Denmark is really cool, literally. Because of it’s northern location it sports an average temperature of only 60 degrees Fahrenheit in August! This means that if you’re into being cold, it’s a good place to visit. The winters average around 32 degrees Fahrenheit in January, so the snow stays around for a long time. Cross-country skiing is a national pastime, due in part to the long cold winters. There is also a lot of ski jumping if you’re into that sort of thing.

Another interesting element of Denmark’s location is the amount of sunlight it receives. In summer, the sun can rise as early as 4:00 a.m. and stay up till 10:00 p.m., while in the winter, you may only see sun from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (unfortunate if those are your work hours!).

Denmark is one of the greenest countries in the world. The Danish government has made the preservation of the environment one of the most important issues. Because of these national policies, they have some of the cleanest cities in the world, and the air is fresh and crisp nearly everywhere. Denmark has also offered families tax exemption if they could generate their own electricity using wind turbines. Many people have elected to go this route, because it not only saves them money, it is good for the environment. Wind power also is used by many business as well.

Denmark is filled with all kinds of interesting small cities. Of the 20 largest cities in Denmark, only six cities have a population of over 100,000. This means that in almost any part of the country, you can find interesting cities that will have historical value, interesting attractions and a relaxed attitude towards visitors.

Still don’t have the urge to travel to Copenhagen? The last reason to visit Denmark is simple. The people who live there are the happiest in the world. It only takes one visit to find out why. Why not give it a chance on your next vacation. Who knows, you may travel to Denmark for a vacation, but end up staying longer than you had planned!

Ever have the desire to travel to Copenhagen? What is your favorite thing to do in Denmark?

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Vodka Museum
One of the more recent museums to open in Amsterdam, The Vodka Museum continues to become more and more popular. Of course, I’m sure that the stylish Museum Bar gives you a whole new perception. Either way, it sounds like it would be worth checking out!

Tulip Museum
The tulip is often used as a symbol of the Netherlands, so this museum is quite popular with locals and tourists alike. If you love botany, history, or tulips in general, this is the museum for you.

Anne Frank House
The hiding place where Anne Frank wrote her famous diary during World War II is now a museum and is one of the biggest attractions in Amsterdam. See how hard it was and view the original diary on display while at this location.

NEMO
A hands on museum, NEMO is very popular among children. Science and technology are the themes here, so it’s a must visit if you’re with kids on vacation.

Torture Museum
This place brings out the macabre in everyone. View a collection and learn about some of the oldest cruelest torture methods of the past. Thankfully most of these methods are no longer in use. The fact that most of what’s on display are actual artifacts is particularly disturbing.

Museum of Bags and Purses
To me, being surrounded by this many handbags and purses seems like a scene from the previous museum!

Can you think of any interesting or strange museums that are in Amsterdam?

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Rome
Going to Rome can be one of the most exhilarating experiences for history buffs. The city is one of the oldest in history, and the culture is unique to Europe. Locations like the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps are not only beautiful impressive structures to behold, but they are old as the day is long. The food one experiences in Rome is some of the finest in the world. Many restaurants share family recipes that have been handed down for generations. Even the street food is delicious!   This city is well known for a reason, and one visit here and you will understand why millions visit each year.

Florence
Ever hear the term Florence Syndrome? It is the term people get from having their senses overwhelmed by beautiful art. It can cause light-headedness and fainting in some people, so if you’re a fan of beautiful buildings and art, you may want to bring a friend to catch you! The city welcomes all, and is home to sites such as the Santa Maria Novella, and Florence Cathedral (known as the Duomo). You can also find one of the World’s finest museums, the Uffizi Gallery.

Venice
Who can resist the open water canals in the city of Venice? Catch a ride in one of the chartered gondolas, or walk along the cities many pathways and bridges to get to such locations as the Santa Maria della Salute, the Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge.

Milan
Milan is another Italian city that is just packed with art and culture. Sights like the Milan Cathedral and the Milan Fountain keep visitors coming back year after year. From watching a local soccer match, to spending time a day at one of the many museums,  travel to Milan is something everyone will appreciate.

Wherever you decide to travel to Italy, or visit another part of Europe, you can be sure there is no shortage of sites, events and culture to take in!

