Event Planning Sample

Wanderlust Photo Tours in Iceland
Welcome New Employees of Wanderlust!
Congratulations on your international assignment to Iceland with Wanderlust Photo
Tours for the Summer Season Photo Tours of 2015! Your position as a photography tour guide
will entail a bi-weekly schedule, seven days on, seven days off. As you know, Wanderlust Photo
Tours, centrally located in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, on the southwestern coast, is a
leading company that provides customized and comprehensive photography tours targeting
amateur and professional photographers. As a company, we provide the most breathtaking vistas
of epic landscapes and the midnight sun. During the summer months of June July, and August,
the ice caves are easily accessed and ready to be photographed
Iceland is an island nation northwest of Europe and the easiest way to reach Iceland is by
air. Fifty kilometers from Iceland’s capital Reykjavík, is Keflavík International Airport, which
serves as Iceland’s base for most international flights and where our tour guests will arrive. The
capital is much larger than that of the other cities, with most governmental and economic activity
taking place here. The population of this tiny island is 120,000, but Iceland usually receives more
than double its population in tourists each year (“Icelandic”).
Iceland is not part of the European Union, but it is linked with the EU through trade.
Membership with the EU has been applied for (“Icelandic”). Iceland has its own currency, the
Icelandic króna.
The economy of this small country relies on tourism and exports of marine products,
aluminum, software, ferro-silicon alloys, woolen goods, and products related to the fishing

industry (“Iceland”). The main trading partners are the EU, EFTA, the USA and Japan
(“Icelandic”).
Tourism is a large part of the economy because this volcanic island, with glacier-cut
fjords, green valleys, and numerous rivers is renowned for the beauty and drama of an
extraordinary natural landscape. Ice covers almost eleven percent of the island. With all of the
island’s natural resources, over eighty percent of the energy consumed in Iceland is from
renewable sources (“Icelandic”).
Historically, Iceland is known for its strong literary tradition. Surprisingly, one out of ten
residents is published. Musically, a few of their world renowned bands and artists are Sigur Rós,
Jónsi and Björk (“Iceland”). Along with restaurants, art galleries, and museums, Reykjavik has a
well-attended art festival each year (“Icelandic”). The island nation offers many options for art,
music, literature and night life, though most venues are located in or near the capital and larger
cities. Church services are available in most communities throughout the island with the
predominant religion being Lutheran with a Catholic minority (“Iceland”).
Considering the latitude in which it lies and aided by the Gulf Stream, the climate is mild
on the coast with summer temperatures around 60°F (“Icelandic”). Winter temperatures hover
around freezing. The climate is much cooler than that of most United States summers. Please
plan and pack your apparel accordingly.
Responsibility
Working in a foreign country is a unique and wonderful experience providing insight into
a land that is not your own. Understanding the country’s business culture, protocols, and
etiquette will benefit all parties involved. As a valued employee of Wanderlust Photo Tours, we
expect our photo tour guides to learn about the new culture and behave with the utmost respect

and follow social conventions at all times. Intellectual communication challenges occur when
conducting business in a foreign country. Thoughtful consideration of a foreign country’s
ideology, social conventions, and behavior expectations—how they meet and greet, dress—lends
a noble respect to any interaction.
As an employee at Wanderlust Photo Tours based in Iceland, you are the face of the
company while also representing the United States of America. Our favorable image is
dependent upon you. As a reliable resource to your tour guests and an employee of Wanderlust
Photo Tours, you must be properly educated and culturally aware to provide critical guidance to
our tour guests for cultural deference, for ease of travel, and for our tour guest’s safety.
Wanderlust Photo Tours offers some introductory points on the topic of business culture,
conduct, and etiquette. This guide is to be a silent escort providing direction in all things
Icelandic.
Pre-Departure
As part of your travel package, Wanderlust will provide an airline ticket, with the end of
summer return trip already booked. A valid passport must be provided. A visa will not be
necessary, because your trip will be less than ninety days. The only vaccination required for
entry onto the island is a tetanus immunization (“Iceland”). Please provide documentation.
Visitors may enter the country with cigarettes. Visitors may bring conventional medicines
suitable for personal needs during their stay to cover up to a maximum of one hundred days
(“Iceland”). Do not bring narcotics, food, firearms, or ammunition (“Iceland”). For more
complete information on customs, go to www.customs.is (“Iceland”).

