Should we visit Scotland or Iceland?

I love Scotland. My daughter and her family might put you up if your friend doesn’t.

I would be happy visiting either. Whatever you decide, I am sure you will have a great time.
The highs and lows of seeing iceland in a rented van.
I love Iceland’s adorable little tough horses.
Things not to miss in Iceland
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Amusing little road trip video of Scotland tour.
Top ten things to do in Scotland, the super quick version.
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Whichever you decide, keep a jounal to share with us later, and pics, lots of pics!

I’m from Scotland but I think the scenery in both will be fantastic. I would love to visit Iceland and see the hot springs and volcanos, trek through the centre. I imagine outside of the city, Iceland is very wild. Scotland is wild but unless you go very off the beaten track, you are never far from a town and amenities. Weather wise both are cold and rainy, even in summer. You would be doing well to get a sunny day. Scotland you have the advantage of knowing the language (If not the accent!) but lots of people in Iceland speak very good English.

Where does your friend live in Scotland? Most people live in the central belt – Glasgow and Edinburgh which is a very urban area. Edinburgh is a beautiful city and Glasgow is more down to Earth but does have some great architecture and museums.

The best scenery is in the Highlands of course. Inverness is a good base for exploring the North (and of course Loch Ness). Stirling has easyish access to the southern Highlands.

The places might look close together but the roads are slow going because they are narrow with lots of twists and turns. You can get stuck behind something for the whole of your journey. 50 miles might take you 2.5 hours to cover. Bear that in mind.

If you like hillwalking, there are loads of accessible mountains to conquer. My favourite one, which falls into the Munros list (peaks over 3000 feet high), is Schiehallion. It’s a long shallow ascent on one side but steep cliffs on the other three so you get fantastic views (on a clear day).

I regret not going to Singapore when a friend of ours was living there. We did visit her in Tokyo. If money is tight I think stay where the trip will be less expensive assuming staying with the people in Scotland will be comfortable for everyone.

However, I don’t worry too much about planning something special for a specific anniversary or celebration, some people do really care about things like that. If you do, then maybe your 25th is the time to splurge and do a trip, just you two, no friends, no family, and save Scotland for a different time. Check the prices and weigh the options. One thing to consider is saving $2k on this trip means money left over for other trips. You could do a long weekend with your kids somewhere closer to home also.

Introvert talking:

If I’m going away with my hubby for a relaxing getaway, I’m going as far away from anyone I know as humanly possible.

I always feel a bit uncomfortable when staying with friends, and the stress of being “on my best behaviour” around other people is exhausting. I’d put up with it for a fun vacation where you’re going to end up exhausted anyway, but for long romantic escape? I want the freedom to make love in a bed my friend isn’t going to see in the morning, and sleep in until noon if I want to, because no one is expecting us for breakfast.

Good point by @Seek.

Not sure what your financial situation is, but if money is tight, the cost of an overseas trip is going to be big, even if you do it on a budget. Plane, lodging, meals, plus the conversion from dollars to Euros is going to make you lose some money, too. The trip over is one day each way and if you want to extend your trip more than a week, that might impact your kids going to school and also maybe your hubby has limited vacation time off from his job. Just throwing out thoughts and looking at it from a practical standpoint.

Maybe something like a few days or a week driving to another state and staying in a hotel, doing some sightseeing if you’re into it. Maybe you’re a reasonable drive to the Rockies or to Grand Canyon, Utah or something like that? Or maybe Charleston or Savannah? Just throwing out thoughts.

Both Scotland and Iceland are on my “Places to Visit” list, so a bit of research has been done on both. @Stinley‘s post paints the picture regarding the differences between the two countries. It’s just a matter of doing some research and deciding which one better suits your desires.

Been to both. Iceland has fantastic geological features but there is also a lot of barrenness. I find Scotland richer in culture, architecture and it as well as Iceland has beautiful scenery and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Personally, I would return to Scotland before returning to Iceland. Plus, there’s the fun of trying to understand what the Scots are saying while all Icelanders speak English very well!

Another thought, if you go to Scotland you can do part of the time staying with friends and part at your own hotel. The friends can show you around where they live and take the pressure off and then you can do your own thing in a different location. I assume they can’t take a full week off from work, which would mean you will be doing some exploring on your own also. If they live in the city, you could do three days there, and then 3 days in the countryside on your own. Just a thought.

I will say, I’m an extrovert, but the older I get the more I like my own space. Some friends I can stay with and it’s very comfortable. I have friends I could live with for months. Some friends not so much. It depends a lot on expectations. Will they expect to be together with us the whole time? Do they keep the house freezing cold? I’ll be uncomfortable. Are they comfortable with me using their toaster? Can I wear my pajamas/loungewear in front of them?

I’m a Scotlandophile (is there such a word) so I’d vote for Scotland.

Plus I Love The Way They Talk

The Music gives me goose pimples!

Thanks everyone! You’ve given me a lot to think about.