(80 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Matthew VanBuren

Miami, FL
Jamaica Travel Agent Specialist

Jamaica has its own island vibe, which makes it a great place to focus on for travel. As a Jamaica travel agent specialist and advisor, I know you’ll love your island adventure. Therefore, I’m always excited about arranging travel to this one-of-a...
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Iceland Travel Agent Specialist

Iceland, a country the size of Kentucky, is roughly as far away as New York City is from London. But getting there is not just a matter of packing your bags and buying a plane ticket. Iceland’s isolation has made it one of the most inaccessible countries in the world. However, it’s one country you’ll want to visit time and again. As a travel agent professional for Iceland, I can share some of the amazing places with you that I know you’ll love visiting. For centuries, Iceland’s remote location kept it out of reach for most travelers. But with advances in air travel and increased accessibility, more people are making the journey to this frosty destination. I also plan trips to tropical getaways, so I don’t believe in limiting people on what they can see. In this case, I know you’ll love the land of fire and ice’s unique and natural beauty. The country is most famous for its glaciers, hot springs, waterfalls, and geysers. Iceland is also home to the largest waterfall in Europe, the breathtaking Vik Glacier Cave , and the famous Blue Lagoon . Due to its remote location and small population, it’s not surprising many people don’t know much about this beautiful country.  Iceland is one of those places that seems to have been made up. This magical, surreal place that seems almost too good to be true - but it’s not. It exists, and you can go there. The perfect combination of jaw-dropping natural beauty and charming small towns makes Iceland the perfect destination for anyone looking for an adventure. The various activities on offer are also second to none; from whale watching to ice caving; hot springs to snowmobiles; there is something for everyone here. The view from the top of Iceland’s most famous waterfall.


The Golden Circle. This route encompasses some of the most iconic parts of Iceland, including the famous Gullfoss waterfall. The waterfall cascades, which fall 32 meters (about 105 feet) over a cliff edge and into a glacial river below; its bright yellow color caused by the minerals in the surrounding rocks, must be seen.  You’ll also visit the Geysir, a geyser that erupts every few hours; Strokkur, a geyser that erupts every 5-10 minutes; and Thingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Iceland’s most important cultural landmarks. It’s a great way to see the best parts of this country, while also getting to enjoy the view from the top of Gullfoss.  


Seeing the Northern Lights in all their glory


One of the most elusive sights in the world is seeing the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. You’ll need to be in the right place at the right time and hope for ideal conditions. The best place to see them is in Iceland, where you have an almost 100% chance of spotting them.  Visit from September to April, when the weather is cold and clear, and there is a greater chance of viewing the Northern Lights. If you visit outside of these months, there is still a chance of seeing them, although not as great.  You have a better chance of spotting the Northern Lights in Reykjavík than in the countryside, as the capital is close to the Arctic Circle. There are many tours available that will take you to places you’ll have the most success: Golden Circle Tours, Northern Lights Tours, Super Jeep Tours, etc.


Horseback riding on a beach and glacier


Are you ready for adventure? I might suggest one excursion where you can horseback ride on a beach and a glacier over the South Shore. The beach portion of the trip lasts around 1 hour and is on the black sand beach of Sólheimasandur. Whale watching in Höfn, IcelandHöfn, in southeast Iceland, is the best place in the country to go whale watching. This town is on a bay that attracts many species of whales, including humpback whales, fin whales, and minke whales.  Throughout the year, Höfn also hosts colonies of Arctic and northern penguins. The town is small, but it has a few hotels and guesthouses where you can stay. There are also various tour operators in Höfn that can take you whale watching. While you can spot whales in other parts of Iceland, Höfn is the best place. The Blue Lagoon, a natural hot spring colored with silicaThe Blue Lagoon is a natural hot spring filled with silica - a mineral that creates unreal and bright blue water. This famous place can be found in the southwestern part of Iceland. The Blue Lagoon is a place and a spa to relax and unwind where you can experience the healing properties of the water.  


Conclusion


Above are just some of the many reasons you need to visit this idyllic northern country. Iceland is the perfect destination for anyone, no matter what your interests are. The activities are diverse, yet all are amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.  If you’re looking for the perfect place to visit, look no further than Iceland. This country has it all; stunning landscapes, a unique culture, and friendly people. As your travel agent professional for Iceland, I can help you realize your travel dreams and plans.

My Reviews

15 of 24 people found this review helpful
Fabulous
I am big shopper and find my way to Miami every few months to visit the Design District and shops in SoBe. Over the past twenty years I have probably stayed in thirty hotels in Brickell and Miami Beach but always like to try my hand at a new property to switch things up. While my last travel advisor, Miss Ginger, retired, I was nervous to try someone new out. Let me just tell you, Matt is young and vibrant, eager to help cater to your every need. He chose the best flight times, hotel, and boat charters and kept in contact with me throughout the whole process. He definitely has a taste for luxury so keep that in mind when choosing to work with him (a plus for me but maybe not for a backpacker??).
By  Cindy R  from  Atlanta, Georgia
Traveled to  Miami ~ Florida ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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7 of 9 people found this review helpful
Wonderful team bonding trip in Mexico!
Matt was great and communicative throughout the whole process. He helped us book excursions and kept in touch before we left.
By  Joanna K  from  Pennsburg, PA
Traveled to  Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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8 of 11 people found this review helpful
Best of the Best
I think Matt is the best of the best. Already referred him to friends and family. Well worth the planning fee he charged for our group of 20. Gave us great rates on the resorts and found very affordable airfare.
By  Borris M  from  New York, New York
Traveled to  Turks and Caicos Islands ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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9 of 13 people found this review helpful
Good Honesty
Matt is super nice and respectful. Very pleasant to work with but be prepared for his honesty. We were planning a trip to South Beach because we have not been since the 80's. After expressing that we wanted to stay on Ocean Drive, Matt simply told us that is "not a wise move". Well good thing we took his advice, because Ocean Drive is not the place it used to be! Miami Beach is still incredible and with his recommendations, you will have a great time. Best advice? Listen to his! Will use him again for our next trip.
By  Curt F  from  Saranac, NY
Traveled to  South Beach ~ Florida ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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10 of 15 people found this review helpful
Thank you, Matt
I found Matt through Travel Leaders. He is a great agent to work with. I will definitely use him again.
By  Will T  from  Cranston, RI
Traveled to  Miami ~ Florida ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Destination Expert:

  • Iceland
  • Reykjavik
  • Akureyri
  • Seydisfjordur
  • Isafjordur

Travel Specialist:

  • Adventure
  • Hiking & Backpacking
  • Outdoor Activities & Sports
  • Coach Tours
  • Spa & Fitness

Certifications/Awards:

  • Marriott Hotel Excellence!
  • Hilton All-Inclusive Resort Specialist
  • AMResorts Master Agent
  • Pleasant Pro
  • Certified Sandals Specialist

Languages I Speak:

  • English
  • Spanish

Industry Affiliations:

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