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My first visit to Iceland was back in February of 2017 and tourism was booming then and even more so now, so I’m not surprised by the amount of people taking advantage of a 24 hour layover before continuing to their final destination. I loved my time in Iceland so much that I did just that a few months later on the way to Paris. This was my first time experiencing a 24 layover anywhere and since my time was limited, I made sure to put in that work to research exactly what I wanted to do. Headed to Iceland on a layover soon and not sure what to do? No worries – here are some of my suggestions to make the most of your time in the Land of Fire & Ice.

First, I want to note that I would encourage you to rent a car/truck – depending on the season. With only 24 hours, tours will limit what you can see but if you’re headed there in the winter and nervous about the ever-changing weather, booking an all day tour will work too. While you can make Reykjavik your home base (this will be your ideal location if you decide to book a tour), I personally would suggest staying local to Keflavik Airport. I like the Grindavik area but there are a lot of other surrounding towns that will work as well.

  1. Snorkeling Silfra – This has to be one of the best experiences I’ve ever had during my travels. Silfra is one of the top dive sites in the world and situated in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thingvellir. Silfra is a freshwater fissure about 200 feet deep, where you can almost see end to end as the water is so clear. It’s also one of the few places where you can dive or float between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, which are gradually drifting farther apart. The experience is cold, beautiful and one of a kind. I went with snorkeling in a drysuit but you can also dive. You can read more about my experience HERE and check out a short video I captured on my GoPro HERE. 
  2. Visiting the Blue Lagoon – I love, love, love the Blue Lagoon. Is it touristy? YES but who cares. It’s beautiful and so relaxing… oh, and they have a swim up bar! There’s also a ton of add-on services such as spa amenities, in water massages and 2 separate spots to grab some food. I would say to either do this at the very beginning of the day or at the end of your busy day to wind down. 
  3. Northern Lights Tour – If your layover happens to be between September and April, this would be a great way to end your evening before catching your flight the next morning. There is never a guarantee that you will see them, but chasing them is thrilling and the reward if you do end up being able to see them is priceless. 
  4. Drive the Golden Circle – This is the perfect driving route when you do not have much time to explore. You will be able to visit Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfose Waterfall and Kerid Crater. 
  5. Explore Southern Iceland – If you chose this route, it will take all day but it will be worth it. The southern part of Iceland has to be my favorite. You will be able to visit Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Skógafoss Waterfall, Sólheimajökull Glacier, Black Sand Beach and the village of Vik. 

If you decide that taking a tour is better for you, click HERE to checkout my favorite tours. I’m partial to the tour company mentioned in that post because I booked multiple tours with them during my first visit there but you can also check out TripAdvisor and Viator to see others that people recommend. You may have also noticed I left out exploring Reykavik. With only 24 hours, I personally would say skip it as you can always do that on a later trip. While the downtown is nice, the restaurants and bars are very expensive and in my opinion, you can spend your limited time there doing something more thrilling.

A 24 hour layover isn’t for the faint of heart but it’s a great way to get out there and experience a little bit of a place that you always wanted to visit – so to me, it’s totally worth it.

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This post may contain referral/affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own.

Box of Style by The Zoe Report is a seasonal subscription box curated by The Zoe Report Editor-in-Chief, Rachel Zoe and her team of editors. This subscription box ships out 4 times a year and contains an assortment of at least 5 full-sized fashion, beauty and lifestyle products that can be styled together or worn on their own.

This seasons box is valued at $515.00!

Here’s a look at the Spring 2019 box.

The Stylish Staple: Chan Luu Silk Scarf, Exclusive, Retail Value $125

The Stackable Statements: Michelle Campbell Gold Talon Bracelet Set, Retail Value $215

The Feel-Good Fashion: Tribe Alive Leather Clutch, Exclusive, Retail Value $78

The Gold Standard: Edible Beauty Gold Rush Eye Balm, Retail Value $61

The Skin Smoother: Skin Gym Rose Quartz Heart Gua Sha, Retail Value $32

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This is by far one of my favorite boxes they have come out with. Each item is something I have already put to use while the Gold Rush Eye Balm & Skin Smoother have become part of my weekly beauty routine.

The Box of Style retails for $99.99 per season and past boxes have included brands such as Mara Hoffman, Too Faced, Toyshop and La Mer.

Click HERE to check out this seasons box and use promo code PEARLS25 for $25 off.

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As a beauty lover, I am constantly trying out new skin care products. Face masks are something I try to incorporate into my nightly routine twice a week – sometimes more. While I do have some favorites that are constant staples in my rotation, these are my current favorites!

