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Our original post-wedding vacation plan was pretty loose: a minimoon within driving distance immediately after the wedding, and a bigger trip somewhere later in the year.
Well, for the minimoon, we’ve decided on the Finger Lakes. Mrs. Socks’ honeymoon recaps helped clinch it. We can’t wait!
But for the big honeymoon later on in the year, it was a much harder decision. We’d considered Greece, Spain, Argentina and Thailand, but now we think we’ve narrowed it down to two entirely new honeymoons.
Option #1 - Iceland
We’d spend 9 days exploring the island by car, staying at inns or B&Bs. We’d see Reykjavik:
The Golden Circle:
The South Coast:
Lake Mývatn:
And a whole lot in between.
Option #2 - Scandinavian Cities Tour
This is also a 9 day trip. We’d see three major cities. First, Stockholm, Sweden:
Copenhagen, Denmark:
And Oslo, Norway:
Mr. S and I are stuck on this decision, so we need your help, hive. Here are the pros and cons of each.
Iceland pros:
Iceland cons:
Scandinavia pros:
Scandinavia cons:
My husband and I visited Iceland 2 years ago. It was actually during the vacation on which we got engaged. I’m not sure if Iceland’s currency has decreased since their economy crashed, but when we were there it definitely was not cheap. It was super expensive - like $44 for a grilled cheese and a bowl of soup at a truck stop. I loved seeing the countryside and visiting the Blue Lagoon. The lagoon was so relaxing and pretty. Make sure you go there. We stayed in Reykjavik but didn’t find too much to do there. The city centre area is pretty small. Also, the weather in July when we went was pretty cold and rainy. Due to the rain and fog, we definitely did not have any views like those you posted above! We loved being able to stay up all night because the sun never set. You never feel tired!
I would go to Iceland again, but just to visit the Blue Lagoon. Be careful driving there. The roads are not like roads here and are pretty rugged.
I say Scandinavian countries because you can cover way more ground. Food and everything is hella expensive there but I’ve heard it’s just wonderful!
The Iceland trip sounds amazing and so relaxing and beautiful, but the cities are also amazing! Dang!
Maybe you can do the more affordable trip for your honeymoon, and the tour of cities on some future anniversary?
I love this post. I’m a little bias because I’m half Swedish but I say the Scandinavian cities! Icealndic Air used to offer a free stop-over in Reykjavic on your way back from Europe, but I’m sure if they still do that you would have found that in your research. Either way I don’t think you could lose!
Iceland for 9 days is WAY too much. Really - you’ll be so bored. It’s a gorgeous place but there’s not enough to do.
There is plenty to see in the three other cities in 9 days. I lived in Copenhagen for 6 months and whenever I go back I still find something new.
Just try to do inexpensive things like find a grocery store for snacks to eat so you can avoid eating out a lot, don’t fall in love with their baked goods and coffee, and all that. SO many of the museums are free or have free days so you’ll save a lot of money that way.
Also, the cruise (I didn’t read the whole link) might just be to Oslo, which if it is, is actually pretty fun.
I’ve traveled a good bit around Stockholm and lived in Copenhagen (never made it to Oslo, a huge regret) so if you have any Copenhagen-specific (or Stockholm) questions, let me know - I know WAY too much for my own good.
Well, both sound amazing…Looks like Iceland would be more nature-y and Scandinavia would be more city-ish, so perhaps you guys have to decide what you’re looking for in a vacation?
iceland is super boring. it’s worth stopping there (for free) if you fly to europe on icelanadair. but definitely not worth going for 9 days, on your honeymoon. however, as awesome as scandinavia sounds, i have heard it is VERY expensive (my parents went for a conference last summer and mentioned this specifically in relation to oslo).
Oslo is the most expensive out of the cities listed, but like I said, if you do things like plan around free museums or tours of the city and buy most food at the grocery, you can do it. Hang out near the universities, where food is generally going to be cheaper.
Also, Lonely Planet guides are the best for budget traveling.
I would have to agree with @Mrs. Trail Mix. What kind of honeymoon are you going for? Are you feeling more city or country?
BTW, I love that you are going for a non-traditional honeymoon locale! Give me a European city over a beach any day!
Oh man, you are a woman after my own heart. These would be my top two choices for a European honeymoon (sadly, we can’t afford that right now - some other year!).
