I have a large bucket list of all the countries and cities in the world I want to travel to and keep marking them off every year. This past year, I knew I had to travel to Iceland and found the perfect flights from NYC to Reykjavik in September. I researched and found that September is one of the best times to visit as it isn’t extremely freezing but you can still see the northern lights. Follow along for my list of what to do, see, and experience in Iceland on a quick 72 hour trip (trust me, that is enough time to do and see it all).

STOP 1 - The Blue LagoonDirect from the airport you can take a bus right to the Blue Lagoon for the ultimate spa experience. — STOP 1 - The Blue Lagoon
Direct from the airport you can take a bus right to the Blue Lagoon for the ultimate spa experience.

Views from the VIP Retreat Spa - I suggest spending the extra money for the perfect spa day complete with private pools, spa treatments and changing rooms.

STOP 2- The town of ReykjavikOur first day we explored the town and local sights/restaurants before heading out into the wilderness. Beware- everything is extremely expensive in Iceland so you want to research the best accommodations and restaurants… — STOP 2- The town of Reykjavik
Our first day we explored the town and local sights/restaurants before heading out into the wilderness. Beware- everything is extremely expensive in Iceland so you want to research the best accommodations and restaurants before you go. Also, Reykjavik is a hotspot for nightlife and there are numerous bars/restaurants/clubs to experience until the wee hours.

STOP 3: SkógafossThis breathtaking waterfall is one of the top of my list to see in Iceland. Not only is it beautiful, but you can walk behind it as well. It was one of the most spectacular views I’ve ever seen with hundreds of rainbows glittering o… — STOP 3: Skógafoss
This breathtaking waterfall is one of the top of my list to see in Iceland. Not only is it beautiful, but you can walk behind it as well. It was one of the most spectacular views I’ve ever seen with hundreds of rainbows glittering off the water.

Stop 4- The Southern LoopI suggest renting a car and driving along the Golden Circle, as well as the Southern Loop. We chose to see half and half with a 24 hour rental car. While the Golden Circle’s Geysir and the interior landscape of Iceland are b… — Stop 4- The Southern Loop
I suggest renting a car and driving along the Golden Circle, as well as the Southern Loop. We chose to see half and half with a 24 hour rental car. While the Golden Circle’s Geysir and the interior landscape of Iceland are beautiful, the south is the most breathtaking to see.

STOP 5: BLACK SAND BEACHThe walk to the airplane crash is over 6 miles round trip but trust me, it is worth it. The location is not only eerily like a lunar scene, but was also a Star Wars location for the movies. — STOP 5: BLACK SAND BEACH
The walk to the airplane crash is over 6 miles round trip but trust me, it is worth it. The location is not only eerily like a lunar scene, but was also a Star Wars location for the movies.

Stop 6- ION ADVENTURE HOTELLocated just over 2 hours outside of Reykjavik, this eco-conscious luxury hotel has everything you could want in Iceland. From a bar with views of the norther lights to a geothermal pool, this is the perfect retreat after … — Stop 6- ION ADVENTURE HOTEL
Located just over 2 hours outside of Reykjavik, this eco-conscious luxury hotel has everything you could want in Iceland. From a bar with views of the norther lights to a geothermal pool, this is the perfect retreat after a day of exploring the island.