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Copenhagen is repeatedly recognized as having a high quality of life. It is one of the world’s most environmentally friendly cities, which is obviously attractive. Much of the water that runs in the city is perfect for swimming and fishing, and over a million people ride bicycles to work each day! The city is packed with many beautiful parks of all sizes, and interestingly enough, many of the cities cemetery’s double as parks as well. It should come as no surprise that world leaders are meeting there this year to discuss climate change.

There is also much culture to be found in the city. Copenhagen is home to many world class museums. The National Museum and The National Gallery are just two examples of great places to see some of the worlds finest art, while the Cisternerne is a museum that is totally dedicated to the medium of glass art.  If you’re looking for music, there is a brand new concert hall that opened up this year, and the Royal Danish Theater is home to some excellent performances. Most people probably don’t associate jazz with Copenhagen, but take a stroll into some of the nightclubs and bars throughout the city, and you will be singing a different tune. You will also find some of the finest dining in Europe when you travel to Copenhagen, as the city is home to 13 Michelin star restaurants. Of course, you can always find many local establishments serving delicious traditional Danish food, as well as the obligatory pint of Carlsberg Beer! All in all, Copenhagen may be the best kept secret in Europe. Don’t expect it to stay like that for long!

Next time you travel to Europe, be sure to spend some of your vacation in Denmark! You won’t be disappointed.

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Oktoberfest has a somewhat misleading name. It actually takes place mostly in September and ends the first Sunday in October. So if you want to sample the special fall beers at their freshest, rub elbows with strangers, and enjoy some pretzels & bratwurst, that’s when you should go. It’s not too late to book your vacation to Germany to celebrate Oktoberfest in style! Of course, if you have a rental car in Munich, be sure to hand the keys to a designated driver, or find a place to park it overnight!

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Regardless of my lack of sleep induced ramblings, Chicago was a world class city with far too much to do and see in the short amount of time I was there. I would love a chance to go back! The food is amazing, the people are very nice if you need information, and the city is one of the cleanest I have ever been to. What’s your favorite American city to visit?

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Food
Italians make some pretty decent food. Fans of pasta are happy when roaming the streets of cities, as there are fresh markets and local villas around every turn. Many have said that parmesan cheese is terrible until you’ve had it fresh in Italy. Of course, who could forget about delicious truffles found in the northern Mountains. Wherever you are, you are sure to find a healthy mix of local products and traditional Italian dishes cooked to perfection!

Wine
Italy produces almost as much wine as France, but if you ask any Italian you may hear differently.  The wine in Italy is delicately balanced to go perfectly with the food. Just one sip and you may never want to leave. For more on Italian wine, check out this previous post!
Landscape
The whole country is a peninsula so there are lots of them to be explored. Also, don’t forget about the mountains! The northern part of Italy borders Austria, France and Switzerland via the majestic Alps!  Cruising the Almafi Coast with a rental car in Italy is just one of the great thrills of the countryside!

One thing is for sure, next time you travel to Italy, with a little research, there won’t be a dull moment!

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Recently voted the cleanest city in Europe in an online poll from trip adviser, Copenhagen is a city with much to offer. Filled with museums, theaters, and two of the world’s oldest amusement parks, there is truly never a dull moment if you know where to look. There are 13 Michelin star restaurants to choose from for your eating needs, as well as a plethora of many other delicious, less pricey places to dine.

Copenhagen also is known for hosting the famous Rosklide Festival. Every year since 1972 the best bands of the era play to thousands and thousands of fans. Over the years the festival has attracted the biggest names in music, including Bob Marley, the Talking Heads, U2, The Clash and Raidohead. This year should be no expectation as headlining acts include Coldplay, Faith No More, Nine Inch Nails, Oasis, the Pet Shop Boys, Slipknot, Kanye West and Lil Wayne. On side stages and separate areas, you can also hear one of the 151 acts scheduled for the weekend. This festival really does it proper, as they have tents you can rent if you don’t want to bring your own. They even offer access to hot showers if you are willing to pay up for one of the tents! It all takes place July 2nd through the 5th and you can get your tickets now.

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