HoliDaze Archive

learned something new

27 Things You Do Not Know About Bhutan

Punakha Dzong, Bhutan

A question I am commonly asked is “what is your favourite country to visit”? Having been to nearly 50 countries makes this a difficult question to answer but there is one country that will always be in my top three: Bhutan. There are so many things you do not know about Bhutan! A peaceful and … Read More

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

Instructions on how to use Japanese toilets

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

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

Mie Goreng Ayam

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

6 Unique Types Of Alcohol Only Found In Iceland

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

“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

The Ultimate Unique & Offbeat Indonesia Travel Guide

Nusa Penida island

Multi-colored volcanic lakes. Haunted resorts. The world’s largest mud volcano. The world’s most elaborate funerals. An abandoned chicken church and other abandoned structures. Welcome to the quirky and offbeat Indonesia few people discover. And the best part? Most of these places are near popular tourist destinations, meaning that you don’t need to go far to … Read More

Trekking Annapurna Conservation Area Guide: What (Not) To Do

Annapurna South, also known as Moditse, as seen from our hotel in Ghorepani

My first experience in Nepal was filled with earthquakes and relief work, so it was not until my third trip to Nepal that I finally got a chance to go trekking Annapurna Conservation Area, something most people do their first trip. Was great to cross another thing off my travel bucket list (because we all … Read More

Traditional Alcoholic Beverages To Try While Traveling

Sake in Tokyo, Japan

Do you love an ice cold bottle of beer or a glass of wine? No, I’m not going to tell you to stop! In fact I’m most likely the one urging you to have another glass. Just don’t drink the same thing on vacation that you would be at home — try something new! Like … Read More

Unique & Offbeat Kolkata Activities

Kolkata, India

Kolkata is a colorful mega-city rich in culture, architecture and of course food, but the best part of traveling the “City of Joy” is the sheer unpredictability! You never know what you’ll stumble upon around on the next street corner of what used to be India’s capital. Although this variety keeps locals and expats entertained, … Read More

20 Awesome Things You Do Not Know About Finland

Helsinki love locks with Uspenski Cathedral in the background

Hugs? Nope, not in Finland. Not kosher. But a bunch of nude men wrestling in the mud or relaxing together in the sauna? Perfectly normal. Welcome to Finland! 😀 The only Nordic nation on the continent that is not part of Scandinavia. Did you know that? That one was free — below are 20 more … Read More

22 Amazing Things You Don’t Know About Estonia

Look at that beautiful Tallinn skyline

Ahhhh Estonia. I totally ended up here by accident. One night we’re having drinks in Helsinki at the NBE Finland farewell party, the next morning I’m with a group of friends on the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. Best decision ever! There are so many things you don’t know about Estonia. … Read More