I visited two bucket list countries in just five days — for less than £300

Packing was a nightmare.

The temperature between the two countries I was visiting, Iceland and Canada, varied by almost 20C, and I only had one bag to lug between three airports in five days. 

Cue me Googling ‘what is a capsule wardrobe?’ in the days leading up to my flight.

I was about to embark on an epic adventure from Iceland to Canada, a route offered by low-cost Icelandic airline, PLAY, for just £280.

A two and a half hour flight from London Stansted took me to Keflavik International Airport, which sits around an hour outside of Reykjavik. 

From there, we caught a Flybus, a shuttle to the city’s main bus terminal. Tickets cost just £22 for the 45 minute journey.

Iceland was cold, even in the summer. And it looked it too: offering almost a middle Earth landscape where mountains guard the horizon as the temperature settled at 6C.

But as the bitter wind wrapped around me, I was too exhausted to think, and desperately needed a soak in a hot bath. Luckily, I was in the right country. 

Located at the edge of Hvalfjörður, a fjord in Southwest Iceland and just 45 minutes away from the capital, eight different sized hot springs sizzle.

The family owned Hvammsvik Hot Springs is only two years old, and sits in a space of Icelandic history. Back in 1941, there were over 25,000 British troops on Iceland, and the hot springs were taken over as the British naval headquarters in Iceland. 

The geo-pools ranged from 38 to 42C and also lap into the Atlantic ocean, which washes away any dirt and grime, so no matter how many times you visit, you’ve never sat in the same waters twice. 

As I was only spending 24 hours in the country, the next day I was up bright and early to see the sites, namely the famous church I’d seen so many pictures of before: Hallgrímskirkja. This Evangelical-Lutheran church is an embodiment of Scandinavian architecture, and just called me inside. Little did I know it also offered a panoramic view of the city. 

Time just flew by, and after splashing out on a pair of a very much needed authentic Icelandic gloves (I’m now ready for British winter) and munching through an array of pastries, my 24 hours were up – and I had a plane to catch to Canada.

Although PLAY offers a stay in Iceland for up to 10 days at no extra charge, I was on a mission to travel to two continents in one week, and had to limit my time in Iceland. I can’t wait to go back to this gorgeous city – one day was not enough to take in the sites and try the (eye-watering expensive) cuisine.

With PLAY, I flew to Hamilton, just outside Toronto. I was taken aback by how spacious North America was, just miles and miles of land, and I immediately noticed the sudden amount of heat on my skin – a balmy 25C. Iceland started to feel like a dream.

It was here that the jet lag slowly began to creep up on me. I wanted to take a long shower and watch some TV while ordering a takeout – but I needed to see the city. 

Sitting just a stone’s throw away from the airport was the Warplane Heritage Museum, that costs $16 (£12) for adults to enter and $11 (£9) for children. Here, 47 military jets and propeller-driven aircrafts sit on display – with a flying collection that also performs at air shows. 

In a heartwarming twist, our tour guide, Mike, told us of names he had found inscribed inside one of the planes, which had once carried paratroopers to Normandy on D-Day on June 6 1944. He’d managed to find the ancestors of said paratroopers through their signatures alone.

Later, dinner was at Ancaster Mill, a chic but rustic restaurant located next to a babbling creek. Their seasonal cuisine was rich and welcoming, but it was the dessert which had me dreaming – a lemon and lavender crème brûlée which was the perfect mixture of sweet and creamy. Main courses here range from $26 for smoked baba ghanoush to $69 for beef tenderloin.

After that long trip, I was looking forward to heading to Toronto, just an hour away, and a city that has long been on my bucket list.

I began the two day whirlwind with improv comedy at The Second City, where tickets begin from $29 (£22). Naturally, going to the famous Second City comedy club meant I could see where Canadian legends such as Eugene Levy and Tina Fey began their careers. The skits were funny – but perhaps I’m more Peep Show oriented, and the comedy wasn’t really up my street.

On the final day of my two continent trip, I began with a 15km bike tour around the islands of Toronto. It was my first time riding a bike in 16 years, and I had to cycle through downtown Toronto before hopping on a ferry to the islands. I was terrified. 

Cycling throughout the city, and looking around, I began to feel that Toronto echoed the hallmarks of London, with vast sky rises and Starbucks on every corner.

Thankfully, I survived and made it to Toronto Island Park, made up of several Islands, with the most popular including Ward’s Island, Centre Island and Hanlan’s Point.

Luckily for me, I had a guide with Toronto Bicycle Tours (at $99 per adult), so I didn’t have the panic of being lost and re-learning how to ride a bike a the same time.

Compared to the hustle of the city, the islands were more quiet, full of greenery and a great way to take a breather from the looming skyscrapers while still being to admire them in the background. The islands are also the largest car-free community in North America, and the air felt fresh. We were close enough to see the shimmering city lights, but far enough to appreciate not feeling so overwhelmed.

Back in the city, Toronto is known for its famous CN Tower, that dares people to scale it’s vast height and walk along its edge. I decided I couldn’t say no. Tickets to do the edge walk start at $199 (£152) or you can get admission to the tower from $45 (£35).

At a dazzling height of 365m, just hours after seeing the tower from afar, I was sky high, leaning off the edge with nothing but a harness to hold me on. It was a thrill. It was terrifying. I would not do it again.

The tour was coming to an end and there was only one thing left to do. Eat my way through the indoor, two level St Lawrence Market that sells fresh fish, meat, and cheese. From world-famous sandwiches, to dipping blackberries in mustard, the Canadian food was rich and abundant – just like this trip.

Three cities, two continents, in five days. I was exhausted. There were times when I couldn’t wait to get home and put my feet up.

But, when I was back on my sofa – and after sleeping for 16 hours straight – I missed the adventure of it all. It had been a ‘now or never’ holiday – if I missed out on a site or activity, that was it.

I was forced to be in the present, enjoying myself and the scenery, and soon, I forgot how knackering the trip had been. Would I do it again? 100%.  

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