5 reasons to visit Iceland in winter | Kaelene of Unlocking Kiki

life as an expat in Iceland might be about as different from life as an expat in Taiwan as you can get. though I certainly don't miss the cold, I can't help but be jealous of the beautiful winter wonderland that Kaelene of Unlocking Kiki gets to experience. I have not seen snow in over 3 years! thankfully, I can get my fill of snowy photos through her blog.

Hi everyone! I am Kaelene from Unlocking Kiki, a girl from Oregon figuring out life in Iceland with my Viking. While Jamie is off exploring the beautiful New Zealand (I am so jealous!) I am here to convince you all that Iceland needs to be added to your winter travel list, like right now!

 

I know what you're thinking, Iceland, isn't that basically the north pole and always freezing? This may sound crazy but Iceland is really not as cold as it sounds. Don't get me wrong, right now I am freezing my bum off, but the temperature rarely goes below zero so don't write it off just yet. So hear me out and read these 5 reasons why visiting Iceland in the winter is worth braving the cold! 

1. Avoid the crowds 

It seems like everyone is visiting Iceland these days, and with so many people heading this way that means one thing, crowds. Opt for visiting Iceland during the winter months and have a front row seat to the geyser erupting, walk downtown Reykjavik and actual be able to take in all the sights and get close enough to all those stunning waterfalls and feel the spray of the water on your face. 

2. The perfect "golden hour" lighting 

With only 4 hours of daylight during the winter months the sun never fully rises here in Iceland. The benefit of this, perfect lighting for all those pictures you will most definitely be taking. Just be sure to get out and take full advantage of those few precious hours of daylight, even if it is cold outside you won't be disappointed! 

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3. The Northern Lights 

Is seeing the Northern Lights high on your bucket list? Book a trip to Iceland during the winter months and finally cross the Northern Lights off your list! For your best chance to view the northern lights head this way November-March and keep your fingers crossed for clear skies. 

4. The 13 Icelandic Santas 

Reykjavik is a beautiful city all year long but Christmas time is when it really shines. To all my fellow Christmas lovers out there take note, a trip to Reykjavik in December is a must. Send a letter to Santa, admire the Christmas lights twinkling all over town, and don't forget to go on a search for the Christmas elves popping up everywhere. Any country that has 13 Santas knows how to celebrate Christmas right! 

 

5. Snow, lots of snow

Iceland is always beautiful, but Iceland covered in snow, it takes things to another level. Snow covered waterfalls around every corner, sunsets that reflect pink onto the snow, trees sparkling with snow covered branches, the list could go on. One thing is for certain, when snow covers Iceland it creates a scene fit for a fairytale. Sometimes braving the colder temperatures is worth it, and visiting Iceland in the winter is definitely one of those times! 

So who is ready to bust out the winter gear and head over to Iceland? Want to learn more about this unique country I am living in? Check out my Iceland page and spark your desire to visit Iceland even more! I love visitors so head over to Unlocking Kiki and say hi! Bloglovin'⎪Twitter⎪Instagram⎪ Facebook

5 Reasons to Visit Moscow ASAP | Polly of AG&HT

Moscow may not be high on everyone's travel wishlist, but Polly's gorgeous photos and witty writing on A Girl and Her Travels have made me add it to mine. I think there's a lot more to Russia than the stereotypes us Americans have been exposed to through movies, and it's something I'd like to see for myself. Polly makes a few convincing arguments why a visit to Moscow is something you should seriously consider [and soon!]

Hi. My name's Polly and I have a problem. I compulsively try to convince people to visit Moscow. You see, I've been living in Moscow, Russia since 2010 and I constantly hear horrible things about my adopted home in western press. Sure, things aren't always rainbows and butterflies, but the truth is that Moscow is an incredibly safe, vibrant country that every traveler should have the chance to explore. Here's why:

1. The horrible ruble rate.

If you haven't been following the news lately, I'll let you in on the TL;DR: in 2014 the Russian ruble lost about 50% of its value. Yup, at the start of the year it was trading somewhere around 33 to the US dollar. Now? It's 'recovered' to right around 60-61 to the dollar. This is great news for travelers as it means the normally exorbitant hotel and restaurant prices are now... almost normal priced. Come quick though; the Russian economy isn't slated to get any better for at least two years so soon inflation will get those prices rising.

2. The beauty of Russian winter.

Unless you come from a place where a sweatshirt is appropriate winter wear, you'll probably be pleasantly surprised by Moscow winter. Sure there are some absolutely bone chilling days (once this month we were down to a nice -25F with wind chill), but usually the temperature for most of winter is much closer to freezing. Plus, once you get outside and see Red Square with a dusting of snow, you'll be in such traveler's bliss you probably won't even realize your toes are freezing off.

3. The Orthodox churches.

The one thing that boggles my mind is how consistently unimpressed Russians are by the over-the-top gorgeousness of their Orthodox churches. Visitors, on the other hand, are usually floored. After four years of living in Moscow, I'm still overwhelmed every time I turn the corner and see a church. I'm not even talking the big ones like Saint Basil's or the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. There's literally a jaw-dropping church on every one of Moscow's side streets. 

4. The metro system.

Moscow's metro system, aside from being incredibly cheap and super convenient, is one of the most beautiful public works of art in the world. With close to 7 million people riding the 327.5 km long system daily, it could take weeks or even months to get a good look at each of the over-the-top stations. I recently wrote a post outlining my personal favorites if you'd like a more in-depth look.

5. The people.

I know the stereotypes about grim-faced Russians and have investigated further to conclude... Yes, Russians do look really mean. Russians are very, very kind to their friends and acquaintances. Strangers? Not so much. The long and short of it is this: We think Russians are mean because they’re guarded. Russians think Americans are stupid because they smile for no reason. Everyone’s a critic.

 So, the only thing left is: when are you coming to visit?

Polly blogs at A Girl and Her Travels about life as an American expat in Russia. She's lived in Moscow since 2010, working as an ESL teacher to the CEOs of major oil companies and some of the richest 5-year-olds in the world. Thankfully she's about to leave that world behind and is planning her triumphant return to the USA. She's currently a freelance writer and the editor-in-chief of Like a Local Mag.

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