IN PRAISE OF SEPTEMBER

Enjoying a Clinton in Reykjavik (Photo by Layne Kennedy)

Like the story of Goldilocks, September in Iceland is just right. Not too cold, not too hot, not too dark at 4 p.m. like it is, admittedly, just a few months later. There's plenty going on and lots of seats on Icelandair to choose from. When the rest of the world goes back to school, September is when you can have the island all to yourself. Yeah, just you and 320,000 Icelanders. September is also a perfect month to visit Iceland's most popular restaurant, the Pylsa lamb and pork hot dog stand in Reykjavik, where for just 280 ISK (about $2.15) you can honor Chelsea Clinton's recent wedding with a "Clinton," a hot dog with only mustard – just the way her dad liked it during a recent visit.

LONELY PLANET ALSO LIKES ICELAND IN AUGUST

Lonely Planet has recommended Iceland as one of their top destinations for August. The travel information provider notes the glorious Scandinavian summer weather and the freedom to roam rural interior roads that are sometimes closed during other parts of the year (like those in gorgeous Landmannalaugar).

For more information, click here.

DO WE HEAR WEDDING BELLS?

It's been a big year for Gay Rights in Iceland. On June 11, Iceland passed the law to legalize gay marriage without a single dissenting vote in Iceland's parliament. Shortly thereafter, Iceland's Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir married her longtime partner.

Expect major fun and celebrations during Reykjavik's Gay Pride Weekend, August 5-8, 2010.

Check out the entire Gay Pride Weekend schedule: www.GayPride.is

Here's a special price on a Gay Pride Weekend package from Iceland Total: http://www.icelandtotal.com/vacation-packages/packages/detail/item450712/Reykjavik_City_Breaks/Gay_Pride_Package/

How about these honeymoon and wedding packages with Nordic Visitor: http://www.icelandvisitor.com/vacation_packages/honeymoon_and_romance/

ICELAND: ONE OF THE TOP 10 SAFEST COUNTRIES

Iceland has been named one of the top ten safest countries in the world for travelers by online magazine Tourism Review. The article mentions Iceland has the lowest crime rate in the world, and 93% of visitors to Reykjavík agree or strongly agree that Reykjavík is a safe destination. Crime? Heck, we don't even have snakes. The other nine safest countries? Norway, Switzerland, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Denmark, Cyprus, Luxembourg and Ireland - but try finding fermented shark meat to eat in any of those places!

AN APP FOR ICELAND

Software developer Locatify has created an app for smart phones that acts as a virtual tourist guide to Iceland. The SmartGuide allows users to map their own route, and includes presentations from professional tour guides, stunning visuals, custom made maps, and interesting stories told in English. It's like having a personal guide to the country, complete with GPS. SmartGuide is available free at the Apple App Store:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/locatify-iceland/id376736640?mt=8#

"WESTMAN'S" BEST FRIEND

The American Kennel Club has recognized the Icelandic Sheepdog as an official breed, finally realizing what we've known for a thousand years. This official status clears the so-called "Icie" to be trotted around the annual Westminster Dog Show by those middle-aged dog handlers who look like they're about to have coronaries. Playful, friendly and inquisitive, the Icelandic Sheepdog is a hardy and agile dog. Slightly under medium size with pricked-up ears and a curled tail, the breed adapted its working style to Iceland's local terrain and farming techniques since arriving around AD 874. They should arrive at Madison Square Garden by mid-May, 2011.

66 DEGREES NORTH - THE MOVIE

Die Another Day, Tomb Raider, and Flags of Our Fathers are all major Hollywood films that have traveled to Iceland to expose the country's stunning scenery on the silver screen. Now comes word about 66 Degrees North, a new movie set to film in Iceland next summer. 66 Degrees North, the latitude of the Arctic Circle, will be a Hitchcock-esque thriller directed by Egill Örn Egilsson, a.k.a. Eagle Egilsson. It would be his first full-length movie, and will also be partially filmed in Ireland. American producer Paula Wagner, who has worked closely with Tom Cruise, is in talks to participate in the production.

