Iceland

US citizens, as well as citizens from most American and European nations, can enter Argentina visa-free for visits of up to 90 days. For visits of any length beyond this, travelers are urged to pick up a residency permit at the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration. Still curious? Check out said directorate for further information.

The Icelandic króna (ISK) is basically equivalent to .008 USD / .0065 EUR / .005 GBP. For up to the minute exchange rates, click here.

The Icelandic government is based on a constitutional, multi-party system. The president is elected directly and has no term limitation, while the majority of legislative power is in the hands of the Parliament, which is elected every four years. Judiciary power is independent of the government and is vested at the highest level in the Supreme Court. For more info, get to the government website.

Icelandic is the language spoken with prevalence by locals, but Danish and English are practiced in school. If you're taking a guided tour or spending the majority of your time in Reykjavik, then you'll frequently be surrounded by English speakers. As in any country, you'll find little but Icelandic spoken the further you get from Reykjavik and the usual tourist routes.

Iceland has most definitely earned its reputation as one of the safest countries in the world. Drug use, socio-economic disparity, violent crime, and a number of other issues that often deter travelers from other countries are near non-existent in Iceland, even in light of the generally low populace. Don't be surprised to see bikes propped up without bike chains and policemen without sidearms; it might be strange at first, but you'll be comforted by the basic trust and kindness you're treated with.

The large majority of international visitors will arrive in Reykjavik, where many will rent cars so that this wide-open, rugged country can be tackled with ease. There are buses that travel the famous Ring Road that circles the country's perimeter and domestic flights to most corners of Iceland, but (unless you're booking tours) a rental car is the way to go for most visitors. There really isn't much of a transportation infrastructure here (literally no railroads) because the heart of the country is still wild and largely unsettled, but there are roads to every Icelandic highlight you can think of. And if there's no road? That's where the adventure begins.

For an island in the Arctic Circle, you'd be surprised at how moderate the weather in Iceland can be. Not that you'll be spending your days under a beach umbrella, but summer temperatures can get upwards of 21 degrees Celsius (70 F) due to the warming nature of the Irminger Current out of the North Atlantic. Still, even if you're visiting in July, you better be packing rain-resistant gear and even a heavier coat, because the weather can be notoriously fickle, turning your blue-skied morning in Reykjavik into a chilly, windy afternoon climbing Hnappavellir. If you're here after September, then hats, gloves, and high-end winter gear should fill your suitcase.

It is unusual to tip for service in Iceland, although tips are accepted when given. Unlike most countries you'll travel to, you'll find that tipping is not expected in any circumstance whether you're taking a taxi, getting your bags carried or eting out in a restaurant. Then again, if the service is good, there's no better way to show your appreciation!

Despite the fact that beer was outlawed as recently as 1989, the drinking culture in Iceland is quite lively. Even though communities are pretty well distributed about the island, there is a growing cocktail and bar culture in more populated areas like Reykjavik and access to alcohol of all varieties. In recent years, craft beer has made a surge, the consumption of vodka has held strong and Iceland's best kept secret, Brennevin. Trying a shot of this locally-made, licorice-flavored spirit should be on any Icelandic bucket list. As far as nightlife, it definitely varies, but he one thing you can depend on is that people will be having their fun in the late night hours and often won't really get going until well after midnight.

To be honest, there are a surprising number of interesting facts about Iceland. Strip clubs are banned, there is an honest-to-goodness widespread belief in elvish creatures, handball is the sport of choice, and Icelandic versions of Santa Claus are the Yule Lads, descendants of trolls that were once used to scare children and now have turned their acts around in the spirit of Christmas. And that's for starters!