Iceland is often thought of as a travel destination for rugged outdoorsy types. Seniors who fit this description and those who don't will have no trouble finding plenty of adventure in the great outdoors. Age simply shouldn't factor into whether Iceland is the right destination, and senior tourists are anything but a rare sight throughout the country.
When deciding whether to rent a car, though, consider that driving in Iceland is hazardous and requires very good reflexes, coordination, and vigilance. Unless you are fully confident in your driving abilities, an organized tour is the safer bet.
Senior discounts are usually available at museums and other tourist attractions. Note that the retirement age for Icelanders is 67. Travelers age 65 or 66 are not normally entitled to discounts, though gatekeepers at various attractions may not be inclined to argue.
Many reliable agencies and organizations target the 50-plus market. Elderhostel (tel. 800/454-5768; www.elderhostel.org), a not-for-profit company, arranges worldwide study and adventure programs for those age 55 and over, with a few "intergenerational" trips. Elderhostel has eight first-rate tours to Iceland, from 9 to 35 days long. ElderTreks (tel. 800/741-7956 or 416/558-5000 outside North America; www.eldertreks.com) offers an 11-day small-group Iceland tour, restricted to travelers 50 and older, for around $5,000/£2,500.
Members of AARP, 601 E St. NW, Washington, DC 20049 (tel. 888/687-2277; www.aarp.org), get discounts on hotels, airfares, and car rentals. AARP and Travelocity have teamed up to create AARP Passport (www.travelocity.com/AARP/home), which can find discounted air/hotel packages in Iceland online for AARP members.