Ok I voted for the scandinavian tour and honestly Sweden has enough great cities for nine days! My FI is Swedish and I have spent over five months in Sweden so if you have a specific question about there I might be able to help!
they both sound really awesome. but personally i would like the scandinavian countries more so just because i been wanting to go to sweden and denmark for so long. my friend has told me so many great things about them.
I studied abroad for a semester in Copenhagen and loved it! However, I would ONLY go in warm weather (like May-September) because the winters there are awful and bone chillingly cold (as I guess would be true for either of the trips you’re considering).
It seems from the post that you might be leaning toward Iceland.
And to those posters who said Iceland is boring.. yes it can be.. if you aren’t an outdoor enthusiast.
I have family who live in Iceland, and this is the way they describe their country (outside of Reykjavik)
” [it is] …the most gruelling, hardcore outdoor excursion [or] camping trip gone to the extreme.. ..[we] went on a 5 day hiking trip and THREE people got injured in the first 5km… two broken legs and a fractured ankle!” (from a personal email)
Reykjavik is definitely small compared to most N.A. cities, so don’t expect the same sort of entertainment or restaurant options as NYC.
There are also many other ways & packages available to see the countryside other than just renting a car & driving, though you likely would not see as much and the cost would obviously be more extensive.
I think that you would get to see more things like museums, galleries, architecture etc if you went with the Scandinavian trip, but like TrailMix said, it really comes down to what sort of trip you are looking for, and these two are polar opposites, city or country, road trip vs. seeing multiple cities on foot.
I didn’t vote because I am biased, and am going to Iceland at the first possible opportunity. Hiking, backpacking, hot springs and glacial falls. ahh paradise.
What amazing timing! My fiance and I just met with our travel agent today to plan a very similar honeymoon. I think our arrangement could be a great alternative to choosing between Scandinavia and Iceland.
We’re leaving at the end of July from Boston to Reykjavik. We’re going to staying in Iceland for two nights. We’ll spend the first day leisurely touring the city. The next day we’re going to Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa and natural spring, only 45 minutes away and easily accessible by shuttle.
Then we’re taking a short flight to Copenhagen for a full week. You’re right that it’s pretty expensive, so we’re staying in an apartment so we can cook some of our own meals and save a little that way. From Copenhagen we’re going to take day trips to some of the castles in the countryside of Denmark (including Hamlet’s!). We’re also taking a day trip to Sweden. The ferry lands Helsingborg, and we can also easily see neighboring Lund and Malbo.
Hope you have a great time, whatever you decide!
I LOVE the Scandic countries, but I must warn you — everything is super expensive. Also, it depends on what time of year you would be there… Days start getting really short in late September.
I had a really good experience in Copenhagen — you definitely have to do a Bike Copenhagen with Mike tour if you go there.
And I LOVE Stockholm — it’s so clean and crisp…
So, I guess my vote is the Scandic countries if you can afford it once you get there because it’s not cheap and they aren’t on the euro, so you’ll switch currencies in every country and the rate will fluxuate more than the euro.
Just my 2 cents. 
I’m going to vote for the tour - more countries, more experience - and it’s beautiful! No, they’re not cheap - but then, you can be sensible and still have an awesome time with it. Plus, it’s a honeymoon. Have a ball!
I voted for the cities, despite the expense. It looks like an opportunity for more culture, good food and great pictures. With a little digging, I am sure you can find ways to lower costs. (I’ve got friends around Copenhagen if you need an insider’s opinion.)
Malmo is across the Orsund from Copenhagen and is an incredible drive - don’t ferry….take a bus in to Malmo if you can.
In the main drag in Helsingor, there is a wonderful bakery that I visit whenever I go.
Also, I recommend going to Roskilde to see the viking castle and Odense to see HC Anderson’s home.
Its a more unique place to go with stunning scenery. Is there a way to do it without driving?
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Ms. Sloth, Philadelphia Age and Occupation: 35, Account Manager and Fashion Blogger Fiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Design Admin Engagement Date: December 25, 2009 Wedding Date: May 2011 Venue: Bartram's Garden About Me: I'm an internet junkie and music snob with a good eye for a bargain. I couldn't live without thrift store shopping, cheeseburgers, sushi, Coke Zero, websites devoted to silly photos of baby animals, Photoshop, and Mr. Sloth. Speaking of which, he and I are a pair of goofball homebody nerds who love our beagle (the most ridiculously adorable dog EVER) to an embarrassing degree. We're planning a low-key and intimate yet festive and quirky outdoor wedding with DIY details and deeply personal touches, and it's all taking place in the city where we fell in love and call home: Philadelphia.
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