Denmark Did Its Job: Now I’m Dreaming Bigger
- drjohndeoca
- Jun 22
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 22

Having just returned from Copenhagen, and it was just what I needed where I somehow experienced spring, summer, fall, and a bit of winter—all in one week. After landing, to beat the jetlag, I went to a Spa described as Bali in Denmark. From there, I kicked things off in style at the elegant Park Lane Hotel in Hellerup, where the heated floors were so delightful, I seriously considered extending my stay just to pad around barefoot.
One of my favorite days was spent soaking up the charm of Nyhavn Harbor—eating, drinking, laughing, and snapping photos that practically edited themselves. I had to visit Moncler in which shopping in the city’s high-end district quickly escalated when I “accidentally” ordered an $120 cocktail (800 Danish Krono’s—cheers to that lesson in currency conversion).
The week went on with an evening at Tivoli Gardens and the trip ended on a high note: a night of dancing at the Opera House one evening, with the last night spent in solitude eating an amazing dinner at The Olive that completely hit the spot. Copenhagen gave luxury, surprise, and soul. However, this made me think about my next bit of travel…
Manifesting My Dream Getaways: 10 Trips to Fuel My Wanderlust
They say manifestation is the key to turning dreams into reality, so consider this my travel vision board, put into words. I have my sights set on ten incredible destinations, each promising adventure, culture, and just the right amount of indulgence. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the crystal-clear waters of the Maldives, let’s take a journey through my future passport stamps.
1. France: Twice the Charm
Why settle for just one side of France when you can have two completely different—but equally dreamy—getaways?
First stop: Paris. Because let’s be honest, I need my full Carrie Bradshaw moment in front of the Eiffel Tower. Add a little retail therapy on Rue Saint-Honoré and an unapologetic pastry binge and I’m in heaven.
Then it’s off to Saint-Tropez, where cobblestone streets give way to sun-soaked beaches on the Côte d'Azur. Picture breezy linen, sun-kissed skin, and afternoons spent lounging by the water with a good book and an even better view. For a few days, life feels like one long, golden hour and I will be serving the vibe of someone who summers here.
2. Spain: A Tale of Two Trips
Spain’s too rich in culture, flavor, and energy to squeeze into just one itinerary. First up, a cultural deep dive through Barcelona, Valencia, and Madrid—where every street buzzes with life, every meal feels like a celebration, and the rhythm of flamenco echoes late into the night. Picture rooftop cocktails in Madrid, food markets in Valencia, and golden-hour strolls along Barcelona’s coastline.
Then comes part two: Ibiza. The White Isle where crystal-clear waters meet legendary nightlife. Here, my agenda is simple—chase sunsets, dance under the stars, and soak up the magic that makes this island unforgettable.
3. Italy: A Trilogy of Trips
One does not simply visit Italy once. It’s a country that demands a trilogy, each chapter dedicated to a different region.
Northern Italy (Milan, Verona, Veneto & Venice) – A European cruise seems like the perfect arrival, disembarking to explore high fashion in Milan, Shakespearean romance in Verona, and gondola rides in Venice.
Central Italy (Tuscany, Florence & Rome) – Not in the summer, because melting into a puddle at the Colosseum isn’t on my bucket list. Instead, I’ll go when the Tuscan vineyards are at their most picturesque, and Florence’s Renaissance art feels even more poetic.
Southern Italy (Naples, Sicily & the Amalfi Coast) – This one's saved for peak season because Amalfi in full bloom is pure magic. Naples brings the pizza, Sicily brings the fire, and Positano? For that “wish you were here” moment. A sensory feast—sun-soaked and unforgettable.
4. Greece: Mythology Meets Mykonos
Whether it’s Santorini’s blue domes or the Parthenon in Athens, Greece is pure magic. I’ll be embracing my inner god, eating my weight in feta, and sailing the Aegean like a modern-day Odysseus.
5. Iceland: The Land of Fire and Ice (and Cozy Sweaters)
Northern lights? Check. Blue Lagoon? Check. A casual walk between tectonic plates? Check. Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes are calling, and I plan to answer in my warmest, most stylish Canda Goose or Moncler parka.
6. Hawaii: Aloha to a Higher Vibe
Think golden hour strolls, jungle waterfalls, and ocean breezes in my hair. Whether it’s the tranquility of Kauai or Oahu’s surf-meets-city rhythm, this is paradise with intention—no tacky tours, just tropical bliss. There’s also this gentleness to Maui—lush and low-key, where even the wind feels intentional. From sun-drenched beaches to hidden coves, I’ll be soaking in the island’s slower rhythm with a heart wide open.
7. Turks & Caicos: Where the Water Looks Photoshopped
You know those impossibly turquoise waters you see on Instagram? That’s Turks & Caicos. I plan on floating in that pristine ocean, cocktail in hand, convinced I’ve ascended to vacation nirvana.
8. Maldives: Overwater Bungalow Bliss
No trip list is complete without the Maldives—because let’s face it, if you haven’t stayed in an overwater bungalow, have you even traveled? This trip is all about luxury, seclusion, and pretending I’m a celebrity on a sabbatical from my (non-existent) A-list life.
9. Australia: A Long Flight to Avoid Terrifying Creatures
Australia, I love you, but let’s get one thing straight: I will be enjoying your beaches, Sydney’s Opera House, and Melbourne’s coffee scene while actively avoiding anything with eight legs, a pouch, or the ability to kill me in under ten seconds. That 20-hour flight? Brutal. But the Great Barrier Reef? Worth it.
10. Ireland: A Love Letter in Green
Emerald hills, ancient stone castles, and a coastline that feels like a poem—Ireland’s the soft landing at the end of this dream list. I’ll be chasing misty mornings, pub songs, and the kind of landscapes that make you believe in magic.
Manifesting is a powerful thing, and while these ten destinations top my list, who knows what other dreamy locations will call my name? Until then, my suitcase remains at the ready.
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