Health
Iceland is deemed medically safe to visit with no associated serious health conditions.
The number for emergency medical assistance, available twenty-four hours a day, is not 911 as it
is in the states, but 112. Icelandic healthcare is of a high Western standard. Each town has a
pharmacy called an Apotek, designated by a green plus sign—as a logo, on the outside of the
building. The country’s major hospitals are in Reykjavík and Akureyri (“Iceland”).
The water is safe. There is no need to purchase bottled water, as there are no known
specific food or drink risks associated with the country.
Language
While English and Danish are widely spoken, the official language is Icelandic. Issues
with communication, however, should not occur (Phillips). The hotels, bed and breakfast, and
cottages chosen for the overnight accommodations for our tours have been verified as English
speaking.
Social Conventions
Handshaking is the normal and traditional form of greeting and departure. Be sure to
firmly shake the hands of all attendees, while maintaining good eye contact. Keep in mind that
local business people are more conservative when compared to the United States (Phillips).
An oddity noted when doing business in Iceland is that very few Icelanders have original
surnames. In Iceland, surnames are traditionally based on the father's Christian name plus 'son'
or 'daughter' (e.g. Matthew, the son of Magnus, would be called Matthew Magnusson, while Jane
would be known as Jane Magnusdóttir). Individuals address each other as Fru, which is the
equivalent of Mrs., and Herra, which is the equivalent of Mr. Due to this system of patronymics,
telephone directories in Iceland will list individuals by their first name (“Iceland”).

It is common practice to exchange business cards when meeting individuals for the first
time. The proper way to handle a business card is to hold it in your hand while noting what their
name is and what organization they represent (“Doing”). Often, visitors will be invited home
instead of restaurants, especially if on business. If invited, it is customary to take the host a gift
(“Iceland”). A treat from the bakery or fresh flowers is always a nice gesture.
Icelanders are meticulously aware of appearance. While casual wear is widely acceptable,
formal dress is expected when attending formal functions. Due to Western expectations, visitors
are expected to dress somewhat more formally than their hosts. With this in mind, Icelanders will
expect you to dress less casually than them. Needing to be identified as the leader of the group
and in order to maintain a prominent position, dressing for the position is a must. While Lopi
coats, hand knit hats, and patterned jumpers are comfortable and attractive, these items are
synonymous with Iceland; therefore, they should not be part of the working wardrobe (“Doing”).
Time Zone
Iceland belongs to the Western European Time (CET)–zone, which means that the time
in Iceland is GMT+0 (“Iceland”).
Currency and Funds
For all company related expenses, use the provided corporate card. Hotel fees and
transportation will be paid in advance by home office.
The króna is difficult to exchange abroad but, ATMs and banks are at the airport upon
arrival. The Icelandic krona uses the symbol kr. In Iceland you will see “kr” before or after the
price of things. In the singular, “króna” becomes “krónur” in plural. In America, the dollar is
abbreviated USD, while in Iceland, the króna is abbreviated ISK. Banknotes are available in the
denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10000 krónur. The coin denominations are: 1

