D

• Denmark

Like all the Scandinavian countries, Denmark is most noted for its vast untouched beauty and capital city, Copenhagen. For travelers, visits to these northern regions should require some thought in regard to time and seasons. Winter is long and harsh but absolutely gorgeous and a once-in-a-lifetime experience (when else are you going to have 2 hours of daylight and a chance to see the northern lights? or go dog-sledding and cross country skiing?) However, summer is perfect and allows for more activity as the sun never sets. But don't underestimate spring and fall either as the transition seasons are just as unique and beautiful. It doesn't matter when you decide to go, just do it. Copenhagen has so much to offer and the Danes are there with proud open arms to welcome you to their country. I was in the city for 10 days, which not only gave me enough time to enjoyably see the whole city but also let me explore some of Sweden's southern cities. Copenhagen is a frequent stop for travelers going north to south (or vice versa) on their European journey, which means it shouldn't be missed.

• Tivoli Gardens - a grand amusement center best seen at night
• The Little Mermaid
• Carlsberg Brewery
• Nyhaven Harbor
• Rosenborg Slot (Royal Summer home) and the Amalienborg Slot (Royal Castle)
• Rundetårn (The Round Tower)
• Christiania - the hippie community

And don't miss out on just walking around the Old City Square and going down all the side streets, they are bound to offer great shopping, cafes and Danish wonders. Markets are always a great place to sample some of the traditional food, buy traditional crafts and mingle with the local people.

• Disneyland

Truly the Happiest Place on Earth. I don't care if its in Anaheim, Lake Buena Vista, Paris, Hong Kong or Tokyo, Disneyland is fantastic. I am fortunate enough to live only 2 hours to Disneyland and have been quite a lot in my life. However, I have not been to the others, though plan to in the near future. Anyways, plan a trip now. There are always great package deals going on for families, which you can't beat. Disneyland lets grownups be kids and where dreams really do come true. Whether it's meeting the Mouse himself or getting thrashed on Indiana Jones or soaking wet on Splash Mountain, Disneyland has something for everyone. Tired, head over to the Steamboat Willie Theater; on a sugar high, blast off on California Adventure's Rockin' Rollercoaster; too hot, cool down on the Grizzly Bear Mountain Rapids. With 2 parks and a downtown, there is so much to see and do. And this is just Disneyland, Disney World and the more exotic global parks have even more exciting adventures to partake in. And here's a little tip, if you don't mind the rain, go to Dland then. Nothing is more fun than having the entire park to yourself. So you get a little wet and possibly might miss the fireworks, but you can't beat no lines. I don't care who you are or what your opinions are about Disney, get yourself and your family to Disneyland and get your smile on.

• Dining

As a student traveler, I didn't spend much when it came to eating out. I usually opted for grocery stores or stands. However, there are some countries where cuisine and dining are part of the experience. If you do have some money to spend or are an absolute foodie, then I

would suggest researching restaurants in the city you are visiting that offer traditional food and drink. Ask your hotel/hostel manager about their favorites. There is nothing better than a

delicious meal to remember your trip forever. Florence, Italy is where I spent one of those evenings, feasting on pasta in truffle sauce, bruschetta and limoncella. It was more expensive than all my other meals combined but I recall that night perfectly. In some countries, the best food are the ones made and bought from the stands, so figure out where you can get by (for me it was the crepes in France). No matter if it is formal dining or grab-n-go, tasting traditional and cultural foods is part of the experience.

So dive right in.