This is an example of long-form travel writing. The original piece was 5,000 words in length. That's a lot of Denmark information!

Considered the happiest country in the world, Denmark is a beautiful land where the people enjoy simple comforts and living simply. Referred to as hygge (“hoog-uh”), is the Danish idea that happiness comes from the little things. It loosely translates into “coziness,” which is what the Danes value most – a comfortable, happy life.
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With their strong welfare state, economic equality, and excellent standards of living, it’s no surprise Danes are known for being the happiest people in the world.
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About Denmark
Denmark, which dates back to the Viking age, is a kingdom located in northern Europe. It’s part of Scandinavia along with Sweden and Norway. Denmark form of state is a monarchy, with Queen Margrethe II presiding. The country consists of 406 islands and the peninsula of Jutland. It borders Germany. Denmark’s largest island is Zealand. The total population of the country is more than 5,700,000 (2016). The capital of Denmark is Copenhagen, which has a population of more than 1,280,000 (2016).
Citizenship in Denmark is not a birthright, it’s based on descent. One or both parents must be citizens of the country. For naturalization, the resident requirement is seven years. Dual citizenship is recognized.

Life goes by at a slower pace in Denmark. People focus on enjoying themselves. They work less than in other countries, live and think modestly, and have an excellent welfare system that takes care of everyone. Danes value their social lives over luxury.

The Danish Monarchy
Denmark’s monarchy goes back to as early as the 900s with Gorm the Old, who died in 958. Queen of Denmark, Margrethe II, is the current monarch and has been since January 1972. She is the oldest daughter of King Frederik IX and Queen Ingrid. According to the Official Website of Denmark (Denmark.dk), “The Queen’s nearest family consists of the Royal Consort Prince Henrik, their sons, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim, Crown Princess Mary to Crown Prince Frederik and their son Prince Christian, their daughter Princess Isabella and their twins. Prince Joachim’s former wife now Countess Alexandra and their two sons Prince Nikolai and Prince Felix and Prince Joachim’s wife Princess Marie and their son Prince Henrik and their daughter Princess Athena.”
The Danes have great pride in their queen and the royal monarchy, which is one of the world’s oldest.

Weather and Climate
The temperatures in Denmark range from cold in the winter (zero degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit) and mild in the summer (July and August) with highs around 22 °C or 72 °F. But temperatures and precipitation can change quickly. It can be rainy, windy, … and dark. Between November and February, there’s not very much sun to be seen. But from May to August, the days and sunlight last a lot longer.
 
Travel Digitally
Apps and the Internet make traveling anywhere much easier. If you have a smartphone or tablet, there are a number of apps you can purchase or download for free. Types of apps include maps, currency converters, language translation, airports, city walks, and a variety of attractions.

If you want to find locations with free WiFi, visit sites like wifispc.com. But if you want to make sure you have it whenever you need it, you can rent pocket WiFi gadgets from sites like my-webspot.com/rent-wifi-denmark.

Important Travel Information to Keep in Mind
When traveling to any country you need to be sure to have the correct currency and necessary knowledge so your trip goes smoothly. Below are some essential tips to keep in mind.

Languages spoken
The languages spoken in Denmark are Danish (spoken by 98%), English, Faoese, and Greenlandic (which is an Inuit dialect). A minority of people also speak German.

Phrases to Know
No matter where you travel, it’s a good idea to learn some key phrases in the local language. Even if most people speak English as well as their native language, it’s polite to put forth an effort.

Hej – Hi
Hej, hej – Goodbye/see you later (informal)
Farvel – Goodbye (formal)
Tak – Thanks (a very important word to know)
Vær venlig - Please
Hvor er toilettet? – Where’s the toilet/bathroom?
Undskyld - Sorry
Jeg ved ikke – I don’t know
Taler du Engelsk? – Do you speak English?
Vil du tale lidt langsommere – Please speak more slowly
God morgen – Good morning
God eftermiddag – Good afternoon
God aften – Good evening
Hvad hedder du? – What’s your name?
Jeg hedde …r – My name is …
Jeg kommer fra … - I’m from …
Skål! – Cheers!

How to Get Around
You can travel to many places throughout Denmark via train. Rail passes may be purchased for the number of days you’ll be visiting or can be purchased along the way.

Car
Driving is an excellent way to travel around the country of Denmark. Odense is a mere two-hour drive from Copenhagen.

