What You Need to Travel to Iceland

What You Need to Travel to Iceland, Part One

Everything you might need to travel to Iceland…Let’s start off by saying, you will need a passport. You are going to another country. But don’t stress, the Icelandic people are super friendly and everyone speaks English and all signs are also labeled in English.

The different seasons

What you are bringing depends on when you are traveling to Iceland. I went in early March so it was still winter, but close to the end so the wind was not as extreme, so they said. The temperatures and wind chill can be unpredictable, but in the winter, the temperatures stay around the low 30s (Fahrenheit) and in the summer months, they climb to the 50s. If they get a 70 degree day, they say people will be in bathing suits. My best advice is LAYERS. In March, I brought several fleece leggings that went under weather/waterproof pants for exploring waterfalls, geysers, etc. Jeans for exploring Reykjavik. And for tops, I wore a thermal undershirt as well as a top layer or sweater. Plus a heavy parka or down jacket plus hats, scarves, and warm gloves. Also, my smart wool socks plus my Sorel hiking boots were worn everyday. If you are around Reykjavik first, they have lots of shopping for Iceland’s famous wool sweaters, hats, and gloves. If you are doing waterfalls, a thing to pack is spikes to add to your boots while you are walking around the ice.

Food can be expensive

When you convert your money to Icelandic Krona, you think it seems like a lot because the prices are labeled differently. (1000K). But food at restaurants is splurge worthy. A typical meal can be about $35-50 U.S. dollars. While I did see a fast food place in a few towns, it was not cheap either. We did AirBnB and the best prices were in the food stores. Making breakfast helps avoid one meal out, and renting a car allows you to do all your transportation. A GPS works there as long as you have a portable hot spot of internet or pay for international coverage. But there are not many roads in Iceland so getting around is not complicated. If you are a person who was interested in Iceland, you already are adventurous so embrace that spirit and rent a car! While enjoying Reykjavik allows for walkability, most of the other amazing things you will want to see are at least an hour (or more) drive. But the journey is amazing and the views are just breath taking!

Essentials

A travel adapter for your plug ins, aka, your phone charger! Iceland uses the Europe two prong plug. You might need a nose plug. Kidding, not kidding. Iceland produces most of their hot water from geothermal energy, and while it is a great low cost and natural form of energy, it smells. Like sulfur, or rotten eggs. It is great for your skin, but tastes yucky.

On the other hand, the cold water is fresh from the springs and one of the cleanest in the world. So bring your refillable water tins as water is LITERALLY offered for free anywhere– Airport, shopping at the food store, and no, I am not kidding! They offer lemon, cucumber and plain water so lots of choices.

Enjoy the photos from our first day of Iceland around Reykjavik….I traveled with some of the best girls and photographers out there! Head over to my next post on my Iceland trip here.

Thanks to Spanki Mills Photography, Patty Schmidt Photography for the shots of me!

5 Of My Favorite Things In Paris

Paris, the city of light, is an absolute treasure. I experienced Paris for the very first time as a teenager. It was the spring of 1994, and I was a naive and under appreciative 16 year old. Arriving in April, where the Paris climate is known for being wet, damp, and dreary, I was not wowed by the city. The French people lived up to my bias of being condescending. Of course it had nothing to do with my American expectation that everyone should know English, right?? It sure did. I left the city with conflicted feelings. I loved the vibe and edge that the city made me feel, but being an immature teenager, I could not appreciate all of the history, romanticism, and aesthetic awe that is truly the city of Paris.

Fast forward to 2017, a 40th birthday trip years in the planning for my husband and myself where the city of light was everything I had hoped I missed the first time there. Europe is steeped in history and everywhere you turn, you are laden with centuries long narratives and tales. I wanted to share with you my top 5 favorite things in Paris that any trip would not be the same without.

The Eiffel Tower

From the very first glance, beauty and chills thrill you when you come across it. And it is something that catches your breath away when you are not expecting to see it. On the metro or walking up the street, and it will become visible. It is something that NEVER EVER gets old. You absolutely need to go to up, and even if you have a fear of heights like myself, it is not to bad. The views of the city of Paris are unbelievable just up on the first tier. If you want to be brave and wait for the single car to go up to the top, berets off to you!!

