Why Iceland Needs To Be On Everyone's Travel Radar This Year

If you are debating on where to take your next vacation, consider the ultimate arctic paradise – Iceland. Contrary to what many believe, Iceland is more than just a country full of ice. It's a destination for thrill seekers, nature lovers, photographers and individuals looking for peace of mind.

Iceland is full of spectacular volcanoes, unique glaciers, beautiful mountains and relaxing spas. Its landscapes are incredible and the waterfalls are breathtaking.

For those of you interested in history and geology, Iceland will give you the opportunity to embrace the historical aspects of its country. Did you know that Icelandic volcano eruptions have actually impacted the progression of events throughout history?

Thrill seekers are in for an experience of a lifetime. Stand inside waterfalls, ride on a monster truck through a glacier, experience diving between two continents and take an adrenaline pumping dog sledding ride.

Regardless if you desire peace and quiet or if you are interested in wild adventures, you should definitely consider adding Iceland to your travel bucket list this year.

-Nicole Dossantos

Iceland is full of breathtaking waterfalls. Gullfoss Waterfall is one of the country's most iconic waterfalls. It is fed by one of their biggest glaciers, the Langjökull. The water from Gullfoss crashes down into an incredible canyon. Also, make sure you visit one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls the Glymur, the unique cumulative drop waterfall Dynjandi and Europe's most powerful waterfall Dettifoss. Bonus: There is a waterfall in Iceland where you can stand inside, the Seljalandsfoss.

You cannot visit Iceland without capturing its incredible volcanic rivers. Iceland is home to approximately 30 volcanic systems and ginormous glaciers. This combination creates distinguished colors, patterns and lines. They call for some of the most incredible sites in nature.

Stay at the luxurious Ion Hotel for an unforgettable Iceland experience. If you are looking for some peace and quiet, this hotel will be perfect for you, and if you are looking for an adventure, there is no need to worry – the Ion Hotel is set up in prime location. You can easily access the "Golden Circle" route from here.  It also offers spectacular views of the Northern Lights.

You can't visit Iceland without viewing the magnificent Northern Lights. Visit Akureyri, a small city in Iceland, for stunning views or venture out and take a northern lights tour to observe the beautiful display on a dark winter night.

Iceland is full of caves of all sizes and shapes. Schedule a tour through Iceland's ice caves and glaciers. View incredible landscapes, ice tunnels, volcanoes, craters and hot springs. For a once in a lifetime experience take a guided tour in a monster truck through the man-made ice tunnel in the Langjokull glacier.  Also, don't forget to visit Iceland's famous Vatnajokull glacier and Myrdalsjokull and Skaftafell ice caves.

Enjoy the ultimate relaxation and a complete spa experience at the Blue Lagoon Spa. Dip into their steamy waters and enjoy their luxurious amenities. Some of them include the Silica Mud Mask, the man-made waterfall, sauna, steam rooms, and their relaxation area with soothing music and comfortable seating.

One of the most incredible landscapes in Iceland includes Mount Kirkjufell. It is one of the most visited mountains by tourists. Take a challenging climb up to the mountains peak or take a stroll on its walking trail. Look out over the mountain and view the stunning scenery, capture the sunrise, the sunset, and even catch a glimpse of the magnificent aurora borealis.

The Golden Circle is Iceland's most popular road trip. Rent a car and drive the Golden Circle, take tons of pictures and head off to explore side roads. Or take a guided tour and experience the Golden Circle with a travel guide. Tip: Stop of at Pingvellir National Park and visit the Silfra.

If you are looking for thrill and adventure, dog sledding in Iceland needs to be on your radar. Hop on your sled and let the Alaskan Huskies or Greenlandic dogs of Iceland guide you through the highlands and glaciers. The best part is that it doesn't matter what time of the year you visit Iceland because dog sledding is offered year-round!

Although Iceland's weather isn't always ideal, the beaches are absolutely stunning. The landscapes are gorgeous, and some of the beaches are surrounded by basalt caves. Reynisfjara Beach is one of Iceland's most iconic beaches; it's a black sand beach, surrounded by unique rock formations. The Rauðisandur (Red Sand) beach is another one of Iceland's popular beaches. It is one of the few beaches in Iceland with "normal" sand; however, in certain lights the sand may appear to have a reddish tint to it.

You can't take a trip to Iceland without going on an Arcanum Glacier Tour. This tour gives you the opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes, experience Iceland's famous waterfalls, and simply walk peacefully along the South Coast.  Also make sure you visit the glacier river Jökulsárlón. It's a huge glacier lake that is positioned right at the head of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier.

The Great Geysir is a sprouting hot spring that has come to be one of the most visited attractions in all of Iceland. People gather around to watch steaming water shoot up from the underground hot spring. The Geysir has been active for approximately 10,000 years and at times, it has erupted so aggressively it caused the ground to tremble.

Go snorkeling and scuba diving in the crystal clear glacial waters of Iceland. Don't forget your underwater camera; you're going to want to capture the spectacular colors in the ocean. The Silfra Fissure is also the only place in the world where you can swim between continents. It also contains some of the freshest water in the world. According to Dive.IS, "the Silfra water is as pristine as water can get and you can drink it at anytime during your dive or snorkel."

Iceland has several active volcanoes throughout the country. They offer spectacular views and one even offers the opportunity to go inside and explore. Some of Iceland's volcanoes include Hekla, Grimsvotn and Kverkfjoll.

Iceland is known for their fresh fish and high quality meat. Their smoked lamb is especially delicious, along with their Bacalao and Stockfish. But the most typical and iconic of them all is the Icelandic Hot Dog. What makes it so special? Their hotdogs contain lamb and are served with just about everything you can think of on it; ketchup, mustard, fried onions, raw onions, mayonnaise, remoulade and relish.

If you are in search of peace, quiet and privacy, Iceland should definitely be on your radar. CNN explains: "According to the nonprofit Institute for Economics and Peace, the thinly populated island in the midst of the North Atlantic has retained its place as the most peaceful country in the world."