Traveling Through Iceland: Waterfalls, Resetting at 31, and Lessons learned

Mejire Arijaje
Jun 15
4 min read

Introduction

Iceland a chance to breathe, reset, and reflect after what I can honestly call the most challenging year I’ve had personally and professionally.

From business growth and burnout to relationship storms and deep internal work, 2024 tested me. So when my 31st birthday came around, I haven't really been partying. For the last two year now I wanted peace, space, and nature to help me reconnect with myself.

Enter: Iceland. 🇮🇸

Iceland!

Iceland felt like the perfect paradox: quiet but powerful. Cold, but full of warmth in its landscapes and culture. Wild, but grounding.

I’d been in therapy for most of the year, unpacking things I’d been carrying for a long time — as a man, a husband, and an entrepreneur. Iceland gave me something Philly couldn’t: solitude in nature, and new scenery that reminded me the world is still so much bigger than the problems I think I’m drowning in.

Our Iceland Itinerary: What We Did and Where We Went

We planned our trip through the Wanderlog app, which I highly recommend. It helps organize stops, restaurants, driving time, and activities. We stayed right int he heart Reykjavik, 18a Laufasvegur an airbnb.

Here’s a breakdown of the key stops we made over the course of our week-long trip:

Reykjavik – Our base city with cool cafes, Rainbow Street, and the Hallgrimskirkja church
The Golden Circle – Geysir, Gullfoss waterfall, Brúarfoss, and Kerið crater
South Coast Drive – Stops at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Skógafoss, and Dyrhólaey
Blue Lagoon Retreat – Private access hot springs and a birthday dinner at Lava Restaurant
Diamond Beach & Glacier Lagoon – A long drive, but absolutely worth it
Perlan Museum & Ice Cave – Educational and freezing ❄️
Local Tattoo Convention – Ended the trip by getting inked to mark the moment

Top Stops & Experiences (With Commentary)

Brúarfoss Waterfall The bluest water I’ve ever seen. A peaceful hike leads to this hidden gem — definitely bring waterproof shoes, the trail gets muddy.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach Unreal.
waves are violent and the wind was no joke, but standing on that beach makes you feel like you’re on another planet.
Skógafoss Waterfall Probably the most iconic stop. You can hike to the top, but the spray will absolutely drench you. Worth it.
Blue Lagoon Retreat Although a great part part of the trip. lagoon access, robes, steam rooms, and an incredible restaurant. Pricey, but if you’re celebrating something, do it right. I would recommend going to hvammsvik as well, I enjoyed there more, less crowd.
Diamond Beach Glaciers on the black shore. Wild contrast of colors. Far drive but a must-see.
Trying Fermented Shark Never again. Comes with a shot, and trust me — you’ll need it.
Tattoo Convention Wasn’t even on the itinerary at first, but it was the perfect full-circle moment to mark turning 31. Got inked, wandered the booths, and embraced the randomness of travel.

Things to Know Before You Visit Iceland

If you're thinking of going — don’t just book and wing it. Iceland is beautiful but rugged. Here's what I wish I knew:

The Weather Is Wildly Unpredictable It’ll be sunny one minute and sideways rain the next. Layer up, bring windbreakers, and waterproof everything.
It’s Expensive Meals easily cost $30+ per person. Parking, gas, and even snacks add up fast. Budget for more than you think.
Get a Rental Car That Can Handle Gravel Roads Many of the best spots are off-road or require gravel driving. A 4x4 or SUV is ideal. Don’t cheap out.
Insurance Is Not Optional Iceland’s roads are wild. Winds can literally rip doors off. Get gravel, wind, and theft coverage.
You Need to Pay for Parking Everywhere Most nature stops have QR codes to scan and pay — don’t skip this or you’ll rack up big fines.
Speed Limits Are Strictly Enforced There are speed cameras hidden everywhere. Cruise control is your best friend.
Fuel Is Self-Serve — and Often Card-Only Keep a credit card with a PIN ready. Gas stations are sometimes unmanned.

Personal Reflections From the Trip

Iceland wasn’t a party destination — it was a mirror. Being out there in the silence, in front of waterfalls and glaciers, reminded me how small my problems are in the grand scheme of life.

This year, I faced the possibility of losing someone I love. I questioned if I wanted kids, if my business was making me happy, and what kind of man I wanted to be.

I come back more grounded, more grateful, and more committed to being intentional with my time and energy.

Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?

Absolutely. This was more than a travel vlog or a birthday celebration — it was a soul reset.

If you’re burnt out, lost, or just need to remember how beautiful life is — go to Iceland. Unplug. Be cold. Be uncomfortable. And let the land show you something about yourself.

Thanks for reading.

Watch the FULL VLOG HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWG9YxgBums