króna; 5, 10, 50, and 100 krónur and are imprinted with native fish species. It is permissible to
import and export local and foreign currency (“Iceland”). As of April 28, 2015, the currency rate
for exchange is 133.6 krónur equal one American dollar or ISK/USD = 133.64938
(“Converter”). To check exchange rates, contact the Central Bank of Iceland’s website,
www.cb.is.
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. ATM
machines are readily available throughout the country. Travelers Cheques are accepted in some
urban areas. Bank hours are similar to the US with hours Monday thru Friday 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
and will exchange foreign currencies, as will most hotels (“Iceland”).
Summer 2015 Holidays
For June, July and August, there are two holidays: National Day, June 17 and Commerce
Day, August 3.
Communications
Telephones are similar to the US, with public telephones being hard to locate. Outside the
post office in central Reykjavík one can be found, other are found sporadically along roadside
areas. Most Icelanders have mobile phones (“Doing”). International companies have roaming
agreements to provide coverage. Coverage is good in populated areas. Travelers can purchase
phone cards at gas stations to use with their own phones. You can also rent a cell phone
(“Doing”).
There are internet cafes mostly in Reykjavík. Hotels and bed and breakfasts usually offer
Wi-Fi, but internet may not always be available (“Doing”).

There is airmail service to Europe. In the capital there is a post office in Austurstræti
(Reykjavík Centre). Hours of operation are Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m.to 4:30 a.m. and
Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (“Doing”).
Media
Focusing on all aspects of Icelandic life and news, the Iceland Review is an English-
language magazine (www.icelandreview.com). Available in most shops and cafes, the Reykjavík
Grapevine (www.grapevine.is) is free with listings and up to the minute information on the city
in English (“Doing”).
The main television station is Stöð 2; others are Syn and Skjár Einn. The public network
is Sjónvarpið, which is operated by the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service (“Doing”).
The main private radio station is Bylgjan (“Doing”).
Shopping
Most shops are closed on Sundays and during the summer many shops close on Saturday.
During the week, shops are open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Phillips). There are some supermarkets open
twenty-four hours a day (“Doing”).
Weather
Known risks in Iceland are the weather. The country experiences quickly changing
weather with temperature extremes. As a photo tour guide, you will travel to destinations with
unpredictable terrain (“Icelandic”). Before departure to photo destinations, check weather
reports, leave travel itinerary with hotel front desk and Wanderlust Photo Tour coordinator,
advise all tour guests to pack warm clothing and bug spray. Some tour destinations have no
mobile phone coverage, so be prepared as possible.
Iceland is seismically active, so heed local information on active volcanos.

Arrival
Transportation will be provided by local shuttle service and set-up in advance by
Wanderlust Photo Tour coordinator. Be sure to confirm transportation reservations for the next
day during the normal business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Confirm times using the military clock
avoid the use of half quarter of, and quarter past to ensure that potential misunderstandings do
not occur (“Doing”). Keep the tour guests together as much as possible. Advise tour guests on
personal time, who are seeking to run errands, to check in with tour guide and to contact front
desk of hotel for transportation.
Travel Itinerary and Guidelines
Day 1 of Wanderlust Photo Tour, Iceland
Arrival and Overnight Accommodations
Reykjavík Airport
Kast Guesthouse
 Arrival Reykjavík Airport
 Transport tour guests to Kast Guesthouse
 Confirm the number of tour guests for meals and accommodations
 A café for lunch and a restaurant for dinner, known for their homemade bread
Advise tour guests of dress code of being comfortable, but well-put together.
Traditionally rainwear is not considered fashionable. Icelanders are very fashion-conscious and
do not wear raincoats or carry umbrellas, preferring a hooded parka. Familiarize tour guests to
always firmly shake hands, maintaining eye contact upon arrival and departure. When
communicating, Icelanders are known to be relatively direct. When conversing, remind guests to
not take offence if natives come across as being a bit too straight-forward. Honesty, straight

