Recently I travelled with a group of around forty girls to Iceland for a school trip, which I will remember to be a ‘trip to remember’. Whilst travelling around Iceland I learnt that it is one of those ‘must go before I die’ places. I was struck by the number of volcanoes in every direction, the few animals and trees no taller then ones knee. The few lucky girls who attended this trip will have breathtaking sights embedded into their memories.

We were further lucky enough to meet our peers at an Icelandic school. We compared each others’ schools and theirs’ easily won: no uniform; common rooms for all years; teachers from famous bands and the best of all – they don’t have to wear shoes around school. For some this meeting was the beginning of a pen pal friendship and for others new friends for face book. However, all the girls agreed the school and sights were not the highlight of the trip. The naturally heated, sandy surfaced, foggy mist Blue Lagoon was a clear favourite. This geothermal spa is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. We bathed in warm waters of more than 40 degrees centigrade, which are so rich in minerals they help people suffering from skin diseases such as psoriasis. We witnessed such natural marvels as icecaps, glaciers, geysers, volcanoes, rivers, waterfalls and whales just offshore. Such an intensive geographical onslaught on my brain that I would never have imagined could be so exhilarating.

The whirlwind of intensive sightseeing left us all thoroughly exhausted every night. As the trip came to an end we were not only exhausted but also sad to be leaving. We had come to Iceland expecting a fun trip with our friends and teachers, but left having witnessed such wonders of Mother Nature, which we never thought possible. I hope you will be lucky enough to witness this trip of a lifetime.

I recommend a visit to Iceland and hope that you too visit this wonderful country with is natural winter wonderland and, even by having half as much fun as we did, a trip to remember!