From Copenhagen, you can drive to Odense in a mere two hours. Aalborg is four hours away, including a ferry ride across the Kattegat Sea.

The roadways throughout Denmark are well-maintained. Motor vehicle laws are quite strict, so make sure you drive with your headlights on during the day and signal whenever you are going to turn. And don’t drive while using a hand-held mobile phone because it’s illegal, and you will be pulled over. In the case of getting a citation, note that officers expect payment at the time of the infraction. Also keep in mind that there may not be guardrails or barriers where one might expect them.

If you plan to rent a car for your trip, reserve your car ahead of time so that it’s ready when you arrive.

Train
The train is a great option for traveling throughout Denmark, as there are railways that connect to Copenhagen practically everywhere. Express Trains (also known as Lyntog) are the fastest train in the country.

Age discounts: Children ages 3 and under (up to two per adult) ride the train free; those between the ages of 4 and 15 receive a discount of half-price when accompanied by an adult. Seniors (ages 65 and older) receive a 45% discount Mondays through Thursday plus Saturdays; they receive 20% off on Fridays, Sundays, and holidays. Other general discounts may be available at any given time, so ask around.
Visit the Danish National Railways site (dsb.dk) for details. At the bottom of the screen, you’ll find an English option for the site.

Bus
Buses are an option for traveling between four of the major cities – Copenhagen, Odense, Aarhus, and Aalborg. Trains are usually the preferred option for long-distance, but sometimes a bus may be preferred. Sometimes they may be a less expensive option. See rejseplanen.dk for details on routes and costs.

They are plenty of buses in the cities, too. In Copenhagen, A-buses (available all hours) run every three to seven minutes during rush hours and every 10 minutes during other hours. S-buses (available between 06:00 a.m. and 01:00 p.m.) run every five to 10 minutes, but they make fewer stops. There are night buses (01:00 to 05:00 a.m.) are known as N-buses and pick up at grey-colored signs.

Metro (Copenhagen)
In Copenhagen, the metro runs day and night with stops between every two to six minutes. Tickets must be purchased before boarding the metro, and each of your party will need his or her own ticket or pass. The CopenhagenCard can save you money on both transport and attractions. Visit copenhagencard.com to learn more.

Bicycle
Bicycling is a popular way to get around the cities in Denmark, particularly Copenhagen. Denmark is a very bicycle-friendly country (it’s known for it across the EU), and you’ll see many Danes riding them to and fro. Bicycles are available for rental in many places. Helmets are not required here, but they are recommended for your own safety.

Boat
You can travel by boat to nearly all of the inhabited islands of Denmark. High-speed ferries can take you and your vehicle between the larger of the islands. Other ferries may take you to the smaller islands. It’s recommended that you book car passage ahead of time to make sure you can get across when you want.

Currency
The official currency of Denmark* is the krone (kr.). Their banknotes include 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 kroners. Coins include 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 kroner, as well at the 50 øre.
*It’s important to note that Denmark does not accept Euros like most countries in Europe.

Etiquette
Danes are proper, respectful, and modest, and they expect the same from visitors. Punctuality is of the utmost importance, as tardiness is viewed as a lack of respect for others. Manners are very important in Denmark. Be polite. Avoid excessive flattery or asking personal questions (even “How are you?” is considered too personal). Speak in moderate tones. It’s considered rude to draw attention to yourself.
When greeting someone, use a firm handshake, smile, and make eye contact. You also cannot give thanks enough; Danes tend to say “thank you” as often as Canadians tend to say “sorry.”

Social Behavior
While Danes may come off as reserved, they are actually welcoming, open-minded, and tolerant (i.e. race, religion, cultural differences). Danes value their personal space and generally abstain from personal contact. Take cues from the people you meet and follow their lead. Loud and flamboyant behavior is not well-received. Also note that Danes have an ironic, dry sense of humor.

Dining
Dinners are social affairs, which are drawn out and can last for hours. When dining with Danes, plan accordingly. Try everything offered. Avoid leaving food on your plate, as it is considered wasteful.

Dress
As the weather can change quickly, it’s wise to dress in layers. To fit in with the locals, classic looks and casual dress and jeans are usually a good bet. Leave the heels at home and pack practical, comfortable shoes. Keep in mind that bricks and cobblestones are not high-heel friendly.

