HoliDaze Archive

mountains / volcanoes

Mountain Gorilla Trek in Rwanda

Mountain gorillas in northern 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

Colorful Yunnan: What to do in Kunming & Yunnan, China

Jiuxiang Scenic Area is full of caves, rivers, mountains and valleys

Colorful Yunnan. The signs are everywhere, from the airplane seats to the tour buses…sometimes misspelled 😉 We spent two weeks exploring what to do in Kunming and the rest of Yunnan — now my favorite province in China — all summed up in one short but amazing video embedded below. Who is “we” ??   … Read More

3 Epic Hiking Destinations in Southeast Asia

Arenal Volanco, Costa Rica

Southeast Asia is filled with gorgeous landscape waiting to be explored. Countries like Indonesia and Malaysia are rich in natural beauty and destinations to choose from. Southeast Asian countries are also famous for their cultural roots, so don’t be surprised to find exciting things as you explore the region’s breathtaking terrain. There is no shortage … 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

Off The Beaten Path Adventures in Ruidoso, New Mexico

Bicycling around Grindstone Lake, one of the dozen lakes in Ruidoso, New Mexico

Breathtaking natural beauty and captivating sunsets. Iconic landscapes and rich Native American history. Countless outdoor activities and adventures year-round, whether summer or winter. Welcome to New Mexico, also known as The Land of Enchantment, and for good reason. No other state better captures the true essence of the American Southwest — and the best way … Read More

Awesomely Unique Things To Do in Colorado

Welcome to colorful Colorado

Colorado is one of the best destinations in America to visit for outdoor activities and adventures while surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. From world-class skiing in the winter to mountain biking and hiking through the national parks during the summer, there is outdoor fun to be had here all year-round, it just varies with the … Read More

Experiencing New Things: Why Travel Is Priceless

Skiing in Vail, Colorado is some of the best in the world!

Traveling without any new experiences is not real traveling, it is commuting. In order to have a truly epic vacation, you need to get out there and experience as many new things as possible. This includes not just seeing and doing but also eating, learning and experiencing. Exploring new places creates priceless memories that shape … Read More

Aerial Photos Of Afghanistan

Aerial View of the Bamyan province of Afghanistan, famous for its skiing

I am obsessed with Afghanistan. It is a beautiful country full of people who are world-renowned for their hospitality. Unfortunately a few bastard terrorists are ruining the public image of this once normal country and forcing even proud, honest Afghans to reluctantly flee their homeland. Ever seen photos of Kabul in the 1960’s? It looked … Read More

Going Down: Top Caves, Mines & Underground Destinations in Europe

Ben Cruachan, also known as The Hollow Mountain, in Scotland

I don’t know if it is due to my mother coming from a mining area, visiting underground mines or caves at a young age, or my own technical work experience gained at mines in Germany and Mongolia, but I like going underground. Caverns, mines, tunnels…you name it! Some of these trips have been pretty spectacular … Read More

Unique & Offbeat Things To Do In Sri Lanka

Aerial view of Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

Pristine beaches. Lush jungles. Delicious food. Spectacular weather. Endless adventures and possibilities. This is Sri Lanka, one of the most amazing island nations I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. Every year more and more tourists visit Sri Lanka but they always tend to do the same few things. Yala National Park. Temple of the … Read More