Meet the Culture Trip Team: Hanna Kristín Másdóttir - Local Insider, Iceland
Akureyri native (and our Iceland Local Insider) Hanna knows the Land of Fire and Ice like the back of her hand. When she’s not showing Culture Trippers around her favourite places, she’s out finding new ones – on camping, hiking and fishing expeditions with her friends and family. We talk to her about her love for her home country, her job and all things outdoorsy – and ask the big questions, such as “does anyone in Iceland really enjoy eating fermented shark?”
Fancy an action-packed escape to this country-sized adventure park? Join Hanna and a group of like-minded co-travellers on our five-day Volcanic Iceland tour, featuring highlights such as bathing in the Blue Lagoon, snowmobiling across a glacier and sampling local delicacies.
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.CT: Hi Hanna, thanks for talking to us. So, let’s start at the beginning: how long have you been working as a guide in Iceland for?
HM: It’s been two years now – last year I was also working full-time as a teacher and with an office job, so it was pretty busy! But since June this year I’ve been working full-time as a guide, and I’m loving it.
CT: What’s the part you love the most?
HM: It’s the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world – from Malaysia to Florida – I really enjoy the chit-chat, getting to know everyone and feeling like I’m travelling with a group of friends.
CT: The last group of Culture Trippers you took happened to be all female. Was that something new for you?
HM: It was really interesting – it was just six of us girls on the route, and right away it just felt like we were all friends who’d known each other for years rather than strangers who’d just met. Because it was just ladies, the conversations – and the jokes – were a little bit different. Some things we said that I don’t think would be said amongst a mixed group!
CT: Did you have any particularly memorable moments from the trip?
HM: The snowmobile tour across Langjökull glacier was really good. The girls were really up for it, and we all had a great time.
CT: As someone who knows Iceland very well, is there anywhere you haven’t been that you really want to see?
HM: Haha, well I’ve seen a lot! For many years I’ve travelled a lot across Iceland, on camping trips with my daughter and my boyfriend. But of course, there are always mountains that I want to climb, recently discovered waterfalls I haven’t seen – it’s what I love about living here. There’s so much natural beauty, it would be almost impossible to see it all.
CT: If we only had one day in Iceland, what would you show us?
HM: One day!? Oh my God. There are so, so many places… but I really love the highlands. My favourite places are Landmannalaugar and Thórsmörk – few other people, no cars, you go hiking and take in nature. It’s wild, but beautiful.
CT: Where would be top of your list if you could travel anywhere tomorrow?
HM: I have so many places on my list, but I would really love to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl”, and Africa feels like the ultimate adventure. I would love to climb Kilimanjaro, for example, although it’s pretty expensive. Or maybe Everest base camp? Or India, China or Japan!? There are too many places left to see.
CT: If you had to sum up Icelanders in three words, what would they be?
HM: We have a popular saying in Iceland: “Þetta Reddast!”, which means “everything will be ok”. So I think we’re optimistic. I’d say we’re also friendly, or welcoming – I personally love showing people the country I’m proud to live in. Although I have friends who say there’s no way they’d have the energy! Which is typically honest – I’d say honesty as the third word.
CT: Final question. Do you really like eating hákarl (the Icelandic delicacy of fermented shark meat)?
HM: Hákarl? Yes, I love it! I was partly raised by my grandmother, and she used to give it to me as a child. And dried fish, I grew up eating that sort of thing. Put some butter on it, and it’s really good energy for hiking and camping, so I usually have some with me! I can eat chunks of hákarl like M&Ms!
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.