"Where would I travel based on my MBTI personality?"
In this blog series ‘MBTI Travel’ discover different cities around the globe that suits your personality and travel style (and possibly gets into your bucket list). Let’s start the journey!
Disclaimer: The article is written based on the personality traits according to Myers Briggs Personality Test.
By Jessica Tiera Sylvian
Save the best for the last – being the last place on earth to be discovered by human, Iceland plays a part in the world history and opens its door to the rest of the world. More than just seeing the Northern Lights, sit back and discover Iceland’s tranquil natural beauty.
INFJ (Advocates) – Vik, Iceland
Why vik?
Balance is key – while traveling with a group of friends excites you, Advocates need some downtime to recharge. Small in size with calming sceneries, Vik is perfect for Advocates to walk around and have your relaxing ‘me time’.
Where to go in Vik?
- Reynisfjara
Not your ordinary white sandy beach, this world-famous black sand beach is listed as one of the best non-tropical beaches by National Geographic.
Living up to its name as the country of Fire and Ice, the black sand was formed when hot molten lava from volcanic eruption gets to North Atlantic’s freezing cold ocean water. This creates rock formation surrounding the area called basalt columns, and in time creates fine black sand.
Promising a breathtaking view all year long, you can visit Reynisfjara any time during the year. If you are planning to take a stroll along the beach, plan your visit either early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and high tides.
Fun fact: did you know that Disney’s ‘Frozen II’ movie setting is inspired from Reynisfjara’s black sand beach?
- Dyrhólaey
While you are in the south coast of Iceland, never miss the chance to visit the southernmost point of the country. Dyrhólaey, translates to ‘door hill island’, is located close to Reynisfjara and was once a volcanic-origin island before joining the mainland.
Dyrhólaey’s 120-meter promenade rock arch is the most recognisable attraction for it’s unique arch shape. Walk on top of the arch and enjoy the staggering view of Iceland’s south coast including Reynisfjara’s black sand beaches, waves of the Atlantic ocean, and distant mountain scapes.
Visit around May-September and spot Iceland’s winged resident in the area, the Atlantic Puffins. But keep your social distance as they don’t like to be touched!
What to eat in Vik?
- Smoked Artic char
It’s not salmon, it’s not trout. Introducing another member of the Salmonidae family. Native to the Arctic lakes, Artic char was first found when Viking settlers arrived in Iceland. Bringing history to the present day, it has become a classic ingredient for Icelandic dishes.
Freshly caught, lightly smoked, and best paired with Camemberet cheese – a starter dish that guarantees a local-like tasting experience.
- Kjostupa
What’s better than a bowl of warm soup on cold winter days? Usually eaten on the first day of snow (which falls on September in Iceland!), this staple Icelandic soup is made from lamb, root vegetables such as potatoes and carrots, rice, and herbs.
How’s the weather in Vik?
Just like other Scandinavian countries, you can expect the weather in Iceland to be on the cold side throughout the year.
Summer days in Vik is not like your typical Australian summer where the temperature can soar above 40 degrees. With an average high of 16 to 20 degrees, it is considered as the warmest days here and hence become the most popular time for tourism.
Winter temperature averages from -6 to 2 degrees. Vik’s location in the southern part of Iceland means you can expect heavy rainfalls during winter.
Whether you are going during summer or winter, make sure to pack warm (and extra warm for winter)!
INTJ (Architects) – Reykjavik, Iceland
Why Reykjavik?
Architects are high in curiosity. When it comes to traveling, being solo can be a rewarding experience for you as you can adjust your travel plan according to what’s on your inquisitive mind. Believed to be the first permanent settlement of Iceland, Reykjavik tells Iceland’s history through its historical museums and sites around the city.
Where to go in Reykjavik?
- The Saga Museum
Trace back to Iceland’s important moments of history that determined the fate of Icelandic people. Bringing history to life, discover how Viking settlers made Iceland the country we know today through audio guide and life-like wax figures.
- Viðey Island
Just 5 km away or 20 minutes ferry ride from Reykjavik, the small island of Viðey brings historical architecture and modern culture to you.
Go on the hunt for one of the oldest churches in the country and Viðey House – the first ever structure built from stone.
The island is internationally known for the location of Imagine Peace Tower, designed by Yoko Ono as a tribute to her late husband – John Lennon from the Beatles. The tower lights up annually from 9th October to 8th December.
What to eat in Reykjavik?
- Reykjavik’s hot dog
When visiting Reykjavik, you can’t miss this iconic dish. Unlike American hot dogs, it’s made with a blend of lamb, pork, and beef. Although you can find this hot dog in multiple places, nothing beats the O.G – Bæjarins Beztu Pyslur.
The name says it all – The Town’s Best Hot Dogs. Serving hot dogs since 1937, this hot dog stand has gain its fame after Bill Clinton visited back in August 2004.
Order like a local, order it eina með öllu (meaning ‘one with with everything’). This includes toppings such as crispy fried onions, raw onions, pylsusinnep (sweet brown mustard), and remoulade (sauce made with mayo, capers, mustard, and herbs). The unique combination will surely make you say “one is not enough”.
- Skyr
If Greece has Greek yoghurt, then Iceland has Skyr (or should we call it Icelandic yoghurt). Thick and creamy, it’s best described as combination of yoghurt and cottage cheese. Skyr is often served with cream and tart berry jam, but locals prefer it au natural.
Fun fact: did you know that Icelandic people used to add Sykr to their hot dogs before mayo and mustard?
How’s the weather in Reykjavik?
Reykjavik’s weather is similar to Vik but with less rainfall and more windy days. Windier part of the year occurs during winter from October to April, peaking on January. With strong wind and rainfall during winter, make sure to take your raincoats, windbreakers, and umbrellas with you.
Not sure when to visit Iceland? Explore Iceland while you’re on exchange and discover the beauty of Iceland’s warm summer and snowy winter.
Iceland exchange partner university: University of Iceland
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UNSW Commerce (International) Society 