Introducing ROSE & IVY Wander, North Iceland

“It feels good to be lost in the right direction”

-Unknown

For so many, travel is an essential part of a life well-lived. It opens our eyes to cultures and ways of life outside of our own, it makes us realize the scale of the world, and we feel awakened and alive to be in the presence of beauty, but also the unknown. The past two years—which have been supremely difficult in all aspects—have yielded even more of a sense of gratitude for when we can freely set out to explore and get reacquainted with the thrill of taking off, landing, and upon arrival, getting our passports stamped. It’s about returning to simplicity and realizing that something so small can be so gratifying. The word, wanderlust, is synonymous with ROSE & IVY and today you can discover the unparalleled landscapes and terrain of North Iceland. I had the utmost pleasure of traveling with Inspired by Iceland in November, this was my second trip to the country that first captivated me a few years back.

Throughout the pandemic, I adjusted to a new pace, slowing things down, and getting even more specific and intentional. When it comes to travel, the old me used to cram as much as possible into my days, checking off all of the places I needed to go and photograph. I powered through with espresso after espresso, maybe logging 20,000 steps a day. Being fortunate enough to get out into the world again, I have found the new me is scaling back and allowing myself to just be more. I let myself to sit in the moment and absorb all that is around me—but in all honesty, the espresso still flows, because after all, you have to get your kicks where you can. In ROSE & IVY Wander, a special edition, I show you where to experience the best of Icelandic bathing culture, the villages to visit, and where to stay and enjoy a delicious meal. I hope it leaves you inspired.

Cheers to getting lost and staying curious!

Alison Engstrom