Iceland, Faroe Islands, Scotland

No matter how much you hear about the awe-inspiring natural phenomena on this island on the edge of the Arctic circle, nothing can prepare you for the jaw-dropping spectacle that is Iceland. Dubbed “the Land of Fire and Ice”, this small island nation is characterised by contrasts and contradictions. It is a place where steaming geysers burst forth from icy glaciers, where molten hot lava spews out of icy snow-capped peaks, where the astonishing aurora borealis blaze across the night sky and where continuously dark winters are offset by summer’s magnificent midnight sun. With the exception of Reykjavik, the country’s population centres are small, with diminutive towns, fishing villages, farms and minute hamlets clustered along the coastal fringes. The interior, meanwhile, remains totally uninhabited. What the Icelanders lack in numbers, they certainly make up for in warmth, quirkiness, and boundless creativity. Add to this, one of the highest standards of living on earth and you have, quite simply, one of the world’s most intriguing destinations.

Currency 

Local currency: Icelandic Krona 
Symbol: kr 
ISO code: ISK 
Subunit: Aurar 
Banknotes: kr500, kr1000, kr2000, kr5000, kr10000 
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 kr 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Icelandair 
International Airports: Keflavík International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Reykjavík Airport, Akureyri Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Limited 

Local cuisine: 

Icelandic cuisine is known for its seafood, lamb, and dairy products. Traditional dishes include fermented shark (hákarl), lamb soup (kjötsúpa), and skyr (a type of yogurt). Notable local drinks include Brennivín (a type of schnapps) and Icelandic craft beer. 
Tipping: Not customary 

Annual rainfall: Varies across regions 
Average temperature: 1-10°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 10-15°C 
Average lows: 5-10°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: -1 to 4°C 
Average lows: -5 to 0°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Iceland is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is mild, and outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing are popular. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Limited 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Limited 
Public parks: Yes 
Libraries: Yes 

Plug Type: Type C, Type F 
Voltage (V): 230V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Dotting the North Atlantic, the Faroe Islands offer a captivating blend of rugged landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and untouched natural beauty. This remote archipelago, located between Iceland and Norway, boasts dramatic cliffs plunging into the sea, pristine waterfalls cascading down sheer rock faces, and picturesque villages tucked into verdant valleys. Visitors can immerse themselves in the traditional Faroese way of life, sampling local delicacies like wind-dried mutton and freshly caught seafood. Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for exploration, from hiking scenic trails with breathtaking vistas to birdwatching along steep coastal cliffs. With its temperamental yet enchanting weather and warm, hospitable locals, the Faroe Islands promise an unforgettable journey into the heart of unspoiled Nordic charm. Whether seeking solitude in nature or a cultural adventure off the beaten path, this hidden gem invites travelers to discover its unique allure year-round.

Currency:

Local currency: Faroese Króna 

Symbol: kr. 

ISO code: FOK 

Subunit: øre 

Banknotes: kr. 100, 200, 500, 1000 

Coins: øre 50, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, kr. 10, 20, 50 

Banking:

Card Transactions: Yes 

ATMs: Yes 

Mastercard: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Atlantic Airways 

International Airports: Vágar Airport 

Domestic Airports: None 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 

Tar roads: Yes 

Gravel roads: Yes 

Valid International Driver's License needed: No 

Car hire available: Yes 

Taxis: Yes 

E-hailing services: No 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 

Local city bus networks: No 

Rail: 

Railway system: No 

Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 

Water taxis: Yes 

Leisure cruises: No 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 

Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 

Ice: Yes 

Meat: Yes 

Street food: No 

Local cuisine: Faroese cuisine is characterized by its reliance on seafood, including whale meat, salmon, and cod. Lamb is also a staple, often served in traditional dishes like skerpikjøt (wind-dried mutton). Dairy products like skyr (a type of yogurt) are popular. Local specialties include ræstkjøt (fermented mutton) and Faroese pancakes. 

Drinks: Local drinks include Gull beer and Brennivín schnapps. 

Tipping: Tipping is not customary. 

