Iceland

Rating: ★★★★★ (4.9 / 5)

Iceland is a land of elemental extremes, where volcanoes and glaciers exist side by side, geysers erupt from the earth, and the Northern Lights illuminate winter skies with curtains of green and violet light. This remote North Atlantic island sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, making it one of the most geologically active places on the planet, with bubbling hot springs, black lava fields, and powerful waterfalls all easily accessible to visitors. Reykjavik, the world's most northerly capital, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a thriving music scene, excellent seafood restaurants, and a gateway to adventures that range from whale watching and glacier hiking to soaking in the famous Blue Lagoon.