The 15 best things to do in the Westfjords, Iceland

In 2021, I gave up on major airlines for my regular flights between Paris and New York—despite being a frequent flyer club member with a cache of points. I had purchased economy tickets for my toddler, my husband, and myself, and called the airline to double-check that we could sit together. The customer service rep said seat selection was a privilege for the half-step above economy, but they would let one of us sit next to our daughter—as an exception. Or what? I wondered. Have a stranger tend to our two-year-old?

As options for the traditional chalet ski break have dwindled and prices risen, venturing to Europe’s far corners and beyond for a ski break can reap rewards. Costs are often lower, while luxury accommodation can be similarly priced to budget options in mainstream European ski resorts. As well as being potentially cheaper, skiing in territory off the beaten track can offer a rich cultural experience, plus better flight routes, less crowded slopes, sunnier days and a friendlier welcome.

Detour Discotheque, a Studio 54-inspired pop-up nightclub that strives to bring “peace, love, and mirror balls to the world’s most beautiful locations,” is back for a third year—and this time the location is not just remote, it’s also nearly 10,000 feet above sea level. The three-day music festival will take place over the weekend of May 10-12, 2024, in venues across Switzerland’s Birg and Schilthorn mountains, with the highest stop right atop the latter, in the revolving mountain-top restaurant, Piz Gloria. Partiers will travel from their accommodations down below in the pretty Alpine villages of Lauterbrunnen and Mürren to the 300-person venue via four separate cable cars, a phenomenally scenic journey that takes 32 minutes each way.

On a trip to Iceland in June, I visited Costco and found items that I've never seen at US locations.

There’s no denying that the power of libations brings people together—and there’s simply nothing like toasting to the holiday season with Christmas drinks that are essentially crafted cocktails. This year is a perfect excuse to sip your way into one-of-a-kind Christmas traditions, celebrated around the globe.

Holland America Line has seen record-breaking Black Friday bookings for the second year in a row in the United States. The cruise line saw a reported 20% more Black Friday bookings than last year and 23% higher for the period from Black Friday through to Cyber Monday.

Looking to move abroad and give remote working a try? There are dozens of destinations now offering visas to digital nomads.

…

Located about 60 miles from downtown Reykjavík, Buubble by Airmango offers guests the chance to sleep in clear plastic bubbles in the woods for uninterrupted views of Iceland's natural beauty.

According to recent reports, Iceland’s tourism industry is on track for a banner year in 2023, producing record highs in visitation and spending.

Thirteen years after the Eyjafjallajökull volcano famously spewed ash into European airspace, multiple eruptions across Iceland have spawned an unlikely new travel trend - volcano tourism.

You don't need sunshine to visit the beach. These cold weather stretches of sand are just as majestic.  Although they are usually packaged as sun, sea and sand, beaches do just fine without the sun part.