This past September, we spent two weeks driving around Iceland's Ring Road (Route 1) in a motor home with our 16-month-old daughter. Iceland is a country of extremes: extreme beauty, extreme weather, and extreme remoteness. It is also very expensive. Our packing list for this road trip was very different compared to our packing lists for our Taiwan and New Zealand road trips. This is because we were travelling with a baby and because we would be living in a motor home. We brought 2 suitcases as well as a stroller, car seat, and pack-n-play. We flew Icelandair, which makes passengers pay for all bags. Therefore, we packed as few suitcases as possible while still doing our best to bring as much as possible (like dry food) to save money.
BABY'S LUGGAGE
Stroller
Car Seat
Pack-n-Play
Ergo Front Pack
Travel High Chair
2 Sets of Sheets
Diaper Bag
50 Diapers
1.5 Bags of Wipes
2 Bottles
2 Cans of Formula
1 Water Cup
5 Boxes of Baby Snacks
5 Pairs of Pants
5 Onesies
5 Long Sleeve Shirts
5 Pairs of Pants
2 Pairs of Pajamas
2 Winter Jackets
2 Pairs of Gloves
7 Pairs of Socks
3 Pairs of Shoes
2 Hats
1 Bathing Suit
3 Water Diapers
2 Baby Towels
1 Pair of Nail Clippers
5 Hair Clips
1 Bottle of Baby Wash
1 Bottle of Baby Motrin
1 Thermometer
1 Bottle of Diaper Rash Cream
1 Baby Toothbrush
3 Books
10 Small Toys
2 Blankets
MOM & DAD'S LUGGAGE:
4 Pairs of Pants
1 Pair of Long Johns
5 Pairs of Socks
2 Pairs of Gloves
5 Shirts
3 Sweaters
2 Jackets
1 Scarf
1 Hat
2 Pairs of Shoes
Ibuprofen
Excedrin Migraine
Pepto Bismal
Allergy Medication
Nose Spray
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Brush
Hair Ties
Tweezers
Make Up
Deodorant
Shampoo
Conditioner
FOOD
5 Bear Soup Meals
2 Dried Chili Meals
20 Luna Bars
10 Packets of Oatmeal
5 Dried Pasta Meals
1 Bag of Granola
1 Large Bag of Nuts
1 Bag of Trail Mix
1 Loaf of Bread
1 Jar of PB
1 Bag of Spaghetti
1 Bag of Tortillas
2 Pack of Taco Seasoning
OTHER STUFF
Lonely Planet: Ring Road
2 Umbrellas
2 Ponchos
2 Cell Phones
2 Cameras
2 Computers
1 iPad
World Nomads Travel Insurance
2 Pairs of Sun Glasses
1 First Aid Kit
1 First Aid Kit
Over all, we were very pleased with our trip. We spent money on three things: gas, fresh foods such as fruit, vegetables, dairy, and meat, and camp site fees. Our trip wasn't nearly as expensive as it could have been because we brought products like diapers, wipes, and dried meals, which saved us a lot of money because everything is so expensive in Iceland. Tip: you can save 50% on your Icelandair baggage fees if you call early and pay the baggage fees in advance. I had our 2 checked suitcases packed days before we left, so I knew we would only be paying to check in three items: two suitcases and 1 pack-n-play. Icelandair, like other airlines, checks in car seats and strollers for free. Therefore, we spent only a small fee on our three bags. I think Iceland is a great vacation destination for young families, and we were happy we chose Iceland as our semi-first (not including Taiwan) international vacation destination for our family because we had such a positive experience.
PS- You can travel with your baby and have a great time!
This is so cool!!! My husband and I want to do something like this with our kids someday. Your baby will have such an enriched life full of fun experiences and different cultures! I wish we had taken the Ring Road tour when we were in Iceland but we mainly stayed in the south. Another excuse to go back. :)
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