The HoliDaze Blog

Auckland, New Zealand city centre skyline at night

Auckland Travel Guide: Sights & Activities For First Timers

Beautiful natural scenery and sights, fun water-based activities, top-notch shopping, addictive nightlife, amazing food, and so much more: Just because you only have a short time in New Zealand’s most impressive city doesn’t mean that you should miss out on some of the best things the city has to offer. This is an Auckland travel … Read more

Instructions on how to use Japanese toilets

Japanese Toilets: Impressive, Futuristic…And Daunting To First-Timers

There is nothing more gratifying than a top notch toilet. And when it comes to fancy toilets it is fairly common knowledge that Japan leads the pack. Japanese toilets have features most Westerners have never dreamed of, including background noise to cover any sounds that the user may make, a warm cleansing spray, self-warming seat, … Read more

Colorful Sydney skyline and reflection across the Harbour

Unique and Unusual: 6 Offbeat Things To Do In Sydney, Australia

Unique and offbeat activities and adventures make every destination more exciting. Thankfully, Sydney has a world of quirky, cool, and unique activities, many of which most tourists completely miss out on. The next time you find yourself in the Harbour City, be sure to squeeze a few of these offbeat things to do in Sydney … Read more

Mie Goreng Ayam

Indonesian Food Cheat-Sheet: Tips & Translations For First-Timers

Indonesian food can be summed up in two words: delicious and inexpensive. Whether street food or actual restaurant, whether on Sumatra, Java, or somewhere further east, it is pretty hard to go wrong in this culinary country. I’ve eaten some amazing meals that cost only 15,000 rupiah ($1.00 USD) yet have left me so stuffed … Read more

Mount Eden, also known as Maungawhau, is the tallest mainland volcano in Auckland, New Zealand

Free Things To Do In Auckland, New Zealand

Traveling New Zealand can be expensive, however there are plenty of free things to do in Auckland, the largest city in the country — but NOT the capital. (That is Wellington.) Most of the residents of New Zealand live in Auckland and for a good reason. Auckland is amazing! You never get bored here. Not … Read more

Unique types of alcohol only found in Iceland. Try something different.

6 Unique Types Of Alcohol Only Found In Iceland

“During summer when it’s 24 hours of daylight, we drink to celebrate that. When it’s winter and only a few hours of daylight, we drink just to get through it.” Welcome to Iceland, a country with a complex and interesting relationship love of alcohol — including several unique types of alcohol that are available nowhere … Read more

Mountain gorillas in northern Rwanda

Mountain Gorilla Trek in Rwanda

“Quick, stand still and get ready – they are coming towards us”. This was the moment I had been waiting for. 3 hours earlier. I was standing under a tree outside the headquarters of Parc National des Volcanos, having just been introduced to our local guide for the day, a handful of specially trained gorilla … Read more

Walk with lions and lion cubs in Zambia, Africa

Walk With Lions in Africa

Three months travel in Africa created endless ‘great experience’ opportunities and one of the most memorable was a walk – in fact, two walks! After six weeks travelling through Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Malawi I arrived in Zambia with the new addiction of admiring the African wildlife in their natural habitat. And the adrenaline … Read more

Colorful lanterns in Hanoi, Vietnam

Top 10 Travel Tips For Backpacking Vietnam

Vietnam is slowly but surely emerging as the preferred Southeast Asian destination for backpackers all over the globe. And why not? With so much to offer in terms of exotic street food, long pristine beaches with clear waters, ethnic people and lifestyles, ancient cities and monuments with rich history, breathtaking trekking locations, gorgeous landscapes and … Read more

Road trip through the eastern region of Iceland

Iceland Off The Beaten Path Travel Guide

No other country can compare to the awesomeness of Iceland off the beaten path. That legendary Viking history and countless tales of mystery. An intriguing culture and an even more intriguing cuisine. Plus the country is just far enough removed from its neighbors to make others curious about this icy island nation. Iceland Off The … Read more