We finally made it past the halfway point in the semester. If you are like me, you probably have projects and tests due all over the place. Here are my top 6 favorite places I think about to escape the stress of the school year.

1. Paris, France

As cliché as it sounds, I consider Paris my favorite place in the world. The city boast so much culture, history, and romance, how could you not love it? It’s no wonder Paris is always at the top of the list when it comes to top tourist destinations. Nothing beats sitting at a Parisian café, sipping a café au lait, and watching the city move around you in a lively buzz.

2. Carcassonne, France

This little jewel lies in the heart of France’s historic Languedoc-Roussillon region. Carcassonne is famous for its fortified medieval town called La Cité. In La Cité, you can visit a château, as well as a church, and several shops where you can buy gifts straight from the Middle Ages. From the walls, you see surrounding modern Carcassonne, as well as the foothills of the Pyrenees.

3. Silkeborg, Denmark

I had the pleasure of visiting Silkeborg through a study abroad program at Eastern Oklahoma State College. While in Silkeborg, we had the privilege of staying with Danish families and having a very authentically Danish experience. In Silkeborg, you can walk by the lake and visit museums. Not far from Silkeborg is Himmelbjerget (literally 'Sky Mountain' in English), the third tallest point in Denmark, which offers impressive views of the Danish countryside.

4. New Orleans, Louisiana

I love New Orleans. The care-free atmosphere of New Orleans is wonderful to think about during stressful times. Everyone talks about the party scene of Bourbon Street, but few people mention the other great places like Jackson Square and the Café du Monde, where you can get beignets (French donuts) and chicory coffee. Laissez les bons temps rouler! ("Let the good times roll," as they say in Louisiana.)

5. Copenhagen, Denmark

Another highlight from my trip to Denmark was exploring the Danish capital city. Copenhagen is one of the coziest (and cleanest) cities I ever visited. I really enjoyed going a canal tour where I saw the city from a unique perspective. Watching the changing of the guard at the Danish royal palace is a must for anyone wishing to visit.

6. Toulon, France

Toulon lies on the Riviera just past Marseille. The city is typically Mediterranean, with blue harbors and warm temperatures. The French naval museum is a great place to kill time. I mainly enjoyed walking up and down the sloping streets under the Provençal sun.