This Tour Takes You Into Part of Europe's Largest Glacier That Most Visitors Don't Get to See

In the southeast corner of Iceland, black volcanic sand gives way to the gleaming expanse of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. Each year, throngs of visitors strap on crampons to experience the icy wilderness firsthand, and the well-trodden paths can sometimes feel more crowded than remote—but that may soon change.
On June 15, Iceland's largest tour operator Arctic Adventures unveiled a new route through Vatnajökull's frozen interior—a path known only to its local guides. Sited far from the familiar trails, the tour, dubbed 'Crevasse Labyrinth: A Glacier Maze in Skaftafell,' leads small groups through a maze of narrow crevasses, towering ice walls, and glowing blue ice passages. It is an untouched and rarely seen world that's been shaped by centuries of shifting ice.
The four-hour excursion ventures deep into parts of Vatnajökull that most visitors only get to see from afar. On this newly scouted route, travelers step directly into the glacier's frozen architecture, hiking along a serpentine path carved by time and through crevasses that rise like icy canyons. Open year-round, including during the depths of Icelandic winter, the Crevasse Labyrinth runs twice daily from Skaftafell, a nature reserve on the south side of the glacier that serves as a gateway to Vatnajökull National Park.
Led by an English-speaking guide, the small-group tour includes access to all the necessary glacier gear (helmets, crampons, and ice axes) you'll need. The tour also has a strict 12-to-1 guest-to-guide ratio to ensure an intimate, immersive experience. Arctic Adventures limits departures to just two per day, one at 9:20 a.m. and another at 1:40 p.m., to eliminate the chance of overlapping groups. Despite the dramatic and sometimes dangerous terrain, the hike is classified as easy and beginner-friendly, and is open to travelers aged 8 and up.
In a May 2025 press release shared with Travel + Leisure , Arctic Adventures described the new route as 'a safe and accessible way to step into a frozen world that feels almost otherworldly. It also said that while Vatnajökull's trails are well known, this icy labyrinth is a 'hidden gem.'
Skaftafell is just over four hours by car from Reykjavík, and the tour departs from Arctic Adventures' local base there. Tickets are typically priced at $137 per person, though travelers who book before June 30 can get 15 percent off with the code Icebreaker 15. Book a reservation on Arctic Adventure's website.

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Fox News

3 hours ago

• Fox News

Woman drinking wine teaches pushy mother a lesson after family tries to intervene

A woman who was on an all-inclusive vacation in the Canary Islands said she took a stand against a mother who objected to her drinking alcohol at their shared dining table. Reddit user "nurseB89" shared her recent experience on a forum in which people question whether they're in the wrong. The woman said the hotel where she was staying had club-style seating, with eight people per table paired together "to encourage a sense of community and conversation." "Last night, I was seated first and had a glass of wine," the woman wrote. Soon after, she was joined by two adults and three children who were seated at her table. The mother of that family turned to the woman and said, "We do not wish to expose our children to women drinking alcohol." "I smiled and said perhaps they should ask to move tables if it was an issue, but I would be drinking the wine," the woman on Reddit wrote. "They noticed I was on my own and made passive-aggressive comments about this." Later, the woman got up from the table to get some food from the buffet – and when she returned, "the wine had disappeared," she wrote. A waiter came over and asked to see her wristband, an indicator of all-inclusive access. He said that "the family had told them I was underage and must have sneaked away from my parents," nurseB89 wrote. The waiter "was very apologetic and returned with a fresh glass of wine just as the family came back with their food." Instead of requesting to move to another table, the woman asked for the "full bottle, along with a couple of shots of vodka," she said. The family finally "stormed out" after she drank the shots in front of them, she continued. "What about men drinking alcohol? Is that OK?" The woman's story sparked over 2,000 comments, with others mostly agreeing with her and questioning the actions of the mother. "Then don't take your kids to places where alcohol is served," wrote one commented in part. "It's just WOMEN drinking alcohol. What the heck is that about?" wrote another. "It's clearly not an issue with alcohol as much as it is with women. Sheesh." Said yet another person, "What about men drinking alcohol? Is that OK?" Other commenters suggested the mother's morals seem misguided. "I can't believe this situation," wrote one Reddit user. "She doesn't want to expose her children to seeing someone drink alcohol, but she's willing to expose her children to her own lying!" "Lying or hypocrisy?" asked another user. "Bet the husband drinks and maybe she does when the kids are in bed. Trying to control someone else is sheer arrogance. Get another table, lady, and eat blindfolded." Etiquette expert Diane Gottsman, founder and owner of the Protocol School of Texas in San Antonio, told Fox News Digital that in her view, the mother's behavior was "inappropriate." "She should have gotten up and taken her family to another table." "On a vacation, where the tables are open for anyone to sit, a guest should be able to order whatever they would like," Gottsman said. "If the mother does not want her children exposed to alcohol, it's a personal, family preference and the rest of the table should not be expected to follow her self-imposed rule." Gottsman added, "If the mother was that opposed, she should have gotten up and taken her family to another table." Fox News Digital reached out to nurseB89 for additional information.

Yahoo

4 hours ago

• Yahoo

The art of ‘beachcombing' finds room for our heart and soul to breathe

Ever been 'beachcombing'? You know, the art and practice of wandering somewhat slowly and aimlessly along an ocean shoreline? Going out no matter the weather, perhaps on a wide stretch of sand while dodging incoming waves or on a rocky shoreline while pausing and peering into tide pools large and small (always with an eye to the surf status!). Who knows what will catch your eye while 'combing' the beach? That's part of the intrigue—not knowing what you will see, or finding the unexpected. It used to be that colored glass balls from fishing nets, ranging in size from baseballs to basketballs, were the prize sought by beachcombers. But those seem to have gone the way of dial-up phones and other things now absent … except for plastics, found on beaches in increasingly distressing amounts. And while ocean pollution is a huge serious problem with significant evidence; it's the simple experience of wandering in a fashion meandering that I'm presently pondering. Beachcombing may provide the setting and means for musing, for pondering or thinking deeply. The slower pace and lack of purpose-driven intensity ('gotta get there!') allows your mind, heart, and soul room to breathe, to consider and wonder. With few rigid deadlines or demanding agendas, any outdoor space, wherever it is found during a casual stroll, encourages and facilitates priceless inner space where respite, renewal, and creativity can flourish. You are correct if surmising that 'beachcombing' can happen far from the ocean: alongside a river, in a park, or on a mountain meadow or trail. Even city sidewalks or country lanes can provide the setting for this relaxing, de-stressing endeavor. It's the combination of intention and attention that creates the right conditions for proper beachcombing. Intention to just stroll about (the journey more than the destination) coupled with attention to surroundings near and far (looking more closely at that interesting little thing and/or stepping back to appreciate the amazing big picture). Flotsam and jetsam washed up on the sand, sea anemones and sea stars clinging firmly to tidal pool rocks, birds soaring above with seals bobbing in the surf or lounging on shore, grasses and branches waving in the breeze, whales teasing avid spout-spotters—all this is available at the Coast (or the Sea or the Shore, depending on your oceanic context). So remember, beachcombing as an art and practice is not just for saltwater settings, it is available to you nearly anywhere a pleasant, observant perambulation is taken for a while. There will always be responsibilities, expectations, and demands on your time, energy, and attention—these important and deserving outlays are well and good (usually), and exhausting. To recharge, sufficient sleep is essential as are other forms of rest including holy days and holidays, vacations, and sabbaticals. And … amidst all this urgent activity are those blessed opportunities for you to disengage for a while, to unplug and go off-line, to allow a different rhythm to pace yourself, to even discover something new. Today, go beachcombing! 'O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures. Here is the ocean, vast and wide, teeming with life of every kind, both great and small.' Psalm 104:24-25 (NLT) Timothy J. Ledbetter, DMin, BCC is a retired American Baptist-endorsed professional chaplain and member of Shalom United Church of Christ in Richland. Questions and comments should be directed to editor Lucy Luginbill in care of the Tri-City Herald newsroom, 4253 W. 24th Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99338. Or email lluginbill@

CNN

4 hours ago

• CNN

How I used 7,000 Amex points to fly home from London this summer

CNN Underscored reviews financial products based on their overall value. We may receive a commission through our affiliate partners if you apply and are approved for a product, but our reporting is always independent and objective. This may impact how links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit to learn more. Flying to Europe in the peak summer travel season can cost a fortune. Cash fares can skyrocket, and award availability is often limited. But with the right transfer bonus and a bit of flexibility, you can unlock serious value from your travel rewards. This summer, I flew one-way from London Heathrow (LHR) to San Francisco (SFO) for just 7,000 American Express Membership Rewards points, a fraction of what most travelers would expect to pay. The key? A 30% transfer bonus from Amex to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, which brought the required 9,000 Flying Club points down to just 7,000 Amex points. Here's exactly how I did it — and how you might be able to replicate the strategy next time a bonus like this rolls around. Related article These are our favorite credit cards for Delta flyers in 2025A post shared by Kyle Olsen (@kyleolsen10) Before you redeem your Amex points, you'll need to earn points. Here's a look at several of the best Amex card offers right now, which you can transfer to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. American Express® Gold Card: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. The Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. American Express® Business Gold Card: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Limited Time Travel Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn a $500 statement credit after you spend $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel with your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. You can earn one or both of these offers. Offer ends June 30, 2025. There are several different ways you can redeem your Amex points. While some card members may redeem their points directly in the Amex Travel Portal, they can also be transferred to various airline and hotel transfer partners, including Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is one of the most underappreciated airline loyalty programs, especially for transatlantic flights in economy class. While major US carriers may charge 30,000 to 40,000 miles (or more) for a one-way flight between Europe and the US, Virgin Atlantic regularly prices economy award tickets from 6,000 points. I found availability from London to San Francisco for just 9,000 points plus £220 (around $300) in June, and it ended up being one of the best redemptions I've made all year. Credit card issuers like American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou American Express often run limited-time transfer bonuses to their travel partners. In October 2024, there was a 30% bonus from Amex to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. That meant every 1,000 Amex Membership Rewards points transferred would become 1,300 Flying Club points. I transferred 37,000 Amex points for various Virgin redemptions I had in mind, and those became 48,100 Flying Club points, thanks to the transfer bonus. In short, instead of needing to transfer the full 9,000 points, the transfer bonus would've only required me to transfer 7,000 Amex points, which would've yielded 9,100 Flying Club points after the 30% bonus. That was just enough to cover my flight. To put that in perspective, I got a 10-hour transatlantic flight for the equivalent of 7,000 Amex points, plus taxes and fees, which is a fantastic redemption, especially during peak travel season. I found that London to San Francisco flight by searching directly on Virgin Atlantic's website. That £220 (around $300) in taxes and fees is relatively high, as are all Virgin's fees on UK departures due to airport and fuel surcharges, but even with the cash spend factored in, this was an exceptional value. The process was simple: I located award availability on my preferred date. I transferred 7,000 Amex points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Within minutes, the points posted, and I completed the booking. I flew in Virgin Atlantic Economy Classic, which includes the following. One 23-kilogram (50-pound) checked bag Standard seat selection at check-in Complimentary meals, drinks and entertainment The flight itself was smooth, and the service on board was friendly and efficient. While Economy Light fares are cheaper in cash, I appreciated the added benefits of Economy Classic, especially the included luggage. Even though this exact 30% transfer bonus has expired, Amex frequently offers new ones. Here's what to do if you want to replicate this redemption strategy. Monitor Amex transfer bonuses via your Membership Rewards account. Create a Virgin Atlantic Flying Club account (if you don't already have one). Search for award availability before transferring points. Remember: Amex transfers to Virgin Atlantic are instant but nonreversible. If you find a 9,000-point flight and a 30% bonus is active, you'll only need 7,000 Amex points. Otherwise, you'll need to transfer 9,000 Amex points, which is still a great deal. Using just 7,000 Amex points to fly from London to San Francisco was a smart, high-value redemption — and a reminder that timing matters in award travel. By combining a low-cost redemption with a limited-time transfer bonus, I got more than 8 cents per point in value, a rare feat for economy travel. If you're flexible with your travel plans and pay attention to transfer bonuses, redemptions like this are very possible. For business travelers, budget-conscious vacationers or anyone trying to stretch their points further, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club should be on your radar, especially when a points transfer bonus sweetens the deal. The following FAQs have been answered by CNN Underscored travel editor and credit card expert Kyle Olsen. How much are 100,000 Amex points worth for flights? How much are 100,000 Amex points worth for flights? 100,000 Amex Membership Rewards points are worth at least $1,000 when you redeem them for flights through Amex Travel, but you can get much more — up to $5,000 — by transferring to airline partners and booking premium cabin international flights. The value depends on how you redeem, but travel website The Points Guy values 100,000 Amex points at $2,000. Do Amex points ever expire? Do Amex points ever expire? Amex Membership Rewards points don't expire as long as you keep your account open, but you can lose them if you close all eligible cards, miss payments or violate program terms. We recommend keeping your account active and in good standing to retain your points. How do I use my Amex points most efficiently? How do I use my Amex points most efficiently? For the best value, transfer Amex points to airline partners to book premium cabin or international flights. Other options like hotel transfers, gift cards or statement credits usually offer less value. Booking through Amex Travel is easy, but it typically yields just 1 cent per point. CNN Underscored is your trusted source for credit card and travel rewards strategies because our editors don't just write about points; we use them. For this guide, travel editor and credit card expert Kyle Olsen shares his firsthand experience booking a real transatlantic flight using just 7,000 Amex points. Every detail is backed by real-world research, insider knowledge and a commitment to accuracy, so you can confidently apply these tips to your own travel plans. Click here for rates and fees of the American Express Gold card. Click here for rates and fees of the American Express Platinum card. Click here for rates and fees of the American Express Business Gold card. Click here for rates and fees of the American Express Business Platinum card. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.