I'd love to visit Iceland but am I just a cash cow?

I'd love to visit Iceland but am I just a cash cow? (3 minute read)<br><br>As someone who has always been fascinated by Iceland's stunning landscapes, hot springs, and the Northern Lights, I recently booked a trip there with my partner. But as I started to delve deeper into the planning process, I couldn't help but feel like I was being treated as nothing more than a cash cow. Every aspect of the trip, from booking a rental car to finding accommodations, seemed to have an exorbitant cost attached to it. The lack of transparency in pricing also added to my frustration, making it difficult for me to grasp the full cost of each service.<br><br>The more I learned, the more I felt that the Icelandic tourism industry was taking advantage of visitors, making it impractical and unethical for me to proceed with my original plans. So, I cancelled my trip.<br><br>**Costly Car Rentals**<br><br>One of the most shocking expenses was car rental. A 4x4 vehicle, required for exploring the country's rugged terrain, cost a whopping ISK 16,000 (approximately USD 120) per day. Adding insult to injury, the rental company had the audacity to charge an additional ISK 3,000 (USD 22) per day for an automatic transmission, which is a standard feature in most vehicles these days. The grand total for a week-long rental was a staggering ISK 84,000 (USD 615) plus an additional ISK 16,000 (USD 117) for an automatic transmission. Not to mention the 24% value-added tax (VAT) and an outrageous 50% young driver surcharge for drivers under the age of 25.<br><br>**Lack of Transparency in Car Rental**<br><br>What's even more infuriating is the lack of transparency in their pricing. When you book a rental car, the advertised price seems reasonable, but it's only when you show up at the airport to pick up your vehicle that they reveal the additional fees, surcharges, and taxes. This lack of transparency not only inflates the overall cost but also feels exploitative, leaving a sour taste in the mouths of unsuspecting tourists.<br><br>**Ethical Concerns**<br><br>Furthermore, I was disheartened to learn that the tourism industry in Iceland has significant ethical concerns. The country relies heavily on guest workers, often migrants, who work long hours for low wages and in appalling conditions. Additionally, the tourism industry contributes to the country's exorbitant living costs, driving inflation and making it increasingly difficult for locals to afford basic necessities. This made me question whether my tourism dollars would be indirectly contributing to the exploitation of migrant workers and the escalating cost of living for Icelandic citizens.<br><br>**Alternative Options**<br><br>In light of these discoveries, I cancelled my trip to Iceland and instead decided to explore alternative destinations that offer more reasonable prices and better ethical standards. There are many other countries with breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders that welcome tourists without treating them like cash cows.<br><br>**Conclusion**<br><br>While I understand that tourism is essential to Iceland's economy, it's disheartening to see the industry prioritize profit over the well-being of its visitors and citizens. I hope that in the future, Iceland will adopt more ethical and sustainable tourism practices, providing a more welcoming and affordable experience for travelers while ensuring fair treatment of its workforce and locals. Until then, I'll have to put my Icelandic dreams on hold and seek out more ethical and affordable travel destinations.