Hallmark's Love On Iceland--Do You Have Wanderlust?

Love On Iceland Plot Summary  

A woman running low on inspiration for her job decides to get her college travel group back together, and they take a trip to Iceland.

Starring:  Kaitlin Doubleday and Colin Donnell (2020)

Image:  Crown Media

Do You Have Wanderlust?

Wanderlust is defined as a strong desire to travel.

Does that describe you?

People create bucket lists of vacation destinations.  For some, the goal might be to visit all 50 states in the U.S.A.  Others delight in discovering new cultures and prefer international travel.  If you pine for salt life, you might map out the world's best beaches for future getaways.

People with wanderlust are always dreaming about their next adventure.  They would rather be anywhere other than home.

Then there are those of us who would rather be home than anywhere.  Home is a peaceful escape from the rest of the world.  At home, you don't deal with long lines, layovers, bed bugs, language barriers, unpronounceable food, or dirty hotel rooms.  The bed is always cozy, and you can sit on the toilet without fear of picking up a virus.

                 

How Many College Kids Can Afford To Travel?

In Love On Iceland, Chloe reunites with her college travel group for a trip to Iceland.

My first question is, how do college kids ever afford being in a travel group?

Think back to your own college days.  Unless you came from wealthy stock, money was tight then.  You worked as much as you could to cover tuition, books, gas, car insurance, food, and lodging, and you hoped to have a little left over for incidentals and time out with friends.  Budgets didn't allow for expensive and exotic trips, unless your parents took you with them on vacation.

This was an unrealistic movie premise for me.  It would have been more believable had a group of college friends once dreamed of planning a trip together to Iceland and then making it happen once they were older, established in their careers, and financially capable.

How Much Does It Cost to Vacation in Iceland?

Iceland is not a cheap place to visit, but vacationers can plan a trip around their budget.  Some couples spend $5,000 for a week-long trip, but that price can go up or down depending on the type of accommodations, how many excursions are planned, the number of times dining out, etc.  

What is there to do?  

Experiencing the natural wonders is the highlight of the trip.  

You can tour an ice cave, as they did in the movie, snorkel, go in a volcano, see the Northern Lights, hike a glacier, visit the Gold Circle, and more.  

Just like in the movie, it is possible to sleep outdoors in a bubble! Just book an exclusive overnight tour at the 5 Million Star Hotel.  Personally, I would feel a little too exposed in a translucent room, and I would not be keen on sharing the "service house" for the bathroom, shower, and kitchen.  A night in the bubble costs around $285, but it is a novel way to experience the Northern Lights.

I'm content with pictures.  

If you had a chance to go to Iceland, would you go?

                          

Did the Movie Remind You of Disney's "Frozen?"

With her love of Norse myths and surrounded by ice, I half expected Chloe to start belting out Let it Go, but she didn't, though she commented the country is "like a Disney movie."

Smart of Hallmark to capitalize on Frozen's success.

Image:  Crown Media

"Me" Time

Chloe needs inspiration because it's challenging to find podcasts that haven't already been done.  Sound familiar?  It's almost like Hallmark is playing off their own quandary in finding movie plots that haven't already been done and filming locations they haven't already used scores of times.  In Iceland, Chloe finds the answer to her dilemma, and Hallmark enjoys a new location.

While viewing the Mead of Poetry in the Viking Village's museum, Chloe is struck with the idea of hosting her own podcast and calling it Epic Tales of Love.  Charlie records her interviews with other Icelandic couples, and when her boss sees her in action, he can't help but offer her a podcast of her own.

Before her trip to Iceland though, Chloe laments there's "no time for myself."  She's single and without kids.  All she has is time for herself!  "No time for myself" is the mantra of parenthood, so it's hard to offer Chloe much sympathy.  Right, parents?

                

Dating a Photographer  

What would it be like to date a photographer?  Did you notice all the candid photos Charlie takes of Chloe?  

Wouldn't it feel a little weird to have someone always snapping shots of you?  At some point, it might be a little creepy and intrusive.  Maybe you eventually adjust.

In the event of a break-up, however, just think of all the ammo the photographer would have.  He could plaster the worst photos all over social media, embarrass you at work, and ruin your chances with someone else by using the right incriminating photo.

Image:  Crown Media

As much as Charlie clicks away, the one thing he's never been able to capture is the Northern Lights.  Yet, when the lights appear, he's distracted with Chloe and doesn't even photograph them.  Where's the continuity director?   

All in all, Love On Iceland provides the viewer with beautiful scenery and a different plot and allows us to experience Iceland--a place most of us wouldn't see otherwise.

Two Hallmark Facebook Groups to Join!

In our Hallmark Seasons of Love Facebook group, we post about Hallmark movies airing during New Year New Movies, Love Ever After, Spring Fling, Summer Nights, and Fall Harvest.  Our group is more insightful and interesting than most since our posts offer more substance and less monotony.  You are welcome to join us!

If Christmas movies are what you love best about Hallmark, we have a Facebook group dedicated to those too!  Just visit Hallmark Christmas Movie Magic to take part in the conversation about all the Christmas movies you eat up like catnip!

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