ICELAND IN WINTER

Let me tell you about Iceland in February - it's absolutely magical! We stayed at the Fosshotel Reykjavík, which was perfect for all our adventures - warm, comfy and right where we needed to be.

I can't even describe how incredible the landscape is. One minute you're passing these steaming geothermal fields that look like something from another planet, then suddenly you're standing in front of these huge waterfalls, half-frozen in time.

We did the Golden Circle tour (you know, the classic Gullfoss, Geysir, Þingvellir circuit), but honestly? The South Coast tour was my favourite - those black sand beaches and basalt columns are just stunning.

ICELANDS HIDDEN GEMS

If you go, make sure you visit the village of Vik - its black beaches were so much quieter than the famous ones, and those sea stacks rising from the ocean make for the most amazing photos. And yes! We saw the Northern Lights! Not on our first try, but the second night, there they were - this dancing green curtain across the sky. I was torn between grabbing my camera and just standing there with my jaw dropped!

February's actually one of the best times to see the lights while still having enough daylight for exploring. Just remember - layers, layers, layers! And gloves for taking photos (learned that one the hard way!). Oh, and save space in your suitcase for one of those gorgeous Icelandic wool sweaters - I practically live in mine now!