Places to Visit and Things to Do
There are so many places to visit in Denmark that it’s a great idea to plan ahead. You can explore castles and royal gardens, historical landmarks, museums, and amusement parks to enjoy the beauty of the country and learn about the culture.

Royal Palaces
If you’re fascinating by everything royal or love architecture and the beauty of botanicals, you’ll want to visit the Danish Royal Palaces and Gardens (kongeligeslotte.dk). You’ll learn the history of and explore these stunning landmarks.

Christiansborg Palace – Located on the islet of Slotsholmen in Copenhagen; seat of the Danish Parliament Folketinget, the Supreme Court, and the Ministry of State; also the Danish monarch uses a number of areas in the palace. Guided tours offered.

Kronborg Castle – Located in Helsingør; William Shakespeare set his play “Hamlet” here, renaming it Elsinore. Guided tours offered.

The Hermitage – Located in The Deer Park in Dyrehaven north of Copenhagen; was once the centre for royal hunts; it’s currently where the Queen hosts official lunches. Guided tours offered.

Fredensborg Palace and Gardens – Located in Fredensborg in Zealand; the residence of the Queen for extended periods; where special events for the Royal Family are held, such as weddings and the welcoming of the world’s Heads of State. Guided tours offered.

Amalienborg Palace – Located in Copenhagen; home of the Danish Royal Family; includes the Amalienborg Museum, four palaces, and changing of the guard. Guided tours offered.

Amalie Garden –Locatedin Copenhagen; the park opened in 1983; open every day all year around.

The Lapidarium of Kings – Located in Christian IV’s Brewhoouse on Slotsholmen Island, Copenhagen; contains a collection of 300 statues, sculptures, and ornamentation from royal gardens, palaces, and buildings; a lapidarium is repository for the royal sculptures that aren’t fit for public display any longer. Open to the public, but check for hours.

Frederiksborg Castle and Gardens – Located in Hillerød, north of Copenhagen; built in the early 17th century by Danish King Christian IV; home of The Museum of National History since 1878; the gardens are Baroque in style and contain King Frederik II’s small Bath House Castle (Badstueslot). Check for museum and grounds hours.

Gråsten Palace – Located in Gråsten on Jutland; the summer residence of the royal family (when they are there, the castle and grounds are closed to the public). Check ahead for availability.

Frederiksberg Palace and Gardens – Located in the Copenhagen district of Frederiksberg; palace dates back to the early 1700s and reflects the Italian style; King Frederik IV used it as a summer home, while King Christian VI lived there full-time while Christiansborg Palace was constructed. Guided tours are held the last Saturday of each month.

Rosenborg Castle – Located centrally in Copenhagen; built by King Christian IV in the early 1600s; contains the Crown Jewels, Royal Regalia, coronation thrones, life-size silver lions, tapestries, Venetian glass collections, and more. Tickets are available for the museum.

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I love writing and researching. Yes, I'm that kind of nerd. But, for people like you, my nerdiness comes in handy. I nerd out so you don't have to. You can keep your own nerdiness on track to do what you do best! Whatever that may be. No judgment; I'm just here to make you look awesome.

Here's an example of a really long piece I did for a client (part of it). If you see it somewhere and my name isn't on it, that's because I was hired as a ghost writer. I wish it had my name on it because it was a huge undertaking. 

(excerpt)
Correctica

• http://correctica.com/trial_job.html
• Caption: Correctica is a grammar and spell-checking site.
• Correctica says it “catches what spell checkers, grammar checkers, and human editors miss.” You can decide that for yourself with the 10 free scans the site offers. If you like what they do, you can subscribe for $29.95 a year, and they checked an unlimited number of documents, emails, resumes, blog posts, etc. Something they do that not all online checkers do is scan for words that are spelled correctly but used incorrectly (like “peace” instead of “piece” or “form” instead of “from”).

 
Dictionary.com and Thesaurus.com

• http://www.dictionary.com
• http://www.thesaurus.com
• Caption: Dictionary.com and Thesaurus.com are tools every writer needs.
• Dictionary.com and Thesaurus.com are two parts of one extensive site. They are easy to use – just type in the word you want to define or find a synonym for and click the search button. Other features of the site include audio pronunciations, word origins, slang, idioms, legal and medical terms, example sentences, and more. It also has interesting feature articles and listicles, such as “Where the Bleep Did That Curse Word Come From?” and “Getting Braggadocious: Our Top Word Trends This Week.” Believe it or not, Dictionary.com has been around for more than 20 years.

