Chasing the Northern Lights – A Journey Through Iceland
For Montubua Vasser-Smith, a semi-retired physician, travel is more than a pastime—it's a declaration of gratitude for her health, freedom, and curiosity. “I want to see as much of the world as I can while I have my physical and mental health,” she shared. That sense of urgency and appreciation recently led her to a place that had long been etched on her bucket list: Iceland.
Why Iceland?
Like many travelers who feel called to the icy landscapes of the north, Montubua was drawn by a singular phenomenon—the Northern Lights. “The intensity and movement of the lights was captivating,” she recalled, “an experience I’ll forever cherish.”
Their journey began with meticulous planning that started three months in advance—though the dream had been building for over a year. Traveling with a close friend and colleague, Montubua set off for a 9-day adventure, split between a guided tour and independent exploration.
The Itinerary: Guided Tours and Local Wandering
For the first leg of their adventure, Montubua and her travel partner joined a five-day guided tour through Globus Iceland Tours, which provided lodging, meals, and a seasoned guide who enriched every stop with local knowledge.
The second leg was self-directed: four days of exploring Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital and largest city, and its surroundings. During this leg of the trip they leaned on internet research and tips from past travelers.
Navigating Iceland did come with a small twist: the only rental car available was manual. Montubua doesn’t drive stick—but thankfully her travel partner did, saving them from a potential hiccup. “If she hadn’t, I would’ve had to call the rental agency directly. I couldn’t figure out how to request an automatic online,” Montubua noted. This may be useful to remember should you ever decide to undertake a similar trip.
Stay & Style
The duo chose the Courtyard by Marriott near Keflavik Airport as their home base during the self-guided portion of their trip. Familiar and dependable, it mirrored the comfort of its American counterparts. Reykjavik, largely walkable, was easy to navigate by foot, and their rental car gave them the freedom to explore beyond the city.
Moments That Moved Her
When asked about her top experiences, Montubua didn’t hesitate:
Seeing the Northern Lights—twice.
Relaxing at the Sky Lagoon, which she described as “less congested and even more beautiful than the famous Blue Lagoon.” With an infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic and a serene sauna with the same ocean view, it became a personal highlight.
Diamond Beach, where ice chunks scattered across black sand made for a surreal and breathtaking sight.
A Taste of Iceland
As a lover of fine cuisine, Montubua delighted in Iceland’s lamb and seafood dishes. “I didn’t have a single meal that disappointed my tastebuds,” she said with a smile. And the locals? “Impeccably kind and helpful. Their English was excellent—even in the countryside.”
Budgeting and Tips
Her total trip expenses were around $5,000, with no unexpected costs—which speaks to their thoughtful planning.
What Would She Do Different
If she could go back and change one thing? “I would’ve flown first class,” she admitted. “The flight from Charlotte to Keflavik wasn’t long, but it was cramped and uncomfortable. It would’ve been worth the extra cost.”
Top Recommendation
Montubua’s top recommendation: Sky Lagoon over Blue Lagoon for travelers seeking a more tranquil, luxurious soak.
Looking Ahead
As someone steadily checking off destinations from her bucket list, Montubua already has her sights set on Amsterdam, Roatan, and Jordan. Stateside, she’s dreaming of San Francisco.
Sequoia’s Takeaway
At Sequoia, we love sharing stories like Montubua’s because they reflect something deeper than travel: intentional living. Our clients inspire us every day—not just with their financial goals, but with how they choose to spend their most valuable resource: time.
Whether it’s chasing the aurora across Iceland or soaking in a seaside lagoon, we believe in experiences that bring joy, clarity, and connection. And we’re here to help plan for them.
Let us know if you'd like us to feature your adventure next month—whether it’s local or global, your story could inspire someone else’s next unforgettable journey.
Our goal is to curate a catalog of trips that our clients can reference for inspiration and planning. If you’ve taken a trip or vacation that you’d be willing to share, please email nicodemus@sequoiaadvisorgroup.com.
