Our Iceland tour has 2 “free days” where there are no organized activities. I’m excited about the flexibility but also slightly panicking because I don’t know the country at all and don’t want to waste the day.
For those who’ve had free days on a guided tour: did the guide give you suggestions? Did you just wander on your own or did some of the group organize something together? I’m a solo traveler (67F) and I like the idea of free time but I’m also not great at planning activities in a foreign country on the fly.
I used to work for a large tour operator (Trafalgar) and the guides DO have a ton of suggestions for activities on free afternoons- also a lot of optional experiences to sign up for. Sometimes smaller operators have less optional experiences they can set up, but a good guide will always have suggestions. Plus someone else in the group might be a researcher and have something planned you can join!
Plus free days give you a chance to check out things very specific to your interests!
Oh, I mostly book tours that have leisure days. Especially when the itinerary is already packed with activities! I think at some point you’d want to discover the places in your own pace . In the past I’ve gotten amazing tips from the guide and just went and explore on my own!
Honestly, the fact that your free days are in Iceland makes me think you definitely won’t struggle to fill them! There’s so much to see, even outside of most tours!! I agree with @WhisperingPines too. I’d absolutely ask the guide for recommendations once you’re there. And since you’re travelling solo, you might find that by the time the free days come around you’ve already met a few people in the group who want to do something together.
Where in Iceland will you be based for those two free days, @alyssa? If it’s Reykjavík, I feel like you’d have SO many easy options without needing to rent a car or plan anything too complicated.
. In the past I’ve gotten amazing tips from the guide and just went and explore on my own!