talking, punctuality, and accountability are highly regarded (“Doing”). Conversely, they may
also seem shy at first, but they do loosen up. Rather than sticking to business, they will
interweave friendship into business, because friendship is highly valued (“Doing”). Also,
remind tour guests to never tip while in Iceland as it is offensive (“Icelandic”).
Accommodations: The Kast Guesthouse is located on the southern Snæfellsnes
Peninsula. The accommodations offer double rooms and a private bath. Lunch is served in the
café, while dinner is served in the restaurant. The Kast Guesthouse offers homemade daily bread
and hiking trails. All rooms offer ocean and glacier views (“Accommodations”).
Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland
Sandgerði Cottages, Reykjanesbær
 Advise tour guests of itinerary
 Confirm the number for meals and accommodations
 Order box-lunch for the next day’s travel
 Bed and breakfast cottages with kitchens
 Shopping
 Advise tour guests on nightlife in Reykjavík
The first stop, known as "Iceland in Miniature" on Snæfellsnes Peninsula, cradles many
national sights. The dreamy windswept location of Budir is the focal point of this day trip. There
is a haunting black church surrounded by an endless field of lava.
The second stop features remarkable columnar basalt and the wild terrain of the coast at
the rugged fishing village of Arnarstapi.

Last, the delightful fishing village Grundarfjodur provides an idyllic location for a late
lunch and to capture images of Mt. Kirkjufell, which is reported to be one of the most beautiful
mountains on the island (“Photo”). There will be time for shopping in the last fishing village.
Accommodations: After photographing the various sights, the tour guests will continue
on to Sandgerði Cottages, Reykjanesbær, for two nights lodging. The cottages sleep four. Each
has a kitchen, full bath, television, and hot tub. These bed and breakfast cottages are seaside with
ocean views that offer tremendous photographic opportunities of the indigenous birdlife
(“Accommodations”).
Nightlife is particularly vibrant from June to August when there is nearly twenty-four
hours daylight. There are plenty of nightclubs, bars, cafes and cinemas in town, but outside the
capital the choices are not as abundant (“Doing”).
Reykjanes Peninsula
Sandgerði Cottages
 Advise tour guests of itinerary
 Confirm the number for meals and accommodations
 Order a box-lunch for the next day’s travel
 Cottage hotel has restaurant
The second day of the photo tour takes place on the rugged Reykjanes Peninsula where
the world famous Blue Lagoon is located. This area is located atop a fissure zone of the Mid-
Atlantic Ridge, and earthquakes have been quite common in this area. The landscape includes
both volcanic and geothermal wonders along with steaming hot lava which create an other-

worldly atmosphere. A great variety of birds are also around the cliffs leading to more
photographic opportunities. Sunset pictures are a must as the sun drops into the sea (“Photo”).
Accommodations: After sunset, return the guests to Sandgerði Cottages for dinner and a
second night’s lodging.
Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Area
Thingvellir National Park
Hotel Fljótshlíð, Hvolsvöllur
 Transport tour guests to Hotel Fljótshlíð, Hvolsvöllur
 Confirm the number for dinner only and accommodations
 Country hotel has farm-to-table restaurant features the farm's own beef
The next stop on the photo tour is known as the Golden Circle. Starting in Reykjavik,
Southern Iceland, we will capture the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall, the Geysir geothermal area,
and the Thingvellir National Park. There are cracks and faults that traverse the Thingvellir region
capturing the beauty and tranquility of Lake Thingvallavatn. Creating a grand scene among
majestic cliffs and cracks is the small but charming Oxararfoss Waterfall. The next waterfall is
the magnificent Gullfoss Waterfall, which when photographed from various points of view from
different trails offers multiple opportunities for a different composition. Next is the multi colored
Strokkur Geysir, whose exploding geyser will test your photography skills, spouting into the air
up to one hundred and thirty-three feet (forty meters) on a regular basis. The colorful volcanic