MAKING A SCENE ON THE WEB

In a match between Icelandic soccer clubs Stjarnan and Fylkir this July, Stjarnan's Halldor Orri Bjornsson scored on a penalty kick in extra time to take a 2-1 lead. The resulting choreographed, fishing-based celebration garnered worldwide press including the Huffington Post, Sky News and Yahoo! Sports. It was unquestionably the most amusing soccer flop of all time. Don't ask us why, but over 1 million have already viewed it on YouTube. Perhaps the "funny dancing kittens" video was down that month.

See it on YouTube by clicking here.

THEY SAID IT

"Iceland is not a destination for a relaxing holiday. Oh, it's a fantastic holiday destination. But it will not be relaxing. If you're looking for a nap in the sunshine in an exotic locale, Iceland is not for you. If, however, you want to stay up around the clock, snorkel in crystal-clear ice-cold water, ride a snowmobile up the side of a glacier, tramp over a lava field to climb a volcano, dance in nightclubs until 5 a.m. -- then get thee to the Land of Fire and Ice."

- Wendy Sawatzky, Winnipeg Free Press, July 17, 2010 http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/travel/vacation-in-iceland-why-not-98657694.html

"After lunch we travelled to Nesjavellir, one of the country's geothermal power plants. The vast majority of Iceland is powered with this clean alternative to fossil fuels. The nearby volcano system provides the necessary ingredients to a successful system. In a condensed version of the process, the steam is collected from bore holes and then separated from the water. The water is heated to provide warm water to the city and the steam is used for electricity production. The output of carbon dioxide is negligible compared with other neighboring countries while the standard of living is among the highest in the world."

- Ryan I. and Hannah G., "Voyage Across Iceland", http://senrosu.wordpress.com/2010/07/14/voyage-across-iceland/

"This tiny little town of only 300 people, has been ripped from the pages of a fairytale. Only 280 kms from Reykjavik, you could be forgiven for driving right past along the national highway; but you'd certainly kick yourself for doing so. There may not be much to hold your interest for too long, but this is an essential photo opportunity at the very least. A quaint church on top of the hill or to the south, towering basalt sea stacks, thought to be petrified trolls caught out at sea, according to local folklore.

Vik, Icelandic for harbour, is the wettest place in Iceland and one most travelers never manage to see for themselves. This tiny place lies in the shadow of Katla, a volcano located underneath a nearby glacier which last erupted in 1918."

- Dean North, "Iceland After The Ash Cloud: 6 Must-See Attractions", http://blog.hotelclub.com/iceland-after-the-ash-cloud-6-must-see-attractions/

TRAVEL DEALS OF THE MONTH

Anniversary Sale

It has been one year since Icelandair launched service from Seattle-Tacoma International, strengthening the bridge to Europe from the Pacific North West. To celebrate, Icelandair is offering special Anniversary Fares to Iceland, departing from many U.S. locations, starting as low as $365* per person based on double occupancy. Don't wait another day to book since this incredible offer will not last long. Happy Anniversary Seattle!

For more information, click here.

Take A Break In Reyk For Less

Reykjavik is a city that is small in size but big on energy with award winning restaurants and a fabulous range of activities. Its clean and safe streets shine with eye popping color whether it's the grassy piazzas, historic landmarks, or azure blue ocean peeking through the vibrantly hued houses. This package includes the Reykjavik Grand Excursion, a comprehensive introduction to the northernmost capital city in the world. Visit the city's main sites on foot and by bus. Explore famous landmarks such as The Pearl, Hallgrímskirkja church, the harbor and the trendy 101 Reykjavik area. Reykjavik's close proximity to nature, with the Ellidaa salmon river running through it, a thermal beach at Nautholsvik, green valleys and outdoor swimming pools, make for a truly vibrant city. From $649* per person based on double occupancy. Departures: Sep 1 - Nov 25, 2010

For more information, click here.

*Prices quoted are exclusive of applicable taxes and official charges by destination of approximately $100-$270, per person including the Sept. 11th Security Fee.

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