After eight days of adventure across Iceland, it was finally time to head home. Our last morning began quietly with breakfast at the cozy Deig bagel shop attached to the Exeter Hotel; a convenient stop before tackling the logistics of travel day. With hot bagel sandwiches fresh from the counter, we packed up the last of our souvenirs then loaded up the rental car. On the short drive to the airport, we made a quick stop to refuel. Gas stations in Iceland are self-serve and easy to navigate, but it’s worth remembering to fill up before drop-off.

Returning the car was a breeze. We rented with Blue Car Rental, and their return process, much like their pick up process, was fast and straightforward with no drawn-out paperwork, just a quick check and handoff. One tip if you’re traveling with a partner or group: it’s smart to stop first at the airport terminal to unload passengers and all the luggage. That way, only one person needs to handle the return, and the walk back from Blue Car to the terminal is a quick five minutes.

Inside the terminal, we allowed extra time for tax refunds. If you’re a non-EU resident and you’ve purchased souvenirs in Iceland, you can claim back the VAT (value-added tax) at the airport. The lines can be long, so plan ahead and read the instructions and guidelines in advance. Afterward, we dropped off our checked bags and made our way through security before settling in at the gate.

Our first flight was from Reykjavik to JFK. The flight itself was smooth, but travelers with connections should note that once you land in the U.S., you’ll need to clear immigration, collect your checked luggage, recheck it, and then go back through security before catching your next flight. With a four-hour layover, we had plenty of time, but it’s important to be aware of the extra steps, especially at a busy hub like JFK.

From New York, we boarded our final leg home to Atlanta. After eight days of exploring Iceland’s glaciers, lava fields, waterfalls, and steaming hot springs, it felt strange to watch the familiar skyline come into view. Travel days are always long and a bit tiring, but they also carry that bittersweet note of reflection. Returning home meant the trip was over, but it also meant bringing back memories and some incredible pictures to share.