There is extensive planning that goes into making a trip possible. I found that the most troublesome part is balancing my each person's availability to be a part of the trip and their financial concerns as well. I could not imagine one of my friends not being able to come because of the budget or timing of the trip, so it was important to me that I was able to accommade all of us. 

 

That being said, one of the most conflicting parts of this trip compared to some others is that we have left much of the trip up to spontaneity and where the road takes us.  Although, we found a a route to take around Iceland, there is absolutely NO concrete guidelines for each day and no specific itinerary. 

 

The absence of restricting our day to day activities is what makes the trip to Iceland so incredible and unforgettable. We have no limitations. Everything is completely up to us and the lay of the land. The paradox of putting so much time and effort into planning this trip around all four of our lives is that there is absolutely no planning involved once we arrive. 

 

There is so much possibility with this kind of exploration; opportunity to go off the beaten path, at our own pace, immerse ourselves in the culture of the country, meet locals, and stray from typical tourist activities. This is the type of adventure I have been longing for and have yet to experience. When I went to Europe and Greece, everything my mother had planned was so calculated and I had a limited say in what we did each day. I also felt that because our time was so limited in certain places, I was unable to really enjoy and take in all the culture, people, and beauty around me. 

 

This type of travel may seem scary to most, but it is also full of excitement, unpredictablility, wonder, and will change my life.