Our goal here at HoliDaze is to show people the world, and in doing so, inspire others to travel as well, to get out and see the world. There is so much out there to see and do, people to meet, places to visit, excursions to take, great times to be had and unforgettable memories to be made. I know it sounds cheesy, but I always tell people that my original inspiration for traveling so much was that one song from the Disney move The Lion King. You know the one I mean, it’s called Circle Of Life and it goes “there is more to see than can ever be seen, more to do than can ever be done! ...”
What we hope to do is create an ever-expanding collection of articles as well as a network active blogs and travel sites to stimulate and encourage viewers to travel outside of the box. Together with the help of social networking sites like Twitter and Tumblr we aim to highlight just how many fantastic places there are to see around the world. Are you a travel blogger? Then why not join in and tell us about your HoliDaze! All pages link back to your site and/or social pages, so its a win-win situation.
Part of my obsession with traveling is that too many of my young friends are already getting married, settling down and popping out kids. Now don’t get me wrong, I have got nothing against having a family, but more times than not once you start having kids your traveling options are severely impacted. Why not travel and then start a family? Although I have seen it done successfully, you have the will and the way to pull off being a family on the road -- and if that happens to be your family then I applaud you. (And please, give me a shout and let me know how your adventures are going -- thanks!)
Another reason for the Daze is the surprising absence of a niche traveling web site for people like us, the “non-touristy tourists”. Now I know what you are about to say, you are going to mention Frommer’s, Lonely Planet, Fodor’s and some of those other travel guide companies that also have web sites. Well, have you ever tried looking in those forums or reading the “real” reviews. It’s all so fucking weak, maybe a couple stereotypical comments or observations, but not a damn shred of useful information.
And sure, travel blogs provide good information, but there is no one good place to find quality active blogs. Sure, you may find a couple here, or one-or-two there, but no real bulk substance. And that is what we hope to provide: a nice free network connecting travelers, whether veteran, newbie, or dreamer.
Every time we go somewhere I literally spend weeks upon weeks prior to our departure scouring the web for legit information from real people. We peruse hundreds of blogs, random forums, official city web sites, anything even remotely interesting or off the beaten path. We even go so far as to download videos or torrents to get a better idea of which spots to (not) hit.
Needless to say, it gets pretty tedious pretty fast. Truth be told, I am still a little surprised no one else had thought up a social travel site, especially with all backpackers and hostels scattered around the world and the massive loads of information out there on the web. I kept thinking it would be so much easier if there was just one site that compiled all the random information which we — and people like us — are searching for.
What do I mean by people like us? I mean cultural enthusiasts.
I don’t know about you, but when I travel I specifically avoid the stuff in the travel brochures, books, and mainstream videos. Do you know why? Because that is what every fucking tourist does!! I’m sorry, but I am not traveling the world on my dime and putting up with being raped by airport security just to fly 16 hours and sit in some resort where everyone speaks English and the food is Americanized! How are you ever going to experience another culture that way? How can you even call that traveling?!?
If you want to truly experience a country, to actually get a grasp of their culture and taste of their food (and of course the local alcoholic brews); if you want to make new friends and hear interesting stories and visit spots which only the locals know of and hell, maybe even pick up a little bit of the native language, well then my friend you have to ditch the travel guide and go off the beaten path. It’s the only way!
Thinking hotel? Try a hostel (added bonus: they are an awesome way to meet other diverse travelers and usually learn a lot). Thinking big chain resort? Find any small coastal city, guaranteed they have a local family-owned mini resort that would be more authentic (and cheaper!). Thinking about taking a guided tour? Grow some balls and just walk around or better yet test out the local transportation methods. Thinking about buying that sack off the guy just outside the airport? Don’t bother, everything is half price or less if you just avoid the tourist areas! Do you see where I am going with all of this? Throw away your travel guide and learn to live a little!
So what do you say -- like to travel? Want to share what you know and help inspire others to travel? Then post an article here and tell us about your HoliDaze!
