It took a while to hit me. Why had I enjoyed Denmark so much? As I was sadly departing, sitting at Kastrup airport with a glass of Piper Heidsieck and fresh seafood, it struck me. Everything is so freaking beautiful!

In Stockholm a few days earlier, a friend from London had commented, that when he gets home from working in Kiev or Stockholm or Copenhagen, he barely notices the beautiful English women. His eye is so accustomed to beauty, beauty everywhere, that it takes a while for him to appreciate a "lesser gorgeousness" (his words, not mine!). And seriously, it is very easy to forget (ignore) all the hostility, anger and ugliness in the world when you are in Denmark.

Let's start with the airport, no three day old bain marie Chinese take away here. Fresh seafood, champagne bars and those little morsels of goodness, the Danish open sandwich -Smørrebrød.

It's a sign of a great holiday when you can't think of anywhereyou would rather be. I had that feeling every day in Copenhagen. The sunny skies (it was May and sunny until 10 pm), the obscenely happy, healthy, friendly locals. The fabulous little hotel I was staying in (AvenueHotel.dk), the beer kiosks in every city square (such as the Nytorv), the amazing shopping (if you are somewhat tall and / or busty, this is the place to shop!), the museums and galleries, the beautiful gardens, islands, harbour....I could go on and on. It is a city where you don't have to have a plan, you can just cruise. Walk, enjoy, eat, soak up some sun, eat some fabulous food, meet interesting people, do some great shopping.

It is a great destination for families, couples and singles alike. The friendliness appeals to singles (I quite happily sauntered the city making friends here, there and everywhere as my partner was at home), couples will find plenty of sunny gardens to canoodle in, families have a plethora of activities - the Danes really know how to accommodate everyone. Tivoli Gardens are a must do (am sure the hot dog stand there is the only place the Danes do grease!), the mid city squealing of roller coasters and laughter is fantastic fun.

A trip out to the Danish Riviera is a must do, the Arne Jacobsen museum is wonderful if you have a design inclination and a trip to Hamlets Castle is spooky and very interesting. If you win Lotto and have a couple of million dollars to drop, a home on the waters edge of the Riviera will do just nicely.

It is a pity that Scandinavia has a reputation for being expensive. Compared to the Euro, the Danish Kronor was comparatively cheap. The value is great, hotels are a very high standard for the price, so are the food, attractions, tours and etc.. The Swedes even do their shopping in Denmark. At the northern tip of the Danish Riviera, there is a ferry that runs from Helsingor (near Hamlet's castle) to Sweden. The Swedes arrive by the ferry load to stock up on beer, cheese and butter at prices much better than home.

I now understand why my Mum was so upset that Crown Prince Frederik had met another tall, Australian brunette, Mary, in Sydney and married her. She was sure it should have been me, and boyfriend that I would never leave aside, I would love the Danish passport that came with it. ; )  

Of the 500 islands that make up Denmark, only 90 of them are inhabited. Surely they wouldn't mind if I just had one little one? I would be very quiet...

TOP TIPS

• The Copenhagen Card is great value, I used up almost everything on it!
• The visitcopenhagen site is one of the most useful tourism sites you will find
• Get the train to and from the airport - the bus takes forever, and is very crowded (not great with luggage)
• Walk! Let you feet do the planning. One of the prettiest walking cities in the world. You will come across museums, cafes and sqaures not on the tourist trail
• Register with "Dine with the Danes" - register on the website to visit a local's home and eat traditional Danish food. I met a lovely couple who were fantastically hospitable and really helped with ideas on things to do.
• Save up and shop until you drop. Clothes are great quality and comparable to mid range clothing in Australia / UK / USA.