Annual rainfall: Approximately 1,000 mm 

Average temperature: 5°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 13°C 

Average lows: 8°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 5°C 

Average lows: 1°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Faroe Islands is from June to August when the weather is mildest and daylight is longest. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 

Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 

Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 

Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 

Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 

Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 

Walking shoes: Yes 

Casual: Yes 

Internet cafes: No 

Accommodation options: Yes 

Restaurants: Yes 

Cafes: Yes 

Shopping malls: No 

Public parks: Yes 

Libraries: Yes 

The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy offering four fascinating countries all rolled into one easily accessible and remarkably diverse island nation. Comprised of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the UK contains more heritage, per square mile, than any other nation in the world. It is also blessed with vast, sprawling areas of picturesque countryside, long stretches of rugged coastline, and some of most the dynamic, multicultural cities in the world. With the quaint medieval villages of the Cotswolds, the impressive architecture of the Canterbury Cathedral, the endless cultural delights of London and Edinburgh, and the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of Wales and Northern Ireland, the UK offers enough variety to satisfy travellers from all walks of life. Whether you are keen to explore massive national parks such as the Yorkshire Dales or Dartmoor, the charming seaside resorts of Blackpool and Bournemouth, or the unlimited supply of wonderful British pubs, there is plenty to keep you blissfully engaged during your time in this extraordinarily diverse nation.

Currency 

The currency of the United Kingdom is the Pound (GBP; symbol £) = 100 pence. Notes are in denominations of £50, £20, £10 and £5. Additional banknotes issued by Scottish banks (including £1 notes) are accepted in all parts of the UK, although some smaller shops outside Scotland may prefer English banknotes. Coins are in denominations of £2 and £1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 pence.

Banking

Banking hours: Monday--Friday 09h30-16h30 

American Express, MasterCard and Visa are all widely accepted. Cash can be obtained from a multitude of ATMs available across the country.

Travellers' cheques are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling.

Flying between cities within the United Kingdom is both easy and accessible. British Airways operates a shuttle service from London to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle among other cities. Other domestic operators include Flybe, EasyJet and Ryanair. Most domestic flights take between one and one and a half hours. 

There are trunk roads linking all major towns and cities in the UK. Care hire is available in towns and cities across the UK from all the major companies. Taxi’s are widely available in towns and cities. You can pick them up at taxi ranks (often outside railway stations and in city centres), hail them in the street, or book them by phone.

The UK is served by an excellent network of railways. Intercity lines provide fast services between London and major cities, and there are services to the southeast and to major cities in the Midlands, the north and south Wales and between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Some rural areas are less well-served (eg the north coast of the west country, parts of East Anglia, Northern Ireland, Northumberland and North Yorkshire, parts of inland Wales, and southern and northern Scotland), although local rail services are generally fairly comprehensive. 

Iconic cakes, splendid sandwiches and heart-warming stews all hail from the United Kingdom. Don't miss tea and cake or, for a fancy occasion, try the full-blown afternoon tea, with three-tiered plates of sandwiches, cakes and scones.

Another fine UK institution is breakfast, and although there are plenty of coffee shops selling US-style muffins and bagels, the full-on British breakfast (eggs, bacon, toast, tomatoes) served with a cup of tea can be found in cafés lovingly called “greasy spoons” or in pubs with an early licence.

In hotels, a service charge of 10 to 12% is usual, which may be added to the bill. For restaurants, 10 to 15% is standard; if this has already been added to the bill, a further tip is not required. 

There is never a bad time to visit the United Kingdom, but for the most reliable weather come during the summer months (June-August) when the days are long and warm. Temperatures have been known on occasion to nudge 30 degrees Celcius C, sometimes higher, but the threat of rain is ever present - pack waterproofs as well as the sunscreen. The southeast of England is generally sunnier and warmer than the rest of the United Kingdom, but resorts along the coast get crowded during the summer.

The United Kingdom is arguably at its most beautiful during the autumn months (September-November), when rural landscapes take on brown, red and pink hues as the leaves lose their pigment. Scotland and the north of England bear the brunt of winter (November-March), but snow occasionally blankets much of the United Kingdom bringing with it travel chaos.

Most hotels, restaurants and public buildings offer Wi-Fi, although this may be less likely in more rural areas. The City of London now has free Wi-Fi covering 95% of the Square Mile, whilst London Underground now offers Wi-Fi at stations across the network. There are internet cafés and centres in most urban areas. Some multimedia phone booths, often located at railway stations and airports, offer touchscreen access.

Electrical sockets in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are Type G (BS-1363)  If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.

Electrical sockets in the United Kingdom usually supply electricity at 240 volts AC / 50 Hz frequency. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for this  electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 240 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.