes, Iceland is about the size of Kentucky. But unlike many places, almost all travel happens on a single main road, and that road isn’t a straight highway from point A to point B. Driving in Iceland involves: Winding roads One-lane bridges Changing weather Sudden stops because… well… waterfalls, sheep, and stunning landscapes For example, Reykjavík to Vík doesn’t look far, but that drive alone can take 2.5 to 3 hours, and that’s without stopping. And no one ever drives Iceland without stopping. Now add: Limited daylight in winter Weather delays Gravel roads Fatigue from constant visual stimulation Suddenly, “just one more stop” becomes the thing that breaks your day. This is where travelers get tripped up — they plan based on distance, not time. I’ve seen itineraries that say: “Golden Circle in the morning, South Coast in the afternoon.” Technically? Possible. Realistically? Exhausting. I Learned the Hard Way Even after living in Iceland for years, I still plan conservatively. Not because I can’t do more, but because I’ve learned the hard way. There have been a few times when I stuffed my itinerary so much that I felt tired, stressed, and annoyed. Traveling felt more like a chore than an adventure. How to Realistically Plan a Trip to Iceland That is Personalized for You If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and feeling overwhelmed by all the information out there, I want to invite you to my Live Iceland Trip Planning Workshop happening on January 31st, 2026. It is the first one of this year and is extremely helpful for getting a head start on planning your trip in Iceland for 2026 and beyond. This is a live, interactive workshop where I help you understand how to plan your trip realistically, from driving distances and timing, to choosing the right season, and building an itinerary that actually works. You’ll also be able to ask me your questions in real time, which is honestly one of the most valuable parts. I also do a giveaway of Iceland related prizes at the end of the workshop. One prize is a one-one video consultation with me, which is normally all booked up because I have few slots open for that throughout the year. If you want clarity, confidence, and a solid plan instead of stress, here are is where you can secure your spot for the live workshop. Random Fact of the Episode The total length of the ring road or route 1 is 1,322 kilometres (821 mi), making it the longest ring road in Europe. It connects the majority of towns together in the most densely populated areas of the country. Icelandic Word of the Episode Tími (tee-mi) — Time A perfect reminder that in Iceland, planning by time, not distance, is what makes or breaks a trip. Share This With a Friend Facebook Threads Email Let’s Be Social Youtube Instagram Tiktok Facebook Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.
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