Disconnect in Iceland, and Learn a Simpler, More Sustainable Life

We’re still in that time when many travellers want to get away from the crowds and treat themselves to a simpler life away from the corporate treadmill. Finding somewhere to do this is no easy task; however, SevenTravel has created an Icelandic trip called the Trausthotsholmi Private Island Yurt Experience and it lets you do precisely this.

When I look at the world today, I am quite sure that many people share my thoughts that it’s becoming somewhat worse over recent years. The constant stream of negative news, people and groups telling people how to think, and the ongoing competition to portray oneself in an artificial light result in a craving to escape and go somewhere you can disconnect.

Sitting at home with fingers in one’s ears shouting “La, La, La” at the top of your voice won’t work. You need to escape the masses and try living off the grid, and Iceland is somewhere you can do this.

Iceland is a fantastic place; although it is less than three hours of flight time from the UK, it is somewhere that seems to be disconnected from the world. Countries such as Iceland have zoomed up on people’s bucket lists, thanks in no small part to television shows such as The Last Kingdom.

If you’re a fan of the show and want to experience Viking life in person, we have a treat for you. SevenTravel has created a summer Iceland escape, and we’ve listed some of the trip’s highlights below:

• Indulge in a soak in the recently opened Sky Lagoon, an oceanside geothermal lagoon that blurs the boundaries between traditional Icelandic bathing culture and contemporary spa hospitality.
• See the classic Golden Circle tour in summer, where Thingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss icons appear in a rich definition under blue skies.
• Head to Iceland’s lesser-visited southern reaches, taking in the soot-black sands of Reynisfjara and the raw drama of the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls.
• Continue further into Iceland’s wilds with trips to the rhyolite peaks of Landmannalaugar or the dramatic glacial valley of Thorsmork.
• Stay on an ‘island within an island’ at Traustholtshólmi, where you’ll bed down in Mongolian yurts and learn to live off the land with its only resident, Hakon.
• Enjoy a traditional picnic somewhere in Iceland’s volcanic landscape – you won’t find out exactly where until you’re there, it’s a surprise.

Angelee Rathor said, “With its frozen splendour and northern lights displays, Iceland is a winter hit with travellers. However, SevenTravel believes it’s more than just a one-season wonder, and its natural jewels look just as good bathed in sunshine as they do sheathed in ice – if not better.

We’re big believers in combating over-tourism and stepping away from the ordinary, and our Summer escape to Iceland trip not only helps you to discover a country at a time when everyone else isn’t but takes you to some of its lesser-heralded gems for unique experiences way off the typical tourist track.”

With culture, hiking and adventure at the forefront of travellers’ minds, Iceland is one place where they tick all the boxes, thanks to its breathtaking landscapes and nature. Throwing yourself headfirst into the authentic Viking lifestyle isn’t something we wouldn’t suggest our readers try but experience parts of it? Without a doubt, Yes!

The SevenTravel Trausthotsholmi Private Island Yurt Experience takes you away from the over-subscribed, noisy, over-commercialised tourist hotspots and lets you experience life off-the-grid in one of three wool-lined Mongolian yurts.

Guests will travel to Traustholtshólmi, an ‘island within an island’ where they can learn to live a simpler and more sustainable life with the area’s only resident, Hakon. Here, they will get the opportunity to catch wild salmon and explore the trio of centuries-old gardens learning ancient Icelandic gardening. And each day will end with feasting on the day’s catch with herbs and vegetables from the gardens, listening to island tales from Hakon himself.

The SevenTravel Trausthotsholmi Private Island Yurt Experience is priced at £14,250 per person, and more information can be found on their website https://seventravel.co.uk/.

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