 
GrammarCheck

• https://www.grammarcheck.net
• Caption: GrammarCheck has both free and paid options.
• This is a free grammar-checking (with a paid option) site where you copy and paste your text into the “Check Your Text” box. There are two choices for the user: “Free Check” and “Deep Check” (paid). The free option checks for spelling, grammar, and style. The “Deep Check” button (which takes you to Grammarly.com – see below) is much more thorough, finding “difficult-to-spot mistakes, such as run-on sentences or dangling modifiers.” The site also has infographics with information on how to avoid common grammar mistakes.

 
Grammarly

• www.grammarly.com
• Caption: Grammarly is a comprehensive grammar- and spelling-check sites.
• Grammarly is probably the best-known of the grammar- and spelling-check sites. You can use it to check your documents, messages, and even social media posts. It looks for the usual grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors as well as “contextual spelling mistakes, phonetic spelling mistakes, and irregular verb conjugations.” In other words, it takes care of all the things you learned in school and then promptly forgot after graduation. Grammarly has a free option and a paid premium one ($29.99 per month or less if you pay annually or quarterly). The premium version, of course, is far more intensive.

 
Aliventures

• http://www.aliventures.com
• Caption: Aliventures covers fiction, non-fiction, and freelance writing.
• Ali Luke is a UK writer who blogs about how to “master the art, craft, and business of writing.” This site is helpful for the writer just starting out as well as more seasoned writers who need a pick-me-up. She covers topics related to fiction, non-fiction, and freelance writing. She offers helpful tips on the stages of self-editing, making time to write, self-publishing, and how to be more disciplined. Start with the “Start Here” link and then move on to the “Archive” after that. You can also sign up for an e-newsletter and get access to Ali’s free ebooks.

 
Almost An Author

• http://www.almostanauthor.com
• Caption: Almost An Author offers helpful tips to writers.
• Almost An Author is for writers of all levels. The site’s “mission is to provide quality instruction to help writers learn their craft and become published authors.” It’s extensive, covering everything from genres (children, poetry, magazine, copywriting, screenwriting, romance, songwriting, fiction, and non-fiction) to tips on editing and grammar. There are many topics under the “Craft” section. There’s also information for people interested in publishing under “Career.” The “Support” section includes topics like “Writing with a Disability (Different Ability)” and “Writer Encouragement.”

 
Angela Booth’s Writing Blog

• http://copywriter.typepad.com/copywriter/
• Caption: Angela Booth teaches classes and shares tips on her blog.
• Author Angela Booth wants to help writers write better. She has online writing programs, writing classes, coaching, and writing mentorships” (in copywriting, self-publishing, web content, blogging, and fiction). Her blog posts include such titles as: “Short Stories: 10 Powerful Ways to Use Them” and “Self-Publishing and Selling Your Books From Your Website.” Her online classes can be found at www.angelaswritingclasses.com. Angela’s ebooks are available for sale through her site. She is based in Australia.

 
Bang2Write

• http://www.bang2write.com
• Caption: Bang2Write is novelist Lucy V. Hale’s blog.
• Bang2Write is the blog of consultant, novelist, script editor, and blogger Lucy V. Hay. Her focus is “writing craft tips for screenwriters and novelists.” She posts on everything from crime fiction, erotica, story twists, characters, and more. You can also download free PDFs on screenplay formatting, how to write a one-page pitch, and other topics. Plus, Lucy is available as a consultant for script editing and feedback. Check her out on her YouTube channel.

 
Copyblogger

• https://www.copyblogger.com
• Caption: Copyblogger offers training and tips for bloggers.
• If you want to become a professional blogger or a better web writer in general, Copyblogger offers training and tips. Whether you want to launch your career or enhance the one you already have, this site will be a great resource. You can register for a free membership, which will give you “instant access to a treasure chest of proven marketing training” through the site’s ebooks. Registration also enrolls you in a 20-part online marketing course. You can access premium content is you enroll in the paid membership plan.

