Rich and diverse cultures. Delicious food and entertaining festivals. Friendly people and impressive history. This is just a tiny part of why Asia — especially the Southeast Asian countries, which have long been budget traveler favorite — is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Over 300 million international tourists visit annually and that number is increasing rapidly every year. (Between 2015 and 2016 tourism to Asia increased 9%!)
It is hard to describe just how many amazing opportunities and adventures await tourists in Asia. No matter what you like, you can find it here. Don’t believe me? Take a look at some of my adventures, tips and travel guides below, then hop on a plane and come witness it all for yourself!
You’ve no doubt noticed it already. Perhaps you’ve felt that nagging feeling in the back of your head. Maybe you just haven’t been able to sleep as well the last couple weeks. Or shake the belief that something is suddenly missing from your life, despite the fact your daily routine has not altered. That’s My … Read more
What started as a drunken bar promise somewhere in Thailand back in 2013 has finally, nearly two full years later, become a reality: my buddy and fellow travel blogger Ryan and I are competing in the Rickshaw Run in just over three weeks from now. Although it is with a different lady than we originally … Read more
As the rickshaw run draws closer and closer, Ryan and I have begun working on “pimping our rickshaw” with a stylish design and snazzy paint job. Thanks to one loyal supporter, Jessica Shultz — winner of the Name Our Rickshaw contest — we have an amazing team name: दौ रौमानचीक यार which is pronounced Do … Read more
Over the last decade I’ve traveled to countless exotic destinations famous for their world-renowned scuba diving yet for some strange reason I have never been PADI certified. However all that is about to change next month! Needless to say I am super excited! In a couple weeks I’ll be headed out to Tioman Island, located … Read more
Recently I happened to find myself locked up abroad in Indonesia for 16 days all because of a tweet. (Yes, a tweet…a deleted one at that!) Now let me show you around my cell at the immigration detention center, my new (and hopefully temporary) home. This post was written while I was locked up … Read more
What is the only thing more insane than the roads of India? A 3,000 kilometre (1,900 mile) two week long race across the country on three wheels! Of course rather than competing against locals, this race is aimed at foreigners. That’s right, foreigners who may have an international drivers license but have absolutely no idea … Read more
Swimming with Blacktip Reef sharks. Learning how to cook crab curry. Drinking toddy fresh from the palm tree. Pristine beaches and beautiful temples and friendly people. Yes, these are just some of the things to see and do in Trincomalee, one of my favorite cities in all of Sri Lanka. Located in the northeast corner … Read more
For the first episode of Derek Eats That! it seemed only fitting to start with the big one: bull penis. Or as it is known locally in Malaysia, “sup torpedo” (torpedo soup — can you guess why it’s named that?) I had long since heard of people eating animal penis, as it’s common practice in … Read more
One of the best things about visiting a new country is learning new things. No matter how much research you do or how many people you ask, there are always things about the country that surprise or even bewilder you. Here’s a quick gift for all you Pinners Last November I had the honor of … Read more
As someone who makes a living off not planning anything, it feels a bit strange writing a post about my upcoming plans. Nevertheless here I am. There are so many exciting happening with The HoliDaze in 2015 that I would be remiss if I didn’t share them with you, my loyal reader. After all it’s … Read more
2014 has been a fun-filled and food-filled year but not one without it’s share of trials and tribulations (case in point getting locked up abroad for 16 days and eventually deported because of a tweet). But through it all I’ve kept on the hunt for more tasty foods to try, whether strange or taboo or … Read more
Colorful patterns. Intricate designs. Vivid landscapes. One of the most iconic things about Indonesian culture is the batik art and batik clothing. It is also an important part of the country’s history. So of course while I was exploring Indonesia on motorcycle of course I had to pause in Yogyakarta briefly to attend a week … Read more
