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  • Writer's pictureShelby Hettler

it's okay not to travel every weekend

On Fridays, it’s not uncommon to see quite a few students rolling suitcases around Vestergade. I’ll check my Instagram the next two days and see that the weather was perfect in Italy, the Astrological Clock in Prague was underwhelming, and someone else tried to get into Berghain but failed. Then Monday morning arrives and these students come into class full of stories about their weekend away. It’s wonderful to be studying abroad and to have the opportunity to see so many amazing places. However, travelling every weekend is not for everyone. To be clear, I’m not criticizing anyone who chooses to travel on the weekends instead of staying in Copenhagen. But, I do want to offer an alternative and explain the benefits of staying in Denmark during the weekend and/or breaks.



stay for: assistens kirkegård!

1. Planning

Planning a trip can be so time consuming. Obviously, people travel differently—some plan every second to a tee while others just go the flow and have a few ideas in mind. But even if you’re the latter, there’s still finding tickets and a place to stay—which isn’t always easy (especially if you’re on a budget). Instead you can spend that time finishing up assignments so you have time to explore a new museum or area of Copenhagen and still have time to sleep!



stay for: Arken!

2. Planes are über bad for the environment

Right now air travel accounts for at least 2% of manmade carbon emissions, however, that number is supposed to rise to 20% by 2050. Additionally, carbon dioxide isn’t the only concern, plans also emit nitrogen oxides (NOx), water vapor, particulates, contrails and cirrus changes, which have warming effects” (xxx). Furthermore, considering how the small percentage of people who do fly and fly often, this number is extremely disproportionate. According to Stefan Gössling, "On an individual level, there is no other human activity that emits as much over such a short period of time as aviation, because it is so energy-intensive.”



stay for: Skagen! (Okay so not in Copenhagen, but literally one of the most beautiful places in Denmark)


3. Traveling is expensive

Train, plane, baggage, food, accommodations, museums, souvenirs. It all adds up! Even if you get the cheapest Ryanair flight you’ve ever seen there are still so many factors to take into consideration. If you end up staying in Copenhagen, you already have your housing, a transport pass provided by DIS, and a Kobekort for groceries. Thus, you can save more money and/or use it for something like a museum or a canal tour!



The Cisterns!

4. Traveling is tiring

You leave right after class on Friday and get back late at night on Sunday. You still have to unpack, shower, get ready for bed, finish the assignment you thought you’d get done on the plane, and then wake up for your 8:30. This can be exhausting to do every weekend. I think most people would agree that traveling is a stressful and tiring process. That is not to say it isn’t worth it, just that it can be a lot to do so often. You have to go through security, lug around bags, sit in a tiny seat with no leg room, and try to fit everything into your days that you can. This, of course, is nothing compared to the places you will see and people you will meet. However, it is still possible to have an amazing experience without leaving Copenhagen.


stay for: vegan ice cream (nicecream)!


5. If you stay, you get to see more of Copenhagen

I can assure you, Copenhagen is more than Vestergade and Strøget. There are so many tiny concerts, art events, flea markets, parks, coffee shops, and community events. Staying in Copenhagen not only gives you more time to go to these events, but it also gives you more time to build connections that will lead you to finding these events. Yes, the novelty of being here wears off. But, one day you’ll be walking on Dronning Louises Bro, past everyone sharing beers and listening to music and smiling; you’ll be on top of the Rundetaarn at sunset, able to recognize the streets and buildings on all sides; you’ll be playing a board game at Bastard Café with people you met at DIS and wonder when you all got so close. That’s when it will hit you. It’s those moments that make staying in Copenhagen worthwhile.


stay for: views like this :')


Take advantage of your time here. If that means traveling every weekend, then by all means, go for it! But if you can’t or you are on the fence about, you are still going to have the experience of a lifetime in Denmark. I know that I did.

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