How to use the SafeTravel app for solo travelers in Highlands: alerts, travel plan, and GPS share

Why SafeTravel is Essential for Solo Explorers

Exploring Iceland’s Highlands on your own is an unforgettable adventure—if you feel secure. The SafeTravel app from the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue (ICE-SAR) gives you peace of mind with real-time alerts, a shared travel plan and off-grid GPS tracking. Pair it with a warm stay booked through Ourhotels.is, and your Highlands journey will be both thrilling and safe.

Setting Up Real-Time Alerts

SafeTravel lets you receive text messages and email alerts about severe weather, road closures and search‐and‐rescue notices in your chosen region.

• Download the app and verify your phone number.
• Select “Highlands” as your main region.
• Opt in for SMS and email notifications.

These alerts ensure you know about sudden weather changes like road washouts or weather warnings that affect F-roads.

Creating and Sharing Your Travel Plan

Never wander alone without leaving a detailed route. In SafeTravel:

• Hit “Plan” and mark your starting point, stops and destination.
• Specify estimated departure and arrival times.
• Share the plan automatically with contacts via email or text.

Your designated friends or family will have a clear itinerary, so if you’re overdue they can alert authorities swiftly.

GPS Sharing: Stay Connected Off-Grid

Even when cell service vanishes, SafeTravel’s GPS-based location sharing keeps you trackable:

• Turn on “Share Location” in the app settings.
• Choose whom to share with—friends, family or a local guide.
• Updates send every 30 minutes by default, even off-road.

Knowing someone can see your position brings extra confidence when you head to remote spots like Landmannalaugar or Askja.

Practical Tips for Your Highlands Adventure

Make the most of your solo trip with a little ahead-of-time planning:

• When to go: Late June to early September for milder weather and 24-hour daylight.
• How long to stay: 3–5 days to cover key routes like F208 and F35.
• What to pack:
  • Waterproof layers, warm base layers, sturdy hiking boots
  • Portable charger, extra snacks and a refillable water bottle
  • Map, compass and, of course, the SafeTravel app
• What to do: Soak in natural hot springs, hike multi-day routes, photograph dramatic canyons and volcanoes.

Rest Easy at Ourhotels.is Properties

After a day on F-roads, unwind at one of our cozy West Iceland and Westfjords Inns. Stay at Truck Inn at Hvítá for riverside views right on the Ring Road, or choose Hvítá Inn near Borgarnes for charming rooms and hearty breakfasts before you head inland. Both are easily booked on Ourhotels.is and make perfect bases for Highlands day trips.

Book Your Stay Today

Combine the safety of SafeTravel with the comfort of Ourhotels.is. Secure your Highlands adventure—and a warm bed at Truck Inn or Hvítá Inn—by booking now at Ourhotels.is. Your solo journey awaits, safer and more memorable than ever.