Iceland is so much more than the Golden Circle and Northern Lights—there's a vast country that exists beyond the tourist hotspots. On this episode of Unpacked, join host Aislyn Greene as she speaks with travel writer Ali Wunderman, who has been exploring the country for more than a decade. Ali shares how to connect with authentic Icelandic culture, avoid the crowds, and discover the spots that most visitors miss. From traditional lopapeysa sweaters to remote West Fjords adventures, learn how to experience Iceland like a local.In this episode, you'll learn How to avoid crowds at Iceland's most popular destinations Why the West Fjords and East Fjords offer Iceland's most authentic experiences The cultural significance behind Iceland's tourism boom and economic recovery How to respectfully engage with Icelandic hot spring etiquette and local customsDon't miss these moments[[[[[[Meet this week's guest Ali Wunderman, travel writer for National Geographic, Vogue, and Afar, and author of an Iceland guidebookResources—Read the transcript of this episode—Read Ali's Afar.com story about off-the-beaten-path Iceland—Explore Afar's guide to Iceland—Browse Ali's Iceland guidebook—Follow Ali's travels and writing on Instagram—Explore her ex-boyfriend's Icelandic music playlist. "He often shares this with foreigners to get a deeper taste of Iceland's music beyond the stuff that makes it to the USA," Ali says.Where to StayFind your dream Icelandic hotelWhere to Eat, Drink, and shopShop for traditional Icelandic sweaters at the Handknitting Association of IcelandEat Icelandic cuisine at Dill restaurant (Iceland's first Michelin star)Try local Thai restaurants (a surprising Iceland specialty)Eat the famous hamburger with fries inside at Leirunesti in AkureyriActivitiesHorseback riding with EldhestarSheep herding during réttir season (September)Iceland Airwaves Music Festival (November)Þorrablót winter festivals (January)West Fjords photography expeditionsHighland four-wheel-drive adventuresBonus Opportunity: What's one tricky travel topic you want us to unpack? Send us a voice message here, for a chance to weigh in and be featured in an upcoming episode.Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us.Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices