Over winter break, I had the amazing opportunity to spend 6 days in Iceland. I sort of forgot to tell people I was going, so as soon as the pictures started going up on Instagram, I got a lot of confused responses. Although this trip might make your wallet sad for a few weeks, every minute you spend trekking across Iceland will make up for it.

1. The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a place that's on the top of a lot of people's bucket lists. It clocks in at a balmy 80-100 degrees celsius, which is the perfect complement to a chilly Iceland morning. I got the chance to experience it as the sun came up, and I have never witnessed such natural beauty in my life before. Not only do you get to swim in a hot spring surrounded by volcanic rock, you can swim up to the face mask bar...or the actual bar. There's nothing like a glass of prosecco as you take in the picturesque view around you.

2. The food

Yes, Iceland is known for its strange assortment of dishes. While I was there, I had the chance to try fermented shark, sheep intestine, cured lamb & salmon, herring, and Iceland's infamous Black Death shot. Yes, they were all among the most disgusting things I've ever eaten, but I don't regret the $40 I spent on the sampler at all. I also had the best burger I've ever had IN MY LIFE at a little bar named Boston, and arguably the world's best hot dog at a stand called Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. Get it with everything. It'll change your life.

3. Icelandic horses

Talk about a majestic animal. On a roadtrip to visit some amazing natural sites, (see #4), we pulled over on the side of the road to see a group of the famous Icelandic horses. They came right up to the fence and let us pet them. I've never been much of an animal person, but I have such a soft spot for these horses now. They're furry and happy and so friendly. Don't miss out on stopping over to seem them, even if you're in a rush to get somewhere during the 5 hours of light Iceland has during the winter. (This picture may or may not be my new desktop background...)

4. The waterfalls

We got really lucky that the Airbnb we stayed in came with a car, so we got to see Iceland on our own time. We visited three famous waterfalls. One was frozen, one we climbed, and one we stood where Beyonce and Jay-Z once stood. I'm really not a nature girl, and so climbing a small, muddy mountain with only random broken rocks to grab onto was terrifying, but so worth the thrill. When I got to the top I got to peer over a ledge at the waterfall crashing down below me. It's not something I could ever do anywhere else, and getting to see the valleys of Iceland on one side and this gorgeous waterfall on the other is something I'll never forget.

Iceland has really weird weather. You can be driving through really flat land while the rain is pouring down and five minutes later the sun will be out and you'll see the ocean on the horizon. Then five minutes later it'll be snowing and the mountains will be towering over you. Just staring out the car window was an adventure in itself. Splurge and get a car while you're in Iceland. Experiencing it on your own time is so worth it.

6. Black Sand Beaches

Black. Sand. Although there were hurricane-esque conditions happening when I got there, the black sand beaches were astounding. There are gorgeous rock formations towering over you on one side, and the roughest waves you've ever seen crashing on the other. Nature is unreal.

7. Happy Hour

Who knew Iceland had so many lagers? I've never been much of a beer person, but I tried every kind of Icelandic beer there was. We went to happy hour so many times that some of the bartenders got to know us. Good or bad, that's your call. Don't forget about this one either. It had a popsicle on it. No clue what was in it. Best thing I've ever drank.