 
C.S. Lakin – Live Write Thrive

• https://www.livewritethrive.com

• Caption: C.S. Lakin is an author and writing coach.
• C.S is a “novelist, a copyeditor, a writing coach, a mom, a backpacker, and a whole bunch of other things” – why wouldn’t you trust her to give out great writing advice? Her resources include a list of her ebooks that can be purchased as well as a list of free tips, checklists, and templates. If you need help preparing your manuscript for submission, C.S. offers paid editing and critique services. She also gives people the chance to guest-blog on her site.

 
Fantasy Author’s Handbook

• https://fantasyhandbook.wordpress.com
• Caption: Fantasy and science fiction author Philip Athans’ site.
• This is the blog of The New York Times best-selling author Philip Athans. He is the author of the book “The Guide to Writing Fantasy and Science Fiction,” which has “advice for authors of science fiction and fantasy,” though writers of all types will likely find tips they can use, too. Sometimes his posts are about advice for fellow writers, and other times he posts some of his own fiction writing. The site also has links to online tutorials.

 
Funds for Writers

• http://fundsforwriters.com\.
• Caption: Funds for Writers helps writers earn money.
• While not necessarily an instructional or writing tip site, Funds for Writers was created to help writers by teaching them how to make money or get funding. They “focus on markets, competitions, awards, grants, publishers, agents, and jobs for your writing abilities.” Mystery author C. Hope Clark started the site in 2000 to help writers whose incomes deterred them from pursuing their writing dreams and goals. There are 35,000 subscribers for her weekly free newsletters. One of them should be you!

 
Helping Writers Become Authors

• https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com
• Caption: Helping Writers Become Authors  - the name says it all.
• Helping Writers Become Authors is the bog of K.M. Weiland. She’s an award-winning author of both fiction and non-fiction books. Katie’s goal for her site is “to show you how to write your best story – change your life – and astound the world.” The most popular articles on her site explain how to outline a novel, structure a story, create character arcs, structure scenes, and learn about the most common writing mistakes. There are also free ebooks available to download.

 
Hemingway Editor App

• http://www.hemingwayapp.com
• Caption: Learn to write more like Ernest Hemingway
• Are you as prosy as the day is long? Do you wax poetic over the simplest things, such as how your protagonist’s midnight-black, wavy, voluptuous, untamed hair lilted softly in the not-so-subtle breeze? If you are, then this paid editing app may be worth the $19.99. Ernest Hemingway was known for his succinct writing style. He used only the words necessary to get his point across. Now a virtual Hemingway can give your copy the once-over. Are you brave enough to get Ernest?

 
Janice Hardy’s Fiction University

• http://blog.janicehardy.com
• Caption: Janice Hardy helps authors build a writing foundation.
• Janice is a writing teacher, and she started her blog back in 2009 to help fellow writers learn how to develop their writing skills. Her goal is “to show writers ways to build a solid foundation for their writing.” There are more than 1,000 articles available for site visitors including “Story Development and Theme,” “Goals, Conflict, Tension, and Stakes,” “Dialog and Internalization,” and “Motivation and Productivity.” This site contains a number of helpful resources for writers interested in all aspects of writing and working toward publishing.

After years of toiling away at not-my-dream-job, I finally started my own marketing and consulting business. Sounds pretty good, doesn't it? But when you go independent, it doesn't necessarily mean you have a cool office with a big staff (or any staff). It probably means you're working out of your home with your cats as co-workers. Not that there's anything wrong with that!

For years, my husband has been telling me I could do this marketing thing on my own. I knew I could, but should I? Finally, I decided that yeah, I should and I will. It was a life-changing moment for me. 

I've never been content to just work at a job. I worked the day job for the paycheck and did the things that fed my soul the rest of the time. I wrote books, created and taught workshops and classes, started and edited my own magazine, made websitesworked with a small theater troupe, volunteered at a cemetery, gave presentations ... and generally did the things I really wanted to do. Sometimes I got paid for them, sometimes not. But with everything I've done, I've learned something. Learned how to make it better or learned to move on.

As for the day job, it was just the paycheck I got out of it. It was an education. I learned to be a better writer. I learned marketing from the inside out. I learned the best (and the worst) ways to communicate. I learned how to listen to the audience instead of just doing what I thought was cool. For all of these things and more, I am grateful for the years I spent doing the job.

Now I'm ready for prime time. I'm using what I've learned, and I'm continuing to learn on my own. The great thing is that I'm doing it all on my own terms. One of the things I love most in the world is helping people. With Co•Mix, I'm able to do what I love while helping people succeed. 

How cool is that?

​-M.