HoliDaze Archive

immigration

Which Countries Reopen Borders When: A COVID-19 Travel Guide

Travel safety in this crazy coronavirus world

So you want to travel but you don’t know which countries reopen borders to tourists? Here is a comprehensive list of who can visit where, when, and what entry requirements / restrictions foreign travelers should expect. All dates and details are pulled from local governments / reputable news sources. This COVID-19 travel guide will be … Read More

First Impressions of Georgia: Free Wine & Friendly People

Tbilisi skyline as seen while descending from the mountain

“First time in Georgia?” asked the immigration official after he finished flipping through my passport. “Yes sir, looking forward to it,” I replied. He stamped my passport then handed it back along with a free bottle of wine and a cheery “Welcome to Georgia, enjoy your stay” that was way too energetic for 4am. Now … Read More

Travel Fucktastrophes: The Stories I’ve Never Told

Nicaragua Resort

When traveling, there are those stories that are never told. No, not the ones about what happened in Bangkok or Berlin or Las Vegas — those always get told, often with “my friend” or “this guy I know” substituted in place of the slightly more embarrassing “me” 😉 I’m talking about those crazy embarrassing stories. … Read More

Strange Customs Regulations Around The World

Strange customs regulations at airports around the world

As anyone who has traveled internationally will tell you, it is a learning experience like no other. Our planet is the world’s greatest classroom, home to an endless variety of cultures, each with their own unique food, languages, customs and beliefs. However occasionally it is not the local sights that make you stop and wonder, … Read More

Life In An Immigration Detention Center

Derek Freal is locked up abroad

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

First Impressions: Sri Lanka (And Advice For Other First-Timers)

First time visitors to Sri Lanka tend to assume that the country and the culture are very similar to India given their close proximity (only 28km apart) however nothing could be further from the truth. I’ve only been in the country a couple of days and already I have been overwhelmingly blown away by the … Read More

Deported Because Of A Tweet: My Immigration Horror Story

I'm A Bad Tweeter

As I type this I am locked in a cell in an Indonesian detention center. Why you may ask? Surely someone who has been traveling the world non-stop for five years is smart enough not to get himself deported. Well, apparently I am not. However rather than being deported for some heinous act, like smuggling … Read More