Iceland on a Budget: How Indian Travelers Can Save Thousands of Rupees on Food
Welcome to myicelandtrip.com! Planning your Iceland adventure? Prepare for landscapes that will steal your breath and prices that might steal your wallet! The cost of food in this stunning European country can be astronomical, easily costing ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per person for a single meal. But don't worry, there's a simple, delicious solution straight from our Indian kitchens!
For your 8-night trip whether you're on a self drive or a group tour we've cracked the code on how to save money effectively. This guide details exactly which Indian essentials from Ready-to-Eat (RTE) meals to Thepla to pack, ensuring your budget stays focused on the Blue Lagoon and the sights outside Reykjavik, not staggering restaurant bills. We guarantee this hack will help you significantly save on food cost.
The Travel-Smart Food Inventory (8 Nights)
Since your hotel provides breakfast, your mission is to cover 8 lunches and 8 dinners. By having snacks for lunch and Ready-to-Eat meals for dinner, you can easily save ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per person, per day, helping you stretch your travel money further in Iceland.
1. Dinner: Hot & Hearty Meals (8 Servings)
- RTE Vegetarian Pouches (5 pouches): These are the core of your dinner plan. Pack fully cooked, foil-pouch curries like Dal Makhani, Rajma, or Chhole. Brands like Haldiram's or MTR are excellent for Indian travelers seeking convenience. This Ready-to-Eat solution is perfect after a long day of self drive touring the South Coast.
- Instant Noodle/Pasta Packs (3-4 packs): For nights when you're exhausted, these flat packets of instant noodles are quick alternatives.
- Comfort Essentials: Pack enough Instant Chai Mix (around 10-12 packets). Also, include small zip-lock bags of your essential spices (Garam Masala, Red Chili Powder) and a securely sealed mini-jar of pickle. This touch of home flavour is priceless in Europe.
2. Lunch & Power Snacks (Daily Fuel)
- Thepla & Khakhra (Base): Pack plenty of Thepla (around 18-20 pieces) and two packets of Khakhra. These dry flatbreads are your cheap, high-energy substitutes for expensive Icelandic sandwiches, perfect for quick lunches on the road in Iceland.
- Dry Fruits (750g - 1kg total): This is your most valuable energy source. A mix of Almonds, Cashews, and Raisins provides sustained energy and healthy fats needed for the cold. It's a great way to save money on pricey packaged snacks.
- Biscuits: Include a couple of large packets of durable biscuits both savory (like KrackJack) and simple sweet ones (like Parle-G). They are much cheaper than buying equivalent packaged items in Reykjavik.
- Namkeen/Chivda: One large bag of a dry mixture (Chivda or Farsan) for essential salty, crunchy snacking.
The Critical Space-Saving Strategy
To stay comfortably within your airline's 23 kg baggage limit and maximize space, you must eliminate bulky packaging before you leave India. This is the ultimate cost-cutting, space-saving hack for your Iceland trip!
1. Discard the Boxes
The cardboard boxes for Ready-to-Eat pouches, biscuits, and tea bags take up significant volume. Remove the sealed inner pouches and packets and recycle the boxes at home.
2. Use Zip-Lock Bags
Transfer all your dry snacks, biscuits, dry fruits, and spices into large, heavy-duty zip-lock bags. These bags are flexible and can be squeezed to remove air, allowing you to compress and fit the food into every available corner of your suitcase. This compression helps you save significant luggage space.
On-The-Ground Cost-Saving Tips in Iceland, Europe
Even with your food stash, smart shopping is key to making your self drive or group tour more affordable:
Always Prioritize a Kitchenette
Since you are relying on RTE dinners, booking an accommodation with a microwave or stove in areas like Reykjavik is non-negotiable. This is the only way to successfully execute your cost-effective dinner plan.
Shop at Bónus
When you need to supplement your packed food, the budget supermarket Bónus (the pink pig) is the cheapest option in Iceland. Avoid tourist-trap stores like 10-11 at all costs.
Drink the Tap Water
Icelandic tap water is famously pure and safe to drink everywhere. Never buy bottled water. Carry a reusable bottle and fill it up from any tap to save hundreds of Rupees daily.