[ Clockwise starting from top left ]

  1. Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask $58 – I have sensitive skin, so I only use this once a week but it’s an incredible product. Instead of using it as a traditional face mask, I use it more as a exfoliating treatment. I apply to skin and rub gently for about 60-90 seconds. It helps even the appearance of skin tone, smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles. While the price point is a little on the higher side, a little goes a long way and this will last you.
  2. Garnier Moisture Bomb Sheet Mask $3 – This is one of my favorite drugstore face masks! At only $3 each, it’s priced great, but best of all – this leaves your skin so smooth and moisturized! It’s also water based which I love.
  3. Glow Recipe Watermelon Sleeping Mask $22 – The scent alone will make you want to purchase this – it smells soon yummy. I’m a big fan of Korean Beauty and this product is a must in my opinion. It can be used two ways: a wash off mask + a sleeping mask. I use it only as a sleeping mask and it’s light weight and super hydrating.
  4. Derma-E Charcoal Mask $20 – This is one of my favorite Charcoal Masks. I have sensitive skin so I like to only leave on for only 2-3 minutes and then I wash off. My face instantly feels cleaner and glows.
  5. When Travelmate Sheet Mask $7 – Travelmate is a bio-cellulose mask with sheet made from coconuts. As soon as you open the package you will see that there is serious serum overload which I love! My skin is instantly hydrated and rejuvenated. If you are a Costco member, they offer a fantastic variety pack for only like $20 which is awesome.
  6. Boscia Luminizing Black Mask $34 – This peel off mask is my go to. It is filled with powerful antioxidants like Activated Charcoal and Vitamin C. After removing my skin feels tight, pore minimized and leaves my face fresh and clean.
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Snorkeling in Iceland? Yup, you heard that right!

My second trip to Iceland was a quick 24 hour layover so I wanted to have a set plan of what to do with my time there. I already did the main touristy things on my first trip there like Black Sand Beach, exploring downtown Reykavik and the Golden Circle so I wanted to try so something new. This trip was also different in the sense that I was actually not traveling with my son, which is rare, so it allowed me to have more options on what we could do since there are certain things that are not toddler/kid friendly… like Snorkeling Silfra!

Silfra is one of the top dive sites in the world and situated in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thingvellir, only about 30 miles from Reykjavik. Silfra is a freshwater fissure about 200 feet deep, where you can almost see end to end as the water is so clear. It’s also one of the only places where you can dive or float between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, which are gradually drifting farther apart.

I booked my tour with Adventure Vikings online through the site GetLocal. When we landed in Iceland we drove straight to Thingvellir to meet our guides. We were exhausted! Iceland is only a 6 hour flight from NJ – add in barely sleeping on the plane and that 5 hour time change and we were sleep deprived but nothing that touching that cold ice water, 35°F year round to be exact, couldn’t help.

While you can free dive in a wet suit, we decided to go with the dry suit. Click HERE to read about the difference between the two. The dry suit allows you to float on the surface but best of all, it keeps you dry & warm.

Snorkeling in Iceland turned out to be one of the most incredible experiences I have had while traveling. You quickly forget how cold it is outside when you stick your face in the water and the visibility seems endless with bright hues of blue and green surrounding you. Even though I was one of the first in our group to enter the water, somehow I was the last to reach the end. I was just in awe of the experience that I lost track of time and floated most of the way taking everything in. The water of Silfra is not only the clearest but the purest and that is why you are encouraged to take a sip while snorkeling. I did and it was so refreshing!

Snorkeling in Iceland is quite a unique experience… one I highly recommend.

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With Christmas only a week away, I wanted to share some of my favorite things that I think would be perfect for the special lady in your life!

1. What’s better than beautiful flowers? …beautiful flowers that last 1+ years! MILA Maison Des Rose creates gorgeous arrangements of all sizes and colors (& price points!) and these bloooms not only smell incredible but they last so long. Why spend $100+ on roses that will last a week when you can get a bouquet that will stay beautiful for at least a year. This is the ultimate gift that keeps on giving.

2. If you have been following me for a while, then you know my love for IT Cosmetics. This new limited edition bush set includes your 5 essential full-size, ultra-plush brushes for your face and eyes—plus a bonus travel case that carries them in style!

3. I’m a sucker for gorgeous lippie sets. This limited-edition wardrobe of five mini ModernMatte Powder Lipsticks, from Shiseido, comes housed in a deluxe container for the holidays. This creamy, non-drying formula transforms into a weightless powder that wraps lips in velvety, matte pigment. Perfect set for the beauty lover in your life.

4. Thoughtfully is one of my favorite sites to pick up gifts on! This gift set includes 7 deliciously sweet champagne toppers to add a fun twist to everyone’s favorite bubbly beverage. Sunday brunch, Saturday night, Wednesday afternoon? Any time is a great time to pop champagne!

5. I have featured a Peter Thomas Roth set on the last 3 years of gift guides – that’s because they make some of the best skincare products. Multi-mask on the go with the Insta-Mask Kit, featuring three travel sizes of your favorite Peter Thomas Roth masks!

6. For this festive season, Amo Ferragamo sparkles with a ‘shiny black&gold’ dress code inspired by the most glamorous outfit of the year, made of luxurious studs. Inside, the iconic floral oriental fragrance eau de parfum.

7. I love a classic but fun beauty set and Too Faced makes some of the best! While you can’t go wrong by gifting any of there products, this Tutti Frutti Christmas Fruit Cake Kit is a winner for me. The perfect Tutti Frutti Christmas collection of deluxe Juicy Fruits Lip Glaze, Fresh Squeezed Highlighting Drops, and Pineapple Paradise Strobing Bronzer Highlighting Duo all in an exclusive fruit cake makeup bag!

8. I’m a sucker for subscription boxes. What I love about Box of Style is that it truly is the one subscription box that WOWs every time. Coveted seasonal finds by Rachel Zoe, this is the the ultimate luxury fashion and beauty subscription delivered four times per year. A one time purchase or a year subscription – either will be a hit this holiday season. Click HERE to get more information on the subscription and use promo code: PEARLS15 for $15 off!