Iceland

Iceland is a land of fire and ice. The Golden Circle loops from Reykjavik to the erupting Strokkur geyser, the thundering Gullfoss waterfall and Thingvellir, where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The south coast strings together the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, the black-sand beach of Reynisfjara and the surreal Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon with its drifting icebergs and Diamond Beach. In winter (roughly September to March), the long dark nights bring the chance to chase the Northern Lights across the countryside, while the geothermal Blue Lagoon offers a warm soak any time of year. Summer brings the midnight sun, puffins and highland access. Compact and safe, Iceland delivers a new wonder around almost every bend.