Sample 8-Day Food Plan
Here's how your meals might look throughout your Iceland adventure:
Days 1-2:
- Breakfast: Hotel breakfast (included)
- Lunch: Thepla with pickle + dry fruits + biscuits
- Dinner: RTE Dal Makhani with instant rice + chai
Days 3-4:
- Breakfast: Hotel breakfast (included)
- Lunch: Khakhra + namkeen + cashews
- Dinner: RTE Rajma with bread from Bónus + chai
Days 5-6:
- Breakfast: Hotel breakfast (included)
- Lunch: Thepla + dry fruits + biscuits
- Dinner: Instant noodles/pasta + chai
Days 7-8:
- Breakfast: Hotel breakfast (included)
- Lunch: Khakhra + namkeen + almonds
- Dinner: RTE Chhole with rice + chai
What You'll Save
Let's do the math on your savings:
Without this strategy:
- Lunch in Iceland: ₹1,500-₹2,000 per person
- Dinner in Iceland: ₹2,000-₹3,000 per person
- Total per day: ₹3,500-₹5,000
- 8 days: ₹28,000-₹40,000 per person
With this strategy:
- Cost of packed food from India: ₹3,000-₹5,000 total
- Occasional supplements from Bónus: ₹2,000-₹3,000
- Total for 8 days: ₹5,000-₹8,000 per person
Your savings: ₹20,000-₹32,000 per person!
That's enough money to add an extra excursion like a glacier hike, Northern Lights tour, or Blue Lagoon visit!
Packing Tips for Airport Security
To avoid any issues at customs or security:
- Pack all food items in your checked luggage, not carry-on
- Keep everything sealed and clearly labeled
- Avoid fresh fruits, vegetables, or dairy products
- Dry, packaged foods are generally allowed
- Keep pickle jars tightly sealed and wrapped in plastic bags
Additional Money-Saving Tips
Beyond food, here are more ways to stretch your Iceland budget:
Book Accommodations with Kitchen Facilities
Look for guesthouses, Airbnbs, or hotels with kitchenettes. This small detail makes all the difference for your RTE meal strategy.
Fill Up at Free Breakfast
Most Iceland hotels offer substantial breakfast buffets. Eat well in the morning to reduce hunger during the day.
Pack Reusable Containers
Bring small containers to store opened snacks and keep food fresh throughout your trip.
Time Your Restaurant Visits
If you do want to try Icelandic cuisine, go for lunch instead of dinner - prices are often 30-40% lower for the same dishes.
What to Try in Iceland (Budget-Friendly)
While you're saving money with packed meals, don't miss these affordable Icelandic experiences:
- Hot dog from Bæjarins Beztu: Famous Reykjavik hot dog stand (₹400-₹500)
- Skyr from Bónus: Traditional Icelandic yogurt (₹100-₹150)
- Bakery pastries: Fresh baked goods from local bakeries (₹200-₹400)
- Gas station coffee: Surprisingly good and affordable (₹150-₹250)
Why This Strategy Works
This food-packing approach is perfect for Indian travelers because:
- Familiar flavors: Enjoy home-cooked taste while traveling
- Dietary preferences: Ensure vegetarian options are always available
- Massive savings: Redirect money to experiences, not expensive meals
- Convenience: No need to search for restaurants after long days of sightseeing
- Energy: Proper nutrition keeps you energized for adventures
Final Thoughts
By adopting this smart packing method, you ensure that every kilogram in your luggage is productive, saving you thousands of Rupees and guaranteeing a taste of India throughout your magnificent journey across Iceland, Europe.
Iceland's beauty lies in its landscapes, not its restaurant menus. By bringing your own food, you're not missing out - you're being smart. You'll have more money for the experiences that truly matter: glacier hikes, Northern Lights tours, hot spring visits, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
Remember, the goal isn't to avoid Icelandic culture - it's to make your trip affordable and comfortable. You can still try local specialties occasionally while keeping your overall food costs manageable.
Ready to Save on Your Iceland Adventure?
At Travelstoriis, we understand that budget-conscious travel doesn't mean compromising on experiences. Our Iceland packages are designed to maximize value while ensuring you see all the incredible sights this country has to offer.
👉 Planning your Iceland trip? Visit myicelandtrip.com for more money-saving tips and curated tour packages that help you experience Iceland without breaking the bank!
Pack smart, travel smart, and let Iceland's natural wonders be the highlight of your journey - not the restaurant bills. 🌍✨
