Iceland is on the lips of travelers everywhere, and Icelandair not only wants to fly you there, it wants to help you make the most of your stay with the Stopover Buddy program. The airline’s already-inspired Stopover offer allows you to linger in Iceland for up to seven days with no additional airfare. Through spring 2017, the Icelandair Stopover Buddy Service — free to Stopover passengers — pairs you with a Stopover Buddy who becomes your own personal host for up to a full day and who’s ready to help you plan a personal celebration (birthday, anniversary or wedding proposal, anyone?). These local experts help create a unique, memorable stay in locations all over the country, and can introduce you to an Icelandic tradition or cultural celebration such as the annual Christmas season Yule Lads events (through Dec. 26), Pearls of Icelandic Song (Dec. 27, 2016–Jan. 6, 2017), Dark Music Days Festival (Jan. 28–30, 2017), Winter Lights Festival (Feb. 1, 2017) and the annual Food & Fun Festival (March 1–5, 2017).

Hekla Aurora Interior

Fly the new Hekla Aurora aircraft in Icelandair’s modern trans-Atlantic fleet, and you’ll get to experience a little bit of the famous Northern Lights from the comfort of your seat. Colored mood lighting across the ceiling of the main cabin mimics the flow of the Aurora Borealis, as does the aircraft’s exterior livery (the Hekla Aurora’s flight schedule is available on the airline’s website). En route on all long-haul flights, enjoy extensive entertainment options, including a selection of Icelandic music from national artists including Sigur Ros, Vök and Seabear. There’s onboard WiFi available, and meals served in environmentally friendly packaging printed with fun facts about Iceland’s flora and fauna. Seasonal specialties on long-haul flights include a hearty Harvest Salad made with roasted sweet potatoes, pickled red cabbage, cherry tomatoes, rucola, pumpkin seeds and iceberg lettuce served with sides of chili vinaigrette and chicken in mango salsa. For something sweet, try a traditional jam-filled cake called Hjónabandssæla, or “wedded bliss.” Commonly made with a filling of rhubarb or jammy berries, it’s a sweet way to enjoy your flight.