KEFfest!!!!
 

With all our gratitude to notsosmart, many of us have taken advantage of a deal on cheaptickets.com to book JFK/BWI to KEF this summer. Assuming these tickets will indeed be honored, I propose we post our Itineraries here, find some common dates, and plan some activities. KEF is very expensive, so some pooling of resources/transportation may allow us to enjoy this city on a modest budget.

I for one would be interested in the Blue Lagoon spa.

My itinerary is as follows:
18 JUN FI614 JFK-KEF Seat 32C

Tentative Hotel: Hotel Loftleidir $125/night (Booked by calling IcelandAir reservations desk and providing my itinerary)
21 JUN FI615 KEF-JFK No Seat *overbooked!

Can anyone spot me in the UA or BA lounge at JFK? :)

I am booked for outbound on the 18th, seat 20F, returning on the 23rd, seat 22E. JFK-KEF. No hotel booked yet, will figure that one out tomorrow night, once the tickets are confirmed.

Given the cost I would be happy to share a room with someone to help reduce costs, barring that I may do the hostel thing :)

I am now confirmed as well. Booked a room at the Adam's hostel for $80 USD a night.

OK, I'm on the JFK outbound with both of you above, 6/18, and returning with Mapleleaf on the 23rd. (unconfirmed)

No seats on the outbound, 19AB on the return.

Update: I'm confirmed!

Assuming it all works, my schedule is

18JUN FI614 JFK-KEF Seat 28C
21JUN FI615 KEF-JFK Seat 34D

I would probably do the youth hostel thing (on a grad student budget...). I am interested in Reykjavik itself, the Blue Lagoon, and some of the countryside. Ah, the fun of planning a trip! :)

I will probably take a bus from Boston to NYC in the morning of the 18th and determine some way to get back to Boston either in the evening of the 21st or the morning of the 22nd.

Alex

6/26 to 7/1

Mrs. Gaugeguy and I are scheduled for

Icelandair 614
Depart Sat., Jun. 19, 2004 New York, NY - U.S. (JFK) 08:50 pm
Arrive Sun., Jun. 20, 2004 Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF) 06:20 am
Seat 33C, 33B

Icelandair 615
Depart Tue., Jun. 22, 2004 Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF) 04:40 pm
Arrive Tue., Jun. 22, 2004 New York, NY - U.S. (JFK) 06:40 pm
Seat N/A

We are looking forward to meeting all of you and exploring Iceland!

Girlfriend and myself leaving 6/26 returning 6/30...

Edited to add: from JFK...

Mrs INGY and I arrive 6/30, Depart 7/4. Guesthouse101 $103 US CASH

Just found a free guide to Iceland at http://www.icelandtouristboard.com/order.html .

I am booked on both 6/18-21 JFK-KEF and 6/19-6/23 BWI-KEF (booked before I knew that the deal works from BWI also), but will most likely take the BWI-KEF flight.

OK am I understanding that even a hostel is 80.00 USD a night? Scary! I m asumimg that is a private room at a hostel which is still a lot of money.

I am flying from JFK on 06/19 and returning 06/22. Sitting in 31C outbound and 31E (ick) return but at least I have seat assignments, unlike some people.

It is late now but tomorrow I want to find more info on the summer solstice party.

I also need to find cheap accomodation. Ok folks, start posting what you find as far as hotel. I'll do some research as well tomorrow.

I looked at the International Booking Network site for Hosteling International, which I frequently use, and they list 1600 krona for a dorm bed ($US22) or 6400 krona for a 2 bed room ($87). You generally need a membership (you might be able to pay a surcharge for a single visit, but need to verify that with the hostel directly).

From its web site:

Reykjavik Hostel is perfectly located in the City, in the Laugardalur area . LAUGAR, the largest swimming and spa centre in Reykjavik is just adjacent to the Hostel and all the biggest Sport's facilities in Reykjavik are within walking distance. Close by there are supermarkets, banks, restaurants and a pharmacy. It is possible to purchase a number of tours at the hostel, both long and short. For most trips, there is a complementary pick-up service at the hostel. The staff at the hostel also provide information on other youth hostels in Iceland as well as assistance with booking.
The Flybus from International Airport in Keflavik brings you upon request to the hostel in about an hour. Cost 1100 ikr ($US15).

Here's the booking site and you can bring up the Reykjavik hostel quite easily:
http://www.yhabooking.com/ibnpub/english/index.asp

Tom:

Thanks for that... gave them a call in Reykjavik and set up a reservation.

I booked Adams Hostel at hostels.com. Right downtown, breakfast included - looks pretty good :)

It was confirmed online within minutes of submitting the request. Single and Double rooms were available. If any other single traveller wants to double up on a room, happy to do so and lower the cost.

For anyone who is interested, I'm keeping a table of everyone who's acknowledged buying tickets with this deal. It ought to help with get togethers and other randomly curious information.

You can find it by clicking this link. :)

It looks like I'll be there with Mrs. Xyzzy and our two kids (5 & 7) 6/26->7/1.