Eiffel Tower, a view from below

Eiffel Tower from the Trocadero walking up to the Eiffel Tower

2. Crepes

This sweet treat is a staple of Parisian desserts, and it can be found in little carts and just about every block throughout the city. Adding Nutella, or just leaving with sugar, there is no wrong way to enjoy the deliciousness that is a crepe.

Parisian crepe Crepes are a Paris staple.

3. The Seine River

Walking along the Seine is one of the most essential and romantic things you can do as a tourist or resident in Paris, France. Riding on a Bateaux Mouche, or walking along the paths, it is a breathtaking sight and cherished memory. Tango lessons (FREE!) are held along the Seine and it runs throughout the city which allows lots of maritime choices.

A view of the Seine River

4. the Metro (aka Subway)

The ease of the Paris Metro can not be overstated. It is such an efficient and great way to get all over the city. It is VERY VERY clean. I am not sure how they keep it so clean. The lines are spread all over the city, and are very clear in their communication with timings of trains, when the next train will be available. My husband and I used the Metro from the very first day and I loved how friendly the French people were, and so much is in ENGLISH now so it was such a wonderful option.

Paris Metro map

5. Montmartre

One of the most adorable parts of Paris is the heavenly Montmarte. It is everything you believe to be true Paris. Cafes with ivy all over, cobble and brick lined streets, picturesque streets that screams the picture of a Parisian postcard. Go there, get lost walking the streets, stop by a cafe and just sit outside and soak it all up. It is why you came.

A Montmartre vineyard a ivy Montmartre street Le Consult, a Montmartre icon

Until next time Paris, until next time….

Congress Hall | A Yearly Vacation Tradition in Cape May

A yearly vacation tradition for this family is a week at the Congress Hall in Cape May, NJ. Congress Hall has been a staple of Cape May for two centuries and is steeped in presidential history in which several presidents were previous guest including Ulysses S. Grant, and James Buchanan. President Benjamin Harrison made Congress Hall his “summer White House”. It is obvious why guests have long ventured to Victorian Cape May, and especially Congress Hall. Relaxing in a private beach tent, lounging by the pool, or sitting on the Grand Lawn in a rocking chair is sure to provide relaxation and family bonding.

Capturing family memories on the Grand Lawn are a MUST if you are staying at Congress Hall. We walked a short distance to the beach to capture some ocean landscape. This family was brimming with joy and fun. Their vacation was filled with memories, and I feel so very fortunate to be able to capture those experiences.

Stone Harbor Mermaid Minisession

Stone Harbor Mermaids

Stone Harbor Mermaid Sessions

The warm and sunny days of the summer brings Mermaid Photo Sessions to the Jersey Shore. Mermaid photography sessions are a themed portrait session that allows little girls to become a mermaid in their own mermaid tail. Options for tails include crochet or swimmable tails.

Stone Harbor is ideal beach location because it offers a long rock jetty as a setting as well as a sparse beach to be a wonderful shooting location.

These lucky girls were fortunate bunch since we sold out our spots so quickly!

I am looking forward to trying some new spots along the Jersey Shore.

Baby Kennedy | Newborn Photographer in South Jersey

NJ Photographer captures sweet baby for newborn photos - pretty in pink Cute idea for big sister and new baby girl Love this baby girl headband for newborn photos Cute Baby Girl Newborn Pictures in NJ South Jersey Newborn Photographer

Big Sis and Baby Girl – South Jersey Newborn Photographer

Miss Kennedy was a dream. She was the perfect newborn baby in so many ways. She was sleepy, loved all her poses, and had a very excited big sister who wanted to pose with her new baby. Big sister was very interested in being involved and wanted to be included in many shots. But how gorgeous are these two together.

Big sister was very sweet with her baby sister and was showing her love with kisses and (sometimes tight) hugs.

I loved capturing this new family of four! If you are in the South Jersey region and need newborn portraits, contact Karrie Davis today.