crater Kerid is the last photographic stop of the day with its dramatic and high contrast colors
(“Photo”). This area boasts souvenir shops and restaurants along the way.
Accommodations: Hotel Fljótshlíð, Hvolsvöllur, a country hotel and restaurant is in a
converted barn and cowshed offers comfortable double rooms with private bathrooms and hot
tubs. Along with a stunning view of Eyjafjallajökull Volcano, the farm-to-table restaurant
features the farm's own beef on the menu (“Accommodations”).
South Coast Waterfalls and Beaches
Hotel Katla in Mýrdalur
 Stop in Vik for a lunch break
 Transport tour guests to Hotel Katla in Mýrdalur
 Share information on hotel with tour guests
The scenic south coast of offers landscape photography options galore: waterfalls, black
beaches, wild sea and waves along with rock formations, sea stacks and volcanoes. The wild life
is abundant with birdlife. The tour follows the south coast east to the village of Vik and the
Hekla volcano is on the way. This trip includes countless photography opportunities of the
Eyjafjallajokull glacier, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, the Solheimajokull glacier, and
Dyrholaey Cape (“Photo”).
Accommodations: Hotel Katla in Mýrdalur, named for the slumbering volcano Katla to
the north, this friendly rustic hotel overlooks the coast as it huddles below the highlands south of
Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. The rooms are double occupancy with private bathrooms. There are four

hot tubs with geothermal water, a sauna, and a gym. Dinner and breakfast is served by the hotel
(“Accommodations”).
Be sure to order a box-lunch for each guest for the next day’s travel from the kitchen
upon arrival. Confirm the number of tour guests for breakfast and dinner accommodations upon
arrival.
Vatnajokull National Park
Guesthouse Stekkatún, Höfn
 Transport tour guests to Guesthouse Stekkatún, Höfn
 Share information on hotel with tour guests
 Dinner buffet at Smyrlabjörg farm
The final photographic destination of the week is the Vatnajokull National Park along the
picturesque south coast. We will photograph two of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls
Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. You can walk behind Seljalandsfoss for epic photographs and hike
on top of Skogafoss to get the best pictures. The main focus on this photo tour though will be the
Vatnajokull National Park along with the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. The large glacier lake,
Jokulsarlon, on the edge of Vatnajokull National Park has icy blue icebergs in all shapes and
sizes that move and fluctuate towards the river mouth along with the tide. This glacial lagoon has
large ice cubes and crystals on the shore (“Photo”).
Accommodations: Stekkatún is a small and cozy guesthouse with double occupancy
bedroom and private bathrooms with a scenic walking trail. There is a Folk museum in Höfn.

The restaurants are at neighboring farms with dinner buffet at Smyrlabjörg farm and breakfast at
Skálafell farm (“Accommodations”).
Departure from Guesthouse Stekkatún Höfn
Hornafjordur Airport
 Breakfast at Skálafell farm
 Arrange for transport of tour guests to Hornafjordur Airport
Thank your guests. Distribute gift bags with promotional materials and T-shirts. We hope
you and your guests had a wonderful and memorable photo tour with Wanderlust! Please, report
to the Wanderlust tour office upon completion of your tour.

Works Cited
“Accommodations.” Icelandic Farm Holidays. Icelandic Farm Holidays, n.d. Web. 11 Apr.
2015. < http://www.farmholidays.is/accommodation/>.
“Doing Business in Iceland.” Kwintessential. Kwintessential, 2014. Web. 11 Apr. 2015.
<http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/etiquette/doing-business-iceland/>.
“Iceland Travel Guide.” World Travel Guide. Columbus Travel Media Ltd. World Travel Guide.
Columbus Travel Media Ltd., 2015. Web. 11 Apr. 2015.
<http://www.worldtravelguide.net/iceland/business-communications/>.
“Icelandic Business Culture.” Business Solutions. Business Solutions. Passport to Trade 2.0,
2014. Web. 11 Apr. 2015. < http://businessculture.org/northern-europe/iceland/>.
Phillips, Jean M. and Stanley M. Gully. “Cross-Cultural Issues in the Icelandic Workplace.”
Reykjavik University. Master’s Thesis, Reykjavik University, Reykjavik, Iceland, 2012-
13. Web. 11 Apr. 2015. <http://skemman.is/stream/>.
“Photo Day Tours.” Iceland Photo Tours. Iceland Photo Tours, 2014. Web. 11 April 2015.
<https://iceland-photo-tours/>.
“Currency Converter. “The Money Converter. The Money Converter.” 2015. Web. 28 Apr.
2015. <http://themoneyconverter.com/USD/ISK>.

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