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By Ashlyn

I hate planes.

I didn't always hate planes. Well, that is to say -- I didn't always know that I hated planes. Maybe I always had it in me, though. I'm generally a pretty nervous person, and everyone knows air travel brings out the worst in people.

Before I went abroad for the spring, I had only flown maybe a handful of times. All of those flights were, for the most part, straightforward and easy -- a trip to Disney World, or to visit my grandparents, or to see my boyfriend in Chicago. No transfers. No passports. Stressful, yes, but infrequent enough that it didn't really matter. But now, after taking 11 flights over the past three months, my neutrality regarding planes has taken a nosedive (figuratively speaking) into full-blown dislike. But, since air travel is necessary at the moment, I'm learning to cope. What can you do if you're like me and you really don't like planes? Here are a few tips.

Figure out what seat works best for you. Are you a window sitter? Aisle sitter? Middle sitter (do those really even exist)? Find out which one gives you the most space (or reduces your airsickness most, or lets you lean up against the window and nap best) and try to aim for that spot every time. But, of course, you might not always get your first pick -- which leads me to my next point...

Try to be flexible. Of course, if you're nervous like I am that's a really hard thing to do. But if you're flying frequently, inevitably something will go differently than planned at some point -- whether that's something big like a flight cancellation or small like a reshuffling of seats. Try to remain as calm as possible when things get changed up at the last minute. Ask yourself, "Will this problem affect me still in an hour? How about 24 hours?" If the answer is no, then try your best to remain calm and roll with the punches.

Bring equipment/distract yourself. My tools of the trade include: minty gum, earplugs, noise canceling headphones, and a playlist of my favorite songs. If you tend to get hungry on long flights, bring a snack. If your neck gets sore, get one of those fancy neck pillow thingies. Also, it's always great to bring a distraction, especially for the longer flights -- something to keep your attention focused and away from the turbulance or that crying baby behind you. A book, crossword packet, or mobile movie will usually do.

Remind yourself of the facts. One of the reasons I don't like flying is that I really don't fully understand how the plane gets into the air and how it stays up there. It feels a lot better to actually know what's going on while you're zooming up around the clouds. Understanding can take some nervousness away. Taking a look at the statistics can also soothe a worried mind. Air travel is currently safer than ever, and though it might be hard to believe, you're better off in a plane than in a train statistically speaking! Think about that the next time you're a bit jittery before takeoff.

By Ashlyn

Hey you. Yeah, you! You want to visit Copenhagen? You want to visit Copenhagen and skip tourist trap operations like Tivoli and the pocket-emptying experience that is Noma?

Most people prefer to go to a city's main tourist attractions when traveling. However, as great as viewing the "must-see" sights is to the eager traveler, sticking to the beaten path is not a great way to take in the full depth of a city's culture. For anyone interested in coming to Copenhagen and getting an "insider's" look at the city, the following are a few tips to point you in the right direction.

Insider Site: The Botanical Gardens

While most prefer to see the castles or visit the Little Mermaid statue at the harbor, some visitors to Copenhagen might prefer the beautiful Botanical Gardens. The garden is host to a number of different plants and funguses and serves as a "gene bank" for many different species. It is a part of Denmark's Natural History Museum. The grounds are lovely in the spring and summer; even in the winter, though, the large heated building is open during the day and shows off all manner of plants, big and small. Those with a love of nature should not miss it.

Insider Eats: Torvehallerne

Right outside of the Nørreport metro stop is Torvehallerne, nicknamed "the Glass Market." Two glass buildings feature a smorgasbord of delicious treats, from fresh-baked bread to pastries to-go, squeezed juice, gourmet chocolate and more. Personal favorites include the dulce de leche oatmeal from Grød, the pulled chicken banh mi from Lêlê, and a pack of sweet Danish flødebøller from Summerbird.

Insider Drinks: Lidkoeb

Looking for a fun place to spend the evening sipping drinks? Lidkoeb, located in a back alley in Vesterbro, is a three-level bar with an interesting theme on each floor. Get beer on the entrance floor, cocktails at the level above, or sip whiskey on the top floor. Keep your drinks inside at the bars and comfortable tables, or head outside to the covered patio. In the colder months, heated lamps and furs keep bargoers cozy.

Insider Fun: The Meatpacking District

Anyone who goes out regularly in Copenhagen has been to the Meatpacking District. What used to be a big collection of meatpacking establishments has been turned into a hip center for bars and nightclubs. Located on this stretch in Vesterbro is Jolene, a popular nightclub and bar, as well as Mother, a popular pizza restaurant. Follow the hordes of young Danes on a Saturday night and you won't miss it.