The Mid-Lifers
Twice the fun In iceland!
Landing in Reykjavik in the very early hours of late December felt magical. The streets were quiet and snow-dusted with locals going about their morning routines in the dim winter light. As we drove into the countryside, the landscape opened into breathtaking, otherworldly vistas — a true winter wonderland.
Iceland was unlike any country we had visited before. Its terrain felt almost lunar — vast and raw. Visiting in late December meant almost 22 hours of darkness. The sun barely rose above the horizon, and it felt incredible to see the landscape in that soft, low light.
Our family spent five unforgettable nights traveling Iceland’s South Coast, chasing waterfalls, glaciers, and black-sand beaches. Yet despite scanning the skies each evening, one elusive wonder never appeared — the Northern Lights. We left enchanted, but still hoping.
So in March, Andrew and I returned for one more try to find the spectacular lights. And this time, Iceland delivered.
The first glimpse came from the airplane window — a single ribbon of green, welcoming us back. Then, as if making up for lost time, the Aurora appeared each night of our visit. It felt less like luck and more like a reward for coming back.
Iceland proved to us that midlife isn’t about slowing down — it’s about choosing bigger adventures. We’ve learned to pack lighter, go to bed earlier, and build in more breaks — but midlife travel has somehow made every adventure feel even more magical.
Our Itinerary at a glance:
We’ve now visited Iceland twice — once as over the winter holidays, and once in March for a dedicated Northern Lights hunt.
Trip One
Winter Holidays – 5 Nights, South Coast Focus
Hveragerði - 1 night
Stay: The Greenhouse Hotel
Tours and Excursions: Hiking in the Reykjadalur Valley
Notable Restaurants: Olverk Pizzeria
Vík - 2 nights
Stay: Kotel Kria
Tours: Katla Ice Cave
Notable Restaurants: Berg at Hotel i Mydral; Black Crust Pizzeria; Ströndin Pub
Hella — 1 night
Stay: Stracta Hotel
Tours: ATV Northern Light Hunting Tours
Reykjavik - 1 night
Stay: Hotel Von
Tour and Excursion: Secret Lagoon
Notable Restaurant: Apotek Kitchen + Bar
Trip Two : March – 3 Nights, Northern Lights Focus
Reykjavik - 2 nights in an Airbnb
Tours: ATV Reykjavik Peaks Tour; Perlan Museum; Super Jeep Northern Lights Tour
Álftanes - 1 night
Stay: Hlíðar Fisherman’s Village
Notable Restaurant: The Viking Hotel Restaurant
